To become the best cross country runner, you have to spend a lot of time training and getting ready for your race. But one of the little things that can make all the difference is the quality of shoes you have. To get the best results in preparing for the race and the race itself, you will need to buy good quality running shoes for cross country training. In this article, we review 10 of the best running shoes for cross country. Our list includes high-quality shoes from the best shoe brands. Let’s start with an overview of some of the most important things to consider when you need to buy running shoes for cross country racing.
1. Saucony Men's Kilkenny Xc 8 Track Shoe
The Saucony Xc 8 features a full-textile upper and is designed to provide a comfortable and relaxed fit. This makes it a perfect shoe for beginners that are new to spikes. It is made with a Flexifilm material which is quite durable but lightweight. This shoe has a synthetic sole and a 4-pin Pebax spike plate designed to increase the traction of the track shoe.
2. New Balance Men's Cross Country 5k V5 Running Shoe
This agile spike from New Balance is made from a combination of synthetic and mesh material. It has a single layer upper mesh and a new burrito construction. This makes the shoe quite lightweight. You get a perfect fit and maximum responsiveness with this shoe. The bottom sole is synthetic and it has a responsive Revlit midsole which further improves the support and comfort of this shoe.
3. ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe
The ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe offers much better cushioning and fit compared to other shoes. It features a rearfoot Gel cushioning which helps to absorb shock during impact and reduces fatigue. This makes it one of the best running shoes for cross country training for heavier runners. The shoe also features a removable insole which allows you to customize the shoe to your liking. The outsoles are designed to be durable thanks to AHAR Rubber Technology and it also features reverse lugs for greater traction.
4. Nike Zoom Rival Xc Track Spike Shoes
The Nike Zoom Rival Xc is lightweight and has a sturdy cushioned outsole. It also features a 6-spike design which helps to increase the traction of the shoe. It is built for all-terrain use thanks to a carbon-fiber mid-foot, dynamic arch-band, and Flywire technology which gives it a stable structure and a secure fit. The mid-sole has a breathable mesh construction which allows maximum airflow and increases the overall flexibility of this shoe.
5. Brooks Ghost 12
If you are looking for the best running shoes for cross country that offers plenty of support and cushioning, the Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 is one of the top options to consider. This shoe is for runners who want a lightweight but well-cushioned shoe. The shoe features a combination of DNA loft And BioMoGO DNA cushioning technology to provide a soft underfoot without feeling too heavy or losing out on responsiveness or durability. It also features a segmented crash pad that acts as shock absorbers for a smooth weight transition from heel-to-toe.
6. New Balance Men's Cross Country 900 V4 Spike Running Shoe
The New Balance 900 V4 Men’s shoes feature reinforced rubber soles that provide excellent surface grip and a smooth arching. The shoe’s upper section is made from a highly breathable and strongly stitched mesh material. It also features a #D resin print designed to keep the shoes from easily getting stained by mud and dirt. The collars of this shoe are well padded and the tongue is quite flexible which gives the shoe an efficient lace-up closure.
7. New Balance Men's Summit Unknown Trail Running Shoe
This is a sleek and stylish trail running shoe. It is also designed to be quite lightweight compared to many of the other shoes in its price range. If you are looking for the best running shoes for high school cross country or just something for your long slow-training runs. The New balance Unknown is one of the best options to consider. The shoe’s no-sew mesh upper gives it excellent breathability. The shoe is stretchy but still firm enough to provide good support and stability for your foot.
8. Salomon Sonic RA Max 2 Running Shoes Mens
This is a highly supportive and comfortable running shoe that is engineered to offer a lot of protection for your foot. It is also quite flexible. The shoes’ upper has a mesh design along with overlays and some welds. This is a well-cushioned shoe and is durable enough for daily use. For a shoe that is so well-cushioned, it is relatively lightweight. The rubber outsole has a flexible and lively design and is designed to give the shoe good traction and durability.
9. ASICS Men's Hyper XC Cross-Country Running Shoe
The ASICS Hyper XC is a lightweight shoe built for performance. This shoe comes with a rugged outsole which gives it excellent traction. Running with this quality shoe is quite comfortable and it features removable spikes that make it useful for various activities without having to swap your shoes. This is one of the best running shoes for cross-country race and it offers a combination of excellent traction, support, and breathability which makes it perfect for long-distance racing.
10. Nike Zoom Victory Xc 5 Track Spike Shoes
This is a highly durable, flexible, and efficient professional-quality shoe. This shoe offers a lot of impressive features that are guaranteed to help you get results for competitions. It is arguably the best running shoes for high school cross country or pretty much any other competition. One of the most impressive parts of this shoe is its outsole. The outsole has an impressive plate design with track spikes for traction. The midsole is made of thin and lightweight material which makes it quite lightweight and flexible. The shoe upper is lightweight as well and is quite durable.
Buying Guide For Best Running Shoes For Cross Country
- How is this shoe different from other types of running shoes? Most running shoes have similar features. So in most cases, all you have to look for is a feature that makes it stand out from other shoes in the market. Look for specific unique features that make the shoe different from others in the market. Most manufacturers use specific patented technology for parts of their shoes that offer some unique advantages over others.
- Spikes: To ensure the traction of running shoes, manufacturers either add thick soles to their shoes or use spiked soles. Shoes with thick soles tend to heavier than those with spikes. The lighter a shoe is, the easier it will be to carry your feet during a race. Having spikes in your shoe can give you an edge over other runners. Another alternative is to go for a shoe with removable spikes. This way, you can easily remove the spike for sports that do not require shoes with spikes. Shoes with flexible spike plates are important for cross country races where you have to run on different types of terrains including stony trails and hard-packed ground.
- Weight: Lightweight shoes make racing a lot less tedious. Going for a lightweight shoe is even more important for cross country racing where you have to cover as much as 5Km in those shoes. You should look out for shoes with lightweight soles and upper materials.
- Cushioning: Generally, cross country shoes tend to offer less cushioning compared to regular running shoes. this is mainly because cross country shoes need to be lighter weight. However, you should still try to get a shoe with some amount of cushioning to ensure comfort and protect your legs when you race.
- Soles: The outsoles of your shoes determine how much traction you will get on your shoes during a race. Most of the best running shoes for cross country racing have rubber outsoles as this is the type of material that gives you the best traction. You may also go for a shoe with a spiked plate as these give you an added level of traction and helps to shed some weight. You should also consider the durability of the soles. Soles should also be flexible to allow a wide range of movements and for comfort during your race.
Conclusion
Any of these shoes will make an excellent choice for cross country racing. Bear in mind that choosing the best running shoes for cross country isn’t about the price or reputation of the manufacturer. However, being willing to spend a little extra on top-quality brands can make a lot of difference. Our top pick is the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe. It offers excellent traction and the insole can be removed for a customized feel and performance.
