Finding the right pair of cross country running shoes has never been easier. We have collected information about the major brands and models currently available, and organized it all into one handy website for you. Welcome to Cross Country Running Shoes 101! Here you can learn the basics about running spikes, and find out how a well-matched pair of shoes can help you avoid injury and run your best at the same time.
Cross Country Shoes Comparison Chart
Every runner, and every foot, is unique. Everyone has his or her favorite shoe, but the best running shoes for your running buddy or your best friend are probably not the right shoes for you. You need to do a bit of research before finding your ideal XC shoes or off road shoes.
To help you with selecting the right shoe, here’s an interactive chart showing the major models of cross country running shoes currently available on the market. Just click on a model name to view the detail page for that shoe. (You can also search for specific terms by entering text into the search box.)
| Brand | Men's Model | Women's Model | Spike Config | Available Spikeless? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas | Adidas adiZero Belligerence | 6 spike | ||
| Adidas | Adidas Neptune XS | 5 spike | ||
| Adidas | RLH Cross | RLH Cross | 6 spike | Yes |
| Adidas | XCS | XCS | 6 spike | Yes |
| Asics | Hyper XC | Hyper-Rocketgirl XC | 6 spike | Yes |
| Asics | Hyper XCS | Hyper-Rocketgirl XCS | 6 spike | Yes |
| Asics | Asics Dirt Dog 3 | Asics Dirt Diva 3 | 6 spike | |
| Asics | Asics Dirt Dog 2 | Asics Dirt Diva 2 | 6 spike | |
| Brooks | Brooks Mach 13 | Brooks Mach 13 | 5 spike | Yes |
| Brooks | Brooks Mach 12 | Brooks Mach 12 | 5 spike | Yes |
| Brooks | Brooks Mach 11 | Brooks Mach 11 | 6 spike | Yes |
| Brooks | Brooks Mach 10 | Brooks Mach 10 | 6 spike | Yes |
| Brooks | Brooks Mach 9 | Brooks Mach 9 | 6 spike | Yes |
| Inov-8 | Inov-8 F-Lite 195 | Inov-8 F-Lite 195 | flat | Yes |
| Mizuno | Mizuno Wave Kaze 5 | Mizuno Wave Kaze 5 | 6 spike | Yes |
| Mizuno | Mizuno Wave Kaze 6 | Mizuno Wave Kaze 6 | 6 spike | Yes |
| New Balance | New Balance RX506 | 4 spike | Yes | |
| New Balance | New Balance RX505 | New Balance WRX505 | 4 spike | Yes |
| Nike | Nike Zoom Forever XC2 | 4 spike | ||
| Nike | Nike Zoom Forever XC | 4 spike | Yes | |
| Nike | Nike Zoom Streak XC2 | Yes | ||
| Nike | Nike Zoom Waffle XC VII | 4 spike | ||
| Nike | Nike Zoom Waffle XC VI | 4 spike | ||
| Nike | Jana Star Waffle III | 4 spike | Yes | |
| Nike | Jana Star XC III | 4 spike | ||
| Nike | Zoom Jana Star III | 4 spike | ||
| Saucony | Saucony Kilkenny XC4 | Saucony Kilkenny XC4 | 4 spike | Yes |
| Saucony | Saucony Kilkenny XC3 | Saucony Kilkenny XC3 | 6 spike | Yes |
| Saucony | Saucony Kilkenny XC2 | Saucony Kilkenny XC2 | 6 spike | Yes |
| Saucony | Saucony Shay XC2 | Saucony Shay XC2 | 6 spike | Yes |
| Saucony | Saucony Shay XC | Saucony Shay XC | 6 spike | Yes |
| Saucony | Grid Fast Star RR | Grid Fast Star RR | Yes | |
| Saucony | Endorphin Spike LD2 | 4 spike | ||
| Saucony | Velocity Spike 3 Distance | 7 spike |
My son complains that the gravel on some cross country paths bruises the bottom of his feet. He also noted his knees took more stress when running and I think it is due to the lack of stability in his eastbay spikes. Are there any other new designs in cross country shoes to provide the lightness and traction (like a tigers claws) along with the necessary padding to protect the feet?