Cross country running has become very popular lately, and many people wanted to try it out.
However, it is not a good idea to try this long-distance running if you don’t have a pair of shoes meant for this type of activity.
Looking for the best cross country shoes is important since it can provide the protection and comfort your feet need while running.
If you don’t have any idea what to look for and you don’t know the best brands and models to consider, we listed down some of the best shoes for men and women that you can use for running.
Comparison Chart
Best Cross Country Shoes for Men Reviews
1. New Balance 1400v6 Men's Running Shoes
New Balance 1400v6 is a lightweight and versatile running shoe for men with amazing features for a reasonable price.
It has a speedy quality, which makes it a good choice for 10K races and training runs.
The midsole provides adequate cushioning to give your feet more comfort while running.
If you already have the V5, the feeling is almost identical to the V6, but the latter has improved features.
Product Highlights
The New Balance 1400v6 Men's Running Shoes is an amazing pick for men looking for decent running shoes at an affordable price.
Its Revlite midsole foam is superior to fresh foam, and it provides the right blend of cushioning and tempo.
The New Balance 1400v6 Men's Running Shoes is known as a shoe made for running because of its speedy nature.
Compared to its predecessor, there are some major updates on the upper to improve comfort and breathability.
The 1400v6 has a height of 25mm in the back and about 15mm in the front.
You will notice that there is a 10mm drop, but it is just right for the shoe and the Revlite midsole.
The upper of these shoes also features an internal FantomFit support cage.
You can also easily notice the dark webs from the outside of the shoe placed between the outer and inner mesh layers.
This support cage can hold your foot securely in place and eliminate slippage while running.
The tongue of the New Balance 1400v6 Men's Running Shoes was also improved.
The previous version is fairly padded, so a lot of runners experienced irritation on their feet.
The new tongue will lay nicely at the top of your foot, so you won’t experience any irritation or discomfort.
What We Like
The best thing about the New Balance 1400v6 Men's Running Shoes is the improvement to its upper.
Most of these improvements are made to provide more comfort to your feet since the previous versions are a bit stiff.
The FantomFit support cage is probably one of the best since it can keep your feet steady and prevent any slips while running.
What We Don’t Like
The only problem with the New Balance 1400v6 Men's Running Shoes is the width.
It doesn’t come with wider models, so if you have a wide foot, you have to get a different model.
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2. Adidas Terrex Tracerocker Trail Running Shoes
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker Trail Running Shoes is a popular choice for fast and light hiking.
Adidas is a known brand when it comes to trail running shoes, and this model is pretty amazing for its price.
Aside from being very affordable, this type of running shoe is made for light trails and is very durable.
Product Highlights
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker Trail Running Shoes features a breathable mesh upper that provides more comfort while running.
The mesh upper allows air and wind to enter the shoe and prevent the moisture from building inside.
The EVA midsole cushioning provides comfort and protection to your feet.
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker Trail Running Shoes also features a TRAXION outsole that would maximize the grip in different directions.
The shoe upper features an anti-tear fabric that would not get damaged easily even if you use them repeatedly.
The midsole and the external pad go hand-in-hand to ensure the foot always stays steady even when you are running on uneven terrain.
It also features a super high-traction rubber outsole that would further improve its grip.
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker Trail Running Shoes is very fashionable, so you can use it while wearing regular, daily clothes.
What We Like
What we love most about the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker Trail Running Shoes is that both the EVA midsole and the external pad provides enough protection and comfort to your feet.
You can run on uneven or rocky grounds, but your feet will always stay steady throughout because of these two features.
What We Don’t Like
If you like a tread pattern that is a bit more aggressive, then the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker Trail Running Shoes is not the right shoes for you.
The tread pattern is pretty good, but most people think that it is a bit lacking.
This model is not a good choice for people with wide feet, as well.
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3. HEALTH Track Spike Running Shoes
Health is a known brand when it comes to running shoes. Although it is not as popular as Adidas, New Balance, and other brands, most of their shoes are made from high-quality materials and packed with amazing features.
The best thing about their shoes is that they're not too expensive, and the HEALTH Track Spike Running Shoes is one of their best models to date.
Product Highlights
The HEALTH Track Spike Running Shoes is not only packed with impressive features, but it also looks fantastic.
It comes in different colors and designs, and you can use them for regular activities.
This running shoe is lightweight and has a breathable mesh upper to guarantee that moisture and sweat will not stay inside the shoe.
The back is made from a lightweight and breathable material. It has jagged designs on the sole to prevent skidding and slipping, plus it will also help you maintain your speed and retain control while you are in motion.
This shoe can also reduce the impact of your landing because the sole is tough and wear-resistant.
The HEALTH Track Spike Running Shoes is a great choice for short-distance running, and you can use it on grassland, cinder sandy, and plastic track.
What We Like
The HEALTH Track Spike Running Shoes' appearance is a big plus because it comes in different colors, while its lightweight and breathable upper is perfect for running, especially for short distances.
What We Don’t Like
There is a problem with the sizing of the HEALTH Track Spike Running Shoes because it is too small.
Although they already suggested that you should get at least one size bigger, there are some instances when the size is not accurate.
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4. ASICS Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes
Asics made some updates on its track and field shoes, especially with the ASICS Hyper XC 2 Shoes.
The upper was improved; Asics made it more flexible, comfortable, and breathable.
The sole remained unchanged, but the changes in the upper had a huge impact on the quality and capability of the shoe.
Product Highlights
The ASICS Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes is durable enough to last for a long time, even if you use it repeatedly.
It features an EVA sock liner that is lightweight and durable, and a rubber outsole that is perfect for gaining traction and helps you accelerate better when running.
It also has removable spikes that allow you to change it to whatever spikes you want, depending on the situation.
This shoe is applicable for cross country and track and field.
What We Like
The best thing about the ASICS Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes is its removable spikes.
If you are not comfortable with the default spikes, you can change it and replace it with the spike that you want.
What We Don’t Like
There is a problem with the sizing of the ASICS Hyper XC 2 Track and Field Shoes.
As such, you need to be very careful with the sizes and get at least one size larger than your current size.
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5. New Balance XC 7 Ankle-High Track Shoes
The New Balance XC 7 Ankle-High Track Shoes has an aggressive design for various runners who want to improve their performance on the field.
It features a rugged and energetic outsole that is made to provide a high level of traction.
Product Highlights
With an entry-level price tag, the New Balance XC 7 Ankle-High Track Shoes is a popular choice for people who don’t have much money to spend on a cross country shoe.
This shoe also has features for seasonal runners; it is very light in weight and durable.
It has a responsive RevLite foam that runs on the full length of the shoe and a removable sock liner that would provide more cushion and comfort to your feet.
The shape of the New Balance XC 7 Ankle-High Track Shoes is flat, and the embedded spike is minimal, while the heel has more pad and is less contoured and lower on the ankle.
It creates a loose feeling so your feet won’t feel suffocated while wearing it.
What We Like
We over that the overall design of the New Balance XC 7 Ankle-High Track Shoes is fantastic, and it is very comfortable to wear.
The New Balance XC 7 Ankle-High Track Shoe is focused primarily on comfort so you can wear it the whole day without putting pressure on your feet.
What We Don’t Like
The only problem with the New Balance XC 7 Ankle-High Track Shoes is its inaccurate sizing.
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Comparison Chart
Best Cross Country Shoes for Women
1. Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep 4 Shoes
The Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep 4 Shoes is developed specifically for women and is very lightweight, allowing you to elevate your play fully.
This model is made for baseball, but you can also use it for cross country running since it provides both comfort and protection to your feet.
Product Highlights
The Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep 4 Shoes is incredibly tough and lightweight.
It features a protective toe guard that would provide the ultimate protection in the front of the shoe.
It has a lightweight nine-spike advanced outsole that would offer traction on the field.
Not only is it an excellent choice for pitchers, but the other positions on the field can also use it.
The Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep 4 Shoes features a full-length midsole providing a heel to toe cushioning.
It also has a Parallel Outsole Wave that can provide enhanced stability and cushion.
What We Like
The best thing about the Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep 4 Shoes is that it is extremely versatile since you can use it for sports and cross country running.
Since it also has cleats, it offers a better grip and traction on different terrains, making it a great choice for long-distance running.
What We Don’t Like
As similar to most running shoes, the size of the Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep 4 Shoes is pretty confusing, and many people are having problems getting the right size.
The sizing is pretty inaccurate, so you have to be careful when ordering a pair of Mizuno Nine-Spike Advanced Sweep 4 Shoes.
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2. Saucony Kilkenny Xc8 Flat Track Shoes
The Saucony Kilkenny Xc8 Flat Track Shoes is only an entry-level product and meant for regular cross country running.
Some of its structure features made it look like an elite shoe with an entry-level price, which is pretty good since you can have access to more advanced features without spending too much.
Product Highlights
The Saucony Kilkenny Xc8 Flat Track Shoes can handle different terrains like grass, gravel, and trail.
It is exceptionally versatile since it would allow you to cross any course without putting too much pressure on your feet.
It also has a well-designed sole fitted for cross country courses.
The Saucony Kilkenny Xc8 Flat Track Shoes has moderate traction included in its sole and a four-pin spike plate.
The midsole is made from lightweight EVA foam, while the outsole is of carbon rubber materials that can improve traction and provide better durability.
This combination will make the spike firmer and more responsive.
The spikes of the Saucony Kilkenny Xc8 Flat Track Shoes are made from a flexible mesh that would keep the shoe breathable and light.
Unlike other models, the shoe provides a more relaxed fit, so it can work for beginners.
It also provides more cushion around the heel and the tongue area.
What We Like
In terms of durability and comfort, the Saucony Kilkenny Xc8 Flat Track Shoes is one of the best entry-level shoes in the market.
Long-distance running can take a toll on your feet, so wearing shoes with better cushioning will surely help keep your feet comfortable the whole day.
What We Don’t Like
The Saucony Kilkenny Xc8 Flat Track Shoes has an issue when it comes to sizing, and it is better to go for one size bigger so the shoes won’t be too tight.
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3. Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes
The Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes is a weakness of young girls because the design itself is very eye-catching.
Even women who are not into long-distance running might consider buying this shoe because of its looks.
The booty upper fit is the one that many testers mentioned, as it provides a fantastic fit to your feet.
Product Highlights
The Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes provides a full-length rubber outsole and a nearly visible six-pin spike plate.
It has about half an inch of EVA foam starting from the heel up to the ball of the foot.
The cushioning is perfect for long-distance running, and it will not put a lot of pressure on your feet.
The Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes also has a decoupled plate located at the back to help save weight and improve its flexibility.
Compared to other cross-country shoes, this model is more comfortable and feels like you are not wearing anything on your feet.
It features a grippy crystal rubber that covers the shoes from heel to toe and wraps up the sides, providing a more durable build.
It also has arrow-shaped lugs that provide a versatile grip on different surfaces.
What We Like
The best thing about the Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes is the crystal rubber that covers it.
Although it is very lightweight, the crystal rubber made it more durable.
What We Don’t Like
The only issue with the Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes is the fit. It is not made for everyone, especially if your feet are too wide.
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4. Saucony Havok XC Spike Shoes
The Saucony Havok XC Spike Shoes is completely different from the Saucony Women's Havok XC2 because it is made for the trail. It is also very affordable and stylish.
Most women buy the Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes because of its design, but the features are also top-notch.
Product Highlights
The Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes is an ultra-lightweight racing flat perfect for long-distance running.
It has a breathable mesh upper with synthetic featherlight overlays that would guarantee that your feet will always stay dry and comfy throughout the journey. It can prevent moisture and sweat buildup.
The Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes features a lightweight FLEXIFILM material added to the upper to provide a flexible and seamless feel.
It also has a lace-up closure to ensure that your feet will not slide up or down on the shoes, while the padded tongue and collar provide more comfort and cushion.
The XT-600 carbon rubber outsole of the Saucony Havok XC Spike Shoes is one of the top reasons to buy this as it offers amazing traction and abrasion resistance.
What We Like
Aside from its stylish design, the best thing about the Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes is the carbon rubber outsole.
The XT-600 is a fantastic material that provides better traction when you are running and protection against abrasion so that your shoes would always look new and untouched.
What We Don’t Like
The sizing of the Saucony Women's Havok XC2 Shoes is a bit small, so you need to adjust when buying.
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5. ASICS Hyper-Rocketgirl SP Six-Spike Shoes
In terms of design and style, the ASICS Hyper-Rocketgirl SP Six-Spike Shoes has unmatched aesthetics.
It is a top pick for women who not only wants a shoe for running but also regular, day-to-day activities.
This shoe is not only about looks because it is packed with amazing features.
Product highlights
The ASICS Hyper-Rocketgirl SP Six-Spike Shoes can help you run fast. It is made for track and field, but if you are opting for long-distance running, it can also provide the comfort that you need.
The ASICS Hyper-Rocketgirl SP Six-Spike Shoes is a lightweight pair often used by athletes who run 400m sprints.
It has a soft and vibrant upper pattern that mimics fast movements and a rigid forefoot PU plate for better stability and to make sure you won’t slide while running.
The rubber heels provide additional grip on any terrain. It also includes a wrench as well as 6mm pyramid spikes.
What We Like
The best thing about the ASICS Hyper-Rocketgirl SP Six-Spike Shoes is the design.
The features are pretty basic, and all of them are the things that a cross country shoe should have, so we will be focusing on the design.
It is also versatile since you can use it when you go out with friends.
What We Don’t Like
The only problem with the ASICS Hyper-Rocketgirl SP Six-Spike Shoes is the sizing, which is pretty much the problem of most running shoes right now.
It is two sizes smaller, so you have to adjust before you buy.
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Buyer’s Guide
There are so many cross-country shoes in the market that you would spend days reading the features of every brand and model.
If you want to look for the perfect cross country shoes, you need to be more specific about what you want.
You need to know what to look for so that you won’t spend too much time checking unnecessary features.
Here are some of the most important features you need to consider:
1. Flexibility
We all want a flexible shoe, but too much flexibility is not a good choice when it comes to cross country shoes.
You want a flexible shoe, but you have to check if it is flexible in the right places.
If you are going to check a shoe from a store, you should grab it by the heel, then put the toe against the floor, and try to push it forward.
If the shoe bends in the front where your feet bends, it is a pretty good shoe.
The middle should stay firm and steady and should not be flexible at all.
If the middle part bends or the front part of the shoe is not bending properly, put the shoe back and look for another one.
2. Cushioning
You are going to run long distances and on different terrains, so you need to make sure that the shoe has proper cushioning.
When you say properly cushioned, it should not have too much cushion since it would increase the weight of the shoe.
The cushion and the weight should be balanced perfectly because you don’t want to run around wearing heavy shoes.
The cushion should just be enough to provide comfort and protection to your feet, but not too much.
Try wearing the shoes and see if it is too heavy and if you are comfortable wearing it.
3. Fit
You have to make sure that the shoe will fit like a glove on your foot.
Since you will run on a trail, you don’t want your feet to slide up and down.
That would cause blisters and might even cause accidents while running.
A tighter fit would keep your feet connected to your shoes, especially when you are running on uneven grounds.
That said, you should leave about a quarter-inch between the toe and the end of the shoe to give breathing space to your feet.
4. Spikes vs. Flat
Many of you are asking if spikes or flats are better for cross country running. The answer is both.
Spikes are often used on grass and mud since they provide better traction on soft grounds.
If the ground is soft, the spikes needed would also grow longer; thus, you have to check the trail before you buy shoes.
Flat, on the other hand, can be used on other terrains and soft grounds if you want. It has rubber nubs to provide traction to the shoes.
5. Weight
When running, you don’t want to wear shoes that are too heavy. They should be as light as possible, so you should only opt for cross country shoes that are lightweight.
Well, most of the brands are lightweight, so you just need to compare their actual weights before buying one.
6. Traction
You need a pair of cross country shoes that would provide better traction on different terrains.
You cannot find an affordable shoe that you can use for almost all types of terrain and provide great traction.
You need to choose an outsole based on the type of terrain that you are going to handle.
FAQs
1. What Shoes Should You Wear for Cross Country Running?
There are a lot of shoes made specifically for cross country running. You can buy a specific brand for cross country running or just buy lightweight running shoes.
The goal is to look for a shoe that is not too heavy and provides adequate protection and cushioning.
2. Are Spikes Good for Cross Country?
Yes, spikes are important for cross country running, especially if you are going to run on muddy trails.
You don’t want to use flats on this type of terrain because you will surely slip if you run too fast.
Although flats can provide better traction, nothing beats spikes for the grass or muddy grounds.
3. Can You Wear Trail Shoes for Cross Country?
It is not advisable to wear trail shoes for cross country because they are quite heavy for running.
Trail shoes provide more protection, but your movement would be slower because they are heavy.
Some features are not applicable to long-distance running, as well.
4. How Many Spikes Should a Cross Country Shoe Have?
The number of spikes would depend on the distance. If you are only running short distances, six to 10 spikes are needed.
If you are doing cross country running, four to six spikes will do because adding more would only increase the weight of the shoe.
5. Do You Run Faster With Spikes?
If you are running on muddy or grassy terrain, you can run faster with spikes.
If you are running on rocky or solid grounds, spikes might slow you down or even hurt your feet.
If you want to run fast, you should know when to use spikes.
Final Verdict
Looking for the best cross country shoes doesn’t have to be overly complicated. You can find a good pair of shoes as long as you know the features that you need.
Among the brands mentioned above, the best one for men’s shoes would be the New Balance 1400v6.
Although it is not applicable for people with wide feet, the features are good enough for an entry-level shoe.
As for women’s shoes, the best one is the ASICS Hyper-Rocketgirl SP Six-Spike Shoes.
It is very stylish and has the basic features that you need for cross country running.