There are plenty of throwing shoes to choose from and it can be overwhelming trying to research and review all the variables to find the best. Shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin all require different stresses for your feet. Whether you are a beginning junior high school track and field thrower or an elite athlete, choosing the best throwing shoes is an important way to maximize your performance.
Photo By: Steven Pisano
The Guide
Here is a chart of the most popular and best choices. If you have any questions about how the review guide works, there is explanation found below.
How the Guide Works:
Best Events: These are the best events that the shoes are made for. Many of them can be used for multiple events, but that isn't necessarily ideal. Many multiple event throwers will use the same shoe for each event, especially if they are rotational events (hammer, discus, and spin shot put). You'll have to learn from personal experience if you just need one or multiple pairs. Your experience and technique levels in different events may require a different shoe.
SP = Shot Put, DT = Discus Throw, HT = Weight or Hammer Throw, JT = Javelin Throw
Speed vs. Grip: Some shoes prioritize maximum speed, while others prefer stability. Some are built with a relatively even mix of the two qualities. As mentioned above, one isn't necessarily better than the other. This is based on personal preference.
Price: These are estimates based on full retail cost in the United States at the time this guide was most recently updated. They may not be exactly correct as prices frequently fluctuate, but basically:
$ = Less than $40, $$ = $40 to $60, $$$ = $60 to $90, $$$$ = $90 and up
Name | Link | Best Events | Speed vs. Grip | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nike Zoom Rotational | 
| HT, DT | Speed | $$$$ |
Adidas AdiZero Discus/Hammer | 
| HT, DT | Mix | $$$$ |
Saucony Unleash SD | 
| SP, DT | Speed | $$$ |
Nike Zoom Rival SD 2 | 
| SP, DT | Grip | $$$ |
Nike Zoom Javelin Elite 2 | 
| JT | Speed | $$$$ |
There are many factors to consider when deciding option to choose. There are at least four major factors to consider:
- Event(s)
- Experience and Technique
- Comfort
- Durability
EVENT(S):
This is the basic factor to consider. Obviously, javelin spikes wouldn't make a lot of sense if you are a use a rotational or glide shot put technique on concrete. Each event places specific demands on your shoes. Luckily, if you are a combination athlete, there is significant crossover between shot put, discus, weight, and hammer throws. In fact your best shoe for each may be the same one.
However, many prefer to have a different shoe for each event that is as unique as the event. Really, it is up to personal preference and budget. Any of the rotational shoes could be used used for the rotational events if you prefer that style. There is an added benefit to having different shoes for each event - the shoes won't wear out as fast. This will create a larger upfront cost, but they won't need to be replaced as soon, so it would mostly even out.
EXPERIENCE AND TECHNIQUE:
Your experience and technical abilities can help determine the best fit. For example, generally a beginning thrower will not be able to feel comfortable on a fast pair of shoes. In this case, they will want to go for a pair that has more grip so they can be controlled in their technique. Experienced athletes often want the fastest equipment for their event. Again, this a generalization. In fact, many experienced throwers may want to have the best grip possible.
Also, external factors such as weather and speed of the circle may change the feel of your shoes. A better grip may help on a fast or wet surface and a faster shoe can help on a slower throwing circle. You may prefer a different pair for fast surfaces and slow surfaces. Unfortunately, the only way to find out what is best for you is by experimentation.
COMFORT:
This is something that is very individualized. A specific brand may fit your feet just right. Only you can know this. Luckily, you may already have experience with different brands of shoes. While the feel may not be exactly the same, it should give you a good idea of comfort and fit.
One thing many do is borrow from a friend to try on and see what they like. You may have a teammate or recent graduate who may be able to help you out with this if they wear the same size. If possible, you'll want to try out a bunch of different brands and styles to see which you prefer.
DURABILITY:
All things being equal, you would want the equipment that will hold up the longest. Unfortunately, durability is one of the hardest factors to predict. Shoes will wear down based on when, where, and how you use them.
It is not uncommon for an elite athlete that has a high training volume to have shoes that only last for a couple of months or so. A high school athlete who only uses them in the spring may be able to make a shoe last two, three, or even all four years, assuming their foot size doesn't change drastically.
The more you practice, the more likely your equipment is to wear out. It is important to note that you don't need to use the same equipment for meets and in-season competitions and practices as you do for the rest of the year.
In fact, for heavy off-season or preseason training volume there are a couple ways to lessen the cost. You can do this by choosing a cheaper option, such as the Nike SD, or by choosing a higher-end option, such as the Adidas, that is known for durability. If they aren't your competition choice they will have a different feel, but as long as you give yourself a couple of weeks to adjust before your first meet, it should be no problem.
Nike Zoom Rotational
Nike has several models of throwing shoes and the Zoom Rotationals are their high end option for shot put, hammer, weight, and discus throws. They are a very fast shoe, with a relatively flat bottom, although there is a raised toe. You can read a review here.
Adidas AdiZero Discus/Hammer
The Adidas Adizero Discus/Hammer are a great choice for weight and hammer throwing and can also be used for shot and discus. These shoes are mostly flat, when compared to others listed, which makes them helpful for beginners to learn the heel-toe turns used with the hammer and weight. You can check out a full review here.
Saucony Unleash SD
The Saucony Unleash SDs might be the fastest throwing shoes available. They have a unique design that consists of a significantly raised toe. This is meant to make it easier to turn on the toes like in shot put and discus, but it will cause a big adjustment period if you aren't used to it. You can read a review here.
Nike Zoom Rival SD 2
The Nike Zoom Rival SD 2s are a great shoe for shot putters and discus throwers. They are similar to the Zoom Rotationals, but their bottoms have more grip and they are a little slower. This can work for glide shot put or for any of the rotational throws.
Nike Zoom Javelin Elite 2
The Nike Zoom Javelin Elite 2s are a great pair of javelin spikes. They are pricey, but they might be the best spikes for javelin throwing available. You can read a description straight from Nike below:
The Nike Zoom Javelin Elite 2 Unisex Track Shoe features a different design for the block foot and drag foot for tailored support and protection. A midfoot strap and strategically placed spikes deliver a customized, locked-in fit and excellent surface grip. Flex grooves ensure natural movement from the first stride through release.
Review
The best throwing shoes for you depends on many factors. Budget, technique, fit, and personal preference all come into play. Ultimately, you have to make a decision on what will work best for you. While shoes are important, they are hardly the most important part of throwing technique and you shouldn't spend too much time making a decision.