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The Best Running Shoes for Cross Country

We all love adventures, don’t we? And, what can be a better adventure than cross-country running? However, you will need proper gear and equipment to enjoy and accomplish a cross-country adventure successfully.

One of the most critical aspects of a cross-country run is perfect cross-country running shoes. There are several benefits of wearing the right shoes for a cross-country run.

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Benefits of Using Running Shoes

Here are some of the best interests of running shoes for Cross Country-

  1. Running shoes help individuals increase their performance significantly. Improved comfort, better grip, and improved capacity of running are some of the necessary production boosts that one can experience by wearing good quality running shoes for cross country.
  2. Good quality running shoes help to prevent accidental injuries and strains. Due to the advanced cushioning techniques and other support provided by the pump, one can avoid injuries like muscle sprains, tendonitis, and stressed ankles.
  3. Wearing a running shoe when you are out for an adventure increases your overall confidence as well. Therefore, it not only motivates you to perform well physically but also helps you to get a mental boost.

To help you make an informed choice, we have put together a list of 5 best running shoes for cross-country. Read on to know more.

Top 5 Best Running Shoes for Cross Country

1. Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail

Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail

 

Notable Features

  • The running shoe is slightly on the heavier side but enables the user to wear it for long periods nonetheless.
  • The contagrip sole helps to boost performance, and the Climashield technology can tackle any environment.
  • The SensiFit system helps to bring overall control and balance.
  Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail
Type of Shoe Cross Country 
Weight 10.9 ounces 
Price $85-$178 (Check out the latest prices here!)
Heel Drop 10mm 
Midsole Technology Molded EVA 
Outsole Technology 6mm Arrow-Shaped Lugs with Contagrip Rubber. 
Upper Design SensiFit System with Anti-Debris Mesh. 
Flexibility Very 

Sole Technology

  • Outsole– the contagrip rubber sole helps the user to gain control and better grip over their running ability and can bring better performance results on any surface. It has a sturdy but flexible nature, making it very durable and more comfortable to use.
  • Midsole– the running shoe has a fantastic molded EVA technology, making it very comfortable and resistant to shocks. Therefore, the midsole helps to run in a better way without inflicting too much pressure upon the legs.
  • Upper– to provide the customers with an overall balance and a much more comfortable running experience, the company has included SensiFit technology. It offers amazing comfort and fit the shoe and promotes better running performance.

Design

The shoes come in a fantastic design that reflects high and robust performance. They have been developed with various kinds of technologies which help the runner to achieve better performance while they are wearing the shoes.

Colors

The Men Variant includes colors like Black with Everglade and Sulphur, Dark Cloud, Poseidon, etc.

The Momen Variant comprises Arctic Blue, Black on Black with Black Metallic, and Hawaiian Surf.

Salomon Womens Speedcross 4 Trail

Sizing

You must check the sizing before you purchase the show because sizing matters to get a better grip and overall performance.

Pros

  • Speed Cross 4 is on the lighter side of weight
  • Performs well in any weather condition
  • The sole quality is excellent 
  • QuickLace system helps you to lace up quickly

Cons

  • The shoe runs smaller in size
  • Not available in wide options

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes | Amazon

The 4Th edition of our iconic and aggressively lugged trail runner for tearing through the technical, soft ground with speed.

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Why Purchase Salomon Speedcross 4?

The Salomon shoes have been developed with some of the best technologies which help to increase the overall performance of the runner.

It is price competitive and provides a much better grip than most other shoes in this segment.

2. Saucony Kilkenny XC5

Saucony Kilkenny XC5

  Saucony Kilkenny XC5
Type of Shoe Cross Country 
Weight 6-8.1 ounces 
Price $39-$59 (Check out the latest prices here!)
Midsole Technology Molded EVA Foam. 
Outsole Technology Carbon Rubber Outsole   
Upper Design Synthetic Mesh Upper 
Flexibility Very 

Notable Features-

  • The Saucony Kilkenny XC5 is a good looking and stylish shoe.
  • The Synthetic Mesh Upper helps to release moisture, and the molded EVA is very sturdy, providing excellent support.
  • The brilliant carbon rubber outsole helps the shoe to achieve high performance and improve running ability.

Sole Technology

  • Outsole– the brilliant carbon rubber outsole gives the shoe an excellent grip on any surface and at the same time absorbs shock received by the feet. Therefore, individuals who are beginners in cross-country running will find it very helpful.
  • Midsole– the molded EVA foam helps the runner to get good cushioning and therefore reducing the stress inflicted upon the legs. The EVA foam will be able to handle different surfaces and environmental conditions to supply good support.
  • Upper- the mesh quality helps the shoe to remain ventilated and keeps the interior breathable.

Design

The sleek design and color combinations give the shoe a much better look. The quality design helps the runner to achieve a much better grip on the surface and lowers the tension which improves better running performance.

The spikes present brings an excellent balance to the running ability.

  • Some of the colors available for the Men’s Variant are purple/red/citron and citron/navy/red.
  • Some of the colors available for the Women’s Variant are turqouise/yellow/purple and red/gray/purple.

Sizing

The size of the shoes is on-point, and you will not need to buy a smaller or bigger size. Therefore, the shoe will fit perfectly fine according to your original size.

Pros

  • The shoe offers much better performance when compared to other shoes of the same company
  • The color combinations are very appealing and reflect bright colors 

Cons

  • The upper mesh can receive wear and tear after using for some time

Saucony Kilkenny XC5 Cross-Country Shoe | Amazon

Sleek, lightweight, and with a versatile tread, this cross-country spike delivers high-octane performance.

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Why Saucony Men’s Kilkenny XC5?

If you are looking for fantastic cross country running shoes, then these might be your best option because of the amazing features that the shoes have been developed with.

The effective spikes also provide great support to the runner.

3. New Balance Men’s 900v4

Notable Features

  • The rubber abrasion sole provides good quality grip and improved ability.
  • The shoe is made of lightweight material, and the FantomFit mesh material helps the runner to get a better grip.
  • The sole technologies used to develop this shoe are of top quality and provides a much better cushioning.
  New Balance Men’s 900v4
Type of Shoe Cross-country  
Weight 7.1 ounces 
Price $46-$112 (Check out the latest prices here!)
Heel Drop 3mm 
Midsole Technology EVA Foam. 
Outsole Technology Rubber abrasion resistant sole 
Upper Design FantomFit 360-degree mesh 
Flexibility Very 

 

Sole Technology

  • Outsole– Rubber abrasion resistant sole has been used to build this shoe, and because of this, the runner gets a much better solution to slippery surfaces and wet grounds. The outsole performs really well under different surface conditions and is very durable. The spikes present in the shoe helps to maintain proper surface tension.
  • Midsole– EVA foam has been a popular midsole component for many shoes and this one as well. The amazing Midsole provides much better stability and grip to the user. The users will find a better balance by wearing shoes when they run for long distances.
  • Upper– the FantomFit technology used to build the upper mesh provides fantastic traction and stability to the runner even after using for several months. It provides much better breathable and ventilated interiors.

Design

The New Balance 9000V4 shoes have been designed pretty well with striking designs that are attractive. The colors are durable and stylish as well. The mold and upper mesh quality, all have been balanced well to provide the user with a good experience.

You will have two color variants for this pair of shoes- black/ dynomite and energy lime/Moroccan blue.

New Balance 9000V4 shoes

Sizing

You can buy a greater size variant than your original size or 0.5 more. However, the shoe fits well to your feet and provides instant surface grip.

Pros

  • Fast lacing system helps to lace up pretty fast
  • Rubber abrasion resistant sole provides excellent grip and durability
  • The colors and design have been molded pretty well 
  • The interior remains ventilated and breathable, avoiding much moisture

Cons

  • Only two-color options are available
  • The design can be considered dull by many

New Balance Cross Country 900 V4 | Amazon

 A streamlined REVlite bottom unit with selectively placed, aggressively lugged rubber creates a fast ride underfoot. The track-inspired collar and tongue construction provide a snug fit for performance in any element.

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Why Purchase New Balance Men’s 900v4?

New Balance has been providing a fantastic show quality to its uses for a very long time now. They are one of the most trusted names when it comes to cross country running shoes for adventures.

This particular show which we talked about has good shoe technology attached to it and at the same time provides a better-quality performance when compared to other shoes in the same category.

4. Adidas Performance Men’s XCS

Adidas Performance Men’s XCS

Notable Features

  • The shoe has been made amazing qualities which can easily withstand any environment you are in.
  • The LiteStrike EVA midsole helps the user to get a much better contraction and agility.
  • The upper mesh material keeps the shoe ventilated and helps it be much more flexible at the same time.
  • The shoe is extremely lightweight and very comfortable to wear for long distances.
  Adidas Performance Men’s XCS
Type of Shoe Cross Country 
Weight 7 Ounces 
Price $50-$79 (Check out the latest prices here!)
Heel Drop 8mm 
Midsole Technology Litestrike EVA 
Outsole Technology Rubberized allover print 
Upper Design Air Mesh Upper 
Flexibility Very 

Sole Technology

  • Outsole– the amazing rubberized allover print helps the Adidas Performance XCS Shoes to get an amazing grip over mud and dust, making it favorable for dense and wet regions. The shoe gets amazing durability because of this. The spikes present in the shoe are also something to add to the brilliance.
  • Midsole– the brilliant LiteStrike EVA technology that Adidas has introduced not only has made the shoes lightweight but has also given them a much surface grip which is pretty well balanced. It can adapt to both soft and hard surfaces, and thus, help you to get forward on slippery surfaces as well
  • Upper– the upper mesh quality is a made from excellent fibers and therefore set standards of fantastic comfort and ventilation which keep the runner’s feet refreshed all the time.

Design

Adidas has never failed to attract their customers towards their products because of the very eye-catching designs and soothing colors.

They have given a very sleek and professional look to the pair of shoes and offer amazing color combinations like- base green/solar red/clear brown and tech steel/white/shock blue.

Adidas Performance XCS design

Sizing

Adidas’ provides amazing sizing dimensions and the shoe comes with a 92% fit mark. Therefore, you can choose the standard size which you choose to buy your regular shoes. However, check the size chart before finalizing the size.

Pros

  • The shoes are very much durable and sturdy 
  • The shoe has been made from amazing lightweight materials
  • The boots have a 92% fit expectancy
  • The design and overall look have been maintained pretty well 

Cons

  • The spikes present in the shoe can tend to wear away with time
  • Adidas Litestrike EVA system, it may not impress some

Adidas Performance Men s XCS | Amazon.com

These men's spiked cross-country track and field shoes are inspired by the therapeutic tape used by athletes. An air mesh upper provides ventilated comfort, while an all-over rubberized print helps guard against dirt and mud.

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Why buy Adidas Performance Men’s XCS?

Adidas has been one of the biggest names in the shoe manufacturing industry, and they continue to provide the customers with amazing running shoes for Cross Country adventure.

To provide with an amazing experience, Adidas has released this shoe which has some of the best technology for providing better services. The shoes are flexible and durable enough for professionals as well.

5. Brooks Men’s Mach 18 Spikeless

Brooks Men's Mach 18 Spikeless

Notable Features

  • The shoes are durable with molded EVA midsole helping the user get a much better contraction and agility.
  • The upper mesh material keeps the shoe ventilated and lightweight.
  Brooks Men’s 18 Spikeless
Type of Shoe Cross Country 
Weight 9 ounces 
Price $90-$115 (Check out the latest price here!)
Heel Drop 4mm 
Midsole Technology Molded EVA 
Outsole Technology Pebax Rnew outsole plate 
Upper Design Air Mesh Upper 
Flexibility Very 

Sole Technology

  • Outsole– the amazing Pebax Rnew outsole plate helps the shoe to get an amazing grip on any surface and therefore can imply good quality grip.
  • Midsole– molded EVA in the midsole provides good comfort and better movement ability when compared to other shoe types.
  • Upper– the upper shoe mesh is made of good microfibers which keeps the feet and interior ventilated.

Design

The Brooks Mach 18 Spikeless Shoes is very attractive because of its different colors on both the side. This is a design and color combination which many companies do not give out to their customers.

The design is also very sleek and sharp making the shoe look very professional. The 3D print design also helps the shoe get a better look from various angles.

Brooks Men's Mach 18 Spikeless

Pros

  • The shoes are very durable and have an amazing ventilated interior.
  • Very professional looking shoe. 

Cons

  • May struggle to withstand different weather conditions or surfaces. 

Brooks Mach 18 Spikeless | Amazon

Combines top-tier performance with a generous fit and enough cushioning and support for most runners.

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Why buy Brooks Men’s Mach 18 Spikeless?

The shoes are crafted with good quality mesh material and have some aggressive 3D print design making them look very professional and unique.

Therefore, if you are a beginner in the cross-country scene, then these can be a good start-up kit.

The Athletic Foot Team