Sprint Spikes
Sprint spikes feature two types of spike plates: Rigid plates are made for power runners, while smaller, lightweight plates offer more flexibility for agile runners. Sprint spikes are designed for races up to 400M and hurdles.

A long spike plate is designed to better keep the athlete on their toes by not allowing the heel to touch the ground.
A shorter spike plate is very flexible, for the sprinter who wants a good flexing plate in a shoe that closely conforms to the foot.
A mid-size spike plate is a composite of the shorter and longer lengths for athletes seeking a balance in flexibility and rigidity from their sprint spike.

Mid-Distance Spikes
Designed for 400-meter to 1,500-meter events, mid-distance spikes provide heel cushioning and have a flexible forefoot plate. Hurdlers like them for the heel protection and weight. They're almost lightweight enough to be sprint shoes. They adapt very well to horizontal events such as the long jump and triple jump.

Distance Spikes
Designed for 1,500-meter to 10,000-meter events, distance spikes provide the most heel cushioning of any track spike because the runner's heel hits the ground so many times over a long distance. These spikes, which generally have flexible plates, also can be used for multi-purpose events and cross country.

Covered Spikes vs. Track Flats
Multi-purpose covered spikes can be worn as spikes or flats both indoors and outdoors on all track surfaces. They have an EVA midsole wedge for cushioning and can double as a cross-country spike.
Track flats are extremely lightweight. They are made for track events where spikes are not allowed and for cross country.

Road Flats
Designed for road races, these shoes feature more support and cushioning than standard track flats. They also are lighter than training shoes and built to deliver race-day quickness, speed and agility.