An Item is a special ability that is obtained during a race by running into one of the Item Crates that are on the track.
Each Runner has a unique combination of three Items they can pick up: an Attack, a Boost, and a Trap. Attacks target other Runners, Boosts help your character in some way, and Traps appear across the track in front of you. Once equipped, an Item can be used by tapping on its icon at the bottom of the screen. Up to three Items can be equipped at any time.