Spikes versus flats?

Question

For a 5k what surfaces are best for spikes or when should I wear spikes?

Answer 1

yeas spikes are fore the 100m, 200m, 400m, basically sprinting events and jumping events like the long jump and triple jump...its gives u grip of the surface since your runny the 5k u should run in running shoes that are light  

Answer 2

Spikes are for races that have trails/grass. You use them for "grip" so you don't slip.

Flats are for road racing. Races with pavement and roads.

Not listen to these people "spikes are for sprints."

Thats why you see runners in the Olympics running the 5k or 10k on the track wear spikes.

Another difference is that spikes have less support, but they are lighter.

Flats have more support than spikes, but are a little heavyer. Thats why you see a lot of marathoners where flats. They need the support because they are running 2+ hours on pavement.

Answer 3

Racing flats are generally used when you are NOT on a track, dirt,grass ,ect.. SPikes are used when you are on a track.

Answer 4

Spikes are used for events that require explosive speed on atheltic tracks such as long and tripple jump, 100m sprint, 200m sprint, maybe the 400m sprint. For a 5k run just wear comfortable running shoes, the speed you travel during a 5k run does not require spikes, the sole gives enough grip on any sensible surface.

Edit: The so called 'running coach' is forgetting that spikes, aka 'TRACK shoes', only have spikes on the front of the shoe and not on the heel. Why? Sprinting causes you to run only on the front of your foot. 800m and more requires you to hit the floor with your heel first, otherwise you will overwork your calf muscles. In order to be more aerodynamic, the heel of a track shoe is smooth, if your tried to run middle and long distances over grass in a track shoe you are likely to fall over as soon as you hit a patch of wet grass. That might be good for imrpoving core strength, but not so good when you injure yourself. Take the word of the majority, track shoes are for the track; sprint, jump, even javelin. Middle and long distance running is better performed with a pair of comfortable, durable running shoes.

Answer 5

i am currently in high schol running 5ks in corossc ountry...when i go to meets i bring both my practice shoes and racing shoes..aka spikes, before you start your race, your team usually walks the course so cheack out what the ground is like..if there is any pavement AT ALL do NOT wear the spikes, keep the racing shoes flat...they will damage them, but if its grass, rocks, dirt trails, sand, even gravel..it will be fine..they help alot when you have tp run up hills..good luck!