1. Saucony Men’s Kilkenny XC5 Cross Country Spikes
2. New Balance Men’s 900v4 Cross Country Spikes
3. Altra Men’s Golden Cross Country Spikes
4. Saucony Men’s Carrera Xc4 Track And Field Shoe
5. Saucony Men’s Kilkenny Xc 8 Track Shoe
6. ASICS Men’s Cross Freak 2 Cross Country Spike
7. Ifrich Athletics Racing Running Track And Field Sneaker
8. PUMA Men’s TFX Distance V4-M
9. ASICS Men’s Hyper XC Cross Country Spike
10. Nike Men’s Zoom Forever 5 XC Spike
Cross Country Spike Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection Of Cross Country Spikes
Brand - Running in any race can be tricky but when it comes to cross country courses, you can't cut corners with your footwear. That's why we looked at brands that have a reputation for excellent design and manufacturing. The brands in our selection are all well known in sports, and some even more specifically in the cross country circuit. It simply isn't worth risking your safety or the health of your feet on cheap imitations.
Price - There is no need to spend an arm and a leg to get a great pair of cross county spikes so we’ve included prices to suit every budget. While there are definitely cross country running spikes that are at the high end of the pricing scale, there are still great quality shoes available in the budget range as well.
Reviews - Customers can be very vocal when it comes to parting with their hard-earned money and you’ll definitely know if they aren’t satisfied with a product. The same applies when they are happy with their purchase which is why we check the reviews before putting together our selection. Good reviews are an indication of how well the cross country spikes perform, but we can learn a lot from the negative points as well. The negative points may not be an issue for some, but they can be a deal-breaker for others.
Features To Look For In Cross Country Spikes
Comfort - Sprinting on a track is very different to racing on a cross country course. For one, the surface on a track is carefully designed and made, not to mention maintained making it easier for sprinters to run. Cross country courses are unpredictable and varied so comfort is important. You could be running over grass that still has a layer of morning dew one moment and running over rocky terrain the next. Cross country courses usually cover longer distances as well. If your shoes aren’t comfortable, it won’t be long before you start considering pulling out of the race.
Material - The materials used to make cross country spikes need to be durable, yet lightweight. Runners cover a lot of varied terrains and some of it can be quite rugged so these shoes can’t be made from flimsy materials or they could fall apart halfway into a race. The material also needs to be lightweight as cross country courses tend to cover a lot of ground and runners do not want any extra weight slowing them down.
Breathability - Running a cross country course is hard work and sweating is a certainty. The last thing a runner needs is soggy shoes. When shopping for cross country spikes, look for breathable materials that will let the heat and sweat escape. That is why most cross country spikes are made with mesh uppers and insoles are made from breathable foams that are soft, yet wick moisture away to keep feet comfortable and dry.
Cross Country Spike FAQ
Q: What are cross country shoes?
A: Cross country shoes are basically running shoes that have been designed for running longer races over a variety of terrain. Most cross country shoes feature spikes for better traction which makes it easier to run over the varied terrain and they usually feature better cushioning and support for improved stability for the feet.
Q: What are cross country shoes made of?
A: Cross country shoes, like most running shoes, are generally made from synthetic materials. The soles are usually made from flexible rubber for grip and flexibility, while the uppers are usually made from breathable mesh which helps keep feet cooler during those long runs. Insoles are usually made from breathable and soft foam-like EVA.
Q: Do you run faster with spikes?
A: We mainly see spikes on running shoes on the track, but do the spikes actually help you run faster? Well, yes and no. Whether you are running on a track or a cross country course, spikes give you better traction. This means your shoes are better able to grip the terrain and propel you forwards faster. This is especially important if the terrain is a little wet as it will also prevent you from slipping and falling.
If you love to race, you probably have your favorite pair of running shoes and possibly even a good pair of track shoes. While you can use these for a cross country run, it’s probably better for you to get a pair of cross country spikes. The best cross country spikes will protect your feet and help you perform better.
