Journal Eight

There are many different types of shoes for different occasions. That same theory applies to track. There are sprint spikes, middle distance spikes, long distance spikes, long jump spikes, triple jump spikes, high jump spikes, pole vault spikes, and throwing shoes. the design of each shoe is very different depending on what is needed for each event. Sprint spikes and throwing shoes are probably the most different. Sprint spikes have a very pointed (or tapered to be technical) toe. When laying flat on the ground, the toe of every sprint spike will be about an inch or two above the ground. This is to force the runner to run more on their toes, which makes them run faster. Sprint spikes are also made to be the lightest as possible; very little material is used. Some sprint spikes even have zippers covering the laces to be more aerodynamic. The most important aspect of sprint spikes is the ‘spikes” part. They contain metal spikes that are either removable or permanent (but more often they are removable as they wear down and thus can be replaced). these metal spikes are used to better grip the track while running. The metal spikes are also very crucial to starting the race. Sprinters use what is called blocks to push off of when the gun goes off and the metal spikes give runners more power and grip in the start. Meanwhile, throwing shoes are very different. They have a smooth bottom, often made of plastic. The smoothness allows for throwers to spin quickly in the circle, gaining more momentum and having more energy and force behind the throw. The toe has a very slight taper, more for comfort than functionality (as the taper has no functional benefit). Some throwing shoes also have the zip-up cover for the aerodynamic benefit as well. On the whole, sprint spikes and throwing shoes, though both shoes used for track, have excessively different designs due to what they are used for.