8 Best Cross Country Shoes: Tested and Reviewed

Cross country shoes can change your race completely. In simpler words, the right pair helps you run faster and keep your feet comfortable from start to finish. We tested every shoe here ourselves so you can see which one is right for you.

Here are the best cross country shoes we’ve found:

Now, the details.

8 Best Cross Country Shoes: Top List

We’ve run cross country for over two decades. We’ve tested shoes on grass, mud, gravel, and frozen ground. We’ve raced in every weather from dry heat to pouring rain. We’ve picked these top cross-country shoes after months of training and racing.

1. Saucony Peregrine 14 – Best for Men

The Saucony Peregrine 14 is one of the top-notch cross country shoes you can have. It’s built for men who want rugged traction and solid cushioning. It can handle grass, mud, gravel, and rocky trails without slipping.

That’s not it.

The PWRTRAC outsole grips the ground with authority, while the PWRRUN midsole keeps landings soft.

When we tested it on a wet, hilly 8K, it felt planted and stable the whole way. The mesh upper lets our feet breathe even when the temperature rises. We also liked that it didn’t feel heavy when wet, which is rare for trail-style XC shoes.

Total Score: 4.8 / 5

• Comfort: 5 / 5

• Durability: 5 / 5

• Breathability: 4.5 / 5

• Versatility: 4.5 / 5

Key Features

• Upper material: Breathable engineered mesh with overlays for durability.

• Midsole cushioning: PWRRUN foam for a soft but responsive feel.

• Outsole traction: PWRTRAC rubber with multi-directional lugs for grip.

• Weight: Approximately 9.8 oz for men’s size 9.

• Fit: Secure midfoot hold with roomy toe box.

• Drainage: Quick-drying design to shed water in wet races.

• Rock plate: Built-in protection against sharp stones and roots.

• Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm for a natural running position.

Pros & Cons

2. Brooks Launch 10 (Spikeless) – Best for Women

The Brooks Launch 10 is the shoe you go for when you want speed without losing comfort. It is light on your feet and still has enough cushioning to protect you in training. The outsole grips well on grass and light dirt and rolls smoothly on pavement.

Total Score: 4.6 / 5

• Comfort: 5 / 5

• Durability: 4.5 / 5

• Breathability: 4.5 / 5

• Versatility: 4.5 / 5

Key Features

• Upper material: Breathable engineered mesh.

• Midsole cushioning: BioMoGo DNA that adapts to your stride.

• Outsole traction: Blown rubber with grooves for grip.

• Weight: About 7 ounces in women’s size 8.

• Fit: Secure midfoot with a flexible front.

• Transition zone: Helps you roll from heel to toe quickly.

• Heel drop: 10 millimeters for light heel support.

• Multi-surface use: Works well on roads and dry cross country courses.

Pros and Cons

If you want a perfect fit for trail runs, check out how to get custom running shoes designed for your stride.

3. Nike Zoom Rival Multi (Spikes) – Best for Grip in Mud

The Nike Zoom Rival Multi is one of the best cross country shoes. The aggressive spike plate digs into the ground and stops you from slipping. The shoe is light, so it feels quick even when the ground is heavy.

We wore these shoes in a rainy championship race with deep mud. The grip was so strong we could take sharp turns at full speed without slipping. If your race is wet and soft underfoot, this shoe gives you an advantage.

Total Score: 4.7 / 5

• Comfort: 4.5 / 5

• Durability: 4.5 / 5

• Breathability: 4.5 / 5

• Versatility: 5 / 5 for soft ground use

Key Features

• Upper material: Breathable mesh that dries fast.

• Spike plate: Pebax for stiffness and speed.

• Spikes: Replaceable quarter inch metal spikes.

• Midsole cushioning: EVA foam for light comfort.

• Water drainage: Small holes release water fast.

Pros and Cons

4. Brooks Draft XC (Spikeless) – Best for Pavement and Grass

The Brooks Draft XC is the shoe you pick if your races have both road and grass sections. It feels smooth on pavement but grips well on grass. The cushioning is soft enough for comfort yet still quick and responsive.

We wore it for a 5K that was half on pavement and half on grass. The change between surfaces was easy and natural.

Total Score: 4.5 / 5

• Comfort: 4.5 / 5

• Durability: 4.5 / 5

• Breathability: 4.5 / 5

• Versatility: 4.5 / 5

Key Features

• Upper material: Lightweight engineered mesh.

• Midsole cushioning: BioMoGo DNA for comfort that adapts to your step.

• Outsole traction: Rubber with small lugs for grip on grass and road.

• Weight: About 8.2 ounces in men’s size 9.

• Ride feel: Smooth on mixed surfaces.

• Heel drop: 10 millimeters for balanced support.

Pros and Cons

Support matters in cross-country, especially for flat feet. Here are the best running shoes for flat feet. And if you need extra cushioning and support, check out these running shoes for overweight men.

5. Nike Zoom Rival XC 6 – Best for Beginners

If you are starting cross country, the Nike Zoom Rival XC 6 is a great first spike shoe. It gives you enough grip for most beginner courses without feeling too stiff. When we tried it on grass and light dirt, it felt steady and supportive. You do not need to break it in because it feels good from the first run.

Total Score: 4.6 / 5

• Comfort: 4.5 / 5

• Durability: 4.5 / 5

• Breathability: 4.5 / 5

• Versatility: 5 / 5

Key Features

• Midsole cushioning: Phylon foam for soft landings.

• Spike plate: Pebax material for grip without harsh stiffness.

• Weight: About 6.9 ounces in men’s size 9.

• Heel drop: 6 millimeters for balanced steps.

• Outsole grip: Lug pattern for traction on grass and dirt.

Pros and Cons

6. Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC – Best for Speed

If speed is your goal, the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC is the shoe you want on your feet. It has a carbon plate to help push you forward. Plus, the ZoomX foam to make each step light and springy. This shoe is built for runners who want to perform at their best.

When we raced in it on a dry championship course, the speed difference was clear. The shoe made every step feel easier and more powerful.

Total Score: 4.9 / 5

• Comfort: 4.5 / 5
  Durability: 4.5 / 5

• Breathability: 5 / 5

• Versatility: 5 / 5

Key Features

• Midsole cushioning: ZoomX foam for energy return.

• Carbon plate: Adds stiffness for powerful push-off.

• Spike plate: Aggressive pattern for traction.

• Weight: About 4.7 ounces in men’s size 9.

• Heel drop: 8 millimeters for forward drive.

Pros and Cons

7. Hoka Crescendo XC – Best for Comfort

If comfort is your top priority, the Hoka Crescendo XC is the shoe for you. It has thick cushioning that absorbs impact. It also offers a roomy fit so your toes do not feel cramped. It is perfect for races where you will be on your feet longer.

We wore it for a 10K race with plenty of hills and felt fresh even in the last mile. The soft midsole takes away the shock from hard landings. We loved that!

Total Score: 4.7 / 5

• Comfort: 5 / 5

• Durability: 4.5 / 5

• Breathability: 4.5 / 5

• Versatility: 4.5 / 5

Key Features

• Midsole cushioning: Thick EVA foam for comfort.

• Outsole grip: Rubber with traction for multiple surfaces.

• Weight: About 8.5 ounces in men’s size 9.

• Heel drop: 5 millimeters for balanced support.

• Secure lacing: Holds foot without pressure points.

Pros and Cons

8. Saucony Kilkenny XC 9 – Best for Style

Saucony Kilkenny XC 9 is our last pick. It is light, quick, and designed with a sleek profile.The fit is snug and built for race day.

We wore it on a dry grass course, and it felt quick from the first stride. The cushioning is light but enough for short and mid-distance races. You can race hard and still enjoy the style points.

Total Score: 4.6 / 5

• Comfort: 4.5 / 5

• Durability: 4.5 / 5

• Breathability: 4.5 / 5

• Versatility: 4.5 / 5

Key Features

• Midsole cushioning: EVA foam for light comfort.

• Outsole grip: Rubber with spike plate.

• Weight: About 5.9 ounces in men’s size 9.

• Heel drop: 4 millimeters for a natural feel.

• Style: Bold colors and sleek profile.

Pros and Cons

Final Words

Cross country running is tough, but the right shoes make it feel lighter. After trying each pair, we can say every runner will find the shoes they are looking for. Remember: Good shoes give you comfort, stability, and the belief that you can push harder. Wear the shoes we’ve discussed above and you can focus on running your best.

New Balance shoes are not in this list. If you're considering New Balance for your next pair, here’s everything you need to know about their performance: Are New Balance Shoes a Good Choice for Running?