Let's be honest about spikes and performance

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

12 years ago 02/28/2012 9:00pm EST

I know we all love our sub 4oz, flashy colored spikes, and I'm not saying any ol' spike is going to do the job, but if you have a spike that is approximately 5.5oz or lighter (just throwing a number out there), as long as it fits your foot well, is it really going to make a difference in your race performance?

I mean, I don't know what spikes were around 20+ years ago, but they couldn't have been much better than a lot of spikes that aren't considered "top notch" by today's standards, and I'd be highly surprised if someone like Sebastian Coe could have ran even a tenth of a second faster with Nike Victories.

Whatever world records have been set in the last decade, can anyone really claim that it was due to better spikes?

Now spikes tailored to specific distances probably have some slight affect, but if you get a middle distance spike for the mile, is there really going to be a time difference between wearing Victories or wearing a 5oz spike that can be had for much cheaper?

12 years ago 02/28/2012 9:05pm EST

re: Making no progress

1oz of weight is a few tenths of a percent improvement in running economy, IIRC. Is there a huge difference between 3 oz and 4 oz? Probably not, but you wouldn't go adding a half-ounce fishing weight to your shoes, would you?

On the margin, getting a super nice pair of spikes isn't that much more expensive than a decent pair. The bargain spikes are $60 or so, top-flight ones $100ish. Most HS and college runners get discounts anyways.

However, whether a spike feels good on your foot is more important than its raw weight. If you don't feel "good" running in a spike, it is probably not going to help your race anyhow.

12 years ago 03/04/2012 10:03am EST

re: Making no progress

the way i see it: if they can be lighter, why not have them lighter?

truthfully, for me at least, its a placebo affect. I wear victories; and, yes, i think they are of a higher performance caliber when it comes to weight, traction, fit, etc. However, having each shoe be a different sassy and obnoxious neon colour and the bottom being glittery makes me think the shoes are awesomer than they are and make me feel faster.

besides, with how ridiculous the spikes are you gotta be fast so you dont look ridiculous

so, I'm willing to pay extra for not only the VERY miniscule performance upgrade but also the flashy colours.

12 years ago 03/04/2012 10:43am EST

re: Making no progress

I'll go a step further and say that on a synthetic, dry track, at slower than 5 minute pace or thereabouts, there is no need for spikes at all.

Spikes were created for running fast on dirt tracks - I think they are way overrated in the distance events on synthetic tracks.

ironically, spikes are probably most useful now off the track - in cross country. Dirt and grass make spikes necessary - a perfect track...not so much.

12 years ago 03/04/2012 10:50am EST

re: asfsdaf

asfsdaf wrote:
1oz of weight is a few tenths of a percent improvement in running economy, IIRC. Is there a huge difference between 3 oz and 4 oz? Probably not, but you wouldn't go adding a half-ounce fishing weight to your shoes, would you?

which is why i think it's funny when people wear socks with their spikes.

12 years ago 03/04/2012 11:04am EST

re: Making no progress

spikes always gave me blisters, especially 3k - 10k, i raced in nike waffle racers (spikeless) all through college. agree that spikes on good tracks really dont make a difference.

indoors i occasionally wore spikes for 1.5k - 3k typically the shortest pin spikes i could find.

12 years ago 03/04/2012 12:37pm EST

re: agip

Agree 100%. Depending on the race, I'll even take the spikes out of my shoes for track races. I like the feel of the shoes themselves for races though (over flats for instance).

12 years ago 03/04/2012 3:19pm EST

re: agip

Most people here dont runner slower than 5:00 on the track

12 years ago 03/04/2012 3:43pm EST

re: agip

Spikes increase the energy return from the track. Their benefit isn't just from the traction, but also from the energy return.

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