All eyes on are Tokyo this month as the world unites through sport to watch athletes from across the globe compete for their countries at the Olympic Games. After four, well in this case five long years of drive, discipline, and determination, it is finally time to see them showcase their talent on a global stage.

As one of the official partners of Athletics Australia and their Sporting Schools program, we have put together everything you need to know about athletic footwear, just in time for the start of the athletics season. Athletics Australia is the governing body of athletics in Australia, and they work to encourage and promote the sport around the country. Their Sporting Schools program is designed to increase children’s participation in sport and connect them to community opportunities.

What type of athletic shoes do I need?

There are three main types of athletics shoes: running shoes, waffles, and spikes.

Running shoes are a great all-rounder shoe and a great option for young athletes.

Waffles are spikeless shoes, ideal for kids under 12. Whilst they can be used in all athletic events, they are the best cross country running and jumping events. Check out the ASICS GEL-Firestorm Kids, one of our bestselling styles.

Spikes are the ideal shoe for athletes 12 and above and are best for short-distance track events. They provide grip to propel runners forward but do not provide much cushioning. Did you know the first track spikes date back to the 1850s? Fast forward to today, spikes have evolved into innovative competition footwear.

How should athletic shoes fit?

When fitting athletic shoes, you want a snug fit in comparison to running shoes to stay as light and efficient as possible. The shoe should fit the natural shape of your foot and there should be no slip on the heel.

For short-distance, high jump, and long jump events, the shoe should have no cushioning. As the running distance increases, look for a shoe with a small amount of cushioning through the heel. For long-distance events over 400m, a shoe with heel to forefront cushioning will offer propulsion and comfort.

Here at The Athlete’s Foot, we pride ourselves on being the experts in FIT. Our Fit technicians will find your perfect fit using our MyFit 3D technology. So come and talk to us in-store or virtually.

How to care for your athletic shoes?

Caring for your track shoes means not to use them for anything but the track. This will extend the lifetime of shoes. Try our range of cleaners to remove dirt and stains, repel water and remove odour.

Now that you’ve got the low down on athletics shoes, it’s time to watch our athletes in action in Tokyo. For some extra inspiration check out some of our Australian Athlete’s in their final training sessions before heading off to Tokyo. Go AUSTRALIA!