400m equipment

Technically the most important important piece of equipment, after the sprinter’s own body, of course.

Sprinting shoes must be lightweight, tight-fitting but very comfortable, as they are usually worn sock-less when competing, to maximise the transfer of force from the body to the track.

 

While the shoe’s uppers are lightweight synthetic material or leather, the sole is rigid and usually made up of a “wedge”, from mid-heel to the ball of the foot, and a spike plate on the ball and tip. The plate houses the adaptable spikes (usually 8) and built-in risers, that ensure power transfer and traction through grip.