Shoe Type
The sport of athletics involves many different events that require a different type of shoe for optimal performance. The athletes level has to be taken into consideration as a more experienced sprinter/runner can use a slightly different shoe than a beginner.
Sprint spikes
Sprint spikes are the best for events from the 100 meter to the 400 meter dash, and this also includes hurdle events. These shoes are designed to be as light as possible and normally have no heel. The area under the ball of the foot on the shoe will have either a flexible or hard plate to hold the spikes.
Middle distance
Middle distance events 600 meters and up to 1.6 km require a different type of shoe. These shoes normally have a slightly supported and cushioned heel area. The spike plate is rather small under the ball of the foot.
Long distance
These shoes have cushioning throughout the entire bottom of the shoe. They also have less spikes. For optimal performance these are best with as little material as possible making them lightweight.
triple jump
These spikes have a full length cushioning throughout their soles and a full plate of spikes under the ball of the foot.
Long jump
Long jump spikes are very similar to sprint spikes aswell as triple jump spikes, except they offer more support. Just like sprint, there is no heel. These can not be used for anything other than long jump, however triple jump spikes can be used for this.
High jump
A pair high jump spikes are like no other track shoe as it has spikes throughout the entire sole of the shoe. The heel spikes help you from slipping when running the curve. The sole is also solid and does not flex.
throwing
There are two types of shoes used to throwing events, spinning shoes gliding shoes . Neither of these have spikes; however, glide shoes have a textured bottom for a little amount of grip while spin shoes are smoother. This is so that you can generate more power through the spin that leads into your throw.
Javelin uses spikes shoes because there is a run up involved.
Javelin uses spikes shoes because there is a run up involved.