When rubber track is being applied to a floor, it can be measured in two ways: by how thick the rubber is, and by how wide the rubber is laid out.
Rubber track can be either thick or thin, and depending on the application. When the track is going to be very noticeable, it can be thicker. When it is more of a line or no mark, it can be thin.
Either way, there are some key points to remember when reading a rubber track. These points relate to where the lines are on the board, and how wide they must be.
This article will talk about those points, and will include some pictures to help you understand them better.
Contents:
Find the length
Most rubber track sizes are either length-specific or length-neutral. This means that you can run the same size shoe in a length of about 1 to 1 and a half feet, or even up to two feet!
This is the case for most popular models like the New Balance Run/Walk, New Balance Vapour Run/Walk, and New Balenciaga Colourina. These shoes have shorter lengths available, but those shorter lengths are still called sneakers!
Length-neutral shoes usually have a width-specific difference in width between medial and lateral sides. This makes it easier to get a good fit on and off the shoe, as there is no difference in thickness.
Length-specific shoes usually have a size range within them. Newer models may not have all four numbers on them, just the length of the shoe.
Find the width
Most rubber track systems have a width limit for how wide a car can be laid on. This width limit is usually in the range of 2 to 3 feet!
Some systems have a tolerance for this width, so a company can make a wider car with a tolerance, but not everyone has that. In that case, there is an allowance for cars that are wider than the tolerance.
If you need a car that is wider than the tolerance, you will need to give them up to an extra square foot of space!
Typically, the bigger the system is, the bigger it needs to be. If you are looking at small systems, we recommend using our Large Systems List to help find the right system for your vehicle.
Multiply length by 2
When reading rubber track, you will need to know how length of the rubber track is.
The length of the rubber track is calculated by adding the lengths of the tread and edges. The average length is about 2 feet, so it is helpful to know what this means.
When reading a RubberTrac or other type of rubber track, you must take into account that there are longer or shorter lengths of rubber. There are times when these lengths must be accounted for when placing your layout on the ground.
When laying out a pattern, you can put your longest piece on first to save time on putting away your other items. Then, put in smaller pieces as you get them, and lastly, the shortest piece with as few spaces in between as you go! This way, you get your pattern down without too much trouble.
Multiply width by 2
When reading rubber track, it is important to know how much space there is between the rails. This will help prepare yourself for where to place your feet when riding.
When riding a course that has a start and finish, it is important to know where the riders’ feet will be at every moment on the course.
A wide tire will require more space between the rails than a narrow one. When reading a book or other project that has a specific size of project, measure the width of the project before cutting it and make sure you have enough space when cuttting.
Having enough space between feet helps prevent stress on your knees and feet, which can hurt how you ride.
Add results of step 5 together
Now that you have your marker, you can read the rubber track. In order to do this, first calculate your first step in step 4. Then, add the length of your first step to the length of the next step!
This is how to read rubber track in Step 5 of the KipAdreno Revolution program.
If you take a good first step, this should give you a nice shock of height at the bottom of your foot. If you take a longer step, this should give you more distance on each leg beat.
If you take a short leg beat, that will make the distance seem lesser so do not worry about reading this. It is still possible to do in spite of that!
Remember, this is for recreational athletes only.
Try a close-enough size first
When you place an order, your credit card company will estimate the size of your parcel. It’s a helpful step that allows you to try a size before you pay too much for the wrong one.
You can try a different size on if you like it, but if not, return the item and pick up the next one. This way you can always find what size you want in your favourite brand!
If you find that the item is too small or that it is stretching or breaking when worn, then return it and pick up a bigger one. If that does not work, then try a close-enough size first!
You can read more about this here: http://www.bestbookendsuppliers.com/read-rubber-track-sizes/).
Check for a code on the track
If you notice a code on the track, it means your shoe has a specific size requirement. Most retailers will require a size 5 or larger in shoes, so make sure you have the correct size!
This is great news if you are planning on buying a new pair of shoes. You will be able to fit the shoes in your purchase and they will be large enough to not need to add more money to your clothing bag and still have some room for Shoeshine!
If you need a special shoe that does not have a code, check out Amazon or another online retailer because they may sell them for less than Shoeshine.
Call your local dealer or supplier
If you can’t find the size for your vehicle at your local dealer or supplier, you can read the size marked on your tires.
The majority of rubber track sizes are between tread diameter and thickness. There are a few measurements that make a tire more specific, such as tread profile or load capacity.
Most tracks are between 7/32 and 1/8 inch thick, so a thickness of 7/32 would be a 7/32-inch track. A profile might be round or square, depending on what shape the tire has.
When reading a tire’s characteristics, it is best to use a tubeless phone app or computer program. Both allow you to take several notes and easily switch between them.
Using only the letters of the name of the app or program can lead to confusion, as some have designed them to work with other phones.