Cross Country Spike Guide

ALL CROSSED OUT // A GUIDE TO BUYING THE RIGHT CROSS COUNTRY SPIKE

New to Cross Country? Looking to set a new personal best? From every day training shoes to racing spikes, we’ve got you covered at Mill City and Saint City Running. With our free, comprehensive fit process we’re confident we can find you the best XC spike for your needs.

If you’re just starting out, you may be wondering what is the best cross country spike for variable surfaces like grass, gravel, and the inevitable mud puddle. While they share some characteristics with track spikes, like being extremely lightweight and incorporating metal spikes for traction, the similarities tail off there. When looking for the best xc spikes, you’ll find that rather than possessing an extremely rigid plastic spike plate, cross country shoes opt for a more flexible plate with additional rubber coverage to adapt to the various surfaces and angles a runner will encounter while running nature’s racetrack. Additionally, some spikes will incorporate added foam to cushion each stride as cross country races are generally longer than what you might encounter during track season.  

So you might be left wondering how do I choose a cross country spike? While they all share the core features listed above, we offer a spectrum of options from more relaxed, entry-level spikes to hardcore track/XC hybrids so you can find the best cross country spike for you.

The Staples

Talk to anyone who’s run a cross country season over the past ten years, and chances are they or someone they know ran in the Saucony Kilkenny– it’s just that good. Sporting extra cushioning in the form of EVA foam throughout the heel and midfoot and a super breathable mesh upper, this stalwart of the cross country world fits a large variety of foot types and will continue to be one of the most popular XC spikes available. Offered in Men’s and Women’s sizing.

Nike’s entry level XC shoe is the Rival, best known for its balance between a firm spike plate and pliable upper. Not only does it come in some pretty bright colors (crucial for spotting your runner out on the course), but its slightly more aggressive fit makes it a spike that has the potential to carry you into your track season as well, offering great value for price. Offered in Unisex sizing.

The Seven sports New Balance’s proprietary RevLite foam for durable and consistent cushioning when the course turns to gravel (or even concrete). That and its flexible 6-pin spike plate make it one of the more versatile options for courses where you may not know what surfaces to expect. Offered in Unisex sizing.

The Mid-Range

Brooks’ Draft XC uses a curved spike plate paired with ultralight foam to provide a uniquely supportive fit for those with high arches. While some spikes eschew additional supportive materials to optimize a lightweight experience, the Draft keeps the weight low while also adding more ergonomic contour. As an added bonus, the upper has a marker-friendly TPU overlay so you can customize the look of your spikes. Offered in Unisex sizing, a good cross country spike for wide feet.

A sportier version of the Kilkenny, the Havok utilizes a one-piece, burrito-style upper to lock the foot in and provide an even racier feeling. Less cushion and more highly curved spike plate make it the more aggressive, lighter-weight option from Saucony. Offered in Men’s and Women’s sizing.

The Wild Side

If the last year taught us anything, it’s that the Dragonfly is the spike of the moment. Although it was initially designed for use on the track, its innovative full-length plate paired with Nike’s premier cushioning material, ZoomX, it’s too comfortable and aggressive to not be the choice of cross country runners and track fiends alike. For those looking for a no-compromise blend between traction, cushion, and minimal weight, look no further than the Dragonfly. Offered in Unisex sizing.  Also a one of the best cross country spikes for wide feet.

Racing shoes for cross country are varied in brand, style, and feel.  Your best bet is to come to one of our stores and try on a number of different options.  Barring that, we hope you found our 2022 cross country spike guide helpful, we’ll see you at the finish line!