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My Nike Zoom TJ/PV spike shoes just came in the mail.

There were two sets of spikes I believe (sharp spikes, and another set that are not sharp but are more of a rectangular shape).

Which spikes should I use for pole vaulting? And why are there two sets of different types of spikes?

The rectangular type are NOT christmas tree spikes.


ALSO, where do I put the flat spikes that came with the shoes. Or do I use them at all?

are the rectangles blanks? alot of spikes come with some blanks to put in spots where you dont want a spike, i dont know if you know what blanks are but that would be my guess, if im wrong maby you could send a picture or find one online so i know what you are talking about. but if you dont know what blanks are, then all they are is just a "place holder" so that if you ever do want to up a spike in that spot, it wont be full of stuff and impossible to screw in. i like to put a blank in the middle so i dont have the pressure of a spike shooting into the pad of my foot


in this picutre "a" is a blank

I have flat spikes (blanks) but also these spikes that are the same length as regular spikes but there are not pointed, but rectangular shaped

in most cases when you order shoes you just ditch the spikes that came with em and put in your own pyramids.... but i think the nike zoom tj/pv accualy come with 1/4in pyramids (black pointy ones that kinda rounded).. they should be good

bushy_12 wrote:My Nike Zoom TJ/PV spike shoes just came in the mail.

There were two sets of spikes I believe (sharp spikes, and another set that are not sharp but are more of a rectangular shape).

Which spikes should I use for pole vaulting? And why are there two sets of different types of spikes?

The rectangular type are NOT christmas tree spikes.


ALSO, where do I put the flat spikes that came with the shoes. Or do I use them at all?

I know what you are talking about. Those rectangular spikes are illegal at some tracks, so definitely check with your track coach and make sure you have 1/4" pyramids instead.

The flat spikes are called blanks and it's your preference if you want to use them. They are for places where you don't want spikes, so that dirt doesn't get in the hole.

why wouldn't you want spikes in some of the holes?

Also, if the rectangular spikes are legal, is it better to use them (better performance)

bushy_12 wrote:why wouldn't you want spikes in some of the holes?

Also, if the rectangular spikes are legal, is it better to use them (better performance)

Some people like to leave some out. I've always used all of them, but it's a matter of personal preference.

I would argue that any performance benefit from using one type of spike versus another is marginal at best, and it's better to have spikes in all season that you know are legal on all tracks, then to have to deal with the stress of having to unexpectedly change your spikes at the last minute at a meet.

Why are those rectangular spikes illegal at some tracks?

the rectangle ones probably dont go into the rubber as smoothly and can tear the rubber up after a while