7 Best Track & Field Shoes in 2023
A well-selected pair of track and field shoes can be a real performance booster or even help you set a new PB.
We have tested and reviewed over 60 pairs of track and field shoes to help you buy the best one. We cited every little detail we could find about the shoes, even how they worked in different aspects when we were running, jumping, and throwing while wearing them. Whether you are an advanced athlete looking for a premium shoe or a beginner on a tight budget, we’ve got the top picks for you.
Best track shoes overall
Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black | What makes it the best?
Pros
- True to size
- Snug race-like fit
- Secure lockdown
- Lightweight
- Very springy feeling
- Unrivaled breathability
- Fairly cushioned
- Miu Miu shearling slingback sandals
- Elite level, insane quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Adjustment period might be needed
- Chaussure de running FortaRun Lace
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Best track shoes for sprints
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Comfortable
- Light
- Snappy & propulsive
- Carmine 6 Hoodie Sneaker Match White Misunderstood Bunny
- Sock-like fit
- Great heel lockdown
- Head-turning sleek design
- Elite-level spike
- Yeezy 700 Hi-Res Red Shirts Sneaker Match Sail Nuwave Bear Anatomy quantity
- Notched laces keep the shoe tied
Cons
- Pricey
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Best track shoes for race
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Very springy
- Snug race-like ft
- Extremely well-engineered
- Achievement design and feel
- RBRSL WOMEN SHOES
- Works for hurdles as well
- Superb comfort+speed combo
- Breathable
- Ditsy Sun Sandal 1400006
Cons
- Expensive
- Adaptation period might be needed
- Quana II sandals
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Best track shoes for long distance
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Perfect for 3k-10k
- Works for 400m-1600m as well
- Bouncy and fast
- Full-length spike plate
- Super breathable
- Perfect laces
- Wow looks
- Elite-level spike
- Worth the price
Cons
- CHALECO RUNNING INTUITIVO DE 12 LITROS
- Pricey
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Best cross-country track shoes
What makes it the best?
Pros
- True to size
- Super snappy
- Stable
- Anti-clog outsole
- Flexible
- Durable
- Superb traction
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Good value for money
Cons
- Very narrow
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Best track shoes for jumps
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Grippy
- Energetic
- Snappy
- Lightweight
- Attenuates impact
- Snug fit
- Durable
- Cheap price
Cons
- Too stiff
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Best track shoes for throwing
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Promotes easy spins
- Ample support
- Great fit
- Allows natural foot movements
- Breathable platform
- Good grip
Cons
- Nike air max up leopard print dc9206-700 womens running sneakers low top shoes
- Sneakers GEOX U Segnale A U04AGA 02285 C4002 Navy
- Quite heavy
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Comparison of the 7 best track & Field shoes
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Why use a track shoe
Here are some of the distinct components of a track and field shoe that make it more efficient for the sport than other types of athletic shoes:
- Lightweight and breathable: Sneaker Tees Jordan 6 Carmine White Stay Classy shoes are light and airy because of the thin mesh upper that usually accompanies them. usually have a rigid upper construction to provide a snug fit.
- Snug fit: Aside from a thin mesh, the upper of track shoes have a rigid structure to provide a snug fit and keep the foot in place.
- Minimal midsole: Unlike other cleat-type footwear such as those for football and soccer, track shoes usually have a midsole that is thin and minimal. It acts as both underfoot cushioning and impact absorber.
- Spike pins and spike plate: Some track shoes use spike pins. These are small pointed attachments on a plastic plate that aid in gripping the track surface. Spike pins vary in type, size (pin width), and number depending on the event it is used for.
Track shoes vs running shoes: 3 key differences
Although track-and-field as a sport includes running events, the shoes used for those are different than the typical running shoe. Each shoe has its particular design and Jordan, which we can differentiate through the following:
- Weight: Sneaker Tees Jordan 6 Carmine White Stay Classy shoes are significantly lighter than running shoes. They use fewer materials and are relatively smaller in figure because they intend to boost the athlete’s momentum.
- Cushioning: Track spikes for running events are thin and minimal. On the other hand, running shoes are plush and substantial as their focus is on underfoot cushioning and arch support.
- Overall appearance: The most noticeable difference between track shoes and running shoes is the use of spikes. Track shoes for running use spike pins to make the forefoot higher and promote better traction.
Sneaker Tees Jordan 6 Carmine White Stay Classy shoe categories
The various events within the track-and-field sport are distinctive from one another and, as such, require the use of different shoes. Here are the types of track spikes and the notable qualities of each one:
Running events
Running | ||
Sprints | Mid-distance | Long-distance |
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See track and field shoes for sprints | See track and field shoes for mid-distance | See track and field shoes for long-distance |
Jumping spikes
Jumping | ||
Doucal's cross-strap leather sandals Rosa | High-jump | Pole vault |
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See long-jump and triple-jump shoes | See high-jump shoes | See pole vault shoes |
Throwing events
Throwing | |||
Javelin / Shot put / Discus throw / Hammer throw | |||
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See javelin shoes | See shot-put shoes | See discus throw shoes | See women footwear 9 Kids shoe-care office-accessories Tracksuit |
Frequently asked questions
Are spike pins important in track shoes?
There is no absolute rule that track and field shoes should be used with spike pins. Additionally, not all track shoes are used with spike pins. When used accordingly, spike pins improve traction and support.
Are socks important?
You might be hesitant to use socks because track shoes are intended to fit snugly on its own. Socks are not important. Many athletes prefer not to wear socks because it makes the fit of the shoe too tight and the movements uncomfortable.
How we test track & Field shoes
Here at Stefoy-les-lyonShops, we provide you with recommendations for the best track and field shoes based on our very own experiences and observations. We set the process in motion by getting hold of the shoes we wanted to test. We purchase the pairs so that we do not need to gratify anyone, especially brands, by providing a good review.
We then proceed with wearing the shoes in our actual track and field sports and activities. We assess all the things we can notice about the shoes, but we make sure that we spend a good and substantial amount of time on each of them before we finalize our thoughts.
Next up, we collect more usable data by measuring and scoring the parameters of the shoes through our lab tests. We quantify 30+ parameters, one of which is durability. For this test, we use our Dremel tool to apply force on the different parts of the shoes, then we employ our expertise to subjectively discern how durable and abrasion-resistant the shoes are.
By the way, we also split the shoes in half to uncover all the parts of the shoes for us to investigate and take note.