Cross Country - Advice needed

Cartman78

Hi all,

Have been road running for years....recently joined a club and now cross country is suddenly on the radar.

Sounds like it could be an interesting change and a challenge so really eager to give it a go.

Problem is I haven't a clue what is required in terms of footwear? Spikes seem to be the norm(?) but I don't know where or what to start looking for.

My regular shoe is Asics Cumulus, also use Asics DS Racers and Saucony Kinvaras for speed work and races.

Any feedback much appreciated, cheers cm

pconn062

Yes spikes are best, they are not that expensive and will last you years. They will come with 9mm spikes but you can change them for longer ones on boggier ground if needed. A few brands would be the Saucony Kilkenny, Brooks Mach, most of the brand would do some type of XC spike.

RayCun

You don't have to worry about cushioned or structured or minimal or racers when it comes to spikes, they're all racers

and you do really need spikes

Cartman78

RayCun wrote: »

You don't have to worry about cushioned or structured or minimal or racers when it comes to spikes, they're all racers

and you do really need spikes

Cheers - that's kinda what i was hoping alright.

Had a quick look in a couple of so-called sports shops yesterday but, as I expected, not a spike in sight :pac:

I'm a bit of an Asics loyalist so might stick with them I guess....will have a gander on Wiggle etc. later on.

Thanks for the replies, cm

RayCun

you'd want to try them on. Spikes have to be snug-fitting, because you could be running through mud that will pull them off your feet

They're usually about half the price of road runners anyway, and will last you years

Cartman78

RayCun wrote: »

you'd want to try them on. Spikes have to be snug-fitting, because you could be running through mud that will pull them off your feet

They're usually about half the price of road runners anyway, and will last you years

Just another quick question – do you wear socks with spikes?

And are they available in half sizes? I’m a 9.5 in regular shoe which is nice and snug – a 9 would be too tight (even without socks) and a 10 is too loose (with socks!) :pac::pac::pac::pac:

RayCun

I do, just short, light socks. Maybe some people go without.
I don't know about half sizes, might depend on the brand, the shop...

dna_leri

Not all spikes are the same, get ones made for cross country. They will usually have a bit more support & strength.

If you look at wiggle, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mens/spiked-running-shoes/ the cross country ones will usually be labelled as XC. e.g. Saucony Kilkenny XC
Long distance track are labelled as LD e.g. Asics Hyper LD and could probably double as cross country spikes.
The middle distance ones are likely to be lighter and might fall apart after a few mucky races e.g. Saucony Endorphin MD at less than 100g.
Keep away from the Sprint or LJ (Long Jump) spikes. e.g. Asics Hyper Sprint, which would have you up on your toes for 10K of mud (not good).

Half sizes - Yes, usually
Socks - For XC Yes - helps keep the mud out.
And do try them on in a specialist sports shop

Dubgal72

Don't get shoes with space for only four pins per shoe, these are generally for middle distance track running

robinph

dna_leri wrote: »

If you look at wiggle, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mens/spiked-running-shoes/ the cross country ones will usually be labelled as XC. e.g. Saucony Kilkenny XC

I went through a couple of pairs of the Killkenny where one of the spikes broke through the footbed. Made for very painful running. :eek:

Cartman78

Update:

Picked up a pair of these on Saturday...got a very good price on them (€60) in a shop in Limerick.

Went out in the lashing rain and mud on Sunday morning around UL - really enjoyed it and the spikes were a delight to run in. Roll on next weekend

martyboy48

So...... Would I be right in thinking as a first timer just get a pair of XC spikes as opposed to LD ect. Get any pair that fit well and just get on with it???
Is there anything/brand to stay away from or are the all the same (F all difference)??

adrian522

Yeah just whatever is comfortable, but get a set of longer pins, 9mm or 12mm as the ones that come with them aren't much use in this country.

Paddy1234

adrian522 wrote: »

Yeah just whatever is comfortable, but get a set of longer pins, 9mm or 12mm as the ones that come with them aren't much use in this country.

What size spikes come with them does anyone know? I used the standard ones for last years cross country season but looks like will be a bit wetter this year so may need to upgrade

Down South

Paddy1234 wrote: »

What size spikes come with them does anyone know? I used the standard ones for last years cross country season but looks like will be a bit wetter this year so may need to upgrade

AFAIK spikes typically come with 5mm pins for track

loudymacloud

Anyone know where i could get some replacement 9mm spikes in Dublin City Centre

RayCun

loudymacloud wrote: »

Anyone know where i could get some replacement 9mm spikes in Dublin City Centre

runLogic in Temple Bar?

loudymacloud

RayCun wrote: »

runLogic in Temple Bar?

cheers,

forgot about them