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Help on Cross Country Spikes?
I plan to go out for cross country this year. I've always been into running and had training shoes but I've been told I need spikes for meets. Do you know of any good models? Does the brand really matter, like Nike vs Saucony (50 dollars cheaper).
3 Answers
- ?Lv 78 years ago
I'd hold off on the spikes for a while. They aren't required. And if you don't stick with it - you just wasted some money. Personally I find spikes too uncomfortable and won't wear then unless its a slippery course.
Normally your training shoes are fine and unless you're concerned with seconds it won't make much of a difference.
But if you do decide on spikes, the number one priority is how they fit. Not their brand, color, or price.
Go to a good running store, not a discount all kinds of sports store. The salespeople are very knowledgable and will give you good advice. They will allow you to try them on and maybe even take them home for a couple of days (or weeks) to check them out.
By the way, I just bought some minimalist trail shoes from brooks. My favorite shoes ever. I bet something like them would be just as good if not better than spikes. Also ask about "training flats".
- 8 years ago
Spikes make a significant difference in pace (on average 10sec/mile over 5K), owing to the increased traction and much lighter weight. You will feel an enormous difference over your heavy daily trainers, especially late in the race on a soggy course.
But even with all those advantages, Louis still has a good point: they're a sunk cost if you decide you don't like XC. I can certainly understand this concern. My opinion: you're less likely to enjoy XC if you can't race to your potential, and heavy trainers late in the race will slow you down. So it may be the spikes that keep you motivated and in the sport.
One possible option if money is tight: check the running stores or Craigslist for used spikes in good condition. Spikes don't have much cushioning to wear out, and they're only used in races, so they don't lose anything important with moderate use. And because people don't always like the feel of spikes, they may unload them cheap. But definitely try anything on before you buy. And if you decide to go new, Louis's advice is good: go to a running specialty shop, get spikes that fit your feet snugly yet comfortably, and ignore colors/bells/whistles/etc.
