FAQ

Aerospikes achieve this level of lightweight efficiency through a combination of the aerospace grade material they are made from and the unique design structure which aerospikes have. The enhanced titanium alloy we use to make aerospikes is exceptionally light and very strong. Due to these strength properties it is possible for aerospikes to have an internal stepped cavity extending from the base up into the spike head itself without compromising the structural integrity of the unit.

Aerospikes are made from Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy which is then further enhanced by type (II) titanium anodizing. Due to the exceptional properties of this material and despite being more than three times lighter, you can expect aerospikes not only to last longer than regular spikes made from the more common stainless steels but will outlast other lightweight spikes made from much softer materials many times over.

Any direct comparisons of durability in relation to steel spikes in general however is difficult due to the many different types of steel available and the lack of clarity from spike retailers over exactly which type of steel they might be using. However, as you can imagine most types of steel spikes will be made from stainless steel due to their anti-corrosion properties and out of these then the austenitic grades 304 and 316 stainless steels are probably the most commonly produced and used stainless steels throughout the world due to their low cost and ease of manufacturing. If your steel spikes are made out of these then aerospikes will be significantly stronger and harder and so will last longer. Further to this there are also different grades of steels with a much higher carbon content that have increased strength and hardness properties which can also be enhanced through various forms of treatment. Spikes made from these materials have the capability to be more durable than titanium alloy although regardless they will always be a lot heavier. If you’re ever in any doubt about what type of steel is being used for your spikes then ask your supplier.

Irrespective of this, currently some of the latest track shoes are being manufactured with fixed titanium spikes which can't be replaced and this probably gives an indication of how long they are expected to last. Ultimately, your training frequency and event activity will determine at what point you need to start thinking about replacing them. In the meantime, you can look after your aerospikes by keeping them where they belong... on the track or field. Walking about on concrete will not do your aerospikes any favours at all.

As soon as titanium is exposed to oxygen in the air (or even in water) it immediately forms a thin layer of titanium oxide which lies on top of the titanium as a protective film. It is this protective film which gives titanium it’s excellent anti corrosion properties and protects the material underneath from the conditions which cause other metals to rust.

Type II Titanium surface processing is widely used in aerospace applications and has a grading of Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) 2488. This specialised anodizing technique results in aerospikes having an extra thick coating of titanium oxide which increases surface hardness and improves abrasion resistance. These enhanced properties also help to guard against any galling or seizing between the screw thread and the metallic housing of the shoe itself.

Yes. The aerospace grade surface treatment results in an extra thick layer of protective titanium oxide which is functional as opposed to cosmetic. Other colours achieved through the normal anodizing process for cosmetic purposes are not possible with this technique.

The size of spike you require will depend on several different factors such as the event you’re competing in, track regulations, personal preference and, for cross country runners, the weather and the terrain. We can’t tell you definitively what kind of spike you will need but as some very general guidance..

Middle and long distance runners on the track will usually opt for a smaller spike (3mm – 5mm) which will provide decent traction and grip for all those laps around the track. For shorter distances and sprint events, 6mm spikes will provide more traction and grip and are the probably the most commonly used spikes in track and field. If you are just starting out and unsure of what spike size to use then 6mm spikes are probably your best option. Note that 6mm spikes are actually 6.35mm in length although they are more commonly known as just 6mm or ¼ inch spikes.

For the athletic field disciplines athletes can opt for longer spikes anywhere between 6mm – 12mm, but again this will be dictated by personal preference and local track regulations.

World athletic rules for track and field state that the maximum size of spike should not be more than 9mm with the exception of high jump and javelin where athletes can use spikes up to 12mm. However, remember that these are the maximum sizes allowed and many tracks and competition events will have their own rules which will take precedence and that you need to be aware of. The best advice we can give you is always check with the event organisers to make sure you are fully aware of the spike regulations specific to the track and the event you will be competing in. The last thing you need after months of training is to get to the call room before your event only to find out that the officials are checking spikes and you’re wearing the wrong size.

For cross country runners, the size of spike you need will depend on the terrain and the weather. If you’re running on grass and the terrain is relatively firm and dry then 6mm or 9mm spikes should be fine. If the weather is bad and the course is muddy then 9mm spikes will definitely provide better traction while some runners will opt for much longer spikes (12mm – 15mm) for maximum grip.

We’re sorry that the size you want is out of stock but it won’t be for long and we’re working hard to make more. Aerospikes are precision engineered and finished to very high standards and that takes time so unlike other suppliers we don’t have huge amounts in stock ready to ship. If you’re waiting on a particular spike then please send us an email with your request and we’ll let you know when they’re ready. It shouldn’t be more than a couple of weeks.