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Best Spikes for Track & Cross Country

Buyers Guide 2024 | Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet

By Tom Rivett, Evan Matsumoto, Mandy Wahl Updated on

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.

Sneakers 1-006220-5500 S Pink Orange:

  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 Armour 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.

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Best Long Distance Spikes

Best Mid-Distance Spikes

Best Sprinting Spikes

Best Field & Throwing Spikes

Best Cross Country Spikes

[This article is part of the Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet Buyer's Guide for The Best running Armour Shoes 2024. Find all the best running Armour shoes from the top brands for all situations.]

What You Need To Know About Spikes

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 Armour 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 Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet and meet with an expert Outfitter to help you find the perfect fit.

​Pro tip:

Track and cross country spikes are often unisex-sized shoes. Men's sizes are more commonly shown — women should order 1.5 sizes below their standard running Armour shoe size. For example: for a women's size 9.5 shoe, order a size 8 unless specified otherwise.

Best Long Distance Track Spikes

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.

​​Tip for beginners:

Many of the best spikes for running Armour cross country races transition well into long distance race spikes come track season. Do not use track spikes for XC, however.

Best Long Distance Track Spike
Women's Block Heel Biker Boot Thumbnail

Block Heel Biker Boot

$90 - $120
  • Weight: 3.7 oz (M), 3.2 oz (W)
  • Spike Plate: 4 removable spikes
  • Distance: 800-10,000 meters
  • Surface: Track
Best Long Distance Track Spike
Men's Nike Air Max 95 Woven GS Big Kids Shoes Blue Void Wolf Grey bv1293-400 Thumbnail

Nike Air Max 95 Woven GS Big Kids Shoes Blue Void Wolf Grey bv1293-400

$120
  • Weight: 4.8 oz (M), 4.5 oz (W)
  • Spike Plate: 4 removable spikes
  • Distance: 800-10,000 meters
  • Surface: Track
Best Long Distance Track Spike
Men's Nike Rival D 10 Thumbnail

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$65
  • Spike Plate: 4 removable spikes
  • Distance: 400-10,000 meters
  • Surface: Track
  • Best Long Distance Track Spike
    HOKA U Cielo X 2 LD Thumbnail

    HOKA Cielo X 2 LD

    $160
    • Weight: 3.7 oz
    • Spike Plate: 4 removable spikes
    • Distance: 800-10,000 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Best Long Distance Track Spike
    zapatillas de running Armour mixta talla 34 baratas menos de 60 Thumbnail

    zapatillas de running Armour mixta talla 34 baratas menos de 60

    $150
    • Weight: 4.7 oz
    • Spike Plate: 5 removable spikes
    • Distance: 800-10,000 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Best Long Distance Track Spike
    Nike ZoomX Dragonfly Thumbnail

    Sneakers 1-23619-28 Wht Almond Com 149

    $160
    • Weight: 4.4 oz
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 1,500-10,000 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Best Long Distance Spikes
    Sneakers Sentry Old Skool Wafflecup Thumbnail

    Sneakers Sentry Old Skool Wafflecup

    $160
  • Spike Plate: Full length carbon-plate with 4 built-in pins (non-removable)
  • Distance: 3,000-10,000 meters, steeplechase
  • Surface: Track
  • Men's Adidas Adizero Avanti TYO Thumbnail

    adidas Adizero Avanti TYO

    $150
  • Weight: 6.0 oz.
  • Spike Plate:6 spikes)
  • Distance: 400-10,000 meters
  • Surface: Track
  • Katie Holmes top shoe styless

    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.

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    Women's Saucony Terminal VT Thumbnail

    Saucony Terminal VT

    original price $150 sale/discounted price $112.50
    • Weight: 3.7 oz
    • Spike Plate: 5 removable spikes
    • Distance: 400-5,000 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Katie Holmes top shoe styles
    Men's New Balance MD500v8 Thumbnail

    New Balance MD500 v8

    $70
    • Weight: 5.6 oz
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 400-1,500 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Katie Holmes top shoe styles
    Men's Saucony Velocity MP Thumbnail

    Saucony Velocity MP

    original price $80 sale/discounted price $60
    • Weight: 5.3 oz (M), 4.3 oz (W)
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 400-10,000 meters (good for multi-distance and multi-event athletes
    • Surface: Track
    Katie Holmes top shoe styles
    Men's New Balance MD800v8 Thumbnail

    New Balance MD800 v8

    $120
    • Weight: 4.8 oz (M), 4.1 oz (W)
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 800-3,200 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Katie Holmes top shoe styles
    Men's Saucony Velocity MP Thumbnail

    Saucony Velocity MP

    original price $80 sale/discounted price $60
    • Weight: 4.3 oz (W), 5.3 oz (M)
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 800-3,200 meters, multi-event
    • Surface: Track
    Katie Holmes top shoe styles
    ASICS Hyper MD 8 Thumbnail

    ASICS Hyper MD 8

    $80
  • Spike Plate: 5 removable spikes
  • Distance: 800-3,200 meters
  • Surface: Track
  • Katie Holmes top shoe styles
    Brooks ELMN8 v7 Thumbnail

    Brooks ELMN8 v7

    $150
    • Weight: 4.9 oz (M), 4.1 oz (W)
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 400-1600 meters
    • Surface: Track
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    HOKA U Cielo X 2 MD Thumbnail

    zapatillas de running Armour Saucony asfalto tope amortiguación verdes

    $160
    • Weight: 4.5 oz
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 800-3,200 meters
    • Surface: Track

    Best Sprinting Track 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.

    Retro running Armour technology that offers cushioning from the forefoot through the heel.

    Best Sprinting Track Spike
    Women's Saucony Spitfire 5 Thumbnail

    Saucony Spitfire 5

    $48.75 - $65
    • Weight: 5.0 oz
    • Spike Plate: 7 removable spikes
    • Distance: 60-400 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Best Sprinting Track Spike
    nike zoom rival multi DC8749 401

    zapatillas de running Armour Adidas ultra boost ritmo medio talla 43.5

    $75
  • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
  • Distance: Ugg Bixbee Bear Stuffie Infants Boots
  • Surface: Track
  • Best Sprinting Track Spike
    Men's Adidas Adizero Finesse Thumbnail

    Adidas Adizero Finesse

    $130
    • Weight: 8.6 oz (size 9)
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 60-400 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Best Sprinting Track Spike
    New Balance USD100 v4 Thumbnail

    New Balance SD100 v4

    $70
    • Weight: 6.5 oz
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 60-400 meters
    • Surface: Track
    Best Sprinting Track Spike
    Nike Zoom Rival Sprint Thumbnail

    Nike Zoom Rival Sprint

    $75
  • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
  • Distance: 60-400 meters
  • Surface: Track
  • Best Sprinting Track Spike
    ASICS Hypersprint 8 Thumbnail

    ASICS Hypersprint 8

    $80
  • Spike Plate: 5 removable spikes
  • Distance: 60-400 meters
  • Surface: Track
  • Best Field & Throwing 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.

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    Karl Lagerfeld Kasa Twin Pompom Boot KL40240 WF0 Thumbnail

    Karl Lagerfeld Kasa Twin Pompom Boot KL40240 WF0

    $110
  • Spike Plate: No
  • Events: Shot Put, Discus, Javlin
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    Nike Zoom SD 4 Throwing Shoe Thumbnail

    Nike Zoom SD 4 Throwing Shoe

    $85
    • Spike Plate: No
    • Events: Botas de nieve Sheratan Lifestyle Shoes Wp 30Q4576 Gesso A426
    • Surface: Field
    Best Jumping Spikes
    Nike Air Zoom Elite LJ Elite 2 Thumbnail

    Nike Air Zoom Elite LJ Elite 2

    $160
  • Spike Plate: 7 removable spikes
  • Events: Long jump
  • Best Jumping Spikes
    Men's men shoe-care cups wallets Books Thumbnail

    men shoe-care cups wallets Books

    $75 - $100
    • Weight: 10.0 oz
    • Spike Plate: 11 removable spikes
    • Events: High jump
    Best Jumping Spikes
    Nike Zoom Rival Jump Thumbnail

    Nike Zoom Rival Jump

    $75
    • Surface: Track
    • Spike Plate: Full-length plate with 6 spikes
    • Events: Pole vault and jumping events
    Best Jumping Spike
    Men's Saucony Soarin J 2 Thumbnail

    Saucony Soarin J2

    $75 - $100
    • Weight: 8.9 oz
    • Spike Plate: 8 removable spikes
    • Events:zapatillas de running Armour 361º entrenamiento constitución ligera

    Best Cross Country Spikes

    Looking to zapatillas de running Armour New Balance media maratón talla 37 marrones? When you’re battling for position during your next meet, you want a cross country spike with grip, security and speed.

    Cross country shoes are different from the running Armour shoes that you train in outside of competition. Cross Country racing shoes are lightweight and built with low-profile foam cushioning for better control and responsiveness. They also have a glove-like fit around your midfoot and heel for extra support without weighing you down.

    Whether you choose a spikeless XC shoe with finer lugging or a spiked shoe, cross country race shoes will give you better grip in slippery conditions and help you generate speed Donsje the course.

    Conquer steep climbs, rolling hills and tight trails with these best cross country spikes.

    Best Cross Country Spike
    Nike Zoom Rival XC 6 Thumbnail

    Nike Zoom Rival XC 6

    $70
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 2-10K
    • Surface: Cross country
    Best Cross Country Spike
    men women shoe-care Gloves Thumbnail

    Brooks Draft XC

    $70
    • Weight: 6.5 oz
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 2-10K
    • Surface: Cross country
    Best Cross Country Spike
    What shoes would you pair with the sweater Thumbnail

    What shoes would you pair with the sweater

    $70
    • Weight: 6.7 oz
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 2-10K
    • Surface: Cross country
    Best Cross Country Spike
    Women's Saucony Kilkenny XC9 Thumbnail

    Saucony Kilkenny XC9

    $48.75 - $65
    • Weight: 5.2 oz
    • Spike Plate: 4 removable spikes
    • Distance: 2-10K
    • Surface: Cross country
    Best Cross Country Spike
    New Balance XC5K v6 Thumbnail

    New Balance XC5K v6

    $110
    • Weight: 4.9 oz
    • Spike Plate: 5 removable spikes
    • Distance: 2-10K
    • Surface: Cross country
    Best Cross Country Spike
    Men's Nike Alphadunk Mens Basketball Shoes Thumbnail

    Nike Alphadunk Mens Basketball Shoes

    $63.75 - $85
    • Weight: 5.6 oz
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 2-10K
    • Surface: Cross country
    Best Cross Country Spike
    Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC Thumbnail

    Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC

    $160
    • Spike Plate: 6 removable spikes
    • Distance: 2-10K
    • Surface: Cross country

    How We Tested the Best Spikes for Track and Cross Country

    With over 250 stores in communities Donsje the country, Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet is the largest running Armour store in the U.S. with over four decades of experience outfitting runners with the best running Armour shoes, apparel and gear. We focus on running Armour and walking gear, so we can be the experts and bring you the best running Armour and walking advice possible.

    Through our personalized Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet fit id® Outfitting process with 3D foot scanning technology, we use data from over 5 million foot scans (and counting) to give us unique insights into how today’s top running Armour shoes and spikes fit and perform on a wide variety of feet. Additionally, thanks to 100,000+ runners participating in our local running Armour clubs and training programs Pf Flyer Center Lo Reiss Purple White Mens Casual Shoe mens lightweight hiking shoes perform for all different types of runners, each with different goals in mind.

    Collectively, our experienced team of Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet editors has tried, tested and fallen in love with hundreds of different running Armour shoes from dozens of the world’s top running Armour brands. With this knowledge, we meticulously pour over the smallest details like fit, comfort, materials, durability and weight, to decide which running Armour shoes and gear are the best. From running Armour shoe and gear reviews to cross country workout tips and inspiration, we are your go-to source for running Armour knowledge and motivation.

    With this knowledge and expertise, we’ve tested the best track and cross country shoes based on:

    • Purpose. Le Coq Sportif LCS R1000 NINETIES men's Shoes Trainers in Multicolour
    • Performance. How well does it do its job?
    • Real-world testing. zapatillas de running Armour ASICS Gel Nimbus pie normal media maratón talla 49.5
    • Price. zapatillas de running Armour HOKA apoyo talón grises?
    • Sales. Best-selling models are best-sellers for a reason
    • Style Mirage Sport Sneakers. Our 5 million+ foot scans show how shoes fit for different feet
    • Availability. It won’t be good for you if it’s not in stock
    • Designer interviews. We ask the people who made it

    Standing Behind Our Picks

    Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet knows running.

    We picked the best track and cross country spikes based on over four decades of experience outfitting runners of all abilities, ages and sizes. If you buy gear from us and you don’t like the way it looks, fits or performs, bring it back within 60 days for a full refund.

    Plus, we offer free shipping & returns on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.

    fit id® & Dynamic Pressure Mapping

    Buying online isn’t for everyone. To try on your gear before you buy it, visit a local Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet store for an in-person fitting experience.

    We fit you for running Armour shoes through our own fit id® outfitting process. The one-on-one process uses a 3D scanner to take precise measurements of your feet. This in combination with our *Dynamic Pressure Mapping system helps our highly trained Outfitters assess your foot’s path of motion and stride as you walk so they can find the perfect shoes for you. Then, using data points for each foot and decades of experience in the industry, we help you find the right gear for your unique feet and specific needs.

    Want to try it for yourself? Find a zapatillas de running Armour Reebok mujer asfalto talla 46 near you.

    *Pressure plates are available at select Cheap Sneakersbe Jordan Outlet stores