What are some good XC racing shoes?
Intro:
Have you ever wondered what shoes are good for running cross-country races? What spikes might also be great options? This article summarizes some of the best racing shoes from various big brands and should help you narrow your choice, with a slight emphasis on road racing. Please note that shoes are subjective to the wearer’s foot shape, training, and what course they’ll be running on. Additionally, these are based at some level in opinion, meaning some takes are subjective.
What makes a shoe better for cross-country?
Ideal XC shoes can vary from person to person, but all of them have certain traits in common. You would want to look for shoes with a tighter fit, since they help the shoe remain connected to you during sharp turns or steep grades. Another key trait to look for is traction, especially if you live in a rainy area or race muddy courses. In these environments, the ideal XC shoes are going to be lighter and have less support. Nevertheless, these shoes will have a higher risk of injury and so should only be worn during races.
Adidas
Adidas offers the Takumi Sen 10, optimally designed for 10Ks and under. It performs best at the 5K with its soles using Continental grips to provide the best traction control. One advantage of the Takumi Sen 10 over other shoes is a new tongue that relieves lace pressure on the top and allows each shoe to mold to the wearer’s feet. Lastly, the Lightstrike Pro foam gives optimal energy return at tempo and race speeds.
Nike:
The Nike Zoom Rival is one of the best versatile spikes in terms of quality and is used even outside of cross country. It has a more comfortable upper piece and is very affordable, costing less than $100. However, these shoes cannot be used for pavement. For runners looking to find a non-spike option, Nike offers the Vaporfly and Alphafly as efficient running shoes built to be comfortable over long distances. The Alphafly is designed to help the wearer run at a more consistent pace for longer distances, whereas the Vaporfly prioritizes peak comfort and speed over shorter distances.
Asics:
For casuals, the Asics Novablast is a great option, as it’s the most versatile overall and functions well with everything from recovery paces to tempo paces. It’s also more durable and can be considered a better deal than other shoes. Some drawbacks are that it lacks more of an edge, like the Metaspeed Edge+; those looking to buy from Asics and run professionally should buy these. The Edge+ is Asics’s optimal 10K-and-under shoe, being lighter than most other racing shoes and having a rocker design that facilitates smooth turnover between steps. It’s quite breathable and grips on dirt roads better. Still, it comes at the cost of a hefty 250 dollars.
Other notable shoes
Saucony also offers many decent shoes such as the Peregrine 14. It’s more versatile and has thicker rubber, making it ideal for trails if the course has them. Moreover, they’re lighter than most trail shoes, giving it a good racing advantage. Brooks offers another top-end shoe: the Draft XC Spikeless shoe, a more versatile pair whose lack of spikes allows it to perform well on any surface. It additionally has a better energy return and is more well-suited for cross-country than for track.
Conclusion:
The ultimate best racing shoe is dependent on your body needs, foot shape, and what type of courses you run on. They’re unique to every runner, and can be stylized into oblivion.
Sources:
“Adidas Takumi Sen 10 Review: Join the Crowd.” Believe in the Run, 8 May 2024, believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/adidas-takumi-sen-10-review/.
Andersen, Jens Jakob. “7 Best Asics Running Shoes in 2024.” RunRepeat, runrepeat.com/guides/best-asics-running-shoes#best-for-5k10k. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
“Home.” How to Choose the Best Cross Country Running Shoes, www.runningwarehouse.com/learningcenter/gear_guides/footwear/xc_buyers_guide.html?srsltid=AfmBOooRTCmPi8oLqloz48UVQQ8wao_eMMJKjpdQGOngKy7IXMvCvL3N. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
McGuire, Jane, and Nick Harris-fry. “The Best Nike Running Shoes in 2024.” Tom’s Guide, Tom’s Guide, 5 Oct. 2022, www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-nike-running-shoes.
The Best Cross-Country Running Shoes for Training and Performance, www.runnersworld.com/gear/g60778455/cross-country-running-shoes/. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.