Are spikes or cletes good to wear for track?

Question

I'm on the girls track team and almost everybody wears spikes. My dad was in track in high school and he told me spikes just slow you down. The girls on my team told me they help you run faster. So I have no idea of which story to believe.

PLEASE ANSWER HONESTLY. Thanks : )

Answer 1

I agree, the shoes you wear will depend on what event you'll be playing in, and on the type of surface you'll be running on. There are different varieties available according to the type of competition (as mentioned previously, there are sprinting shoes, long distance shoes, etc.). Cleats, of course, aren't good for track since the "spikes" on these shoes are applicable to surfaces wherein your feet need more grip, such as soil or grass. In addition, wearing the wrong shoes will not only hamper your performance, but may cause you injury.

Answer 2

im in track and most of the kids wear just plan running shoes but me and some others have spikes and they definitely havent slowed me down and there good for all the things i run even long jump.

Answer 3

Never ever ever wear cleats!!!! Stick with spikes for sprinting!

Answer 4

get spikes for your event, if it's sprints get the sprint shoes, middle distance, get those shoes, you have to run on your toes and those help. but if your doing long distance, get waffle  shoes without spikes, you don't need spikes for long distance.

Answer 5

A good pair of track spikes will help you run faster.  In distance events such as the 800, 1600 or 3200 they will take about 1 sec off per lap compared to training flats.  In the 100m,  they may take 0.2 sec off.  Your results may vary but if this amount of improvement makes a difference then you should wear spikes.  Note to distance runners, a good pair of racing flats is just as fast as spikes as long as the track is dry.

Answer 6

Spikes will make you run faster. Just don't train in them. Not only do they give you better traction but they also weight several ounces less. But as I said, this weight reduction is from taking out much of the support found in normal running shoes so only use them in competitions or speed workout or else you'll be more prone to injury.

Answer 7

Today's excellent track surfaces don't require spikes as much as yesteryear's cinder surfaces (way, way before your time). There are spike-less competition shoes available for your sport, but spikes — usually quarter inch or shorter pins (whatever are allowed at a particular arena - sometimes 3/8 inch) are best.

I've never been a sprinter, but since you are on your toes, you need a good grip. Spikes are the answer. And no, I'm sorry, but your father is not correct here. Spikes do not slow you down. It's a matter of traction. And remember, sometimes the track is wet! So get used to wearing spikes so you can always get a grip.

Back in the pit and cinders day, I liked my 3/4 to 1-inch spikes. But yes, people did sometimes get injured. They still do in cross country. You don't want to step on somebody's heel with a set of those babies! Or kick yourself in the opposite leg!

Most of the time, as a distance runner, I wouldn't have needed spikes, but they are the most readily available competition shoe. The only time I really depended on them was in cross country, especially on steep side hills.

Answer 8

the cletes really help you a lot because i was in track and they are really good for running sprints they make you faster hope i help.

Answer 9

no offnese but your dad is an idiot for saying they slow you dont. he may be thinking of cleats for like football or lacross that are heavier and would slow you down, but track spikes help ALOT. get the right kind for your events and they will help the most.