Cross country running shoes can fall into two main categories: training shoes and racing shoes. This article covers different aspects of finding a proper fit with racing shoes, also called racing spikes. Once you have decided what sort of racing shoe you need, the most important feature to look for is the fit.

You might be surprised to learn that most cross country running spikes are similar in design, traction, weight, and price. The big difference is in the fit. All the brands will fit a little bit differently. Some fit narrower in the forefoot or wider in the heel. You need to try on several different brands. Don’t simply pick the one with the coolest colors or best pictures on the box.

If you can’t decide which brand to choose, then start with the brand of shoe that you usually train in. In other words, try a pair of their cross country spikes. If your trainers fit you well, then odds are that the racers will fit you too. If your brand doesn’t offer racing spikes, then you will have to try on as many other brands as possible until you find one that works for you.

Specialized running shoe stores usually have a treadmill in the store, or will allow you to test out the shoes outside on the grass or the trail. That’s because they realize how important it is to actually run in the shoes before buying them. It’s not enough to simply walk around the store once or twice.

Some brands will fit a little smaller than others, so it might be necessary to drop down a half size or so from your usual size, in order to get the proper fit. Women will need to pay particular attention to the sizing, because most cross country racing shoes are offered only in unisex models that follow men’s sizing. Unless the shoe is specific for women, you will need to drop down at least a full size to get the correct fit. So for example, if you normally wear a women’s size 7 ½, you will wear a size 6 or 6 ½ in most cross country shoes.