User:Kierinso123/sandbox/Track and Field Spikes

Track and Field Spikes Track and Field Spikes are special shoes that are used by people who run Cross Country or Track and Field and are used to enhance your overall performance. Although they have not always been used they have been used for many years and have become a must within the track and field community.

History The first pair of spikes were created in 1850 to create better traction on dirt tracks and were simply just nails driven though the bottom and a leather pair of slim fit running shoes that they would stay like this for professional competition well through to 1876. In the early 1900's a man named Adi Dassler started to make spikes with removable spikes in the bottom of the shoe and then went on to create one of the most popular sporting company's in the world today, Adidas. Removable spikes became very popular for competition in the 1930's and even now are a very popular choice for spikes. As time went on, spikes evolved more and more and now look like the spikes we see today.

Types There are many different types of spikes depending on which event you do. Spikes for sprinters will include more pin holes closer to the front of the toe area while a distance spike will have few spike holes and very light materials due to the fact that long distance running doesn't need spikes quite as carefully made as sprinting spikes. Mid distance spikes can vary on spike holes depending on the company that manufactures it. Field spikes have a very detailed design that will usually be very similar amongst all brands and makes. Spike pins are also something that can come in many different sizes. Spikes size 6-7 will usually be used to all track events. sizes 9 and up will usually be used for Cross Country since bigger pins are needed to get up large hills and go through thick mud. Some tracks will allow "Christmas Tree" spikes which have a square bottom and are normally only used on a special material track.

"Branding" Branding didn't become a huge deal until the 1980's. Some of the more popular brands for spikes would be Nike, Adidas, Saucony, New Balance, etc. depending on who you run for, you might be expected to wear a specific brand of spikes. A lot of professional runners will actually sign with brands and get them as a paid sponsorship as long as they only wear and race in their products. Runner's like Usain Bolt and Andre De Grasse will be see only wearing PUMA because that is the company they are signed with. If you run fro your country you will also have a set pair of spikes that you will normally have to wear.