Best Cross Country Shoes

Are you a cross country runner? Not just any running shoe will fulfill your needs. Your boots should provide comfort, secure grip and flexibility.

Stamina and hard work are the critical factors for both runner and his cross country shoe. Whether you are a long-distance runner or a professional, you can find suitable cross country running shoes on the market.

Remember your shoes are your companion along every step of your journey. It’s essential to find the best cross country shoes that fit right and serve their purpose.

1. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail

The first on our list is the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe. A fantastic all-rounder within your budget. These country footwears have a reinforced rubber sole and Eva footbed offers comfort and excellent stability. The design is simple with a quick lace system with durable and breathable synthetic material.

Anti debris upper mesh, prevent debris getting into your shoe and OrthoLite sock liner keep your feet cool and dry.

Salmon scores perfect in durability, comfort, and breathability. They make great triathlon shoes with a secure lacing system. You can run long distances because they are lightweight. Making this the number one for best cross country shoes.

Why we liked it

Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Cross Country Shoe is recommended for cross country runners. A snug fit to your foot provides excellent comfort and support. Sensifit design of the shoes gives a perfect fit no matter what size.

2. Saucony Men’s Kilkenny XC5

Saucony is one of the most renowned brands in shoes for cross country. This spiked pair is light in weight and design to offer full control to the runner. A sleek look with a performance at its best. Lightweight upper mesh. A neutral fit to accommodate neutral pronators and Eva molded midsole for ideal cushioning and comfort.

The tread is versatile to endure any condition and spikes have a firm grip for excellent performance on difficult terrain. Carbon rubber outsole which is abrasion-resistant and traction with a six-pin spike is superb. Pebax spike plate is attached to the midsole for stability and support. These studs are an excellent choice for getting into cross country. The synthetic upper mesh let in proper airflow for a cool ride.

Why we liked it

Saucony Men’s Kilkenny XC5 midsole is perfect for beginners. If you are new to cross country running, begin with these budget-friendly shoes. They have excellent traction for any surface or environment.

3. Hoka One One Men’s EVO XC Spikes

These Hoka One One shoes are specially designed for cross country racing. They let you fly on every best cross country course. 

Lightweight polyester upper provides durability and breathability, and a breathable tongue offers proper airflow. Thin laces decrease extra weight and double density midsole provides a stronger feel in the forefoot. Softer cushioning in the heel for a responsive toe-off and high abrasion rubber outsole provides durability and traction with symmetrical spikes to handle sharp turns. Spikes provide added grip and traction on softer surfaces.

This cross country spike has a double density midsole. A firmer density foam is used in the forefoot that offers responsive toe-off. Construct with a lightweight, minimalist upper. This racing spike is built to give the best performance with comfort.

Why we liked it

Hoka One One is a renowned brand for xcountry spikes. If you prefer durability, comfort and traction, this is the best cross country brand.

4. New Balance Men’s 900v4

New Balance is the best cross country trainers brand. The brand offers everything needed for a challenging trail.

It comes with removable spikes and the reinforced rubber sole is ideal for traction, even without spikes. FantomFit of upper mesh offers excellent support and perfect fit. The design provides ultimate flexibility with lightweight, comfortable, and outclassing traction. 360 degrees upper mesh gives a lightweight feel which makes running smooth.

New Balance Men’s 900v4 one of our best value pick for the cross country shoe. Its removable spikes make this pair ideal for both road and trail running.

Why we liked it

New Balance Men’s 900v4 is a reasonable price shoe with fantastic features. Its rubber sole, six-pin spike pad, and aggressive lugs offer the best traction.

5. New Balance Women’s 700v5

New Balance Women’s 700v5 is a pair adored by women. These cross country spikes are perfect in color, style, and features. These studs are ideal for long trails that keep changing.

Constructed with 75 percent mesh and 25 percent synthetic fabric upper. The mesh provides proper airflow to keep your feet dry and Revlite midsole and FantomFit offer a comfortable insole. Rubber sole with six spike structure allows a firm grip on any surface. Stylish, versatile and comfortable these shoes are designed to get you going.

These are best cross country spikes and fall in an affordable range. Balance, comfort, stability, and performance come together in this single pair.

Why we liked it

These studs provide breathable upper and comfortable sole. You can get all the best features from comfort to durability to support at a reasonable price.

6. Adidas Performance Women’s XCS

Adidas Performance Women’s XCS is an expensive cross country shoe on this list. Its high quality and feature make it worth every penny. Rubber outsole that offers a firm grip on any surface and six forefoot spikes that offer high traction on challenging conditions. A low top lightweight shoe is weighing only 6.5 ounces with air mesh upper offering proper airflow.

Rubberized print provides durability and the asymmetrical lace system lock-down on foot to keep it secure in the shoe. Litestrike EVA midsole is lightweight and cushioned. These cross country shoes are ideal for those experts who love running with a passion. Its unique design is stylish, keeping it minimal and fresh.

Why we liked it

Adidas Performance Women’s XCS is perfect women cross country shoe. The pair offers comfort, stability, support, and breathability.

7. Saucony Women’s Kilkenny XC5

Saucony Women’s Kilkenny is ideal for any surface. These shoes provide the best comfort and support.

The mesh and synthetic upper provides proper airflow and tongue and collar padding offer an extra level of comfort. The carbon rubber outsole is lightweight and flexible. Saucony cross country shoe is famous for its traction and four spike design. Breathable mesh upper and simple lacing system makes these shoes the best.

Why we liked it

These shoes make you love running. The rubber outsole offers comfort. These shoes provide everything for cross country running.

8. Adidas Performance Men’s XCS

Adidas is a renowned name amongst athletes. These Adidas XCS are an upper design inspired by the therapeutic tape used by athletes. Air mesh upper for proper airflow design inspired by therapeutic tape used by athletes.

Inner bootie construction that makes you feel barefoot. The adaptive Traxion offers you the best traction on hard and soft surfaces. An air mesh upper provides proper ventilation. Rubberized print all overprotects against dirt and mud. Six spike outsole provides a firm grip on every surface.

Why we liked it

Adidas Performance Men’s XCS offers superb features as running shoes. The pair provide durability, comfort, and flexibility to its runners.

10. Women’s Nike Zoom Rival XC

If you are new to the cross country shoe, Nike is an excellent start for beginners. If you are a professional athlete, this pair will provide super quality. Phylon midsole provides comfort with its comfortable padding and Anatomical heel offers you to take any challenging ground. Flywire technology fits your foot securely in the shoe and the sticky rubber sole offers excellent traction.

All in all, Women’s Nike Zoom Rival is the best available on the market. These lightweight studs are quick to wear.

The breathable mesh material is comfortable with proper airflow

Why we liked it

Women Nike Zoom offers comfort and support with excellent traction. Lightweight, rubber sole and Flywire technology make this pair one of the best.

9. Brooks Women’s Mach 18 Spikeless

Brooks Mach 18 comes with a lot of features. These women’s shoes offer support, comfort, and stability all the time.

4mm heel drop gives you a barefoot feel and the mesh upper with 3D print offers proper airflow. It’s lace-up closure with adjustable fit ensure comfort all the time. Super comfortable with light padding of tongue and collar and aggressive lug pattern offers you excellent traction. Pebax Renew outsole plate provides durability, flexibility, and improves speed. Lightweight, weighing only 4 ounces.

Brooks Mach shoe supports neutral pronator with lightweight and flexible uppers.

Why We Liked It:

Brooks Mach 18 offers the best features with comfort and durability. You can get these spike running shoes at an affordable price.

Buyers guide

If your new to the world of cross country shoe finding the right pair is scary. However, if you are professional, there are some features you are missing out on. We have outlined the essential features a shoe needs as well as the most asked question.

How to choose the best cross country shoe?

Grip

Excellent traction and grip is the most important feature for the right cross country shoe. Without a firm grip, you will find yourself slipping all over the place. You will put yourself at risk resulting in serious injuries.

A great all-rounder shoe will have the best runner soles that allow a firm grip on any surface.

Spikes

When buying a running shoe, one key point is to decide whether you need spikes or not. Some cross country runners prefer them over rubber soles. Which gives them more traction and fewer chances to slip on wet surfaces.

Wearing spikes restrict you from going on asphalt surfaces like pavements. Some runners prefer a spikeless cross country shoe. All this depends on personal preference and running style.

Material

Cross country trails sometime get muddy and wet. Running on such trails will get your shoe wet and dirty, trapping moisture in your shoe.

Cross country studs upper should be constructed of mesh material. The mesh or synthetic material helps your feet breathe and dry out. Prolonged wet feet increase the risk of foot diseases like athletes foot.

Lacing System

The lacing system of your country shoe should come with an adjustable fit. Make sure it’s flexible and secure your sneakers on your foot.

Avoid over-complicated or rigid shoe lacing systems. They can damage your overall running performance. Also, look for durable laces that can last against any conditions.

Comfort

Running Cross country means long difficult distances on rough trails. If your feet are not comfortable, you will have a miserable run. In the end, unhappy feet will make you regret your decision.

Make sure that your cross country shoe is comfortable. They should fit right, so your foot isn’t screaming in pain. The midsole should be thick enough that it can absorb any impact on the ground.

Most professional runners go a size up on sneakers. Try a size up and see if they are right for you too.

Durability

Why buy a cheap cross country shoe that lasts only for a few months? Spend a little more money and get a pair that will last for a few years. Durability is a significant factor when it comes to cross country shoe.

Invest in something that has the best quality and will save you money in the long run.

Protection

Runners often think that having a mesh upper won’t provide much support. Renowned brands know the importance of mesh. The mesh is durable and tightly knit to keep it strong.

Make sure it is snug to your foot, so no pebbles or other items get inside.

A reinforced toe will protect your toes from rocks and logs. Solid soles will keep your shoe safe from punctures.

With cross country, there are chances you have to run in wet conditions. Make sure your shoe is water-resistant.

Width

If you have wider feet, some brands can meet your needs. Look for the ones with a broader toe box and wider sole. It will prevent you from falling over the arch.

These wider shoes will be comfortable and prevent rubbing and chafing.

Price

The price range of cross country footwear varies from brand to brand. More expensive doesn’t always mean they have the best quality.

If it’s your first time running cross country, we recommend trying some affordable options. If you are experienced, look at what you need rather than looking at the high price tag.

FAQ

Our reader has many questions when they are buying shoes for cross country runs. We have collected some of the most frequently asked questions by buyers.

Q: Is it essential to buy special shoes for cross country?

A: Yes. Without firm grip and traction on your shoe, cross country running becomes difficult. It will also have harsh effects on your entire body. Make sure you have the right style and preference for you. You can either choose metal, rubber or no studs at all.

Q: Can you use track shoes for cross country?

A: You can use track shoes for cross country, but you may regret your decision.

Specialized shoes work much better for cross country running. Mainly because the high traction gives you the grip you need for every surface.

Q: Can you skip socks with cross country running shoes?

A: We advise you to wear socks you can get specialist technical thin socks with cross country shoes. These special socks let your feet breathe without affecting your shoe size.

Cross-country shoes sit close to the foot so that they are lightweight. This means thicker socks will make your foot sweat. However, going completely sockless can cause terrible blisters.

Q: What is the difference between cross country and regular running shoes?

A: There are a few things that make a cross country and regular running shoes different.

Tighter Fit

XC shoes are much snugger than regular pairs. They usually fit like a sock. This creates more contact points which give you more control. Allowing you to make sharper turns at the same time maintaining balance on uneven ground.

Lighter Weight: 

Footwears for cross country are notably lightweight, to allow you to run faster.

Less Cushioning: 

This isn’t always the case, but to keep the shoes lighter, it may be useful. Many cross country runners use shoes for short periods, in races.

Increased Traction: 

XC footwear has an excellent grip fo running confidently in difficult areas. Studs will further help with this.

Conclusion

The brands we have recommended come in all price ranges. Some affordable shoes feature qualities of expensive ones.

With all the provided information, you can choose the best cross country shoe that is right for you. In the end, it all comes down to your requirements.

Make a list of your preferences and look for the right running option. Make sure your shoe offers comfort, durability, and stability. Protection and breathability will help.