Choosing Track and Field Spikes

Running spikes fall into three catagories:

Middle & Long Distance
Sprint
Cross Country

Sprint spikes can be used up to 400m, above that you need middle/long distance spikes, these are suitable for all distance events and interval/repetition based track training, most are also suitable for cross country, unless otherwise stated, but will need a longer spike to give better grip.

Specialist cross country spikes differ from track spikes in that they have: a more rugged outsole for better grip a flexible spike plate gives a better footstrike on rough ground and prevents a spike plate from shattering on sharp stones, a slightly more durable, and in some cases water resistant, upper to cope with the challenges of the best of traditional British cross country courses.