COACH RIKKIANN'S "SHOE-OLOGY"

Wearing the right shoe will not only help your performance but more importantly wearing the wrong shoe can cause serious injuries.

Common injuries caused by the wrong running shoes are: 

Plantar Fasciitis,  Achilles Inflammation, Tibialis Posterior Syndrome, Knee Pains,  Shin Splints.

So by no means do I profess to be an expert in shoes, however at one time or another I have competed in every single Track and Field event with the exception of the 1&2 mile; so taken from many years of experience here is my “shoe-ology”.

 

 ***please note that most of these shoes are in Men's sizes so make sure you convert to a Women's size when you order.***

TRACK SPIKES

1.  A  Beginner Spike  - For those of you who are new to Track and Field and are not quite sure what event you are going to be competing in I would suggest a middle distance spike.  Middle distance spikes are great because they can pretty much be used for any event - sprints, hurdles and/or jumps.  They have padding on the heal which is good for beginners to help prevent injuries and they are the least expensive. 

 Puma Makes an "all around spike" something new for this year, or you could also go with Asics or Nike ( look for year’s models which will be even cheaper)

      

      Puma Complete TFX All Around                  Asics Hyper MD                        Nike Zoom Rival MD

                                                                                 

  

 

 

2.   High Jump Spike - I would go with Asics and stay away from Nike because they tend to be on the heavy side. Or if you don't want to buy spikes because you are a multi-event athlete you could always just get a "j-heel"

 

           ASICS Turbo High Jump                              Stack House the J Heel        

                                                               

 

 

 

 3.   Triple Jump Spike - Reebok used to make a great jump spike (if you can find it), I don't like the new Nike or Adidias TJ shoes they are heavy, the Mizuno seems pretty good and Puma and NB just came out with ones that look pretty good also. 

      

        Mizuno TJ/PV                        Puma complete TFX Jump 2 Pro             New Balance TJ 1010 

                                   

 

                                 

 

 

4.   Multi-jump Spike - Asics makes a really good all purpose jump spike. Most long jumpers do more then one event so I would never suggest getting a Long Jump Spike because it is just a waste.

         

           ASICS Turbo Jump

     

 

 

 

5.   Sprinter Spikes -  I am really hesitant about suggesting sprinting spikes because sprinting spikes should ONLY be wore if you’re an advanced sprinter and then should only be worn for competition – not for practice!   Sprinting spikes are designed to be extremely light weight with no support, so if your form is off then you can actually get injured from wearing your sprinting spikes.  So unless you are an advanced sprinter then just wear an advanced middle distance spike and if you do decide to get a sprinting spike you will also need pair of middle distance spikes for practice.

With that said if you still want a sprint spike go with Nike they are know for their advanced technology in light weight sprinting shoes.

 

         Nike Zoom Powercat                     

    

                           

 

 

6.      Hurdlers - Again a little more advanced middle distance spike is the best Asics make a couple really good ones.

 

   Mizuno Geo-Slincer 3                       ASICS Prima Diva Sprint               ASICS® Turbo Phantom 3             

                                             

 

 

 

7.      Throwing Shoe-  Go with Asics, Nike and adidias is not very durable. New Balance also make them in the wider widths, with options for a spin or a glide shoe. 

       

        ASICS Cyper Throw Beijing             New Balance GLD 760 - wide  

                                                                             

                                        

 

 

8.       Middle Distance - For more advanced middle distance runners 800 and 1600.

 

         Nike Zoom Victory                     Saucony Endorphin MD2 

                              

 

 

TRAINING/WORKOUT SHOES

 

Basically there are three types of feet:                                                               

Type 1:  Normal Arch 

Type 2:  Flat Foot

Type 3:  High Arch

  

Type 1: Normal Arch - If you have a normal arch, you're likely a normal pronator, meaning you'll do best in a normal shoe. A little extra stability is always good, so look for a stability shoe that offers moderate pronation control.  (here is a list of some good stability shoes)

1.   Nike Shox Walk

2.   Asics GEL- Kayano 14

3.   Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8

4.   Reebok Premier Road Plus KFS

 

Type 2: Flat Foot - Runners with flat feet normally overpronate. Your arch collapses inward. Your foot moves too much and this can cause injuries. Therefore you are best of with motion-control shoes.

1.   Mizuno Wave Renegade 4

2.   Asics GEL-Foundation 8

3.   Brooks Addiction 8

4.   Saucony ProGrid Omni

5.   New Balance 1011

 

Type 3: High Arch - Your arch does not collapse enough, thereby causing the shock of your foot landing on the ground to travel upwards to your legs. This can cause injuries. You need running shoes with softer midsoles. Don’t go for stability or motion-controlled shoes as these try to reduce pronation which is what you want to stimulate. Therefore so you would do best in a neutral-cushioned shoe that encourages a more natural foot motion. 

1.   Brooks Infinity

2.   Asics GEL-Nimbus 10

3.   Brooks Defyance

4.   Mizuno Wave Creation 9

5. Saucony ProGrid Jazz 12 

 

 

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