Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and move your legs, that’s technically all there is to running, right? It is one of the simplest sports out there and is great for weight loss, heart health, and more which is why it is very popular.

But, once you get into it, sometimes, you get competitive either with others or yourself. You want to perform better. You want an edge. Then, you stumble upon health running spikes.

What are Health Running Spikes?

Spike shoes are exactly as they sound, a pair of shoes that have spikes underneath. These provide additional traction for the user especially on grass or mud which is very important to sustain speed and stability as you run.

These are specifically designed to help you run faster due to their design. But, it is important to remember that there are running spikes designed for different running disciplines such as short sprint spikes, mid-distances, long-distance runs, cross country races, and field events.

The shoes will have small variations depending on what event they are for but overall, they offer you the same thing: perform better.

Advantages of using Health Running Spikes

The main advantage of using health running spikes is that they offer a better grip on the surface you are running on. This provides better traction. Even in harsh conditions, this will continue to give you reliable footing as you run your heart out.

Because of the additional traction, your feet grab the track better. And as a result, you run faster.

Health running spikes are also designed to be lighter overall as compared to normal running shoes or sneakers. The lighter weight will allow you to pick up your feet faster and move better while reducing the fatigue incurred. All great things for any runner.

Another thing to take note of is that they usually offer a snug fit which allows you to get a better feel in each step.

Disadvantages of using Health Running Spikes

While the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, it is still important to highlight this when using running spikes so you know what you are getting into.

First of all, the spikes are the most important feature of these shoes, for obvious reasons. While they do help you run faster, they do wear out. This basically means you have to keep spending money in order to replace the spikes and maintain the shoe.

At the same time, the lightweight design comes at a price; durability. So again, this will mean spending more money when you must replace the shoes eventually.

On another note, they don’t have the same padding as other shoes to keep the weight low. This means it does not give the same padding and comfort as other shoes. But, again, you do run faster.

As a result of these disadvantages, most runners have a different shoe for training and use their health running spikes specifically for race day.

Health Running Spikes or Flat Shoes?

Provided with the advantages and disadvantages, the question would now turn to what type of shoe should you run in. The answer to this would depend mostly on your goal.

If you want to run faster and perform better, then health running spikes are the way to go. They offer the best chance for you to cross the finish line faster. Studies have shown that wearing spikes actually have a definitive impact on running speed, which is important to take note of.

You should also strongly consider running spikes if you plan to run on muddy or grassy surfaces. The traction provided by the spikes not only allow you to keep running at a stable speed, it can also help prevent injuries due to slipping.

A small slip at the wrong angle can immediately lead to tears in your knees or ankles. Spikes can help prevent that.

On the other hand, it is a bit more expensive to maintain spikes. So, if you aren’t looking to break records, even personal ones, then flat shoes may serve you better.

Health Running Spikes Buying Guide

If you are in the market for new running spikes, remember that there are different types.

• Sprint spikes are designed for short-distance runs
• Middle distance spikes have a bit more padding and less rigid
• Long-distance spikes are made for over 1,500-metre distances
• Cross-country spikes are designed for running on grass and mud

Using the wrong pair of shoes can lead to more harm than good, so make sure you buy the right ones for the race you plan to win.

Once you have a pair of running spikes, don’t forget to constantly check them before every use to make sure the spikes are still in good condition. It would be a good idea to bring spare spikes on race day just in case.

And, while it is good to reserve them for the actual race, you still have to break them in and get to know how it feels running in these shoes. Do that and you increase your chances of a podium finish.