Carbon Fibre vs. Traditional Spikes: Which Offers the Competitive Edge?

Innovation in athletics is nothing new – since the first time humans attempted to beat one another in a race, innovators have tried to determine how to get the competitive advantage. Innovation has heated up significantly in recent decades, driven by technological advances. In athletics, few innovations can compare to those made to running spikes. Carbon fibre running spikes have become the norm in athletics. However, it’s still essential to understand how they stand up against traditional spikes – and what competitive advantage can be gained from using them.

Performance and Speed Enhancement

Carbon fibre spikes help improve athletes’ speed, so many are switching to them. With carbon fibre plates in the midsole, you get better energy return with each pace. Carbon fibre plates have been popular in road racing for some time now, and that popularity is quickly spreading to track racing. The big positive of better energy return is efficiency – less energy the human body creates is lost. Instead, it is used by the runner. It also reduces fatigue, which is a massive advantage in distance competitions.

The contrast with traditional spikes, generally made with rigid materials, is clear. Though rigid materials provide excellent grip and traction, they don’t have the same level of energy return. This stability has definite advantages, particularly at the start of a race. However, the energy return enjoyed by carbon fibre wearers will typically be more beneficial for performance, particularly over longer distances.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is essential in any sports gear – shoes are the most hard-worn items for most athletes. Quality shoes can be pricy, and most athletes want to know they’re getting a good return on their investment. Though expensive shoes that don’t last long might be fine for athletes at the very top, most athletes can’t afford to replace their running shoes too often. This is one area where carbon fibre doesn’t quite match traditional materials. Because carbon fibre plates are rigid, they allow for good energy return and leave them vulnerable to stress fractures over time. Traditional spikes are known for being hardy – they’re made from materials designed to withstand regular, repetitive, high-impact use.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is something that should be taken seriously by all athletes. It’s not just about enjoying yourself – it’s about preventing injury and maintaining motivation. Carbon fibre spikes are often considered less comfortable because of their rigidity. Because traditional spikes are made with more flexible materials, they are usually preferred by more casual or leisurely athletes. That being said, many athletes can and have gotten used to the rigidity of carbon fibre running spikes – and the results in performance speak for themselves.

The Verdict: Which Is Better?

Ultimately, it’s up to each athlete to decide if carbon fibre or traditional spikes are the best for them. It will often come down to what they want from the shoes—if maximum speed and the best tech are a priority, carbon fibre is the way to go. But traditional spikes are often the clear winner if you prioritise comfort and durability.

It’s also important to remember that performance goes beyond just footwear. There are other factors to take into account, particularly when it comes to the running environment. Innovations like bright running tracks, which innovators like Feldspar are developing, provide invaluable insights into performance data, helping runners make the most of their footwear choices. Regardless of your choice, access to real-time data and training feedback can be a game-changer in pursuing athletic excellence.