Track spikes are essential for sprinters, middle-distance runners, and other track athletes looking to maximize their performance. However, the sharp spike pins on the soles, designed for dripping the track surface, can pose some challenges off the track.
This is where track spike covers can be game-changers. They are a simple yet effective accessory that helps protect your spikes, gear, and the areas outside the track. Here’s what you need to know about track spike covers and why they are a worthwhile investment for every runner who wears spikes.
What Are Track Spike Covers?
Track spike covers are rubber or plastic covers that fit snugly over your track spikes. They come in several different styles and are designed to:
- Protect your spikes from the wear and tear of walking on hard surfaces such as concrete or pavement.
- Prevent damage to floors, especially indoor facilities such as locker rooms, gyms, and hallways.
- Enhance Safety, reducing the risk of slipping and getting hurt when not on the track.
Photo credit: Keyena.com
The Benefits of Track Spike Covers
Prolongs the Life of Your Spikes
Walking on hard surfaces can dull or damage your spikes, making them less effective on the track and also wearing them out prematurely. Covers protect the spikes from unnecessary wear, ensuring they remain sharp and functioning at their best.
Protect Indoor Surfaces
Sharp spikes can scratch or gouge the floor in indoor facilities, potentially causing expensive repairs. Spike covers act as a barrier, preventing damage to surfaces not suitable for walking on spikes.
Enhances Convenience
Spike covers allow you to move quickly between the track and other areas without changing your shoes. This can save a lot of time during training sessions and competitions. They are also great for allowing runners to go to the washroom or change rooms between events without changing shoes first.
Improved Safety
If you’ve ever worn track spikes, you know that they can be very slippery on hard surfaces, increasing the risk of slipping and falling. Covers provide additional grip, making it safer to walk off-track without changing shoes.
Protect Your Other Gear
When your spikes are in your track bag, they can tear other items inside your bag as you move around. Covers prevent this from happening, saving you from showing up at the track with ripped shorts or a punctured water bottle.
Types of Track Spike Covers
Even though they are a relatively new innovation, a few different types of track spike covers are already available.
Slip-On Covers
The most common type is slip-on covers, typically made from durable rubber or plastic that stretches to cover the spike plate. These covers are lightweight and easy to put on and take off.
Full-Sole Covers
Full-sole covers provide complete coverage of the shoe’s sole, offering extra protection for the spikes and the shoe itself. These covers are ideal for runners who frequently move between track and non-track areas throughout an event.
Custom-Fit Covers
Some shoe manufacturers now often custom covers specifically for models of track spikes, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
Tips for Using Track Spike Covers
Choose the Right Size
Ensure the covers you choose fit your spike plate snugly to prevent them from slipping off. Different styles of spikes may require different sizes of spike covers.
Inspect Them Regularly
Check for wear and tear on your covers frequently, and replace them if they become damaged or worn out.
Clean Them After Use
Dirt and debris can accumulate inside the covers, which can affect the way they fit and also cause damage to your shoes. Rinse them off after each use to achieve the maximum benefit.
Proper Storage
Keep your covers in a designated spot so they are always easy to find when you need them.
Reviews
Even though track spike covers are relatively new to the market, they are getting great reviews from sprinters around the globe who have begun using them. Not only do they help to protect their spikes, but they also make moving around the track and field area freely much easier, and without having to worry about damaging their spikes or the surfaces they’re walking on.
TrackSpikes.co is currently working on its own version of track spikes covers. These will allow runners to purchase not only their shoes and spikes from TrackSpikes.co but also their spike covers, recovery tools, and other accessories runners need.
Once released, these covers will be a game-changer for runners of all abilities, as they’ll help to keep your new track spikes looking and performing at their best for as long as possible.
Track spike covers may seem like a small accessory, but they play a significant role in protecting your investment in performance footwear. By prolonging the life of your spikes, protecting indoor surfaces, and enhancing safety, they really are a must-have for all track athletes. Whether training or competing, keeping a pair of spike covers in your gear bag ensures you’re always prepared - both on and off the track.
