Cross Country Running Shoes

Cross country running descries the terrain a runner negotiates during a race or practice run. Generally, cross country runs are through woodland, across fields, down tracks, up hills etc. Often mud and water is involved. This differs completely to road running that is along public roads or foot paths and sometimes strays onto soft ground such as grass.

Cross country running can trace its roots back to Rugby in England in 1837 with the Crick Run. At this time, participants ran in leather moccasin type shoes as cross country running shoes hadn’t been invented. It was first included in the Olympics in 1924 as a winter sport. Although distance’s for cross country running are generally the same, the tracks vary dramatically. This means that records for the events cannot be kept. What might be a fast time on one track might be slow on another. Time for each course can also vary depending on weather and track conditions.

When you are training for a cross country run, many of the normal principle apply. So you need to be practicing interval training, endurance, some sprinting but most importantly, hill training.

The ideal pair of cross country running shoes should be able to deal with weather and terrain. This is what sets them apart from road running shoes and track shoes. As with other high-end running shoes, they should offer comfort and support and accommodate different running styles. If you compare a pair of cross country running shoes and normal running shoes, you will notice that they are a much sturdier conduction. The soles are made of heaver materials and have much heavier tread to dig into the slippery terrain that you will no-doubt encounter on your cross country runs.

Most running shoe manufactures will also have a range of cross country running shoes. Manufactures such as Asics, Saucony, New Balance, Adidas, Nike, Brooks, Puma, Mizuno have a range of quality shoes. Other such as Salomon and Merrell also offer shoes that are up to the job.

Brooks offer the Mach 9 spike less. These shoes are reputed to be one of the fastest flat racing shoes. The upper mesh has welded seamless overlay which is breathable allowing air to flow through the shoe which keeps the foot cool but still keep the weather out. At 6.4 ounces they are very light and have been compared to running barefoot whilst still offering support for the toughest of courses.

A rival to the Mach 9’s are Saucony Grid Fast Star. These shoes are designed for cross country running. They offer superior shock absorption and give a smooth comfortable run thanks to the moulded mid-sole. The upper sole has micro perforations which keeps your feet cool.