What are the Best Spikes for (fill in the event)?
In reality there is no such thing as a "best spike"............at least not for all people. That is, because everyone runs differently no single shoe works best for all individuals. The foot strike of any given athlete is much like a snow flake.......there aren't two that are exactly alike. Because athletes vary in anthropometry as well as foot strike and takeoff characteristics, it is impossible to find one shoe that works best for all people. Complicating matters is the fact that different spikes are more suited for different events. For example, spikes with a very stiff spike plate are designed for the short sprints and have actually been shown to enhance a short sprinters acceleration. These same spikes however would likely be a disadvantage for endurance runners and even long sprinters who would benefit from having a more flexible spike plate with greater cushioning properties. The same can also be said for jumping spikes.
Having said all that, it is important to realize that only an athlete can make themselves run faster. Having the perfect spikes won't come anywhere close to making up for a lack of preparation or poorly planned training. Athletes at all levels have run very fast in "less than the best" spikes. Likewise, professional track athletes often switch shoe companies mid-career and continue to run equally fast with completely different spikes. This speaks to the fact of how little track spikes make on performance.
In summary, when you're deciding which spikes are "best" for you, use comfort and fit as the best indicators and don't spend too much time stressing over something that ultimately doesn't make much difference at all.
