Do Spikes Increase Friction? Benefits of Wearing Spikes for Runners

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SUMMARY

Wearing spikes increases friction for runners by allowing them to push against the sides of the holes created, directing some normal force forward. While spikes provide essential grip for sprinters during high acceleration phases, they may reduce efficiency for middle and long-distance runners due to the energy required to extract the spikes from the track with each stride. The coefficient of friction plays a crucial role in determining the maximum horizontal force achievable, which is critical for performance. Ultimately, spikes are beneficial for sprinting but can hinder efficiency in longer races.

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  • Understanding of friction and its role in running dynamics
  • Knowledge of the physics behind running shoes and spikes
  • Familiarity with the coefficient of friction and its implications
  • Basic concepts of sprinting versus distance running techniques
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  • Learn about the coefficient of friction in sports science
  • Explore the biomechanics of sprinting versus distance running
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Does wearing spikes increase friction if so how?

Is the main benefit of wearing spikes because it allows the runner to push against the side of the hole it makes, therefore directing a portion of the normal force forwards, unlike normal running where friction pushes the runner forward?

Middle and long distance runners in track often don't wear shoes with spikes. This is because they aren't pushing hard enough that there is a risk of slipping https://kaitcphysicsoftrack.weebly....rip onto the,spike makes - no friction needed.

How does not pushing hard enough result in a risk of slipping? Or is this statement untrue and if so why?
 
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Because of the coefficient of friction, there is a maximum horizontal force through contact with the ground. This also depends on how hard you can push into the ground.

If you want more than the maximum you get from simple friction then you need spikes. Sprinters may need this at least for the high acceleration phase.

Ultimately, using spikes on a good track may be less efficient, which is not a problem for sprinting but is for longer distances.
 
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PeroK said:
Because of the coefficient of friction, there is a maximum horizontal force through contact with the ground. This also depends on how hard you can push into the ground.

If you want more than the maximum you get from simple friction then you need spikes. Sprinters may need this at least for the high acceleration phase.

Ultimately, using spikes on a good track may be less efficient, which is not a problem for sprinting but is for longer distances.

Why is it less efficient? It seems like getting spikes into the ground doesn't take anymore energy than running without spikes?
 
aspodkfpo said:
Why is it less efficient? It seems like getting spikes into the ground doesn't take anymore energy than running without spikes?
You might have to look at specific sports science to get the best answer to that. Spikes have to be pulled out of the track with every step. Over a distance race that small extra effort might make a small difference. If you take the extreme case of very long spikes, then clearly it would be an effort to move at all!
 
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PeroK said:
You might have to look at specific sports science to get the best answer to that. Spikes have to be pulled out of the track with every step. Over a distance race that small extra effort might make a small difference. If you take the extreme case of very long spikes, then clearly it would be an effort to move at all!
When being pulled out, friction is exerted by the side of the walls downwards, thereby resulting in more energy expended?
 
aspodkfpo said:
When being pulled out, friction is exerted by the side of the walls downwards, thereby resulting in more energy?
Yes, there is friction on the sides when you pull something out. If you stick a knife or spike into something it takes effort to extract it. For running spikes that must be a small extra effort, but may add up over thousands of strides. And, if you don't need the extra grip that the spikes give you, then it's wasted effort. If you are sprinting, then the extra effort over a few dozen or a hundred strides is negligible, but the extra grip may be invaluable in powering along.

That's the simplistic theory I can give you. Note that I've qualified everything I've said, as I'm no expert in the science of running shoes. If you want to know more, then I'm sure the Internet has plenty on the sports science of running spikes.
 
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aspodkfpo said:
When being pulled out, friction is exerted by the side of the walls downwards, thereby resulting in more energy expended?
Then you push them in, you are dissipating energy into kinetic friction. When you pull them out, you are dissipating energy into kinetic friction. It is a lose-lose situation.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
Then you push them in, you are dissipating energy into kinetic friction. When you pull them out, you are dissipating energy into kinetic friction. It is a lose-lose situation.
Yes, wrt the pushing in, in effect you are running uphill slightly, like running on soft ground.