Beginner athletes often lose the desire to continue training due to the discomfort that the wrong shoes can create. Those who have started running should pay attention to spikes.
What are studs?
Spikes are special sports shoes designed for running. The sole is equipped with spikes for reliable grip on the treadmill surface., as a result, the shoes do not slip and the athlete does not waste energy.
Description of the shoe design
The design of the spikes depends on the type of athletics discipline for which they are intended.. The types of studs differ from each other not only in weight, but, first of all, in the features of the sole:
- rigidity;
- the presence of depreciation;
- number, location and stiffness of spines.
Important! There are universal spikes that can be used at the initial stage of sports. If a specialization has already been chosen, it is advisable to acquire spikes designed for a specific athletics discipline.
Differences from simple sneakers
Sneakers are universal sports shoes. As a rule, they are purchased by beginning amateur athletes who are primarily concerned with a healthy lifestyle and plan to train using ordinary sidewalks.. In addition, these shoes can be considered not only as sports equipment, but also as a comfortable pair for everyday wear.
As for spikes, these are purely specialized shoes designed for certain sports.
The main differences between spikes and sneakers:
- the light weight and size of the spikes allows your legs not to feel tired for a long time during training;
- specific specialization of certain types of studs;
- increased comfort, achieved by the presence of shock absorption, studs and special sole material.
Important! Spikes are not intended for running on asphalt!
Types of studs
There are different types of these sports shoes, which are chosen depending on the discipline for which they are intended. Let's look at some of them in more detail.
For running
There are significant differences in the design of studs for different distances.
Sprint spikes for running at distances up to 400 m are the lightest in weight and have the stiffest sole - in professional shoes it practically does not bend. The spikes here are located in the front part of the sole, which is raised up, which allows the runner not to lose speed when pushing off the treadmill. Since the foot practically does not fall completely to the ground during this type of running, shock absorption is not needed.
In spikes for distances from 400 m to 1500 m, the sole is also curved upward in the toe area, but the bend is less pronounced. There is cushioning in the sole and is shifted towards the heel.The location of the studs differs from models for short distances: they are located on the inside closer to the toe, and on the sides of the sole closer to the middle.
Long distances are covered in spikes with a flatter, softer and thicker sole. A rigid plate is inserted into the toe section, and the tread is roughened in the heel area to prevent slipping on the road.
For jumping
These spikes have significant differences from running spikes, and the treads on the spikes are different for long and high jumps. If in the first, the main task of manufacturers is to protect the athlete’s foot when landing, for which purpose the heel part and shock absorption in it are strengthened. For high jumps, spikes are created with a flexible, powerful sole and a ribbed tread for a stronger push off the ground..
For athletics
For other athletics specializations, spikes are produced that take into account the characteristics of the sport.
For obstacle courseFor example, spikes are made of mesh material so that water that gets out of the holes immediately drains out of the shoes. In addition, the spikes on the sole do not have sharp ends so that they do not stick into an obstacle that the athlete steps on while covering the distance.
Trail Running Shoes and for orienteering, it is designed to protect the athlete’s foot from damage from stones and sticks, therefore such models are produced on thick flexible soles with a pronounced tread pattern. The spikes on this pair are longer than those for stadium running.
Most Popular Brands
We present the most popular ones.
Asics Hyper MD
Sprint spikes that can be used as universal ones.They are responsive to the slightest movements and have good shock-absorbing characteristics, which ensures easy repulsion from the surface.
Adidas R.L.H. cross
Designed for middle and long distance running and cross-country. This model is distinguished by a molded rubber sole and powerful steel replaceable studs. The upper is made of lightweight mesh materials, which provides the feet with excellent air and moisture exchange. The high level of shock-absorbing characteristics allows these spikes to be used in any sport where long-term loads are expected.
Nike Zoom Victory
Modern running spikes weigh only 93 grams. They are made using ultra-strong threads that provide a secure fit while maintaining the overall elasticity of the material. All this provides maximum comfort for the athlete, allowing him to concentrate on his achievements.
Muzino
It is worth paying attention to the Japanese company Muzino, which produces spikes for various athletics disciplines. Among the advantages of this shoe are excellent shock absorption, a flexible rubber sole that provides excellent traction, and a “breathable” upper material.
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