2023 Cross Country Spikes Guide
Overview of CC Spikes:
With summer training coming to a close, it’s almost time to race! Whether it’s your first cross country season or you’re a seasoned veteran, a good pair of spikes can make navigating each course a lot easier. Our fit gurus at any location will be able to help you find a great pair for the 2023 season!
Cross country spikes are much easier to buy than track and field spikes since almost every race is a 5k! Cross Country spikes have, for the most part, a full rubber sole to provide more traction on dirt or grass surfaces. These spikes also have a padded heel, making them similar to distance Track spikes, but tend to be more flexible and have more substantial rubber on the bottom for improved traction. Another good thing about Cross Country spikes is that they can be used in Track and Field in the spring. On the other hand, track spikes don’t always translate to cross country due to the hard plastic plate having little or no traction.
The actual spikes (pins) are longer for Cross Country shoes to provide better traction. They come standard with 3/8th” length spikes, but they can legally have up to one inch, although 5/8th inches typically the longest recommended. We recommend 3/8th for the majority of courses but if there is a muddy course, it may be worthwhile to switch these out for 5/8th.
Cross Country Spike Options at TRWS:
The Kilkenny is a softer, less aggressive spike that would be great for beginners. The Havok has a more rigid midsole for increased energy return. A good choice with the Havok is having more pin placements and higher quality. Kids that are more experienced and want to set PR’s should look into the Havok while beginners would have a better time with the Kilkenny.
A great spike for beginners with more padding and less aggressive midsole. Typically accommodates a wider foot as well. The 6-pin design and rigid outsole provides superb traction and is extremely light at 6.7 oz. A great middle of the road spike for those looking for a combination of comfort and speed.
Slightly more aggressive than the New Balance spikes, the arch in this feels great. The Draft XC tends to run a bit narrow in the width to keep your feet in place. It has a 6-pin spike plate and weighs 6.5 oz. If you’re looking for a great shoe for price and performance, the Draft XC is your best bet!
- NOTE: Unisex spikes use men’s sizing. For a women’s fit, take your general shoe size and subtract 1.5 (i.e. a women’s 8.5 would be a unisex 7 for this spike)
Replacement Spikes Guide:
1/4″ Pyramid Spike
- For use on hard, dry courses or if the course crosses lots of roads
3/8” Pyramid Spike
- Stock size that will work for most courses
- This length comes standard with all cross country spikes
1/2″ Pyramid Spikes
- Longer for wet or muddy courses
Shop All Replacement Spikes
Are spikes mandatory?
The Running Well Store Gurus get asked this question quite often. We all would answer that an athlete does not need spikes to compete in Cross Country, but a runner, especially a new runner, needs a good pair of training shoes. These shoes will be worn everyday at practice and most of their running will be done in these shoes. At The Running Well Store, we fit the shoe to the runner to make sure they are in a shoe that is right for them. You can come into one of our three locations (Lee’s Summit, Northland and Mission, KS) for a free stride analysis. No appointment is necessary, but if you would like to schedule an appointment, click here. We take in-person and virtual fittings. Want to do research online? We have a find my fit tool that will help you narrow down footwear options.
If you shop in-store ONLY at any one of our three locations during the entire month of August, we offer a student discount of 20% off to athletes in middle and high school, and The Running Well Store will guarantee our shoes for 30 days.
We hope to hear from or see you soon! As always, Run Well!!
About TRWS GURU Will
I’m a local runner from Kansas City currently living in Parkville. Running has been a big part of my life since I joined my high school cross country team 11 years ago. I ran collegiately at Park University and post-collegiately with Kansas City Smoke for two years. I currently run competitively for First City Track Club based out of Leavenworth, KS. I’ve been a part of the Running Well Store family since 2015 as a fit guru, starting at the Barry Road location, and now as a product purchaser, at our Mission location.
Not certain if this shoe is right for you?
We understand! There are a lot of options of footwear on the market and deciding what model is the right model for your needs is not easy. We are here for you! You can come into one of our three locations (Lee’s Summit, Northland and Mission, KS) for a free stride analysis. No appointment is necessary, but if you would like to schedule an appointment, click here. We take in-person and virtual fittings. Want to do research online? We have a find my fit tool that will help you narrow down footwear options. We hope to hear from you soon!
