Running is a relatively easy sport, yet it brings tremendous benefits to the entire body. It strengthens many muscle groups, tidies up the cardiovascular system, saturates tissues and cells with vital oxygen.
In order to make jogging comfortable, people have come up with ever more comfortable clothes and - especially - training shoes for centuries. Running injuries are not so common, but if they do, it is mostly due to improperly fitted shoes.
Who would dream of running in high heels? Or in house slippers, or in solid shoes? And why? Because the leg will be extremely uncomfortable. Even not all sports sneakers will be comfortable running. Therefore, for training, it is optimal to buy spikes - a special subspecies of sneakers, sharpened specifically for runners.
Spikes are shoes that look very similar to thin and low sneakers, but with spikes on the sole. If you take such a pair of shoes in your hands, you can make sure that the weight of the product is amazingly small: there is no bulky sole, no bulky walls, no additional protector in the toe.
Features of running spikes
Functions
- relief of weight on the legs. Inexperienced athletes sometimes choose stylish large sneakers for jogging that look solid on a muscular leg. But such sneakers will literally pull the owner down, plus increase the risk of leg vein diseases. Studs are very lightweight. By the way, today their design will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated esthete;
- good adhesion to the surface. This is especially true for athletes who are forced to run on urban asphalt. Especially if the asphalt is wet. The sole of running models is equipped with spikes: rubber or even metal, they firmly hold the foot on a slippery surface;
- excellent elasticity. Studs almost do not constrain the movements of the legs, having a movable sole. If someone tried to walk on a "platform" (a hard sole that does not bend at all), then he perfectly remembers these sensations in the legs: beauty has to pay with unpleasant pain in the feet. Sturdy sneakers may not fully follow the folds of the foot, but running shoes can.
Features of studs for different distances
In addition to amateur jogging, there are also professional running sports. And here running is divided into: sprint (short distances, usually from 100 to 400m), medium distances (800m - 1 km) and long distances (from 1 km).
Accordingly, the spikes for different distances are slightly different:
- sprint. Their peculiarity is the almost complete absence of shock-absorbing elements. The spikes on them are located mainly in the front, since the athlete running at speed often runs on his toes. Sometimes there are fasteners in the nose - to improve aerodynamic properties. Rarely do sprint models take on 800m races (the most difficult distance for runners in terms of technique) - they are quite suitable, but it is better to take shoes for medium distances at such a distance;
- for medium distances. Here, already in the heel of the sole, there are shock absorbers, the studs are also almost all in front, because in running at a distance of 800-1000m athletes still mostly move on their toes;
- over long distances. They are characterized by good cushioning of the sole with its greater softness compared to the first two types. The total weight of the long-range studs is slightly higher, but the shape itself is flatter. Designed for running at low speeds, even for tens of kilometers;
- cross-country. Focused not on distance, but on the kind of running surface. Going for a run on a dirt road or rocky terrain? Cross spikes come to the rescue. Their outsole is incredibly strong, tear and puncture resistant, and equipped with shock absorbers.
What to look for when choosing studs?
- operational safety. The model must first of all be strong, since the load on it in running is high. Especially if the surface is capricious;
- comfort for humans. There should be no inconvenience, no discomfort. Required moisture protection, protection from dirt, sliding on the surface is excluded;
- quality. Never buy spikes on market turmoil. Do not take shoes with adapted Chinese names like "Abibas" or "Nikey". Will fall apart after the first runs. As a result, no savings, no good shoes. You should trust trusted brands, which will be described in detail below;
- kind of thorns. The spikes themselves are of different shapes: pyramidal, needles, blunt-pointed pins, herringbone. In any case, you should right on the spot, feel them with your hands. The cleats should be strong and firmly attached to the outsole. Ideally, the studs are steel and fused into the sole already at the manufacturing stage;
- lightness in weight. The extra weight of the shoe can affect the speed: reduce it. However, the suspiciously light, almost weightless running shoe should also give you some thought on durability. After all, if you minimize the weight, then you can run in Czech shoes, but it will not be comfortable at all;
- sizes. Be sure to try on studs right on the spot. Try not to order this product from online stores unless absolutely necessary. The toes should not be helplessly clenched, and the heel should not wander. For women, there are special models - with a reinforced rear part that fixes the foot. A person often has legs of slightly different sizes, so choose shoes so that both feet feel good in them.
The best Asics running spikes
Asics HYPER SPRINT
As the name implies, these are spikes for short distance running. Lightweight toe, rounded toe. Full sole height: 3cm. Outsole material: rubber. Fitting material: synthetic fabrics. Lacing. Steel spikes, located in the front. Unisex, for any season. When studs are worn out, it is possible to remove the old ones and replace them with new ones. Up to 5400r.
Asics SONIC SPRINT
Sprint spikes with a special “stability” block that perfectly fixes the foot. Beautiful design, blunt spikes in the forefoot, lacing, no lining, demi-season, profiled sole. Up to 5700r
Asics HEAT CHASER
These are long distance spikes. Ultra-lightweight, perfectly fitting, fully fitted (no gaps), no lining. Fewer spikes than sprint models, made from pebax material.
"Stability" locking last, Solyte special midsole, cushioning. The outsole is highly contoured, providing excellent traction. Up to 5600r.
Asics HYPER LD 5
These spikes look vaguely reminiscent of classic sneakers, but the platform is not high (1cm), the heel is only 1.8cm. The upper material, unlike previous models, is not one-piece, but combined: dense fabric plus a breathable mesh to wick moisture away.
Moisture needs to be wicked away, because these studs are for long distances and professional runners. Overall, this model has an excellent hold thanks to its well-defined shape and dense details. Up to 4200 rub.
Asics GUN LAP
Similar to regular running shoes, these spikes have all the qualities you need for long-distance running: lightness, a raised sole, and metal spikes.
There is also a tight fit on the back of the foot. Feature: instant water drainage, thanks to special grooves in the sole. This model is perfect for jogging with puddle obstacles. Up to 5500r.
Asics JAPAN THUNDER 4
Studs for medium and long distances. Ultra lightweight (only 135 grams), incredibly flexible outsole, simple and discreet design. Studded Plate - Nylon, sculpted outsole for perfect traction, full mesh upper, removable studs. Up to 6000r.
Asics HYPER MD 6
Studs for running at medium distances. Conveniently fix the leg. The Pebax Spike Plate, which is thickened in the center of the sole, provides excellent support for the foot. Cushioning at the rear, 6mm pyramidal studs, mesh surface. Up to 3900 rub.
Asics CROSS FREAK
Studs for unpaved surfaces and forest rugged terrain. The most durable, contoured outsole with a special geometry of bumps for perfect traction on difficult surfaces. Trusstic system, which provides reliable fixation of the leg and prevents possible twisting of the foot.
This model comes with a dozen nine-millimeter studs and a key for their mounting / dismounting. An excellent model is suitable for orienteering, sports in natural conditions, civil defense exercises. Up to 3000r.
Where to buy good quality running shoes?
Since the selection of running shoes must be very careful, it is best to buy them offline. These can be sporting goods stores "Decathlon", "Sportmaster". Some very large hypermarkets ("Lenta" or "Auchan") may well have some kind of spike models.
These can be small sports stores that you will definitely find in any shopping and entertainment center. On the Internet, go to Yandex Market, to the Wildberries store, Ebay, Aliexpress. If you really want to save money, you can search on message boards like "Avito". It so happens that someone bought a product, but it either did not come in handy, or did not suit the owner - and now: almost 100% of the new thing is sold at a price lower than the store price.
Reviews of spike users
“At one time I began to run. On the asphalt. At first I took the same sneakers in which I worked in the gym: on a thin sole for fitness. Two weeks later, the ankles began to hurt, and arthritis began. Reason: There was no cushioning in those shoes. The doctors advised me to use Asiсs spikes.
Then they cost 2500r, model US 7 - EURO 38. Lightweight, with a mesh top, the feet are really ventilated. In the heel there is a silicone shock absorber, a molded insert in the center of the sole - protection against dislocation of the foot. I compared them with Nike spikes and realized that Asics give them 100 points ahead in quality. Extremely durable, not even noticeable outwardly. That they are constantly being used. Highly recommend!"
Mom Masha
“About two years ago I made a firm decision: to lose weight! I remembered how I used to go in for sports and decided to start at least by running. I know from experience that shoes are the most important in running, that's why I almost immediately chose the Asics brand.
On fitting, I felt unusual: the model sat down so tightly and comfortably on her leg, as if her legs had plunged into soft clouds. The upper is mesh, while covered in faux leather for durability. Cushioning at the heel.
All in all a very comfortable and easy running shoe. The color was chosen by a woman: hot pink. Cons: during snowfall, the top layer gets significantly wet, on wet asphalt the foot is slightly, but slips. Overall, I'm very happy! "
Valkiria-ufa
“There are a lot of sneaker models now, and my eyes run wide. But I understand that sneakers are not beauty for the catwalk, they are “workhorses”. My choice fell on Asics spikes: reasonable price with good quality. For just 3000r, I became the owner of this miracle.
Durable and lightweight outsole, heel lock, waterproof, lacing is strong. The only drawback is that there is no mesh lining. Used for running and walking long distances and for jumping rope. I plan to wear for badminton: excellent grip + lightness "
CollectMen
“I started running forcibly: I had to prepare for the physical education exam, and I obviously had gaps. There it was necessary to pass a cross at 1000 meters, at speed. I had a stadium with asphalt available, where I started to jog. At first, I didn't know what to do in special shoes, so just a week later my knee began to hurt noticeably, and after two, both knees, both ankles hurt, and my thigh was already aching.
When the pain became completely unbearable - what to do: I had to interrupt the training. But the exam was just around the corner, so I went for special shoes - spikes. The Asics immediately loved the softness and good cushioning, all while being incredibly lightweight. Breathable upper material, not too long laces. I gave 3000r and got completely healthy and grateful legs. I passed the exam with excellent marks, and the spikes are still with me at every running workout - now I don’t live without running ”
Sunflowers
“I have been running for a long time, at one time I was even professionally. Twenty years ago spikes were exotic both in price and, if possible, to get them. And the quality left much to be desired. Then, when the finances allowed me and the models were no longer in short supply, I forked out for Asics cross-country runs (I run on intersections). At first I just put them on the shelf and was afraid to even touch them - it was so hard to believe that the dream had come true.
Then I put it on and realized what people lose when they run in ordinary massive sneakers. As a person with a technical education, I could not believe for a long time: how such a light and nimble sole can be so strong. He ran over sharp rock stones, and over protruding tree roots, and over gravel, if necessary. Neither the spikes nor the sole have even changed the appearance. And the top is as good as new. I haven’t run in the rain yet (I don’t like getting wet), but I did it through puddles. Do not get wet. Trust me: buy it - you won't regret it! "
Mickki rurc
It is important to understand that spikes for running are not a luxury and not a way to “let go of the show”. This is a necessity so that your legs do not hurt while running, injuries and troubles do not occur. And in professional sports, the use of running shoes is the key to good results and mandatory victories!
