What spikes should I get for XC?
Best Cross Country Spikes
- Nike Zoom Rival XC 5.
- Nike Zoom Rival Waffle 5.
- Saucony Havok XC3 Spike.
- Saucony Havok XC3 Flat.
- New Balance XC Seven v3.
- New Balance XC Seven v3 Spikeless.
- Saucony Kilkenny XC9 Spike.
Are cross country spikes good?
First off, why does someone in high school need spikes to compete in Cross Country? The answer is very simple: you can run faster and get better traction when wearing them. Spikes allow you to grip the terrain whether it is hard compacted dirt, grassy fields, uphill, downhill or sloppy slick mud.
What is the difference between xc spikes and track spikes?
Distance track spike shoes have slightly more cushioning and no plate in the forefoot to encourage a more natural foot strike. Meanwhile, cross-country spikes have a bit more cushioning and material to support your feet over longer distances.
Are longer spikes better for cross country?
A good rule of thumb: the longer the distance, the fewer spikes in the spike plate. Cross country and long distance track spikes typically have four or five spikes, while sprinting and mid-distance spikes can range from six to eight spikes, which gives you the extra traction needed to push top speeds.
Should cross country spikes be tight?
“You don’t want to feel your toe cramped up against the front of the shoe,” says Weich. “A spike should feel like it was meant for your foot, a little more snug than a training shoe feels.”
Do you wear socks with cross country spikes?
Make sure you only wear your spikes whilst on the track or at a cross-country event on a soft surface. As running spikes are a snug fit whether you wear socks or not is up to you. Going sock-free however can increase your chance of blisters so look for a thin technical sock to get the best of both.
Do you wear socks with XC spikes?
Can I wear XC spikes for track?
Q: Can I wear cross country spikes on the track? A: Of course. They are meant to withstand tougher surfaces than a 400m rubber oval, particularly the Saucony Havok XC. Be careful with wearing track spikes for cross country, though.
Do you wear socks with cross-country spikes?
Can you use the same spikes for cross-country and track?
Track spikes for cross-country? Even though the shoes are slightly different, most runners can safely wear track spikes during cross-country. The most important difference is in cushioning: Cross-country spikes generally have more forefoot and rearfoot cushioning than track spikes.
Are pyramid or needle spikes better?
Beginning sprinters are better off using pyramid spikes until very good form is achieved because it’s possible to scratch the opposite leg with with spikes if you overpronate on a stride. Needle spikes are used mostly for running on all-weather tracks that have a springy surface.
How do you know what size spikes to get?
Spikes come in a variety of sizes: 1/8 inches – 5/8 inches; however, when in doubt, purchase 1/4″ spikes. Spikes longer than 1/4″ may tear up some track surfaces. Check with your coach if you are not sure which ones you should use.
Can you sprint in cross country spikes?
One word of caution if you wore track spikes last spring: Try them out in cross-country practice to make certain they still fit before wearing them in a race. It should be obvious, too, that if you plan to wear track spikes in cross-country, it must be a distance spike and not sprint, hurdling, or jumping spikes.
How do you break in XC spikes?
Twice a week after your regular training, put on your new spikes or flats and do some strides on a soft grass surface. Strides are a good way to start adjusting to higher speed in your new shoes. If you’ve never done strides before, they’re basically repeated 100m accelerations.
How many miles can you put on cross country spikes?
Similar to road racing flats a runner can expect around 100 miles out of a pair of spikes. If only used for racing many high school runners can get through two cross country and track seasons assuming they do not outgrow the shoes first.
Do you wear socks with running spikes?
How tight should spikes fit?
How Your Spikes Should Fit. Sprint, jump, and throw spikes should fit like a glove. They will be snug and provide a narrow fit. Your toes should reach the end of the shoes, but not be jammed into them.
Should I wear socks with spikes?
For runners who do not plan to wear socks with their shoes, as is often the case with sprint track spikes, the shoe should be fitted without socks.
Should running spikes be tight?
Sprint spikes should fit snuggly without cramping your toes. You do not want any excess room in your spikes, as that will cause you to lose power and speed when you race. The spikes should feel tighter than your normal athletic shoes but not so tight that you feel uncomfortable.
Can you wear XC spikes on gravel?
The 1/4-Inch Spike
Designed for dry, firm cross-country courses — even those that include a little pavement — the 1/4-inch pyramid spike is likely to be the one you use most often at the beginning of the season. This length is great on gravel and firm dirt.
How tight should spikes be?
“A spike should feel like it was meant for your foot, a little more snug than a training shoe feels.” How long will a pair of spikes last? Most spikes should hold up for at least two to three high school seasons (and they generally feel better the more they get used).
How do you break in spikes?
Do spikes make you run faster?
Why use running spikes? Running spikes are ultimately designed to help you run faster on certain, uneven terrain. By providing extra grip to the forefoot you can transfer more force forward, using that stick to push off, improving your stride turnover.
How long does it take to break in cross country spikes?
5 Week Plan to Break in Your XC Shoes
Anytime you put on your spikes or flats, make sure you run on a soft, grass surface. This provides an extra element of cushioning to protect your feet during the transition.