pole vault shoes

[PimpVaulter11]

I am looking to buy some pole vault spikes to jump with. I always have jumped in regular sprint spikes. I just want to know what spikes are confortable and which ones work the best.

[FrozenflameZero]

i just use oasics.. its not the shoes that make you any good... i practice in my sketchers sometimes, an i can still jump just as high...

[Russ]

My principal suggestion would be to get good heel support/protection. Nike and Reebok, I know, make spikes specifically designed for pole vault/triple jump (w/extra support & a good heel). I suspect - although I'm not certain what others think about this - that some distance spikes might be a good bet too, since they typically have a good heel on them too.

[lonestar]

A couple of basic guidelines:

Get a jump-specific spike. Sprint spikes, as mentioned earlier, don't have the same heel protection that vaulters need on their penultimate and takeoff steps. Also, the rigid spike plate helps put you on the balls of your feet better than generic spikes do, although it won't necessarily keep your feet in the dorsiflex positiion (toes pulled up towards the knee) when you run. It's important that the vaulter concentrate on sprinting with the feet dorsiflexed for optimal sprint efficiency, "push" down the runway, as well as lessening the chance of shin splints and other footstrike based injuries.

A lot of vaulters are wearing either Reebok or Nike pv/tj spikes. I prefer Nike simply because they fit my feet better, but a lot of vaulters I know prefer the Reebok's because they're a better fit. Mizuno also makes a decent jump spike.

If you don't want to pay an arm and a leg, order through Eastbay - www.eastbay.com.

Just a recommendation: practice mostly in your flats/trainers. Why? Better support and cushioning equals less chance of injury. Plus, they force you to have to run correctly since they don't have a rigid spike plate, but when you go to spikes, you'll be even more efficient. Not to say you shouldn't practice in spikes, but don't put them on until you really need that extra "snap" in your steps that you're not getting at the end of a practice session.

[rainbowgirl28]

I suspect - although I'm not certain what others think about this - that some distance spikes might be a good bet too, since they typically have a good heel on them too.

I've always used mid-distance spikes. I'll buy jump spikes next time I need some, but I am only on my 2nd pair of Asics (ever) and they have held up GREAT so I dunno. My first pair started to fall apart after my 2nd track season, but I have had these for 2 and a half years now, I almost always practice in them. They look like new almost. Nothing is falling off or tearing. They have even survived being stolen out of a car and being recovered by the cops

Mid distance or jump spikes are great for high schoolers who want to try almost every event and don't want to buy 5 pairs of spikes.

[Carolina21]

I use the Nike TJ/PV some people like the Nike LJ because they are a little lighter due to less heel protection. I have also heard good things about Mizuno PV spikes.

[ctvaulter]

Nike LJ because I do both events and shooting out $100 once is enough. I've used sprint spikes before and there is not much of a differance. When I'm jumping, as long as I can generate enough energy I care less about what I'm wearing.

[wlanier]

I've converted more than a few of my vaulters to vault/jump specific spikes. Like most vaulters I began (in high school) using flats, then used my one pair of spikes for hurdles, 400, relay's and vault. In college I purchased a pair of the old Adidas triple jumps, great shoes, all leather, still paying the credit card bill for them. They were discontinued, replaced by the current crop of synthetic junk. I bought a pair of the new ones, blew them out in a day and returned them for the Reebok's. I couldn't be happier with the Reebok spikes, and am on my 3rd pair. Most everyone I know in the vault community here in SoCal uses the Reebok's and loves them. The transition to a cantilevered (rocker) toe plate can be strange, but once you leave sprint spikes you'll never go back. The support is key for a good run and stable take off. If you're in the San Diego area Movin' Shoes carries the Reebok and Mizuno jump spikes, so you can actually fit them instead of guessing over the internet.

[Erin_Shafer]

Some good pv shoes to buy from my point of view is the Nike Zoom pv/tj off of eastbay for $89.99, this is the first time I have used these type of shoes and I think it helped my running because the way they are made, it forces you to run on the ball of your feet instead of your heals and I had a faster run, and it gets you to jump off the ground better for your plant. They are really light, very comfortable. I know about 8 other vaulters who have used these shoes in the past year, and they agreed that they liked using them. I even wished I used them in high school it could have helped me get to the 13'0 mark last year, but I settle with 12'6, by using long jump spikes. I hope this helps ya.

[aqpv]

It doesn't make you any better but it is a lot more comfortable and a lot better on your shins. I recommend the Teneo Kangaroo Triple Jump / Pole Vault Shoes, they are really nice.