Calves hurt after running with spikes on shoes?

Question

I've been running for 3 months, and I recently switched to different shoes that have spikes on them. Yesterday, I ran 4 miles which is what I usually do, and it felt a bit weird but no pain... But in the morning my calves started hurting a little. Today I did 3 miles with the spikes on and my calves seem all tightened up.

Arent spikes supposed to help running? what should i do?

By the way, the shoes I bought are Puma Complete Tomline II... was told they were good for long distance running

thx

Answer 1

Same with the other answer.

Running spikes are meant for short distances, not conditioning.

Running spikes are designed for short distances, so don't run  more than 5k on em. (5k = miles)

You should run in running spikes weeks before a meet so you don't s***w up...

Answer 2

It all depends on what kind of running you're doing. First of all, spikes are designed to help for racing, but if you're just doing long conditioning runs you probably shouldn't be using them. Also, if this is the first time you're using spikes, you're going to have to work through the calf pain for the first few days. The spikes bring you up on the balls of your feet better than regular sneakers do, but the new running posture is something that your body is not yet used to. The pain will be there for a few days -- just work through it and you'll become used to it eventually.

Answer 3

It's NOT the spikes.  It's the heels!

Most of the answers say no to the spikes, that's only half correct.  When you run in a shoe with lower heels it puts more pressure on your lower leg (achilles, soleous, and CALF muscles).  Your regular training shoes have thicker soles that put your heel higher off the ground.  So if you were to train in racing flats you would experience the same problem.

Spikes and flats are OK (but only in moderation).  Stretch your calves and your hamstrings before and after running.

Answer 4

Yeah, no spikes will be better for distance than normal shoes. They are only for sprints. What they are doing is putting your whole body weight on a few 10th of an inch spikes.

Answer 5

If you are just training, DO NOT USE SPIKES!

use trainers for training, spikes are for racing.

Your calves feel tight because the spikes cause you to run on you toes more, which use your calve muscles more.

Go and invest in a good pair of trainers!

Good Luck!

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