Best Shoes for Indoor Track

Track and field is one of the most popular sports played by high school and college athletes, and the fun continues indoors when the weather is too cold for running and jumping outside. Choosing the right shoes can make all the difference in your performance — keeping you comfortable and helping you avoid injuries that can sideline you for a meet or the season.

Track shoes vs. running shoes

Since track and field events involve running, you may be tempted to slip on a pair of your favorite running shoes and go on your way. You certainly can compete in well-fitted running shoes (and many people do just that). However, investing in shoes designed for specific events may boost your performance and give you a competitive edge on the indoor field. 

Engineered for events that require speed, stability, and traction, track shoes have some notable differences from running shoes. They tend to be lighter and have less cushioning than running shoes since the events are shorter than cross-country races. Track shoes tend to be narrower and may have less structure to accommodate the quick changes athletes make during competition. They may also have track spikes built into the forefoot to help you grip the running surface so you have better traction. 

The ASICS product line includes several shoes designed specifically for track and field events. Here's a closer look at how they stack up and the events they're best suited for. 

Beginners 1,500- to 3,000-meter races: HYPER LD 6

Blending elements of track spikes and racing flats, the ​HYPER LD 6 track and field shoe is an entry-level shoe that you can wear through multiple events. It's a light shoe with a breathable mesh upper that helps keep your feet comfortable through runs, throws, and jumps. No-sew films and a removable EVA sockliner provide structure, while dual-density EVA foam absorbs shock and cushions your feet. You can customize the fit with orthotics and adjust the spike configuration to your running style. 

400- to 1,500-meter races: HYPER MD 8

Designed for middle-distance runners, the ​HYPER MD 8 shoe shares several features with the HYPER LD 6 track shoe, including a seamless upper construction and EVA cushioning in the midsole to keep your feet comfortable on the track. Pyramid stud spikes in the forefront grip the track, helping increase traction and stability, and the lightweight design won't weigh you down. The HYPER MD 8 shoe's responsive cushioning and low-profile design work for 400-meter to 1,500-meter races. 

Throwing events: HYPER THROW 3

The ​HYPER THROW 3 shoe is an excellent choice for track and field beginners competing in shot put and other throwing events. This unisex shoe features an adjustable strap designed to help keep your foot in place on the shoe’s platform while you throw, and thanks to the synthetic leather overlays and mesh underlays, it is both durable and breathable as well.  

100- to 400-meter sprints: HYPERSPRINT^® 8

Built on the same spike platform as the HYPER MD 8 shoe, the ​HYPERSPRINT® 8 track and field shoe is designed to help give you the grip and speed you need to push your body and set new PRs. The shoe is designed with a resin plate for improved propulsion and grip, helping make the shoe functional for high-velocity sprints and helping reduce the risk of slipping on the track. This lightweight shoe features minimal cushioning and a seamless upper for a supportive fit that's ideal for short distances. 

5,000- to 10,000-meter races: METASPEED LD

With a narrow fit and stiff plate, the ​METASPEED LD track shoe works well for middle and long-distance races. This shoe provides an aggressive ride tempered by the full-length FF BLAST TURBO cushioning the carbon plate that covers the entire bottom. The carbon plate design features a textured, pinless surface​​ for increased traction. Longer distance runners (up to 10,000 meters) who prefer a stiff shoe could also use this shoe. 

800- to 1,500-meter races: METASPEED MD

The METASPEED MD track and field shoe strikes a balance between cushioning and firmness, which is exactly what middle-distance runners need. This innovative shoe combines FF BLAST TURBO cushioning with a carbon plate to help support your feet and extend your stride. A six-pin spike plate is designed to help grip the track's surface and help boost traction without slowing you down, and all of this combines to create a lightweight, responsive ride to carry you from start to finish. 

800-meter races: METASPRINT

What makes the ​METASPRINT shoe stand out is what's missing. Instead of protruding spikes, the METASPRINT track shoe’s outsole features a carbon fiber plate that is engineered to reduce friction to help you take faster and more powerful strides. Thanks to the DYNAWRAP technology crossing the laces, arch, and midsole, the METASPRINT track shoe helps keep the midfoot centered on the shoe’s platform for increased stability. Although designed for competitive sprinters, this shoe is versatile enough to work for medium distances as well. 

Daily training: NOVABLAST^® 4

What makes the ​NOVABLAST^® lineup popular with runners is that it works as well on the track as it does on the asphalt. The shoe's trampoline-inspired outsole helps to create a responsive, bouncy ride with plenty of FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning for added comfort. Try them out on longer distances or use them as trainers to give your feet a break without compromising speed. 

For more than 50 years, ASICS has produced quality shoes designed to meet the needs of recreational and competitive athletes. Whether you're a new or experienced track and field enthusiast, the right shoes are essential. Remember to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.