800m equipment
The 800m runner’s essential piece of equipment, besides his own body, are his or her shoes. They have to be extremely light and at the same time provide traction and foot support.
In the close-quarters confines of the lane 1 struggle for positions, shoes must be tight and precise enough to allow for nimble footwork and direction-changing. Hence the sole must be responsive, flexing only where it needs to, giving an efficient footstrike on every stride.
Uppers are usually built with air mesh or similar fabrics, for lightness and breathability. The midsole is made of plastic and foam composites to cushion the foot and provide propulsion after the footstrike.
The spike plate, typically with 6 lightweight spikes, is in the forefoot section of the sole.
