Advantages: light, fast, direct and more traction. These four advantages of spikes make athletes turn to this type of footwear rather than their running shoes. However, the latter category is a lot more comfortable and less stressful for the body. To combine the best of both worlds, Runners’ lab started making splats decades ago. Read all about it here.
Pioneers
Recently there was a lot of buzz about a “special” pair of shoes that athletics phenom Jakob Ingebrigtsen runs in. His sponsor Nike had rebuilt a Vaporfly 3 by installing a spike plate at the bottom of the sole. That way Jakob can train on the athletics track even in harsh Norwegian winters.
“Runners’ lab has been doing this forever.” And “I remember very well how Runners’ lab made this kind of shoes for me back in 2012.” These comments as well as recognition that athletes spontaneously left on the relevant post did not leave us unmoved. It’s nice to read that the craft Runners’ lab has been performing in its workshop for decades has been able to help a lot of athletes.
What are splats?
The converted running shoes we mentioned above are also called splats. So splats are running shoes, often of the lighter variety (e.g., tempo shoes), from which part of the rubber wear sole is removed in order to then attach a spike plate.
Why splats?
The basis of splats is a (lightweight) running shoe. Compared to spikes, these running shoes are more stable, sturdier and more cushioning, making the impact on the body lower than with spikes. This is interesting for injury-prone athletes. Moreover, thanks to the spike plate, splats do not have to sacrifice traction on the track. Another advantage of
Splats are more stable, sturdier and more cushioning. This may be of interest to injury-prone athletes.
Are splats allowed at competition?
Splats are mainly meant to ease the impact and strain on training. If you want to maximize performance at races, spikes are the better choice. Unless you are struggling with an injury and experience more pain on spikes.
However, splats are not allowed by default at competition. You have to take into account World Athletics regulations regarding sole thickness etc. For races of e.g. 800m or longer on the track, a maximum of 25 mm is allowed. The midsole of the bulk of running shoes is usually thicker, so in that case use of splats at recognized meets is not allowed.
How can I have splats made?
- I already have running shoes that I want to have converted to splats. In that case, you can bring these running shoes in to a Runners’ lab store of your choice. Is it not obvious for you to make the move? Then send the running shoes to the Runners’ lab store in Zwijndrecht:
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Runners’ lab tav atelierWestport 682070 Zwijndrecht (Belgium)
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With a paper in the box:
- In which you give permission to convert these running shoes to splats;
- which lists your NAME, MAILADRES, cell phone and HOME ADDRESS.
- You can also email the above information to hello@runnerslab.be
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- I don’t have any running shoes yet. Make an appointment or stop by one of the Runners’ lab stores in a moment so we can work with you to find the most suitable running shoe that can serve as the basis for the splats. Once you have found a suitable shoe, leave it with us so it can be rebuilt in the Runners’ lab studio.
How much does it cost to have splats made?
- I purchased the running shoes that serve for the splats at Runners’ lab. Then you can have the splats made at a bargain rate at Runners’ lab. For 30 EUR we mount a spike plate on your running shoe.
- I purchased my running shoes elsewhere. In this case, we charge 60 EUR for making the splats.
As soon as the shoes are ready and payment is made, the splats can be picked up or shipped.
Photo: running shoes where part of the wear sole has been removed so that the spike plate can be attached.
They went before you
Runners’ lab has been making splats for athletes at home and abroad for decades. Among others, Eilish McColgan, Noor Vidts, Elien Vekemans, Susan Krumins and Yelena Isinbayeva have already counted on our services for this purpose.
Still have questions?
Feel free to email hello@runnerslab.be and we will answer your question as soon as possible.
