Pole Vault Spikes Guide

A Beginners Guide to PV Spikes

By Devin Miller

Edited by Peter Chapman

    This "article" is for beginning pole vaulters or really anyone who is curious as to why you have to specifically go out and buy pole vault spikes. Not sprint spikes or mid distance spikes, but pole vault spikes.

 What is arguably the most important aspect to pole vault spikes is the heel to toe cushioning. This thick outer sole you find on pole vault spikes is there because we, as pole vaulters, have to jump in order to propel ourselves over ridiculous heights.

The sole cushions our feet and aids in preventing injury to our legs and feet from repetitive jumping.

Another aspect to many pole vaulting spikes is a strap in order to lock down your mid-foot. The reason for this is because you want every movement to be precise when running down the runway and you want to be locked down into the shoe in order to get the best use out of the spikes in your shoe.

 

Spike Placement:

Almost every single pole vault shoe has a certain spike orientation in the forefoot. This placement allows for us to generate the greatest speed when running down the runway. Avoid high jump spikes that have spikes in the heel. These encourage running more on your heels and slows you down drastically affecting your vault.

Buying Spikes:

When it comes to purchasing pole vault spikes there is a lot of advertising and marketing in your face. The best advice I can give is to find what feels right for you. If the Nike PV line of shoes doesn't feel right on your feet then don’t buy them just because you see most people wearing them at meets. Go to a running store and try on as many options as you can and choose what feels the best for you. Thank you and good luck!