How to take care of running spikes

Expert Advice on Running Shoes
How to take care of running spikes

I stick my hand straight up and say I wasn't that great at this when I was a teenager! The fun was in using them – not maintaining them.

On more than one occasion my spikes ended up in my metalwork teacher's vice, with him (thankfully) removing my stuck-in spikes. I did learn to look after them eventually, so here are some tips on keeping your spikes in good shape to run with you.

Preventing Problems with Spikes

First thing to learn is how to clean and look after them  – then hopefully you won't need the second half of this post.

  • Don't put them in the washing machine! I know this is tempting when they are muddy from cross country, but by letting your spikes rattle around in your machine you risk damaging the spike plates or spike housings, along with the usual upper shrinkage and sole separations that can occur after a trip through a wash cycle.
  • Definitely don't put them in the tumble drier! The heat involved will certainly damage the spikes.
  • Clean them by hand in warm soapy water. It's okay to gently use a brush on them, and a toothbrush is often useful to clean the spike plate. To dry them, stuff newspaper inside and leave them under a radiator or another semi-warm spot. Avoid placing them on top of the radiator or in any direct heat, as again this can distort the shoe.
  • After using your spikes on grass tracks or cross country, try to remove the excess mud and grass caught on the spikes straight away before putting them in your bag. This helps keep them a little drier and cleaner, and so decreasing the chances of rusty spikes.
  • Remove the spikes regularly – even if you're not changing lengths or the spikes themselves. If you leave them in too long without doing this, you run the risk of letting them get rusted in. So every couple of weeks it's good to loosen them all off and put them back in again.
  • Don't let them get too short! Once your spikes become 'stubs' there is often not enough left for a key to get purchase.
  • Use Vaseline or WD40 on the spike threads if you notice any of the spikes feel a bit stiff to screw in. Doing this will help keep the threads working smoothly and make changing the spikes easier.
  • For cross country, use the right length of spike for the course. If there are firm sections on the course, try and not use too long a spike, as this can cause the spike to 'buckle' into the shoe. Pick the balance between running comfortably on the harder ground, yet still having enough spike length to purchase in the mud.
Stuck spikes

Solving Problems with Spikes

Got a spike stuck and need help getting it out? Try these suggestions and hopefully one will work its magic:

  • If you do happen to get a spike rusted or stuck in, then try spraying the spike with WD40, leave it a few hours or overnight and try again.
  • Check your spike key – if it looks a bit worn out and isn't gripping the spike securely then try a new key.
  • If you see any dirt around the edge of the stuck spike, scrape it away with the end of a paper clip or safety pin, then spray with WD40 so it can work down into the thread.
  • Try using a set of pliers if a spike isn't coming out with a spike key - you can sometimes get a little more purchase.
  • If they are well and truly stuck then the final attempt is placing the shoe in a work bench vice! If you don't have one at home, then ask a metalwork teacher nicely and maybe they can get them out :-)

If you have any further suggestions, leave them in the comments below – I'm sure there's another trick out there for removing spikes!

U.P. Spike Key

U.P. Spike Key
Running Accessories
£6.00

Pyramid Spikes 6mm

Pyramid Spikes 6mm
Running Accessories
£4.00

U.P. Pyramid Spikes 9mm

U.P. Pyramid Spikes 9mm
Running Accessories
£4.50

U.P. Pyramid Spikes 12mm

U.P. Pyramid Spikes 12mm
Running Accessories
£4.50

Shyamala Stott
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  • Nick BNovember 11, 2023 at 6:55pm
     My son has an XC race next weekend. It is all grass terrain, and we have checked the course out - longish, uneven and bumpy grass with lots of mud too, due to recent heavy rainfall for weeks on end. A couple of hills, with corresponding downhills too. When I bought him some longer 12mm spikes for this, the helpful store assistant recommended having a couple 15mms in the front 2 threads with 12s in the rest - to help with the muddy inclines. I'd not heard of that before, but think I can understand how it might help. Is this mix-and-match approach common? Are there any downfalls or risks involved with it? Reply
    • Nandanti MartaskovaNovember 13, 2023 at 4:17pm

      Hi Nick,

      Thank you for your comment. I haven't heard of the trick with the spikes you've described below (putting a couple 15mms in the front 2 threads with 12s in the rest). According to your description of the muddy terrain below I would suggest using 15mm spikes (not 12mm).

      Hope this helps. Good luck with yours cross country runs.

      Kind regards
      Nandanti

      Reply
  • RupinderJanuary 6, 2020 at 4:29pm
     What is wd40.one of my spike stuck badly hw to remove it Reply
    • Shyamala StottJanuary 17, 2020 at 5:14pm

      Hi Rupinder,
      WD-40 is a lubricant that you can spray around the stuck spikes. It will seep down into the threads and if you're lucky help to loosen it. There are likely other brands out there that will do a similar job, but this is the well known one.
      Good Luck :)
      Shyamala

      Reply
  • ChadSeptember 6, 2019 at 6:54pm
     Hey, I'm a long time fan and reader of your blog, first time commenter. Just wanted to say this post really hit home with the stuff I've been looking into. Thanks! Reply
    • Shyamala StottSeptember 7, 2019 at 5:26pm

      Hi Chad,
      Thanks for your comment and very happy to hear you're enjoying our blog and are finding posts relevant to your running. We have fun writing it :)
      Shyamala

      Reply
  • JulieDecember 2, 2018 at 5:58pm
     Hi If I buy mach 18 spikes can I replace the spikes and where would I get them ? Thansk. Reply
    • Shyamala StottDecember 3, 2018 at 5:20pm

      Hi Julie,

      Yes like any of our Cross Country spikes the Mach 18 has removable/replaceable spikes. We stock 9mm, 12mm and 15mm length replacement spikes so you can buy them in our shops or online.

      Many Thanks,
      Shyamala

      Reply
  • ArunNovember 17, 2018 at 4:02am
     I'm using puma evospeed star 5 running spikes. ..it's nail got wornout and some how managed to remove it.but I bought a spare which is not suiting my spikes. ..how do I know the size of nails for my running spikes? Reply
    • Shyamala StottNovember 22, 2018 at 11:33am

      Hi Arun,

      Good you managed to get the old ones out :)
      Do your replacement spikes not screw into your Puma spikes? Or are the spikes too long/short to use on the track you're running on? Sorry, I can't tell which issue you're having!

      The 'thread' of any spike should be universal so that any loose spike can be screwed into any brand of spikes. We sell U.P. replacement spikes and they will screw into any of the brands track spikes (shoes!) we've ever stocked.

      If it's the length of the new spike that's not right then the guidelines (in U.K.!) are 5mm for indoor use and 6mm pyramid (like the shape of a UP spike) or 'Christmas tree' shape only for newer Mondo all weather tracks, or for any other tartan all weather track upto 7mm length is fine. If you're on grass then you can use any length depending how soft the conditions are!

      I hope that helps!
      Shyamala

      Reply
  • GracieMarch 15, 2017 at 9:21pm
     how do i store them in a bag? where do i find the sharpeners and spike driver thingys? it is my first year and mine did not come with these things Reply
    • Shyamala StottMarch 18, 2017 at 2:03pm

      Hi Gracie,

      Most runners will store their spikes in a boot bag or gym sack. The spikes and spikes keys you can buy from us in the Ultimate Performance range:

      Ultimate Performace Spike Key
      Ultimate Performace 6mm Spikes

      There's a few different lengths of spikes depending on what surface you are running on. 5mm is for indoor or outdoor track. 6mm is the most popular length on an outdoor track, then 9,12,15 mm are for grass or cross country running.

      I hope that helps and ENJOY your first spikes!

      Reply
  • EmilyMarch 22, 2016 at 2:55am
     I recently purchased my first pair of spikes at dicks sporting goods they are Nike zoom rival S8. And while I was trying to put the spikes into their designated holes on the spike plate. I noticed that two just didn't want to go in and I didn't want to force it and break anything so I looked in the two holes for the spikes I was having trouble with and there seems to be glue inside them both that is stopping me from turning the spike in with the key. I managed to get the glue out of one but I can't get it out of the other. Any tips on how I could go about this without damaging the threads or my shoes? Thank you Reply
    • ShyamalaMarch 25, 2016 at 10:47am

      Hi Emily,
      That's annoying when I'm sure you're keen to get down to the track and use them! We do see this happen occasionally where excess glue does get into the spike thread at manufacture. However there shouldn't be glue in there and you should be able to screw spikes in (!) so if you can't get the glue out easily (sometimes it will just peel away and all is well!) my advice would be to return them to Dicks and if they also aren't able to remove the glue they should be able to exchange them for you. I can't speak for another shop's returns policy, or on a faulty shoe without having seen it, but from your description it would sound like there shouldn't be any issues with a return/exchange as it doesn't sound like you've even used them.
      Best of luck and happy sprinting :)
      Shyamala

      Reply
  • RachelAugust 14, 2015 at 8:48pm
     How would you recommend storing spikes? I just got a pair and the spikes are quite sharp so I don't want to hang them behind my door with the other shoes, but I'd also rather not leave them sitting in their box. Is there a way to cover the spikes for storage and transporting to and from meets? Reply
    • Shyamala StottAugust 15, 2015 at 10:12am
       Hi Rachel,
      There's not any covers available that I know of for the spikes ( a smart idea for someone to develop maybe?!) Most athletes store/carry them in a spike bag or gym sack with the soles back to back so there's less risk of catching the spikes. We have Adidas spike bags in the Edinburgh shop at £9 (It's a tough polyester fabric with mesh sides for venting and a long zip opening) or if you're not close to the shop then it's essentially a boot bag that a general sports shop would carry for football/rugby boots.
      Hope that helps and enjoy using your first pair of spikes!
      Shyamala Reply
  • DiscoLover79October 27, 2014 at 9:56am
     Thanks for the tips, I'm racing on Sunday and will know what to do with them on Sunday evening!
    I agree that removing the spikes regularly is a brilliant idea :) Reply
    • Shyamala StottOctober 27, 2014 at 3:37pm
       You're very welcome :) I hope now you'll only ever have to do the 'cleaning' and 'removing your spikes' tips in this blog - it's worth doing to avoid the faff of dealing with any 'stuck' spikes! Best of luck on Sunday and enjoy your XC season :-) Reply
  • stephen MasonJune 14, 2013 at 8:03pm
     before you put your spikes in put a small amount of copper grease in the hole this will prevent a corrison weld

    if you donot have any vasline will work but it will have to be replaced it more often Reply
  • GraemeJune 14, 2013 at 3:10pm
     I have a pair of mini (and maxi!) 'molegrips' (lockable pliers) which are pretty effective! available from all good DIY stores! Reply
    • Shyamala StottJune 14, 2013 at 3:41pm
       Those pliers sound the business!! Thanks for that - we will have too look out for them :) Reply
  • Pete CrockfordJune 14, 2013 at 9:41am
     this is the most important aspect regarding XC spikes

    I have never thrown away a pair because they are "worn out"; it is always because the threads/sockets/spike plate distorts - most often one or two of the spikes going "over" out of alignment

    sometimes (too often) this happens after only one season, maybe ten races

    It's always amazed me that reviewers never focus on this - for me - most crucial aspect

    if they are marketed as "XC spikes" they should be more robust in this respect. Walsh were great but no longer around Reply
    • Shyamala StottJune 14, 2013 at 3:41pm
       It's going back a bit but that Walsh cross country spike was a classic - 'tractor treads' with spikes!!!
      The trend now is for lighter more performance orientated spikes.
      The durability of spike plates is a difficult issue to include on many reviews as they are usually done near the beginning of the season when the shoes are new - not at the end of it when the durability over a season is known about. Each season the spikes tend to change slightly so even comparing last seasons with the current one isn't always possible.
      I would say the best way to prevent spikes 'buckling' (outwith any manufacturing faults which can sometimes occur) is as suggested above by choosing a length of spike appropriate to the firmness of course and avoiding the washing machine temptation as this can weaken the spike plate.
      It's also worth noting that XC spikes are designed for a global market - and here in the UK our courses can be truer XC courses than most countries. With that in mind on a very mixed course studs can often be the best option if you have them. Not as grippy on the thick muddy hills, but definitely better on the harder stoney ground which can damage spike plates. Reply
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