Best Cross Country Spikes of 2024: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

As far as the cross country sports is concerned, investing in a great pair of shoes is key to success.

As a runner, you’ll want durable and lightweight cross country spikes that help you speed through your course and get you across that finish line in record time.

If you need to purchase a new pair of cross country spikes, we found ten great pairs that you can consider.

We divided our list into two: the first five are recommendations for women, while the last five pairs are for men.

You’ll also find a short buyer’s guide to help you navigate the worries of selecting the right pair.

Comparison Chart

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Best Cross Country Spikes for Women

1. Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep Cleats

If simple is what you’re looking for, then look no further than this pair of women’s cross country spikes that double as an awesome pair of women’s softball cleats.

It comes in a total of six dual-color combos to match a wide range of track uniform styles and preferences.

Product Highlights

This excellent pair of spikes was originally made for softball but functions just as well for cross country.

As one of the lightest softball cleats ever engineered by Mizuno to date, it allows runners to blaze through their choice cross country course with relative ease.

It’s a robust pair that you don’t have to worry about taking through the wringer in your efforts to get to that finish line.

The pair features a Nine-Spike Advanced outsole and a cutting-edge protective toe guard, making it fit for a wide variety of cross country courses as well as multiple positions on the softball field.

As far as comfort is concerned, the Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep Women’s Metal Softball Cleat cushions your feet as you power up a steep hill or around a corner.

With its innovative design, it basically feels like an extension of your foot, giving you more power and support with less effort.

The Good

The Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep Women’s Metal Softball Cleat impresses in several aspects, but none more so than in its lightweight design.

It’s one of the lightest gender-specific softball cleats manufactured by Mizuno and will allow you to speedily navigate any type of cross country trail with proper support and comfort.

The Bad

Probably the only time these cleats will disappoint you is when you’re using them for pitching.

A few months of being in the pitcher’s position using these spikes is all it takes for them to wear down.

PROS

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Offers easy power and support

CONS

• Wears down easily when used for pitching

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2. Saucony Women’s Kilkenny Xc9 Running Shoe

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The Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC9 Spike Cross Country Running Shoe is a specialized footwear piece designed for athletes seeking competitive performance on cross-country courses. With a focus on providing traction, support, and comfort, this shoe is crafted to tackle the rigors of racing across varied terrains.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

This shoe is purpose-built to withstand the challenges presented by varied terrains. Its design focuses on stability and reliability. This makes it an ideal choice for off-road racing where endurance and grip are paramount.

A standout feature of this shoe is its 4-pin spike plate, strategically engineered to maximize traction. These spikes play a pivotal role in providing an optimal grip on different surfaces. They enhance acceleration. A crucial aspect of competitive cross country racing. The spike plate design also amplifies control and ensures secure footing.

The shoe’s upper is ingeniously crafted from mesh material, emphasizing breathability. This design facilitates ample airflow, effectively regulating temperature and moisture within the shoe. Even during extended races, this feature prevents discomfort caused by excessive sweat build-up. As a result, your feet remain cool, dry, and comfortable throughout your runs.

To add a touch of style to its functional design, the shoe incorporates 3D print graphic detailing. Beyond its visual appeal, these graphics contribute to the shoe’s structural integrity without compromising its lightweight nature. This artistic element provides a unique look while maintaining the shoe’s durability and performance standards.

At the heart of the Kilkenny XC9 lies the SSL EVA midsole. This is a crucial component in delivering optimal cushioning and responsiveness. This midsole technology strikes a balance between comfort and performance. Hence, ensuring runners experience a comfortable ride while still achieving the responsiveness needed to excel in races.

THE GOOD

Tailored explicitly for cross-country running, this shoe is built to endure the challenges of off-road racing. It offers stability and reliability across diverse terrains.

It’s equipped with a 4-pin spike plate to maximize traction. This ensures a secure grip on the ground.

The mesh upper design promotes breathability. This allows for ample airflow to keep feet cool and dry even during extended races. Consequently, it prevents discomfort caused by excessive sweat.

The shoe features 3D print graphic detailing. This adds a unique visual appeal while maintaining the shoe’s structural integrity and lightweight design.

Finally, the SSL EVA midsole ensures optimal cushioning and responsiveness. It offers a balance between comfort and performance during races.

THE BAD

The sizing is not very clear. Sometimes you might need to order up to two sizes higher.

PROS

·        Accommodating fit suitable for diverse foot shapes

·        Enhanced traction with a 4-pin spike plate

·        Breathable mesh upper to prevent excessive sweat

·        Aesthetic appeal with 3D print graphic detailing

·        Balanced cushioning and responsiveness with SSL EVA midsole

CONS

·        Not true to size. Ensure you order a size or two higher

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3.  Saucony Women’s Spitfire 5 Track Shoe 

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The Saucony Women’s Spitfire 5 Track Shoe is designed to deliver speed, control, and comfort on the track. It offers a combination of lightweight materials and traction-focused features for enhanced performance.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

This shoe boasts a synthetic upper designed to strike a crucial balance between durability, flexibility, and minimal weight. The lightweight construction offers a featherlight feel, contributing to agility and swift movements on the track. This design ensures your feet remain comfortably secure without compromising speed or performance.

The shoe’s standout feature lies in its molded quarter cage, a structural component strategically positioned around the midfoot and heel. This innovative addition provides integral lightweight support. It reinforces stability during high-speed activities such as sprints and turns. By offering support in these crucial areas, the shoe ensures a consistent and secure fit throughout your races or training sessions.

Another defining attribute of the Saucony Spitfire 5 is its 7-pin Pebax spike plate. This remarkable plate configuration is engineered to provide maximum traction on the track surface. The strategic placement of these pins amplifies grip and propulsion during toe-offs. This enables powerful strides and secure footing. This enhancement also optimizes your performance. Especially during intense sprints and turns.

THE GOOD

Crafted with a lightweight synthetic material, the shoe’s upper effectively secures and stabilizes the foot during sprints and races.

Featuring a molded quarter cage, this shoe provides lightweight yet essential support. This ensures stability.

The design minimizes foot movement within the shoe during high-speed runs. This contributes to better control.

The 7-pin Pebax spike plate integrated into the shoe’s design amplifies traction. It offers superior grip on the track surface.

THE BAD

The sizing is not very clear. Sometimes you might need to order up to two sizes higher.

PROS

·       Secure and stable fit with the lightweight synthetic upper

·       Crucial lightweight support provided by the molded quarter cage

·       Enhanced traction for faster and more controlled movements with the 7-pin Pebax spike plate

CONS

·        Not true to size. Ensure you order a size higher

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4. Adidas Women’s Distance Star

Here’s another simple and efficient pair of spikes that you sure want to try in your next cross country race.

It comes in three color combinations to fit your preferred uniform style.

Product Highlights

Breathability and comfortable weight are the features that stand out the most for this particular pair.

With these shoe qualities, you get the support, power, and comfort you need to speed across your course.

This gives you a higher chance to be among the first to get past that finish line.

The manufacturer also made safety and protection a top priority for its consumers by adding features such as the seamless toe cap and the synthetic heel to safeguard the most vulnerable parts of the feet and keep runners on balance as they run around bends.

The Soft EVA midsole is another feature you won’t fail to notice in the Adidas Women’s Distance Star.

It gives you lightweight cushioning and protects the soles of your feet as you attempt to race to that finish line in record time.

The Good

A lot of female cross country athletes look for lightweight and breathable spikes to get them through more challenging courses.

The Adidas Women’s Distancestar has more than got them covered in these areas, with its lightweight soles offering an excellent cushion and upper mesh.

This feature allows the feet more breathing space as it tirelessly propels runners to the finish line.

The Bad

As great a fit as the Adidas Women’s Distancestar offers, it’s not the most comfortable pair of cross country spikes out there.

Some might not appreciate its short laces, either, since they can be a hassle to retie constantly in the middle of a race.

PROS

• Great protective design
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Comfortable

CONS

• Short laces
• Not the most comfortable spikes to wear

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5. Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC7 Track Shoes

There’s no questioning the absolute gorgeousness of this pair of track shoes, which is evident the first time you lay eyes on it.

It comes in an array of captivating colorways, namely orange and green, teal and red, pink and citron, jet and blush, and purple and blue.

Product Highlights

This pair of cross country spikes has all the qualities you need to race across that course.

It has a four-pin spike plate that offers great traction while still being lightweight.

The Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC7 Track Shoes also has a mesh upper for excellent breathability, FLEXFILM overlays to provide support and aid in movement, and a molded EVA midsole that amps up durability while offering top-notch comfort at the same time.

This pair impresses just as well in looks as it does in performance with its wide variety of color combinations that you can match with your preferred look on the course.

The Good

If you’re looking to become “one with your shoe”, then count on the Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC7 Track Shoes to give you that feeling.

Aside from being one of the most comfortable cross country spikes you will ever wear, it also offers the superior fit you need to conquer any sports meet.

The Bad

The only downside to the Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC7 Track Shoes is that it’s particularly small, so you need to go up from your current size when ordering.

While that’s not normally what you do when purchasing cross country spikes since they need to be just the right fit, it’s a necessity for this particular model.

PROS

• Great traction
• Lightweight design
• Excellent breathability
• Top-notch comfort
• Great look

CONS

• Sizes are too small

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Comparison Chart

Best Cross Country Spikes for Men

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1. ASICS Unisex Hyper MD 7 Running Shoes

What better way to start the men’s section of our list than with an ASICS creation?

With the Unisex Hyper MD 7 Running Shoes, you get a contemporary version of the most popular running shoes from back in the day.

This one comes in three stylish colorways, namely white-classic red, black-white, and sunrise red-black.

Product Highlights

The excellent pair of ASICS Unisex Hyper MD 7 Running Shoes stands out because of its speed and comfort.

Thanks to its synthetic sole, EVA midsole, and EVA sockliner, you can race across any field, track, or course at full speed without experiencing any kind of discomfort.

Blaze through your chosen course without worrying about tired or strained feet thanks to this ASICS creation.

To match this shoe’s ability to provide comfort is its ability to deliver speed and traction.

The Hyper MD 7 model fits like a glove and feels like part of your feet, requiring little effort from you to navigate the most challenging terrains in your course.

The ASICS Unisex Hyper MD 7 Running Shoes also features removable spikes to help you transition easily into different types of running without changing shoes and a removable sockliner for easy washing and proper shoe hygiene.

The Good

The ASICS Hyper MD 7 model can satisfy your need for speed with ease.

It’s gorgeous to look at and comfortable. It also has excellent traction while maintaining a lightweight quality.

This shoe has all the qualities you need to navigate any kind of running terrain safely and efficiently.

The Bad

Many running shoe brands out there have issues with sizing, and this one is no exception.

The ASICS Unisex Hyper MD 7 Running Shoes’ sizes can be a bit on the small side, so you may need to do some research before you place an order.

Be sure you get a pair that’s just the right fit.

PROS

• Sock-like fit when you get the size right
• Provides optimal comfort
• Excellent breathability
• Lightweight design

CONS

• Small shoe sizes

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2. ASICS Unisex Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes

Here’s another pair of cross country spikes that’s great for both men and women.

These track and field shoes are known for their lightweight design and three gorgeous colorways: flash-coral white, orchid-black, and illusion blue- hazard green.

Product Highlights

The ASICS Hyper XC 2 is super lightweight and comfortable. It features a rugged outsole that adds to its traction yet doesn’t remove from its featherlight quality.

Thanks to all those elements, running with a snug-fitting pair can get you across that finish line in record time.

These track and field shoes also have removable spikes, allowing you to jump from one type of running activity to another without changing your shoes.

All you need to do is take off those spikes and voila! You’re ready to take on that next activity.

With the ASICS Unisex Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes, you get the triple-treat of versatility, durability, and performance, making it an ideal package for beginner and advanced racers alike.

This pair also offers excellent traction, breathability, and support to make running those difficult courses a lot easier.

The Good

It’s hard to see the ASICS Unisex Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes as anything less than the whole package.

It is an aesthetically pleasing and functionally great pair of track and field shoes for beginners and advanced users.

While being an athlete is more about performing great, we can’t deny that it’s also about looking great.

The Bad

Depending on the structure of your feet, you may find the pair of ASICS Unisex Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes a little too narrow on the sides.

Size issues are common when ordering track shoes, so make sure to do ample research before purchasing since you cannot afford to have an ill-fitting pair.

PROS

• Lightweight and breathable design
• Great traction
• Removable spikes
• Super comfortable

CONS

• Sides may be too narrow

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3. Brooks Draft XC Supportive Cross-Country Running Shoe 

Running is an essential part of staying healthy and fit. It is important, however, to have the right gear when running, especially in cross-country running. The Brooks Draft XC Supportive Cross-Country Running Shoe is the perfect shoe for any cross-country runner looking for a comfortable, lightweight, and durable shoe. This comprehensive review of the Brooks Draft XC Supportive Cross-Country Running Shoe will provide an in-depth look at the shoe’s features, comfort, and performance, as well as the pros and cons. 

Product Highlights

If you struggle to fit in most sports shoes due to wide feet, the Draft XC is your best bet. The shoe offers a wide base to fit your toes and still accommodate additional movements, like when running over rocky terrains. Moreover, it’s designed in such a way that you experience a snug grip even with all the extra toe room.

Brooks also uses their BioMoGo foam technology on this shoe, giving it super comfy cushioning. If you love sleeping on orthopedic mattresses, think of BioMoGo as the midsole equivalent of such a mattress. The insole adapts to your unique weight and stride and bends accurately in response to your running speed.

The outsole is rugged to enhance traction on uneven terrains and provide a solid grip on roads.

The Good

The shoe offers a soft and responsive ride with flexible cushioning thanks to the BioMogo insole.

Draft XC features a breathable vamp mesh upper fitted as a single layer for excellent drainage. That makes the shoe ideal for cross-country running in summer.

The chunky outsole construction offers extra stability, while the rugged design increases traction.

Moreover, the heel is webbed, making it easier to wear and remove.

The Bad

The Draft XC is a relatively bulky shoe, majorly due to heavy rubber padding.

The white color is also not very friendly in the wet weather, especially when trekking or racing along muddy paths.

PROS

• Excellent traction
• ​Ideal for runners with low arches  
• Available in several sizes
• Breathable 

• Superior cushioning

   

CONS

• Limited color choices

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4. Zoom Victory Xc 5 by Nike

If you fancy spike shoes, this one will wow you. The best part is that you can always replace the spikes whenever you lose some along the way. But that’s not all we love about this shoe. Let’s analyze the features.

Product Highlights

It’s a lightweight shoe weighing less than 200 grams when weighed with spikes on it. This shoe comes with two sets of high spikes and several normal-sized ones.

They are designed to have a narrow midsection, which gives them a tight feeling. However, this effect also offers an excellent grip on your toes and heel as you run.

The spikes add extra anchorage on the ground while the carbon fiber flexible sole thrusts them out just in time for your next step. It’s also comforting to know that you can run with them on wet terrain and still keep your feet completely warm and dry.

The Good

The shoes are super light. You feel as if you are walking barefoot, except you’re not. They also have excellent cushioning on the soles to add comfort and a springy feeling.

The outer material is waterproof, ideal for a wet run or running in the morning dew.

The Bad

There are no colors to choose from. So if you don’t like a dash of yellow and red Nike logos mixed with green, this shoe will not suit your taste.

PROS

• Fashionable and trendy
• The spikes are replaceable
• Great fit
• Waterproof exterior 
• Lightweight 

CONS

• The shoe retails in only one color

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5. TURAFO Professional

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The TURAFO Professional Track and Field Shoes bring a blend of lightweight design and traction prowess for a range of track activities. From sprints to jumps, these shoes are tailored for competitive performance. Let’s discuss further.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

The TURAFO Professional Track and Field Shoes embody a fusion of cutting-edge features. These are designed meticulously to elevate performance across various track and field activities. The shoes encompass an array of standout characteristics that cater to both comfort and performance.

Crafted from a super-breathable mesh material, these shoes prioritize comfort. They ensure your feet remain cool and well-ventilated even during the most intense sports activities. The breathable mesh upper not only offers comfort but also helps in moisture management. Consequently, you enjoy reduced discomfort, especially during prolonged wear.

Engineered with an innovative eight-nail sole, these shoes boast remarkable traction and stability. The strategically placed nails on the sole provide exceptional grip. This enhances your agility while ensuring anti-slip effectiveness. As a result, you enjoy optimized performance across various terrains.

TURAFO professional shoes also embrace an ultra-lightweight design. These shoes are constructed using state-of-the-art materials that reduce overall weight without compromising durability. This design attribute is tailored explicitly for speed and efficiency. This enables sprinters to achieve faster speeds. It also helps reduce the overall energy expenditure during competitive events.

Versatility is the hallmark of these shoes. They are tailored to meet the demands of various track disciplines. These include running, high jump, long jump, and sprinting. They offer multi-functional performance. Whether you’re sprinting down the track or preparing for a high jump, these shoes promise to support your athletic pursuits with their versatility.

THE GOOD

The shoes are crafted from super-breathable mesh. This ensures comfort, especially during intense sports activities.

They offer enhanced traction and stability with eight nails on the sole for anti-slip effectiveness.

The shoes are made from ultra-light materials. This facilitates faster and more efficient sprints.

They are suitable for various track and field disciplines. These include running, high jump, long jump, and sprint.

THE BAD

They are designed with a narrow fit. Therefore, these might be uncomfortable for runners with a wide foot. Especially when using them for a long distance or on bumpy terrain.

PROS

• Super breathable mesh upper
• Enhanced traction with eight-nail sole
• Lightweight design for faster performance
• Versatile for various track and field disciplines

CONS

• These shoes might be uncomfortable for extra wide feet

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Buyer’s Guide

Being passionate about any sport means doing everything you can to succeed in it.

If you’ve taken a serious interest in cross country racing, you’ll want to pick out the best cross country spikes for you.

Here are some important factors to go over before making a choice:

1. Fit

It really isn’t a wonder why “fit” is number one on our list because all the features you’re expected to benefit from purchasing a shoe aren’t going to matter if the shoe doesn’t fit right.

In the case of cross country spikes, the ideal snug fit should have about a width space of half a thumb between the runner’s toes and the front of the spikes.

2. Weight

Choose a pair of spikes that are too heavy and expect a most uncomfortable run. When selecting cross country spikes, you’ll want to opt for a model weighing between four and seven ounces.

In this way, you’ll feel as if your sneakers are part of your feet, making it easier for you to traverse the rougher terrains.

3. Cushioning

Your shoes’ cushioning determines its ability to provide comfort and protection.

Models specifically-made for long-distance running are composed of even lighter-weight materials and compounds than the regular athletic shoes to offer enhanced cushioning.

4. Traction

The spike configuration in your cross country shoes determines the level of traction it can provide.

You can choose from anywhere between a four-pin spike plate to an eight-spin spike plate.

Basically, the higher the number, the more foothold you have for powering around those bends and curves.

Please note, however, that going for that higher spike configuration requires more expertise.

5. Cost

Purchasing cross country spikes doesn’t require you to break the bank.

Our list, in fact, has some of the most affordable, high-quality options in the market.

Cross Country Spike FAQs

1. Do spikes make you run faster in cross country?

Yes, spikes help you run faster in cross country. The shoes’ spike configuration determines how much of a foothold a runner has on the ground

Thus, it gives you more control when powering around those difficult turns and up those steep hills.

Shoes with more spikes make a runner feel more secure when traversing difficult terrains, allowing them to speed through these areas without slowing down too much.

2. How much do cross country spikes cost?

You can purchase great-quality cross country spikes for around $40 to $120 depending on the brand.

3. Do you wear socks with XC spikes?

You may or may not wear socks when using cross country spikes. However, not wearing socks does increase your chances of getting blisters.

If you decide to wear socks, make sure they’re on the thin side so as not to ruin the fit.

4. Should you practice in spikes?

Yes, you can practice using your cross country spikes, but before you do, make it a point to break them in to reduce the risk of injury.

5. Should cross country spikes be tight?

Cross country spikes should be tight, but not too tight. You’ll want the fit to be snug, with around half a thumb of width space between the front of the spikes and your toes.

Shoes that are too tight are uncomfortable to run in and wouldn’t do you much good in a cross country race.

It’s also important to consider whether or not you’ll be using socks and if the kind of cross country spikes you’re using run in small sizes.

Our Final Recommendation

So far, we’ve mentioned some really awesome cross country spikes on our list. Among these include some all-around fitness sneakers, long-distance-specific track shoes, and high-quality cleats for running and ball games.

Some models were made specifically for male runners, while others were manufactured specifically for males. We also had a few that were unisex.

We’ll pick out one standout each from the men’s and women’s sections.

For cross country spikes for female users, the Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC7 Track Shoe is our clear winner.

That is all thanks to its complete package of breathability, comfort, traction, lightweight, and style perfect not just for giving maximum performance in a variety of cross country courses, but also for capturing the attention of the audience with its visual appeal.

While the men’s section proved to be more difficult to choose a winner from, it was clear that the ASICS Unisex Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes beat the others in almost all categories.

It provides exceptional cushioning, superb traction, and great breathability. Topping it all off, it comes in a fantastic style that’s guaranteed to fit any runner’s aesthetic preference.