Cross country running is a test of an athlete’s endurance, perseverance, and speed.
It’s an exhausting sport that requires running on varying terrain in all weather conditions. A cross country runner can improve their safety, speed, and stamina by wearing the right pair of cross country spikes.
Over the last several months, our Marathon Sports experts tackled numerous cross-country routes in more than a dozen pairs of the hottest cross country spikes for 2026. This guide to the best cross country shoes includes the spikes they felt stood above the rest in terms of comfort, fit, durability, and traction.
Our Review Process
Our review process is simple. Marathon Sports team members lace up the shoes and put them to the test on their daily runs. When determining the best cross country spikes, they headed to local courses, testing the shoes on various surfaces, including grass, mud, pavement, loose soil, and more. After months of running, our reviewers reported back with their findings.
This review includes what our team members believe are the best cross country shoes for 2026.
What Is a Cross Country Shoe?
Cross country running shoes are designed for competition. They’re different than the shoes you wear for everyday running workouts and can make a drastic difference in your performance on race day.
Cross country running shoes are lightweight and sleek. They often include removable spikes for courses that require additional traction. Cross country running shoes feature more heel cushioning than traditional track spikes but typically less than a pair of daily trainers.
Do Cross Country Runners Need Spikes?
Removable spikes are included in many of the top cross country running shoes. That’s because cross country runners typically need the additional traction for wet, muddy, or uneven terrain. Spikes can save a runner from falling or becoming injured due to running on wet courses.
However, spikes are not recommended for all cross country races. Spikes are banned for California high school cross country runners, as many courses have long sections of hard-packed surfaces or pavement. Remember to research your organization’s requirements before shopping for spikes to ensure they’re legal for racing.
The 6 Best Cross Country Shoes
Our reviewers determined six running shoes stood out when compared to the competition. Learn more about each shoe’s comfort, support, fit, traction, and more by reading the individual reviews from our experts below.
- Saucony Kilkenny XC 10
- Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC 2
- Nike Zoom Rival XC 7
- Saucony Havok XC 3
- Hoka Unisex Crescendo XC 2
- New Balance FuelCell XC7 v5
Saucony Kilkenny XC 10
The Kilkenny has been around long enough that its reputation kind of speaks for itself. A lot of runners pick it up as their first cross-country spike and never really feel the need to move on. It just works.
If you’re a loyal fan, one of the first things you’ll notice is that there’s more cushioning compared to the XC 9. On hard terrain, that’s a big upgrade. What’s even better, however, is that Saucony was able to get that extra cushioning in there without adding a ton of extra weight. We can thank the new, ultra-light PWRRUN foam blend for that.
As for traction, the Kilkenny XC 10 uses an aggressive outsole with a spike plate up front, so you get plenty of grip on just about any ground.
Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC 2
Our reviewers raved about the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC 2. It features some of Nike’s top running shoe tech, like ZoomX cushioning, a breathable nexkin woven upper, and a Pebax plate. It’s a cross country running shoe for athletes who break barriers in all conditions and on all terrain.
The full-length Pebax plate creates optimal energy return while remaining lightweight. The innovative nexkin upper is light even when soaked, and it repels mud and water to keep you comfortable on race day. A stretch tongue and Matumbo hole in the heel provide an adaptive fit so you can focus less on any distracting hot spots and more on the course ahead of you.
The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC 2 features a 5-pin spike to enhance grip on dirt, mud, and any other tough terrain. With this lightweight design and responsive construction, this is a cross country racing shoe for elite-level runners looking to PR this season.
Nike Zoom Rival XC 7
Another cross country spike from Nike is the Zoom Rival XC 7. The ZoomX Dragonfly XC is an ideal shoe for advanced runners, while the Zoom Rival XC is a superior option for beginners to mid-level athletes.
While it’s an ideal shoe for first-time racers, the Zoom Rival XC 7 offers technical features more advanced cross country runners will love too. Top features include ultra-grippy traction, an open-hole mesh upper for breathability and water drainage, and a well-cushioned midsole. The waffle pattern on the outsole and six-spike setup offer plenty of traction for wet, muddy courses.
Our reviewers appreciated the higher level of cushioning and supportive upper for remaining comfortable from start to finish on long-distance runs. Nike’s track spikes are available in unisex sizes, so women should remember to use the brand’s conversion guide when shopping.
Saucony Havok XC 3
If you want a race day shoe that can truly tackle anything you throw at it, the Havok XC 3 might be the right spike for you. Lighter and faster than the Kilkenny, the Havok XC 3 is perfect for experienced runners ready to break their PR this cross country season.
Mud, dirt, and other uneven terrain can be dangerous when you don’t have enough traction. Fortunately, the Havok XC 3 gave our reviewers plenty of confidence when it came to quickly moving through tough terrain. The six-pin spike plate and full-length rubber outsole will keep any runner sturdy and safe throughout the entire cross country course.
The Havok XC 3 has some similarities to Saucony’s other popular cross country spike, the Kilkenny, including the breathable upper and EVA midsole. However, the Havok sets itself apart with an even faster and lighter design.
With the exceptionally lightweight monomesh upper and secure fit, this fast and aggressive running spike is the perfect companion to help any athlete reach their season goals. And with an eye-catching and sleek 3D print design, you’ll be tearing up each course in style.
Hoka Unisex Crescendo XC 2
Most runners have heard of Hoka’s popular, high-cushion training shoes. But with the Unisex Crescendo XC spike, they add another high-quality and reliable model to their long list of running shoe lines.
The Hoka Crescendo XC 2 is a perfect choice for entry-level runners. The midsole offers more cushioning than most standard cross country spikes, and our reviewers found that the compression-molded EVA foam provided extra comfort and cushioning throughout every step of the run.
Even with the extra cushion, the shoe maintained a responsive and low-profile feel perfect for speedy runs on cross country courses. The comfort collar and tongue add even more comfort and a snug, secure fit, so you can worry less about your shoes and focus on crushing the course and reaching your running goals.
And while the extra cushioning may make this a top choice for beginner runners, there’s plenty for more elite athletes to enjoy about the shoe as well. The sleek, lightweight design will keep you moving fast while the six-pin spike plate and rubber outsole offer extra traction, durability, and grip on any terrain.
New Balance FuelCell XC7 v5
From new cross country runners to experienced athletes looking for a propulsive feel, the newest New Balance FuelCell XC7 will keep any runner feeling comfortable and fast on their feet on race day.
Used on a variety of their racing day shoes, New Balance’s FuelCell foam has earned a reputation for being light, fast, and responsive. The addition of this FuelCell foam to their XC spikes guarantees a springy, propulsive feel and unmatched energy return with every stride.
Our reviewers also loved the overall feel and fit of the mesh upper. The synthetic material was lightweight and breathable, so you can stay cool and comfortable throughout any course. The adaptive lacing system also offers a snug, seamless fit to help you feel secure and locked in as you make your way to the finish line.
Instead of removable spikes, the FuelCell XC7 v5 has a rubber outsole with built-in rubber lugs for extra traction. While this rubber base offers more versatility on dry courses or pavement, you may want to consider a racing shoe with metal spikes for more technical, trail-heavy, or muddy courses.
The XC7 V5 is available in unisex sizing, so if you’re looking for an equivalent women’s size, be sure to order a size and a half down.
Find the Right Cross Country Spike for You
Our team members had varied opinions on which were the absolute best shoes for cross country. That’s because different runners have varying opinions on what makes an ideal running shoe. Some of our reviewers prefer the comfort of more midsole cushioning, while others prefer to sacrifice cushioning for a lighter-weight construction and faster speeds.
All the shoes in the list above are designed to help cross country runners achieve their goals, whether they’re entering their first race or their 50th. Stop by one of our Marathon Sports locations to take part in our The Right Fit™ process. Our experts will help you choose the cross country spikes or other running shoes that fit your gait, foot shape, running style, and goals.
Shop around our website today our or visit one of our locations to browse our complete selection of men’s cross country spikes, women’s cross country spikes, high-performance running shoes and more. It’s our mission to connect you with the best running shoes and gear to help you reach your goals.
