Are racing flats or spikes better for cross country?

Question

Flats seem to be lighter, but spikes may help get traction. Which ones should I buy?

Answer 1

Spikes= races

Flats= practice runs

Answer 2

Spikes - you have less of a chance of slipping! It gives grip in the mud.

Answer 3

I would go with spikes because they have so much better traction and are also light. Just make sure you buy cross country spikes because they have the right amount of support for a race of that distance.  You can also use your xc spikes for long distance track events. Thats what i do!

Answer 4

buy spikes and get the spikes with the rubber bottoms not hard plastic.. the hard plastic spikes are for sprinters

Answer 5

I buy would running shoes for while your training then get something else for races. I just race in my running shoes. Only the kids who are like #6 in the state use light flats. Spikes are for running on a track. I personally like brookes running shoes the best.

P.S. I am probably the only one who runs cross country for their schools team listen to me don't get spikes!

Answer 6

Spike do get better traction, but its because of the dirt or all weather tracks. Unless you are running in these types of tracks I suggest the flats. Flats are meant for all terrain running, which is good since in cross country you will run in different terrains, not just dirt or all weather tracks. Flats are lighter as well, which is the main reason they are helpful for cross country. Use the flats only for races, and heavier shoes for practice.

Answer 7

idk what "bell h" is talking about. (i run for my high school XC team too)  almost everybody in the races wear spikes. they help a LOT when its raining and muddy. i didnt at the beginning of last yr bc i was a freshman and i firgured i wasnt that good anyway but my coach had me wear some of the ones he had from previous senior runners when i made it to varsity for the regionals and districts. i am def. going to buy some before this school yr starts tho and u should too :-) good luck!

Answer 8

i've run cross country for my school team for a few years now and i definately think spikes are the better bet. flats are barely lighter than spikes and flats tend to hurt you feet on rocky courses. when it rains or there is mud (which is a usual occurence in xc) spikes are great so you don't slide all over the place.  

Answer 9

spikes. the weight difference is so minute that it hardly matters. you'll be happy you went with spikes when its raining during a race and you're falling down in the mud.  

Answer 10

go with the spikes because they have better traction,  which helpw when you're running up hills or through wet grass.