Cross Country Spikes Guide for 2022
Summer is almost over! You know what that means!! Cross Country season is HERE!!!! If you are reading this more than likely you are looking for a good spike for your 2022 cross country season. At The Running Well Store we offer a wide variety of cross country spikes. If you are in need of help deciding which spike to choose, read on…..or come to one of our 3 stores in the greater Kansas City area and speak to one of our Gurus, who would be more than happy to help you out! Below you will find TRWS’s Cross Country Spikes Guide for 2022 to learn more about the wide variety of cross country spikes that we carry.
Important Info:
The good news is that these are much easier to pick out than Track and Field spikes! These spikes are easy to pick out because there is only one event in Cross County, so no sprint, distance, or throw shoes.
Cross Country spikes have, for the most part, a full rubber sole to provide more traction on grassy surfaces, going up and down hill. Track spikes have a hard plastic plate where the spikes screw in and are a little bit lighter.
Cross Country spikes have a padded heel making them similar to distance Track spikes, yet are more flexible. It is important to know that you can use Cross Country spikes for Cross Country and Track, but you cannot use Track Spikes for Cross Country because Track Spikes have a hard plastic plate.
Cross Country Spike Options at TRWS
Deep into the race on the Cross Country course rules stop applying, the race between the course and you begin. The Havok XC3 delivers everything needed to create chaos and separate yourself from the competition. A tight breathable mono mesh upper and aggressive full length rubber outsole provide the confidence needed to tear up the grass, dirt or anything else thrown at you. A 6-pin spike plate and embroidered eye row to provide a locked down fit. Have no fear, you’ll be shredding the competition and wreaking Havok on any course this XC season.
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.
The Kilkenny XC9’s accommodating fit and 4-pin plate will help you conquer the course and crush your goals. It is known as the most comfortable racing shoe on the market, but the superior fit will have you dominating the cross country season. Engineered mesh upper, and molded EVA midsole, this spike is here to help you rip through any terrain.
The Kilkenny is a softer, less aggressive spike that would be great for beginners.
When lacing up before a big race you want to feel confident and strong. The Brigade XC Low is a lightweight but durable spike that allows every runner to feel their best on race day. The four-pin spike plate gives enough traction that is great on all terrain, whether that be those flat and fast XC courses or tough hilly XC courses, the Brigade can do it all. The breathable upper is lightweight but strong so that nothing can slow you down. The sole of this spike is Michelin rubber so it’s durable and fast. So, screw in those spikes, lace up, and get ready for battle.
NOTE: Unisex spikes use men’s sizing. For a women’s fit, take your general shoe size and subtract 1.5 (ie: a women’s 8.5 would be a unisex 7 for this spike)
The number seven is the number of completeness and perfection, and that is exactly what this Spike is. This supportive and durable spike will help you feel strong and ready to go from the starting to the finish line. The New Balance Seven V3 XC spike is great for any racer, with its six-pin spike plate and durable sole, nothing can slow you down on race day. Lacing up this spike is pure perfection and allows any racer to complete their big goals for the XC season.
A great spike for beginners with more padding and less aggressive midsole.
- 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)
The Brooks Draft XC is here to help you achieve your personal best come race day. This cross country spike is a great price and comes from running industry leader, Brooks Running. This spike has a wider midsole for more stable landings. It’s BioMoGo DNA cushioning provides a soft feel from the start line to the finishers’ chute, and is designed for distance. This shoe has a single-layer vamp mesh that offers great breathability and drainage.
- 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
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 Hilary
Hilary started running in high school, and took some time off in her 20’s, but then went through a divorce in her 30’s and decided to get back at it and hasn’t stopped. She has run multiple 5k’s, then moved to running a butt load of 10k’s (sweet spot distance). After getting the long distance bug decided to run her first 1/2 Marathon, Rock the Parkway in 2013. Her first (and LAST) full marathon in Lincoln, NE in 2015. She has also run several ultra-marathon’s and a 50 miler. Over the past several years will run a destination 1/2 Marathon with her 2 sisters each year. So, far her favorite has been the Nike Women’s 1/2 Marathon in DC. She joined The Running Well Dream Team at the Barry Road location in 2019, and plans to be a “lifer,” for sure.
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!
