Best Spikes for Track & Cross Country

If you want to top the podium and hit your personal best on the track, cross-country course or in your field event, then finding the right pair of track or XC shoes will help you crush your next meet.

The best track and cross country spikes do two things really well:

1. Feel lightweight and quick on your feet for the distance or event you are competing in
2. Are secure and grippy enough to handle top speeds, twists and turns.

Many of today's best spikes and racing flats include cutting-edge technology like rigid plates, lightweight cushioning and advanced lacing systems, so you can focus on performing.

Whether you’re sprinting, jumping, throwing, or running middle to long-distance races, we’ve got you covered to help you find the best shoes and spikes for any event. When the gun’s about to go off, lace up one of these speedy spikes to light up the track or course.

Check out our list below comparing the best XC spikes and track spikes for every event:

Best Long Distance Spikes

• Saucony Endorphin 3
  
• New Balance LD5K v8
• Nike Zoom Rival Distance
• HOKA Cielo X LD 2
• Brooks Wire 8
• Nike Zoom X Dragonfly
• New Balance FuelCell SuperComp LD-X
• adidas Adizero Avanti TYO

Best Mid-Distance Spikes

• Saucony Terminal VT
• New Balance MD500 v8
• Saucony Ballista MD
• New Balance MD800 v8
  
• Saucony Velocity MP
• ASICS Hyper MD 8
• Brooks ELMN8 v7
• HOKA Cielo X 2 MD

Best Sprinting Spikes

• Saucony Spitfire 5
• Nike Zoom Rival Multi-Event
• adidas Adizero Finesse
• New Balance SD100 v4
• Nike Zoom Rival Sprint
• ASICS Hypersprint 8

Best Field & Throwing Spikes

• Nike Zoom Rotational 6
• Nike Zoom SD 4 Throwing Shoe
• Nike Air Zoom Elite LJ Elite 2
• Saucony Uplift HJ 2
• Nike Triple Jump Elite 2
• Saucony Soarin J2

Best Cross Country Spikes

• Nike Zoom Rival XC 6
• Brooks Draft XC Spike
• New Balance XC Seven v4
• Saucony Kilkenny XC9
• New Balance XC5K v6
• Saucony Havok XC 3
• Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC

[This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2024. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]

Understanding how spikes can improve your performance will help you pick the best pair for your race. The quantity of spikes in the shoe’s spike plate, length of spike and overall fit are the most important factors to consider before your next meet.

How many spikes do you need?

A good rule of thumb: the longer the distance, the fewer spikes in the spike plate. Cross country and long distance track spikes typically have four or five spikes, while sprinting and mid-distance spikes can range from six to eight spikes, which gives you the extra traction needed to push top speeds.

What spike length do you need?

Track and cross country shoes have spikes that can be screwed in and out of the bottom plate. Depending on the surface you race on, you’ll want to choose the appropriate spike length so you don’t find yourself carrying extra turf with you on the cross country course, or sliding around an indoor track.

Quarter (¼) inch spikes are generally safe for most track and cross country races. If you are racing on an indoor track, there can be regulations on the length of spike you are allowed to wear in order to keep the track intact as it’s used; on average, one-eighth (⅛) inch spikes are the standard for indoor track.

As you gain experience and fine tune the feel you prefer in your spikes, you can toy around with a variety of spike shapes from pyramid to needle spikes on the track, but always be sure to check the meet rules before changing out your spikes.

How should spikes fit?

Fit is important when it comes to spikes. They often will not fit or feel the same as your trainers. For instance, you may want slightly less space between your longest toe and the front of your spike compared to the thumb’s width you would generally shoot for in a running shoe. This will give you a more secure fit and better control during toe-off. If you’re not sure which track or cross country spikes to buy, visit your local Fleet Feet and meet with an expert Outfitter to help you find the perfect fit.

For events ranging distances from 1500m to 5K, the best long distance track spikes have a low spike count (4-6) with just enough cushioning in the midsole and heel to keep your legs fresh enough for your final kick.

To let your foot move naturally as you run, long distance track spikes are often more flexible and do not use a firm, plastic plate on the outsole compared to sprinting spikes. Instead, designers will use carbon-fiber or PEBAX plates in the midsole of premium long-distance track spikes for extra speediness.

Here are our picks for the best long distance track spikes.

Looking to compete in multiple events on the track or hone your skills in events like the 400m or 800m? A middle distance spike could be your race shoe.

The best mid-distance spikes have the perfect combination of lightweight cushion and rigidity for snappy transitions and fast speeds. They’re super versatile for athletes who need an all-around track spike and typically have a few more spikes underneath compared to long-distance models.

If you’re looking to shave some seconds off your PR for track season this year, check out our top picks for the best mid-distance spikes.

When you have to go all out, the best sprinting spikes will give you the push you need to finish strong.

Ultra-light, aggressive and super fast, track spikes for sprinting are designed with a rigid spike plate to keep your weight on the ball of your foot and promote snappy transitions. Ready to explode off the blocks, they can use anywhere from six to eight spikes so you can dig into your starting position.

The best spikes for sprinting use little to no padding on the heel and focus much of their technology on the forefoot and spike plate. While some experienced mid-distance runners may elect for the faster feel of a sprinter’s spike, these race shoes are designed for events under 400m, where every second and every stride counts.

Built for top-end speed, here are our top picks for the best sprinting spikes.

For field events like the high jump, long jump, pole vault and shot put, the best spikes help support your foot and ankle while you grip, twist and turn to generate the most power.

To accomplish this, field spikes are built to be lightweight with enough rigidity to push you faster and higher. They often have a higher spike count and can take needle spikes, which are longer than traditional spikes to help stabilize you as you jump and run.

Throwing shoes for events like shot put or discus are typically spikeless to allow for a free rotation while giving you enough grip to generate momentum to throw your farthest.

Whether you pole vault, jump or throw, these spikes give you the grip and traction you need to perform your best on meet day.

Here are our picks for the best jumping and throwing spikes.