Category: Footwear

How To Choose The Best Track And Field Spikes 

For every track and field athlete, a good pair of track spikes is a necessity. A poorly-picked pair of track shoes can put you in danger and embarrassment. It can even mess up your chance to win over your opponents. 

Save yourself from the mistakes that many athletes commit. First, understand that there are track spikes suited for different track events. 

  • Distance Spikes

This type of spike is oftentimes the lightest. As athletes vie to travel the farthest distance, comfort is a priority. This is the reason behind its flat sole. Also, this type of track and field shoes is always ready to get soaked. 

  • Sprint Spikes

As the most swagged player in the track and field events, sprinters aren’t just mindful of their shoes’ durability. They want to have something that looks good on them too. 

Comfort and performance are equally important factors that they take into consideration when choosing a shoes to wear during play. Sprint spikes are designed to provide hard-hitting acceleration. If you want to ensure durability, choose more spikes with more pins at the bottom. The more pins the stronger it is against wear and tear. 

Meanwhile, sprint spikes come in two variations – soft-plated and hard-plated spikes. Although hard-plated sprint spikes are less comfortable to wear, they may help you increase your speed. Meanwhile, soft-plated spikes are ideal for first-time sprinters including those who haven’t run in spikes before.   

  • Thrower Spikes

There is a particular thrower spike suited for rotating exhibitions like shot put, discus throw, and hammer throw. Smooth-bottomed spikes are designed to have a strap attached across the foot for extra grip and ease in spinning. 

Javelin spikes, on the other hand, look like high-cut basketball shoes but they are bottom-spiked. Since this track and field event demands a lot of force, lots of spikes are needed.

  • Jump Track Spikes

The appearance of long jump and triple jump spikes is slightly similar to sprint spikes, just a little outmoded. It is heeled for added support to track athletes during actual jumps. 

Spikes for the high jump are the most unique spikes among other jump track spikes. It has lots of spike pins that go throughout the heel. This is ensure optimum protection during jumps. 

Remember that track spikes vary in design, brand, and purpose. Factors such as performance, cost, and overall look must be taken into account. Regardless of what brand or type of spikes you choose, always set the bar high by choosing the best. Never settle for less.  

Running Shoes vs. Walking Shoes – What’s The Difference?

What’s the difference between running shoes and walking shoes? Here’s an educated guess on what they’re about. Without looking it up, one can surmise that a pair of shoes for running tend to have durable soles yet they’re lightweight to make running at full sprint or doing marathon running easier on your feet.

A pair of walking shoes, on the other hand, can be heavier on your feet to achieve durability through cushioning without needing lightweight materials for the slower pace of walking. Let’s now see the truth of the matter.

The ABCs of Running versus Walking Shoes

Long story short, running shoes have more cushioning in the toe and heel areas. Walking shoes, on the other hand, are less breathable and light but offers sufficient arch support for the slower-paced travel.

  • More Effort Requires More Cushioning: When it comes to running shoes, they typically have more cushioning in the heel and toe areas but are lighter overall. Running is a more strenuous activity, so runners typically put in more effort.
  • Lightweight Durability: Running shoes are typically made of mesh to allow air to flow freely because your feet can get hot as you run hard. Additionally, this mesh keeps the shoe lighter while making sure it’s durable when push comes to shove.
  • Less Breathable But More Arch Support Although they don’t have to be as light and breathable—walking shoes didn’t even exist until 1986—they still need to offer adequate arch support. Your natural ability to absorb shock is likely reduced if your foot arch is high.
  • Walking is a High-Arched Activity: Unlike in the case of running shoes, walking requires your feet to have a higher arch with its slower pace as opposed to running where your feet practically fly through the pavement on the top of your sole rather than your heel.
  • More Cushioning Than Less: The walking shoe you select should have more cushioning rather than less. You also have less support if your feet are flat, which can cause stress on your muscles and joints. Sturdy shoes are essential for walking.

The Bottom Line

Running footwear has cushioning but not as much cushioning as the heavier walking footwear. Running sneakers or shoes should have cushioned toes and heels in particular. A walking shoe has more arch support and overall cushioning.

Walking requires heavier cushioned shoes and running requires lightweight mesh shoes. With that said, even though running shoes require less cushioning, its lightweight material should also be ergonomic and durable to deal with the heavy-duty sprinting or marathon running involved.