Nike Track and Field Spikes

Background
Track and Field spikes are used by most athletes in the sport of athletics. Commonly associated with running events, track and field spikes are also used in vertical jumps, horizontal jumps, and weight throw events. Nike, Inc has released a number of different models of track and field spikes, specializing in Athletics events such as sprints, distance, high jump, long jump, pole vault, and javelin. The lightweight shoes are designed for increased traction on rubber or Mondo surfaces. Most spikes consist of a half or full length plate on the sole of the shoe, accompanied by replaceable pins. The placement and number of pins depends on the event the shoe is designed for, and the model of the shoe itself. Pins vary in length and are interchangeable by screwing them in and out using a special spike wrench. Other brands of track and field spikes include Adidas, New Balance, Mizuno, Saucony, Reebok, and Asics.
History
Nike track spikes were designed and created by famous head coach William Bill Bowerman of Eugene, Oregon. He is the co-founder of Nike, Inc, and is best known for coaching University of Oregon and American Olympian distance runner Steve Prefontaine. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he trained a number of other athletes, sending thirty one to Olympic Games, and many more to national championships in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). He and his partner, Phil Knight, officially began making athletic footwear under the company name “Nike” in 1964. Bowerman custom-made his athletes shoes, and was even known to use his wife’s waffle iron. Nike named the “Bowerman Series” track spikes after the co-founder and they are still being produced and sold today.
Nike Footwear Today
In recent years, Nike track spikes have been used by such renowned middle-distance runners as Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco, Bernard Lagat of the United States (formerly Kenya), and Rui Silva of Portugal who were the top three medalists (respectively) at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 in the 1,500 meter event . Nike continues to release new and innovative track and field spikes that are being further specialized for certain events. Weight and durability are key features of the newest models. The Nike Zoom Victory for example, weighs only 3.2 ounces and is made of high strength “Nike Flywire” technology. The Nike Zoom Matumbo weighs only 3 ounces
Notes and references
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