Sneaker/Spike Recommendations

Sneaker/Spike Recommendations

The following information is being provided for those who are considering pre-season track work-outs and are interested in purchasing a good training sneaker. We would recommend that spikes are not purchased before the track season as we can only keep 80 students on the track team (Students must try-out and make the team - please see the welcome letter). Also, we will give each individual a better idea of what events that they will be training for and participating in. There are different types of spikes depending if they become a sprinter, mid-distance, or long distance performer.

Wearing the right kind of sneakers and spikes are important for safety, performance, and helps to avoid injury. Below are a few track stores that specialize in fitting track athletes with the correct footwear for each individual. They tend to be a little more expensive than a Dick’s, Sports Authority, or Schuylkill Valley, but they will have a lot of expertise on guiding each individual with the correct sneakers and spikes to wear. They will consider how you are currently wearing your sneakers (please take them as they will probably want to look at them), any problems or past injuries that you have had, they will watch you walk or run and see if you pronate or supinate, and they will consider your event that you will be running (example: sprints, mid-distance, or distance all have different kinds of spikes). Spikes do make a difference in performance on the track. We recommend that each athlete purchases track spikes for the season. The spikes should have a wrench where you can change the spikes at the bottom of the spikes depending on what event you are running and what track surface that you are on. Most spikes will come with ¼ inch pyramids which will be good for an all-weather track. Distance runners may want to purchase 1/8 inch spikes as well. If you tell them that you are on a track team at school they may give you 10% off.

North Wales Running Company

111 N. Main Street

North Wales, PA 19454

215-699-4282

Aardvark Sports Shop

565 Main Street

Bethlehem, PA 18018

610-866-8300