What you actually need
Good trainers are the foundation. These are what your child wears to every practice and slower workout. Don’t cheap out here, a solid pair of running shoes from Nike, Asics, or Brooks lasts the season and prevents injuries.
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ASICS GT-1000 GS running shoes
The same grade-school ASICS trainer we recommend for cross country. Real cushioning and a kid-width fit, in big-kid sizes.
Our take: One pair of real trainers covers practice for every event. Buy the spikes later, after your kid knows what they run.
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Event-specific spikes come next, but only after your child knows their event. Sprint spikes for the 100, 200, and 400. Distance flats for the mile and longer. Jumping spikes for high jump and long jump. Throwing shoes for shot put and discus. Yes, different events have different spikes. The track provides the rest: the runways, pits, equipment.
Nike Zoom Rival distance spikes
Lightweight distance spike for the 800m through 5K. The standard entry-level spike used in most middle school and high school programs. Fits a removable spike plate.
Our take: Don't buy spikes until your kid picks an event. A distance runner needs different spikes than a sprinter. This one covers 800m through cross country and is the safe first-spike buy for most kids.
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Socks and moisture-wicking shorts round it out. That’s genuinely all you buy.
Sizing notes
Need to know what size? See our Track and field sizing guide.
Used gear notes
Play It Again Sports usually has used spikes in stock. Facebook Marketplace is hit or miss depending on your area. Trainers should generally be new, used running shoes have collapsed cushioning that causes injuries. For spikes, inspect the plate for damage. A bent or cracked plate is worthless.
What you can skip
Skip the expensive technical warm-up suits. Regular athletic clothes work fine. Skip special track bags. A backpack carries spikes and shoes just as well. Skip compression tights unless your child has a genuine injury or your coach recommends them.