Shoes are protective coverings for the feet, typically made of leather, fabric, or rubber. They are worn to provide comfort, support, and protection while walking, running, or engaging in other activities. In the context of the clue "spikes," shoes with spikes are often worn in sports such as track and field or golf to provide extra traction on various surfaces.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Spikes, for example. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.