Sprints

Track & Field sprint shoes need to have specific properties to assist the athlete in the pursuit of speed. They should be extremely lightweight and strong but offer enough flexibility to aid the dynamic movement. Competition shoes will have spikes, as will the majority of speed work training shoes. These are located at the front. They are designed for the track but are able to cope with different types of surfaces. e.g. Asics Japan Litening 3

Jumps

Track & Field jumping events require ground speed transferred into air speed. In most cases straps overlap laces but some just have Velcro straps. The sole of a track & field jumping shoe tends to be firm but flexible, designed to give a sure footing and to promote extra bounce in the jump. The spikes are also very important providing the required grip, harnessing the speed to launch the jump. e.g. Asics Cyber Jump Beijing

Throws

Track & Field throwing shoes are put together in order to allow short speed bursts from shunts or spins to be transferred into the upper body to release the shot or discus. A hooked strap over the toe helps to prevent the feet from moving sideways during the build up to the throw. Hard wearing, supportive soles offer ultimate grip. Circular grooves are often a feature on tread of the sole around the balls of the feet. These can assist in the spinning action. e.g. Asics Cyber Throw Beijing

Javelin

Track & Field shoes for Javelin throwers need to be robust and durable. Javelin athletes drag their feet along the ground in the, almost sideways, running build up to the throw to transfer the energy from lower to upper body in the release of the javelin. Therefore Javelin footwear is formed by a tough hardwearing upper and sole. Javelin shoes are actually more like boots with protection around the ankle as support in the running/throwing action is absolutely crucial. Most of them feature strapping which continues around the ankle area also to reduce foot movement in the shoe during the throw. e.g. Asics Cyber Javelin Beijing

High Jump

Track & Field High Jump Spikes have thicker soles with almost a course sandpaper tread to give every last piece of grip to control and transfer the speed into upward motion. Maximum support and comfort for the athlete is firmly in mind as well. High Jump footwear, as with all track & field shoes, are very light in weight but strong. This allows the athletes to achieve the required speed over the short take off jump arena and then flexibility for take-off in the jumping phase. Spikes at the front of the high jump shoe assist with speed gains in the short run up and spikes in the heel area give the grip when the athlete takes off to jump. e.g. Asics Cyber High Jump Beijing

Running/Walking

Runners have a huge choice of highly technical well constructed footwear to suit every conceivable foot type or running event/situation. Competitive athletes as club runners and more general runners will know or get to know their foot type, which determines the type of running shoe they require. The shoe type translates into how much cushioning or combination of support and cushioning is required. All shoes are lightweight and are constructed out of technical materials which allow the foot to breathe whilst maintaining low weight but durability. Running shoes used in training will over time lose their properties so need to be regularly checked and replaced to maintain comfort, support and ultimately performance. Competition shoes will be lighter still, if desired, but many athletes stick with the same throughout training unless conditions dictate otherwise. Competitive walkers will aim at having shoes which are a little more rigid to allow a roll from heel to toe. Having the right clothing for training and competition makes all the difference and layering technical clothing is now commonplace. As with all competition it is imperative that preparation for the event is honed with the right trackside clothing which is essential in post race warm down also.

Whilst most top level Olympic performing athletes have their shoes specially made high quality performance athletic footwear is readily available.

Spikes – Spikes screw into the sole and heel of athletic footwear with a spike key. They either provide grip to propel the athlete forward and produce speed in a sprint, run or run up to a jump or throw or sure footing for stability; planting of the foot for a jump or throw. They are worn on the track in competition and on other surfaces as required. Whilst spikes are provided with athletic shoes when purchased replacements are always handy to have as is a key in the kit bag at competition just in case one is loose or missing. Spike length differs from 5mm in length to 15 mm and is ultimately determined by surface type, size of athlete or their shoe, light or heavy foot strike or just personal preference.

Batons – There is nothing that encapsulates the thrill of athletics more than the passing of a baton in the sprint relays. Usually performed after the individual events towards the end of an event the competition is just as fierce but teamwork and camaraderie is at the forefront of everyone’s minds; as there is the chance of dropping the baton during handover. The skill for the teams is to set off at the right time to ensure seamless running and fastest time and the drill is practiced so that it becomes almost second nature.

Timing Controls – Whilst a coach or training partner may have control of the stopwatch or simple lap counter during training, it is always an essential piece of equipment to have. Athletes nowadays seem to always have the latest wrist watch devices with a multitude of applications to do so much more than keep track of timings. Lap timers and pre set training alarms, heart rate monitors which can help the individual home in on targeted sweet spot training zones and even course data can then be retrieved, downloaded and examined post training or event.

Clothing - Whilst during completion club/team technical weave lightweight, wicking vests and lightweight technical fitted athletic shorts are usually the order of the day some athletes (sprinters) prefer lycra type technical fitting bib shorts. Highly technical layering is the favoured option for training and for pre/post competition. This is to ensure maximum comfort and ultimately performance of the athlete during training sessions whatever the conditions are indoors or out. Technically weaved layers are readily available and affordable catering for different sports and situations.

Base Layers – Are becoming ever more popular and come in different forms to provide different properties and benefits. They can both insulate and ventilate. Some are specifically designed for performance enhancement in hot or cold temperatures whilst some are smarter still and adapt to whatever the conditions. Long, short or sleeveless base layer tops are available as are full length tights or shorts and calf compression socks. Padding is added in some for specific contact sports and most provide special weaves to wick away moisture (sweat) during activity. Advanced base layers compress areas to promote blood flow and muscle performance and can be deemed to be so effective that they have previously been banned from competition before as it was deemed to be too much of an advantage! Both explosive or endurance event athletes can also benefit from recovery base layers so that muscle damage is kept to a minimum and the winding down period is aided by the compressed areas bloody flow supported.