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
Mizuno 9-Spike Advanced Sweep Shoes
adidas Women’s Distancestar
Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC7 Track Shoes
Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC Spikes
New Balance Women’s Vazee Verge Sprint Spikes
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This excellent pair of spikes was originally made for softball but functions just as well for cross country.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
- checkLightweight
- checkDurable
- checkOffers easy power and support
CONS
- Wears down easily when used for pitching
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2. 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
- checkGreat protective design
- checkLightweight
- checkDurable
- Comfortable
CONS
- Short laces
- Not the most comfortable spikes to wear
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3. 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
- checkGreat traction
- checkLightweight design
- checkExcellent breathability
- Top-notch comfort
- Great look
CONS
- Sizes are too small
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4. Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC5 Cross-Country Shoes
Here’s another visually-appealing spiked track shoe that’s guaranteed to impress functionally.
With colorways that come in teal-yellow, lavender-red, and vizi-orange citron, these shoes can be an excellent match for most of your bright- or neutral-colored uniform styles.
Product Highlights
The Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC5 Cross-Country Shoes brings a unique look to the table with its human-made mesh.
In a way, it makes you more visually-striking to the audience as you race across the course.
It could be either a good or a bad thing, depending on whether you want people’s attention.
As far as cushioning goes, the Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC5 Cross-Country Shoes offers minimal feel with superior flexibility.
It’s also structured to fit any kind of trail thanks to its compression-molded EVA midsole, lightly-padded collar and tongue, highly-breathable mesh, and ultralightweight design.
Expect these shoes to maintain superior traction despite its lightweight design because of its four-pin spike plate.
The Good
These pair’s features make for a swift, featherlight performance, which is exactly what you need to get to that finish line in record time.
Its ultra-lightweight design and extreme flexibility give female runners the ability to navigate bends and curves of middle to long-distance courses with ease.
The Bad
Despite features that maximize performance, the Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC5 Cross-Country Shoes may come in sizes that make it difficult for a runner to choose the right fit.
Its sizes usually run small, so you’ll need to order one size up your current one to get a perfectly fitting pair.
PROS
- checkUltra-lightweight design
- checkExtreme flexibility
- checkAggressive traction
CONS
- Sizes are too small
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5. New Balance Women’s Vazee Verge Sprint Spike V1 Running Shoes
This New Balance spiked running shoe definitely isn’t a bad choice if you’re looking to level up course performance.
It comes in a variety of colorways, like voltage violet-black, black-rose gold, white munsell-flame, and white-neon emerald, to meet your preferred uniform styles and preferences.
Product Highlights
There’s no question that this pair’s standout feature is its eight-spike configuration, which gives it traction like no other and allows users to power across or up any type of terrain with less effort.
These are the perfect shoes for bringing you to your full speed on the track. They’re ultralight and have aggressive traction that don’t remove from their featherlight quality.
The New Balance Women’s Vazee Verge Sprint Spike V1 Running Shoes is no slouch in the visual department, either. It comes in a bold geometric styling that makes it look as fast as it feels.
The Good
Runners who’ve been doing cross country for a while now are going to want to move up to the next level.
To reach the level of performance one expects of herself at this level, she would require track shoes such as the New Balance Women’s Vazee Verge Sprint Spike V1 Running Shoes.
With this awesome pair, there’s really no slowing down. This shoe can help you achieve and maintain optimal speed on the course while providing top-notch protection and comfort at the same time.
The Bad
As functionally and aesthetically pleasing as the New Balance Women’s Vazee Verge Sprint Spike V1 Running Shoes, it can still cause some hangups.
Some of its problems revolve around laces that need to be double-knotted; otherwise, they won’t stay tied.
The spikes also tend to come loose now and then.
PROS
- checkGreat aesthetic design
- checkUltralightweight
- checkSuperior traction
CONS
- Laces don’t stay tied unless double-knotted
- Loose spikes
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Comparison Chart
ASICS Hyper MD 7 Unisex Track & Field Sho
ASICS Hyper XC 2 Track & Field Shoes
Ifrich 2019 Men Spikes
Brooks Draft XC Supportive Cross-Country Running Shoe
Nike Zoom Victory Xc 5 by Nike
Best Cross Country Spikes for Men
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
- checkSock-like fit when you get the size right
- checkProvides optimal comfort
- checkExcellent 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
- checkLightweight and breathable design
- checkGreat traction
- checkRemovable spikes
- Super comfortable
CONS
- Sides may be too narrow
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3. Ifrich Men’s Track and Field Sneakers
Don’t let its name mislead you as this, too, is another unisex track and field shoe.
Its adult version comes in three shades, including black, pink, and blue, while the kid version comes in blue.
Product Highlights
Now, here’s a pair of track and field shoes that’s great for all kinds of field sports, including soccer, baseball, softball, and running.
It doesn’t matter if you’re on the pitch or in a cross country course, these cleats will allow you to maximize your performance without taking a lot from you.
With the Ifrich Track and Field Sneakers, you get top-notch breathability and comfort.
Its lightweight design and superb traction also help runners navigate turns. It also bends with relative ease.
With Ifrich Track and Field Sneakers, you can always be sure there’s a pair for you whether you’re male, female, young, or old.
From the spikes and upper mesh to the insoles and the back of the shoes, every part is structured around a speedy, comfortable performance that helps maintain the athlete’s health.
The Good
Everything that makes the Ifrich Track and Field Sneakers great centers on three things: breathability, style, and comfort.
It’s these three qualities that allow this pair of cleats to address running challenges faced by beginners and advanced users alike.
With this shoe, you can run long distances with your feet feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the activity.
You can also execute turns at optimal speed without feeling any kind of discomfort. To top it all off, you can do all these things while maintaining a great style.
The Bad
You may not appreciate the too-narrow sizes that the Ifrich Track and Field Sneakers tends to come in.
As great as its features are, they won’t serve you any use if the shoe doesn’t fit right.
Be sure to do your homework before making an online purchase.
PROS
- checkComes in adult and kid sizes
- checkLightweight and breathable design
- checkStylish
- Optimal comfort
CONS
- Too narrow on the sides
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4. 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
- checkExcellent traction
- checkIdeal for runners with low arches
-
Available in several sizes
- Breathable
-
Superior cushioning
CONS
- Limited color choices
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5. 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
- checkFashionable and trendy
- checkThe spikes are replaceable
- checkGreat fit
- checkWaterproof exterior
- checkLightweight
CONS
- The shoe retails in only one color
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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.
Wow! A huge list you have compiled here, and to be very honest, I must say that I really appreciate you for putting this list up. Well! From the lists, the one I like the most is the Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep Cleats. I just like the makeup and the fact that it is very active and can be used well and actively.
Good one
Hello, EliteCarol, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Thank you for a review of running shoes for women. I find myself buying these shoes, mostly based on how they look, rather than the special features that would make them the right fit for my sports. My last pair was too heavy for moving fast and lifting the feet. From this collection, looking at the description, I like that Addidas Distance star. I can always buy longer laces and make it work. Useful article.
Hello, JJ, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
You are surely not the only one that looks more on how the shoes look rather than the benefits of it. But it is crucial to give you time to think about what you have in mind when you buy it. Are you just using it for training? Are you looking for running shoes to use off the road, in the city, etc?
It is such an essential factor for your legs. They can defend your body and help you to do things better. But too, if you are using the wrong shoes, it can made you a big problem.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Hi,
This is really a great post!
The information you give is just the right ones we search or ask for when buying our shoes, whether online or in the mall shops. I especially like that you mention the downsides of each product.
Personally, I like the Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC7 Track Shoe for me and would recommend this to others.
Thank you very much for this superb review. It is very helpful, indeed.
God bless you more,
Chuna
Hello, Chuna, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Yes, I agree. The Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC7 is really great.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
I like that you did my search for the best cross country spikes, as I am looking for my niece. You give me different pairs of shoes AND have my pros and cons, and that is awesome! I know she would want the best, as they fit better and last longer. I know she would love the Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep Cleats because they are sleek and cute with the best ratings! Thank you!
Hello, Brendaliz, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words. I’m sure your niece will be happy!
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
A good article here. I believe that comfort is the sole thing when it comes to going for cross-country spikes. They need to be balanced and very firm to ensure proper use and ensure it dies not to affect an athlete’s performance. I really appreciate what gas has been shared here in great detail. Thanks for this.
Hello, DarmiMaddie, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.