Running Shoes
Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment an athlete requires for track. Each athlete should have a good pair of running shoes. Most of the well-known manufacturers (Nike, Adidas, Tigers, Reebok, Brooks, etc.) supply quality running shoes. Please check that the upper part of the shoe is mounted squarely on the sole (not lopsided) and that there is enough padding to absorb the shock of running.
NO CROSS-TRAINERS, BASKETBALL, OR HIGH TOP SHOES SHOULD BE USED FOR PRACTICES OR MEETS!!
Shoes for track & field are different from cross country, so be sure to talk to someone knowledgeable about running shoes if you are new to this sport. For personal service and a proper fitting on spikes or any other type of running shoe, choose stores such as:
Phidippides
16545 Ventura Boulevard (a block or so east of Balboa)
Encino, CA 91436
818.986.8686All-Pro Sports
16919 Ventura Boulevard (about ½ block west of Balboa)
Encino, CA 91436
818.981.5264
Both stores typically give a 10% discount if you tell them you are a Northridge Pacer.
One of the best sites on the web for shoe information is Runners World. After you visit the home page, just click on "Shoes and Gear". They independently review all brands, and the difference between them.
In addition, the Northridge Pacers collects running shoes that have been outgrown, but not worn out. At our Granada Hills facility, we have shoes available in various sizes and condition. If you have shoes that your children have outgrown, bring them with you to practice, and they may live on, allowing another child the fun of running. If you need shoes, check out our supply.
Spikes
For all divisions except Gremlin, spikes may be used for Track & Field, but are not required (Gremlins are not allowed to use spikes). Spikes will not be allowed for practices unless cleared with your child’s coach, as injuries can result from wearing spikes on a daily basis.
If your child is at the peak of his/her age group and is looking for an edge, then spikes might help. If s/he is not at the upper level of competition, the advantage is not that apparent. Many of the tracks we compete on have all-weather surfaces and footing is excellent (CSUN, our home track,is this type of surface). On cinder or dirt tracks, spikes can be a big plus…especially in the sprints.
Proper-sized spikes can be purchased from our club or from any local sporting goods store. Note that spikes come in different sizes for different surfaces. Spikes for all-weather tracks are smaller, typically called "pyramid"; dirt-track spikes are longer and are not allowed on all-weather tracks due to damage they can cause to the surface.
Spikes should not be worn on hard surfaces as it will wear down the tips. At meets, children should not wear spikes all day – just when it is time to run – removing them after each event.