Running shoes for running track by Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Saucony, Asics

Track shoes, or track spikes, are shoes used at most athletics events. They are lightweight shoes with spikes screwed into their bottom, or spike plate, in order to maximize performance when running.

Near the front of the foot, there are usually 5 to 8 holes where the spikes may be screwed using a spike wrench. There are usually no spikes near the heel, except for high jump and javelin shoes. Some spikes have permanent or "fixed" spikes.

While all track and field shoes are referred to as "track spikes", there are differences between sprinting, distance running, and field event shoes. Sprint spikes generally have more support, and a stiffer, more aggressive spike plate. Distance spikes have a more relaxed plate, and are generally lighter weight with breathable uppers. Field spikes are specific to their events. For example, high jump shoes have spikes in the heel to ensure traction when planting for the jump.

Different sizes and styles of spikes can be inserted into the the wells in the shoe, depending on the intended purpose. Longer spikes, up to a half inch long, are used for competing on cinder tracks and for use in cross country. Shorter "needle" spikes are used for rubber racing tracks. Compression or "x-mas tree" spikes are a newer design that compress the track under the spike instead of puncturing it, therefore reducing track wear.

Adidas is a sports apparel manufacturer, part of the Adidas-Salomon corporation. Adidas was named after its founder. It registered as Adidas AG on 18 August 1949. The company's clothing and shoe designs typically include three parallel stripes of the same color, and the same motif is incorporated into Adidas' official logos.

Nike, Inc. is a major manufacturer of athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment, marketing its products under its own brand as well as Air Jordan, Nike Golf, Team Starter (among others), and under brands from wholly owned subsidiaries including Bauer, Cole Haan, Converse, and Hurley International. The company takes its name from the Greek goddess of victory, Nike.

The main appeal of the New Balance shoe is the varying widths in which they are made. New Balance shoes are offered in up to six different widths. Since New Balance shoes are designed to be worn for athletic purposes, other features have been integrated as well. ABZORB® is a shock attenuating, cushioning addition to many styles and categories of shoe. The Rollbar®Stability System consists of a graphite plate and is designed to keep the foot in a neutral plane during the gait cycle. Stability Web® is a lightweight web-like structure used to maintain stability and midfoot support. The Walking Strike Path™, designed specifically for walking shoes, follows the pressure path that occurs during the gait cycle. The N-ergy S.C. System™ is the newest technology from New Balance. New Balance carries shoes for both men and women, specifically designed for different sports, including walking, running, cross-training, tennis, basketball, golf, football, cheering and track and field. The brand also carries apparel and equipment for these various sports.

ASICS footwear is known for its track and field, cross training and running shoes. Many professional athletes are paid to wear ASICS. ASICS is an athletic shoe company that started in 1949. Asics produces shoes designed for running, track & field, and for many other sports. Asics shoes were introduced into The United States in 1977.

Saucony is an American manufacturer of athletic shoes. The company has roots going back to 1910 when Russian immigrant Abraham Hyde started a shoe store in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In June 2005 the Stride Rite Corporation, the maker of Keds, Sperry Top-Sider and others, announced an agreement to acquire Saucony. Both companies are based in the Boston area, Stride Rite in Lexington and Saucony in Peabody.