The Best Cross Country Running Shoes of 2025

Another season is upon us! You've done the summer training (hopefully spring and winter as well) and are ready to unleash your full potential—well, you've come to the right place. Whether you're just starting out or you're a veteran of many seasons, our team of experts has analyzed and considered each cross country racing shoe to produce this list of the best options to meet your racing needs.

If you're new to the sport or haven't purchased cross country shoes before, we have our complete guide to choosing a cross country shoe ready for you. We celebrate and support you regardless if you're consumed by elite competitive fire or if you're simply looking for a social activity for your physical and mental health. If you want to out-kick everyone down the chute or maybe just enjoy some airplane arms downhill action, we've been there too, and we've got you covered.

NOTE: If you compete in California high school cross country, only consider cross country flats or normal non-spike running shoes, as cross country spikes are banned at most courses and are ill-suited for the courses in California due to the large sections of pavement or hard-packed surfaces.

Our Top Picks for Best Cross Country Spikes and Shoes of 2025

• Best XC Super Spike Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC Spikes
• Best XC Spike & Flat for Beginners Nike Zoom Rival XC 6 Spikes & Rival Waffle 6 XC Spikeless
• Best XC Spike & Flat for Cushioned Comfort HOKA Crescendo XC Spikes & Spikeless
• Best XC Spike & Flat for Wide Feet Brooks Draft XC Spikes & Spikeless
• Best XC Spike & Flat for Value Saucony Kilkenny XC9 Spikes & Flat
• Best Value Road Shoe for XC Racing ASICS Hyper Speed 4
• Best Trail Shoe for XC Racing: NNormal Kjerag
  

There's something special about putting the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC on your feet—it has all the tools needed to lead the pack and dominate tough cross country courses at an elite level. Inspired by the original track Dragonfly, the Dragonfly XC brings the same superior elements: ZoomX super foam, Pebax plate, and Vaporweave upper, all expertly integrated.

The six-pin design includes both standard and optional wide pyramid pins for exceptional grip in muddy conditions. The ZoomX Dragonfly XC's responsive full-length layer of foam, trustworthy traction, and lightweight design make this spike our favorite most competitive option for runners eyeing state medals, trying to crack the top 7, or chasing new personal records.

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We were stoked to learn that On was cooking up this stunner and just couldn't wait to get it on our feet. This drool-worthy fresh contender for the crown checks all the boxes: full-length Pebax super foam, full-length fiberglass/nylon plate, aggressive 6-pin design (with 2 sets of long and longer pins included), and killer style. Is this rare beast the Dragonfly-dethroner? Stay tuned.

We'd be hard-pressed to find a better option for your first cross country shoe than the Nike Zoom Rival XC. We try to reserve "can't go wrong" status for a select small group of footwear, and the Rival XC is firmly on that list. With a protective midsole, structured upper, and grippy traction, this is a welcoming "gateway" spike for your peace of mind and confidence as you toe the line for the first time.

If you race on asphalt or cannot use spikes on specific courses, this shoe also comes in a spikeless version called the Rival Waffle XC. Both the spikes and spikeless options are available in Kids' versions too! Ultimately, with their great price and trustworthy fit, the Nike Rival XC and Rival Waffle XC are fantastic versatile options for runners of any level.

The HOKA Crescendo XC Spike is a friendly, approachable option with... wait for it... a very HOKA-worthy thick stack of foam underfoot. We feel it's a good jack-of-many-trades as a newcomer-friendly option like the Nike Rival above and a spaciously accommodating option like the Brooks Draft below. Of course, it's perhaps most at home in this cushioned comfort category.

This lightweight cross country racer is built off the blueprint of its HOKA Crescendo MD track sibling and is a great choice if you seek a smooth, protective ride. Comfortably equipped with soft EVA cushioning and grippy Durabrasion rubber, runners have the protection and cushioning needed to excel in all conditions. Overall, the HOKA Crescendo XC is ideal for less experienced racers or anyone who prioritizes comfortable cushioning.

Most racing shoes are slimmed down with a narrow, secure fit, but that design doesn't work well for many athletes who need more space. The Brooks Draft XC offers a slightly wider fit while still delivering a competitive, race-ready experience. Although it's not a true 2E width, we know that based on feedback, the Draft XC's wider forefoot gives some athletes a more comfortable and stable landing when racing on variable surfaces.

With spike and spikeless options, the Draft XC is a great choice for runners of all experience levels and anyone looking for a cross country racing option with a little more room.

For a budget-friendly option in a lightweight and comfortable construction, check out the Saucony Kilkenny XC9. With its well-made design, comfy cushioning, and versatility, this entry-level cross country shoe has the name-recognition and trustworthy value that's hard to beat. Available in both spikes and flats, the Saucony Kilkenny XC9 is a wonderful option for rookie or veteran racers and anyone searching for an affordable, established model for their next race.

If you'd like more cushioning than what's offered in spikeless racing flats and don't want to shell out for a road super shoe, we love the ASICS Hyper Speed 4 for its no-nonsense featherweight simplicity and grippy rubber outsole. We gave it the slight nod over the perennial favorite Brooks Launch due to its fractionally lighter weight and slightly lower heel stack and drop.

Ok ok, we admit this list grew a little too long. If you'll indulge us for one more, it seemed only natural that you might be thinking "Wait, if I could use a road shoe for cross country, why not a TRAIL shoe?" If the racing spikes and spikeless flat options just don't appeal to you and you want more outsole grip than a road shoe, then absolutely consider a trail shoe. The NNormal Kjerag stands out from its peer group (including the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar 3, Brooks Catamount Agil, and HOKA Zinal 2) for it's combination of supercritical foam, very low weight, and secure midfoot and heel with a surprisingly accommodating width in the toe box.

Lastly, for a budget-friendly option, give a look to the New Balance Minimus Trail. Again, a spikeless flat is race-fitted and the lightest weight version of a trail shoe. But if you want a bit more cushioning or a different fit, then a trail shoe might make sense. Cheers!

For a detailed explanation of how we test shoes and why you should trust our recommendations, read about our running shoe testing methodology.

We humbly hope you found this selection enjoyable and useful for your consideration. As always, our experts are happy to help answer any questions by phone, live chat, or email and we've answered some FAQ below. That's it for now — thanks for reading and happy racing!

1. What are cross country shoes? Cross country shoes ("spikes") are designed for running races on mixed terrain courses with grass, mud, and trails. They come in two main types: racing spikes (with metal or plastic spikes, also called pins, for traction) and spikeless flats (with rubber outsoles for versatility). Both offer a speed advantage by being snug and very lightweight; however, runners might prefer spikeless shoes for comfort on mostly gravel or paved courses, while racing spikes offer superior traction and performance on grass, dirt, and mud.
2. What’s the difference between racing spikes and spikeless cross country shoes? Racing spikes have extra grip from the sharp spikes, making them ideal for competitive runners, but they can be uncomfortable on long sections of gravel or pavement. Spikeless shoes are identical except for their rubber outsole without the hard metal pins. They sacrifice the extra grip on grass and mud in favor of beginner-friendly comfort on hard-packed or paved surfaces. In California high school XC, spikes (the protruding pins themselves) are largely prohibited.
3. Can I use cross country racing spikes for road running? No, we don't recommend racing spikes for road running due to their hard pins and minimal cushioning. Even without the pins inserted, the empty receptacles would be uncomfortable and "clacky." For road running, go with road shoes or possibly spikeless cross country shoes.
4. How should I choose cross country shoes if I’m new to the sport? Always trust what fits your foot based on your preferences and feels comfortable to you. Entry-level spikes or spikeless shoes will likely be a great start. Keep in mind that any racing option is likely to fit snugger and tighter than your normal running shoes, but your feet shouldn't be uncomfortably tight and cramped. Think about the length of time (warmup and racing) you'll be in your racing shoes and how your feet will feel while running at hard effort on variable terrain.
5. What features are important for cross country shoes in muddy conditions? In muddy conditions, longer or broader (pyramid-shaped) pins can help, especially if they are widely spaced. For seriously sloppy conditions with large sections of deep mud, nothing will offer an ideal grip. Choose the best foot placement you can, or just send it and hope for the best.
6. How do I choose the right size for cross country shoes? Go with your usual shoe size since the spikes will likely fit tighter automatically. Please reach out to us for help, and remember that we offer 90 Day No Sweat Returns. We've got you!
7. How often should I replace my cross country shoes? Spikes and spikeless racing shoes are lucky to last one full season of meets. These shoes are designed to be featherweight and fast, not durable. In contrast, regular daily training shoes for roads and trails usually last 300+ miles. For everyday trainers, pay attention to cushioning that feels "dead" if you're experiencing extra aches and pains, and watch for worn rubber outsoles that are getting smoothed out as signs they need replacement.
8. Can cross country shoes be used for trail running? The short answer is potentially, but not ideally. Spikeless cross country shoes could be worn for low mileage or occasional training tools because of their low cushioning. However, they won't be very supportive or grippy and would be best for tame smooth trails, not for technical beastliness. Cross country racing spikes wouldn't be recommended for anywhere with rocks! We recommend going with a regular trail shoe. Even basic daily trainer road shoes can do just fine on many tamer trails.
9. Which brand is best for cross country shoes? There is no one best brand as they are all great brands making quality products. If you're newer to the sport, prioritize comfort. If you seek elite performance, then you're likely to consider the elite spikes with advanced features. Trust your instincts and what feels best for you.