To provide a method and an apparatus capable of machining a precisely defined and reproducible surface structure on a track blank of a sports appliance.

This method for machining the running surfaces of sports appliances machines the running surface of the sports appliance in order to form a predetermined surface microstructure on the track blank 20 which improves the gliding ability. The machining process for producing the surface microstructure comprises a plastic deformation by a tool 5 which is moved over a running surface of the track blank 20 and is pressed with a predetermined force on the track blank 20 so as to be deformed in a plastic manner.