All athletes will need some kind of competition shoe, this page is for SPRINTERS and HURDLERS ONLY! If you are a dedicated distance runner, jumper, vaulter or thrower you will need a different competition shoe. Ask your event coach for what to get.
We encourage all of our sprinters and hurdlers go to Fleet Feet in Carmel Valley (5980 Village Way Suite B108 San Diego, CA 92130). You can try on a selection of styles and sizes in store conveniently located just 15 minutes from Del Norte. Let them know you are a Del Norte track and field athlete and they should be able to give you a discount. Tell them you want a SPRINT spike, not a mid distance spike, not a hybrid spike. You can also check out similar selection (if they don’t have your size in store for example) on Running Warehouse. You DO NOT need custom insoles or orthotics or fancy socks, but if your running shoes (the regular athletic gym shoes we wear during warm up) are from years and years ago, don’t fit anymore, etc. it might be worthwhile to look at their selection and get something comfortable that fit you well.
Once you get your shoes (try them on in store and move around in them to get a feel) DO NOT wear them outside until Coach Ruby or Coach Stephen has seen them and told you they are a good choice for you. We don’t want anyone to get stuck with the wrong spikes and be unable to return them. If you have never worn spikes before they will not feel comfortable, they will feel weird and like they are pushing you on the ball of your feet, this is totally normal.
In terms of what spikes to get, we are not loyal to one brand or one specific shoe. Each brand runs differently in terms of size, width, material, etc. Find what YOU like and fits your foot best. You want a more snug fit (not uncomfortably tight but not “room to grow” either).
We DO however want you to get a certain “style” of spike as depicted in the first diagram. This is less about the specific spike and more about the type of spike we want you to have. You need a hard plastic plate (the bottom part of the shoe that touches the ground). The spikes in photo A is what is known as a half plate, the plate only covers the front half of the shoe and the back half (arch to heel) is a more flexible rubber material. These are great, especially for first time spikes because they have a bit more give and are just a less aggressive feel. These will work for anyone.
The spikes in figure C. are a full plate spike. This is the same concept but the plastic bottom starts at the tip of the toe and continues all the way to the back of the heel. These spikes are great for sprinting and hurdling but take a bit more time to get used to and comfortable in because it is a more aggressive spike. Great for returners who are used to wearing spikes and their feet/legs won't be in as much shock.
Keep all of this in mind but choose what feels best for YOU. Please choose the spike that fits/feels better first and then which color you like best.
Keep reading to see what NOT to get for sprinters and hurdlers…
The spikes on the far left are Nike Maxflys. These are very popular high-end spikes and a lot of athletes on our team have them. There is nothing wrong with these spikes but NO ONE on our team NEEDS them and we do not expect anyone to spend $190+ on a pair of sprint spikes.
These are NOT for beginner track athletes. If this is your first year we would NOT recommend them. It is more than you need and your feet/calves will have a hard time adjusting to all spikes let alone these which are a very aggressive spike. They are great spikes but we want to put your body first.
Returning varsity sprinters and hurdlers are welcome to get these but again they do not NEED expensive spikes to run fast, break records and be on a winning team. We have had countless school records set in spikes that cost less than $65. Do not get hung up on buying the most expensive spikes on the market thinking it will magically make you the fastest kid on the team. What we do in the spikes is what will make the biggest impact. If anyone is not in a financial position to purchase competition shoes, please reach out to your event Coach or Coach Jacobs and we will ensure every athlete gets what they need.
The spikes on the right side of the page are various different competition shoes for OTHER events. Sprinters and hurdlers spikes should not look like a normal shoe with metal spikes at the bottom. They should not have a thick heel and be overall bulky. These are just a few examples of what NOT to get for sprinters and hurdlers.