How to Put Spikes on Track Shoes

Brett L. on Flickr

Many competitive runners use racing shoes with built-in spikes to improve their performance. These shoes are usually lightweight and have anywhere from four to eight metal spikes to help runners grip the running surface. These spikes are sold separately from the shoes and come in different sizes, depending on the type of terrain you will be running on. Most track spikes come with a spike key, which you will use to install the spikes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Spike key Spikes
Spike key
Spikes

Step 1

Find a running supply store selling spikes that fit your key. Most keys are either rectangular or star-shaped. You can also buy a different spike key to accommodate a specific spike, if you prefer. This will cost between $3 and $10.

Step 2

Clean off the bottom of the track shoe, if it is dirty. It doesn't need to be pristine, but there shouldn't be anything that can get in the way of the spikes when you screw them in.

Step 3

Use your finger to start screwing the spikes in, then tighten with the spike key.

Tips & Warnings

If the spikes have flat sides, you can use pliers to tighten the spikes in the absence of a spike key. Check your spikes after every use and tighten any that come loose.

If the spikes have flat sides, you can use pliers to tighten the spikes in the absence of a spike key.

Check your spikes after every use and tighten any that come loose.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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