Question:
a few questions regarding cross
country running:
* what's
the difference between running shoes
and cross country running shoes?
* are there
any risks associated with wearing
regular running shoes for cross
country instead of proper x-country
shoes?
* what are
the potential hazards of x-country
running versus street running?
* any online
resources that you might suggest
for someone just starting in x-country
running?
* what are
the dangers of extremely light shoes?
Answer:
Cross country shoes are very different
from trainers. They are more similar
to track spikes. Track spikes are
extremely light shoes with a very
curved last, a very low heel, and
most importantly, a plastic spike
plate where several spikes are mounted.
The spikes are usually removable
and can be screwed in/removed with
a spike wrench. The combination
of the plastic bottom and the metal
spikes works fine on tracks, but
provides very poor traction on some
surfaces.
Also, because
these shoes are extremely light,
they aren't very durable. This is
where cross country spikes come
in. These are like track spikes,
but they have a hard rubber waffle
outsole over the spike plate, to
provide better traction on a variety
of surfaces. The spikes on these
shoes are often quite a bit longer,
and they are often made out of more
durable (but heavier) material than
track spikes. You can also get spikeless
cross country shoes. These are good
if the course includes a lot of
running on surfaces where the spikes
are a nuisance (e.g. pavement)
If you're
looking at shoes, start looking
at eastbay.com
Some examples
of XC spikes:
Asics 15-50 spike
Asics Attack spike (This is a female
version of the 15-50 spike)
Asics 15-50 flat
Asics Attack flat
Track spikes: too many to mention,
but here's a start:
Nike womens zoom Jana
Nike zoom Kennedy
Nike eldoret
Nike zoom miler
you can find these on eastbay just
by punching in the general terms
into the search box (e.g. track
spikes, etc). You can also search
for discounted items there(e.g.
search for clearance track spikes)
