Cross Country Shoes
The two primary types of cross country running shoes are spikes and flats. To learn which XC shoes are best for your event, read our guide on How to Choose the Perfect XC Spike or Flat.
Cross Country Spikes
Cross Country Spikes allow runners to grip the ground more aggressively for confidence in each stride. Different types of spikes let runners adapt their shoes to the terrain of the race. Shoes with shorter spikes provide better traction on grass and gravel, while longer spikes work best on wet, muddy, or loose terrain.
Cross Country Flats
Cross country shoes without spikes are called flats, spikeless, or waffle. In place of spikes, flats have rubber nubs for traction and are suitable for courses that are dry and have sections of paved paths.
