Sauconys Havok XC 3 spikes deliver a locked-down fit combined with a lightweight design. This shoe has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. Sprint spikes, Lang says, are built with a stiff spike plate, usually running the length of the shoe, to provide rigidity underfoot and promote power transfer and propulsion. These stiff plates feature an aggressive forward-leaning geometry that helps sprinters stay on their toes. include all available brands and models (, transform hundreds of user reviews into a simple Good/Bad/Bottom line format, give each shoe a CoreScore from 0 to 100 for faster comparison, better grip for muddy, sloppy, slippery conditions, grass, loose dirt, steep hills, extra traction helps maintain speed during turns, better for courses that include harder surfaces (hard-packed trails, pavement, etc. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
We may make a small commission if you buy something when you click on a link. It offers the performance of a top spike but at a nice value. If you run in Hokas, youll love the EVO. The actual spikes implements can be removed with the included spike wrench that come with all spikes. The Nike Zoom Victory XC 5 made us zoom through brutal races! In full transparency, we may collect a small commission (at no cost to you!) Weight: 4.6 ounces I can recall my first cross-country practice as a high school freshman, running in jean shorts and old tennis shoes on our home course at Indian Island County Park in Riverhead, New York. Instead, a curved, carbon-fiber outsole plate with clusters of protruding honeycomb shapes provides both rigidity and traction.
You should get several seasons out of your spikes before they begin to fall apart. Brooks Draft XC: Best XC Spike for Wide Feet, We use cookies to make our website and your shopping experience effective, secure and user-friendly. Matt is a lifelong runner who competed in track and cross country since grade school, as well as throughout college. Top-end spikes are much lighter, but not as pleasant to wear. We have a multi-step research approach for each review (learn more about it here) before it's published. The Brooks Draft XC offers a slightly wider fit while still delivering a competitive, race-ready experience. No. They wont necessarily make you run faster. If youve never worn cross-country spikes before, youll likely be surprised that they arent very comfortable the first time you try them on, especially compared to a good pair of trainers. Distance spikes are insanely light with minimal cushioning. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. No real reason other than a way to separate beginner spikes from expensive spikes. The re-engineered upper contains a hidden internal support cage. A few more points to remember about spikes: True, XC shoes look very similar to track & field shoes, especially the spiked models. Novice or emerging runners, Burns says, may not find the expensive new spikes appropriate. The breathable upper in this cross-country spike keeps you dry and comfortable on race day. Dedicated to helping athletes accomplish their goals, New Balance is driven to make quality shoes for the same reason you lace them up: to achieve the very best. This allows them to better withstand dirt, rocks, and sticks encountered during a meet.
That was obviously really difficult for everyone, said Jain. Even at first glance, you will notice that XC models differ from typical running shoes. With its budget-savvy price, it ticks all the essential boxes for XC, making it a recommended option for entry-level runners. The three-quarter-length Pebax cleat plate delivers powerful propulsion without feeling too stiff and harsh like many entry-level spikes can. XC spikes are more robust and heavier. The Kilkenny reminds me of the flats I wore in high school XC. But even with the extra use, they should last3-4 seasons. Not everyone needs, or will even benefit from, pricey super spikes. In the past four years, however, big changes have happened around cushioning, Heath says. Weight: 4.4 ounces Ideal for cross country or long distance track events, Support across flat surfaces to rugged trails, Designed for aggressive grass, trail, and gravel terrain, Tonuge sticks up high, may irrtate some runners, Heavier and bulkier than more advanced models, Designed for beginner runners (actually a PRO, if you are new to XC), Snug fit with flexibility for performance, Aggressive lug pattern for traction on dirt and grass, Seamless upper cools and secures your feet, Spikes dont perform on hard surfaces due to plastic spike plate. A thick layer of Nikes highest-energy-returning foam, ZoomX, embedded with a full-length, curved Pebax plate, delivers cushioning and rebound. These days, you can find him training on the roads, coaching high school track, and geeking out on the latest running shoe innovations. 
A middle-distance spike, Lang says, maintains an aggressive geometry that helps the runner get to their midfoot for an efficient, powerful gait, but typically the plate will only run one-half to three-quarters of the length of the shoe, to allow slightly more flex andcomfort over the multi-lap races. The uppers tend to be light and flexible, prioritizing comfort and efficiency over power. Ideal Events: 400 to 5,000 meters There is one basic style of cross country spike. 2022 The Wired Runner. This spike features an ISOFIT mesh upper that feels like it disappears once it's slipped on. Like the Kilkenny, the XC Seven v3 is best for new XC athletes. Ben is an avid road and trail runner, and has completed multiple marathons and ultras. I review every article published to ensure it's helpful, accurate, and factual. Apart from being easy on the wallet, they are also made more friendly for an entry-level runner: Cross country spikes at $100+ are targeted at competitive, varsity, or even elite runners. Our one complaint is the plastic doesnt provide great traction on pavement. less cushioning and stiffer because of the spike plate, come in three styles depending on the event (sprint, mid-, and long-distance), there is less room around the toes than in running shoes/sneakers, perfect size could be half-a-size smaller than most of your footwear, most XC models are unisex, so ladies will have 1-1.5 size smaller than the usual, there is half a thumb space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe, when in doubt, try going with the same brand that you have for running shoes, as sizing could be familiar. Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Putting on your first pair of XC shoes can feel weird or even uncomfortable. This provides a tight fit designed to give beginning runners the edge they need. Cross country spikes range in price from $60 to $200. For runners who want a versatile, reliable, well-made distance spike, the Nike Zoom Rival D 10is one of the best-value pickson the market. Get exclusive advice, tips, and news so you can run at your best. A carbon midsole creates extra support and stiffness when tackling less than smooth types of ground. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes. Actual sales may not have occurred at this price. Is It Okay to Only Have One Pair of Running Shoes? To prevent the pins from getting packed with dirt and stuck in the shoe, Broe recommends removing them after competition. These, plus the rubber traction built into the shoes, help you power through turns on grass and dirt. Can I use XC shoes for the track? If you stay on this website, you agree to the use of cookies. The 6-spike rubber outsole allows for enhanced traction in even the worst racing conditions. The burrito-style upper reduces weight without impacting the fit of the shoe. But makes up for it with extra rubber lugs along the back and front of the spike. This means that some runners might need a little more protection to get around the course. Delivering superior performance, youll love this ultra-lightweight shoe. 3/8 inch spikes are a good option for meets with lots of dirt and grass or meets in wet conditions. Besides myself, we have a team of runners, cyclists, and cross-fitters who research, write, and edit everything on the website. They also lack the propulsive stiffness of dedicated T&F shoes. It creates a powerful running experience in many types of racing terrain. Look for about half a thumb-width between your toes and the front of the spike. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Some Restrictions Apply. This racing flat provides runners with a nice layer of responsive foam, as well as a lightweight but structured upper. It has a wide, duck-like toe box. With its highly responsive midsole, bolting through the race is an easy feat. Weight: 4.5 ounces Even better, it's durable and will surely go through gnarly terrain with ease. In cross country, you can use a longer spike than in track. Order with confidence. 
It's loaded with so much grip, you'll bolt through unfriendly terrains with sheer confidence. Featuring a Nike Anti-Clog traction outsole to help prevent mud and rocks from clogging up your performance, youll push past the competition to the finish line. Let them air dry, outside if possible. But if youre looking for absolute freedom for running fast on the trails, then it really is a dream. Amanda is a test editor at Runners World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a masters in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles. Track spikes, which are used on a controlled, cushioned surface, often have less foam and typically have a plastic or carbon-fiber plate. After sorting out what type of spike you need, the choice comes down to fit and personal preferences on cushioning, stiffness, and geometry.
And if your course includes particularly muddy areas, look for deeper-lugged trail shoes (8mm+). High school, collegiate, national, and world records have all fallen since the advent of the new spikes, suggesting that they enhance performance, like their road-shoe counterparts. 