Track spikes?
ok so this is my first yr in track.. and i don't understand how track spikes would help if you were running on an asphlat track..like how to they grip on?? wouldn't sneakers be better?
Answers:
Track Types:
There are four basic types of track surfaces:
* Dirt or crushed granite - These tracks require needle or pyramid spikes, usually not more than 1/4 in.
* Asphalt - This is the hardest surface to run on. Spikes usually slip and slide around on asphalt so we recommend a cross country flat when running on asphalt. They have a rubber outsole without a hard spike plate. You'll only wear down your spikes by wearing them on asphalt, you wont gain any traction advantage.
* All Weather - made of rubber, tartan, or Mondo (carpet-like) material. Generally use 3/16 needle spikes or smaller on these tracks. Most tracks like this have regulations regarding the size you can wear.
* Indoor Tracks - Most temporary indoor tracks are wood with a carpet-like surface. Use 3/16 needle or smaller spikes, if they allow any at all.
What do you do in Track&field?
Sneakers are heavy while track spikes are light. My training shoes/casual shoes are like 10 ounces each while my spikes are 5.5 ounces each. On an asphalt track, they sill dig in and provide grip too. Considering that your pushing a little pin into the ground with an impact force of a few times your weight. Good stuff.You don't use them on asphalt tracks. Spikes are only for rubber or tar tracks. A rubber sole track shoe would be best or a training shoe, depending on how slippery the asphalt is.
You're welcome.
While sneakers provide great traction with surface to surface contact spikes get below the surface for much better traction. An example might be a cat with claws can climb a tree much better that a cat that has been de-clawed. This link might answer a few more questions. http://www.weplay.com/track/spikes/faq/...
Is running on a manual treadmill better than running on normal ground?
Track spikes actually have pretty sharp spikes on them. Since a track has those small grooves between the little pieces of rubbery stuff, the spikes dig into those grooves and easily grip, so you can push off easier. With sneakers, since the bottom is relatively flat compared to spikes, the two relatively flat surfaces rubbing against each other is going to result in less grip than the track and spikes.More Questions & Answers...