Are you planning on participating in cross country running and are looking for appropriate shoes? You can’t decide which one is best or how to choose them? Are you a beginner and would like to follow a healthy lifestyle and try running? Or your running shoes are quite old and would like to invest in a new pair? Then, you came to a right place. Here, you will get all the information you need to know about the activity itself and shoes that are best for runners.
The history of the shoe
The running shoes and companies manufacturing it come and grow together. The first running sandal was created in Ancient Greece for the Olympic Games. The breakthrough that the sole of it amplified grip was the start of the track shoe. Since the civilization evolved, so did the running shoes. In 1832, Wait Webster attached rubber soles to the shoes making them superior for jogging and did not produce any noise. This is the period when the term “sneakers” was coined in the market.
Later on, the manufacturers realized that adding spikes to the running shoes will give even more grip to the athletes. The spikes originally appeared in 1850 but were mass sold by 1890s. Spalding Company, a sports gear manufacturer since 1876, offered three different types of spiked shoes by that time.
Those first shoes were dull, hot and heavy compared to today’s colorful and light-weighted ones. Made out of the cow leather, the bottom of the shoe had six metal spikes. Afterward, the leather was replaced by kangaroo hide. Adolf Dassler was the pioneer in creating more sophisticated and modern looking shoe in the 1920s. By 1936 his shoes were considered as the best and even Jessie Owens wore it at the Olympics. Dassler’s shoes used rubber and canvas and led to the formation of the Adidas Company.
New Balance were the first who manufactured the first scientifically analyzed and shaped shoe in 1962. Nowadays, the shoes are made of synthetic fabric and are designed for best accomplishments. The metal spike was replaced by new type in 1968.
Today, the brands and types of cross country running shoes have developed rapidly, offering a wide range of different products tailored to its customers’ needs.
Benefits Of Cross Country Shoes
Using cross-country running shoes have various benefits to your feet. First and foremost is efficiency. The University of Colorado conducted a study in 2012 and found out that running with a specially designed running shoes used less effort and energy, which is because of extra pads that are incorporated in the shoes. If you are using the ordinary sneakers, you use your leg muscles and energy even more.
The second advantage of such shoes is the protection. Cross country running shoes are specifically made to give more protection to the feet compared to usual shoes. A midsole shields you from sensing hard objects when running over. Remember that the smoother the midsole, the better the padding, and protection. Unfortunately, smoother midsoles don’t last long and you will end up buying a new pair of shoes soon.
A good running shoe can also resolve the supination issue – rolling your foot outward when running. This places additional stress on the muscles and bones of the outer foot, endangering them as you go.
There are specific running shoes on the market that offer an amplified elasticity and faster speed. Such shoes are perfect for runners who participate in various races or would like to finish their daily exercise a bit faster. Bear in mind that such cross country running shoes sacrifice protective cushions in order to be light-weighted. Racing shoes, which are specifically made for speed, include 17% less padding compared to others.
Features
When buying the cross country running shoes, you need to look for some features in order to get the right one you desire.
The first thing to think while choosing the shoes is whether it is the correct fit to the foot. The incorrect fit can become a reason for blisters, wrenched knee or a sprained ankle to name a few.
The building of the shoe plays an important role in your running experience. You should make sure that the inner construction, shape, and the sole are well-made and suitable for your foot type. Shoes must have comfy materials that are strong and breathable.
Brands to consider
Nike Zoom
The Nike Zoom is a simple spike that is designed to be used use from 3000 to 10000. It features a hydrophobic mesh on it exterior that makes it water resistant and also breathable thus making sure that rain does not affect you as you run through the course. It features a light Flashlon that is responsible for receptive cushioning as well as additional support that is provided in form of a cast medial arch.
Brooks
If you are frequently faced with grass and dirt races, you should consider getting the Brooks Mach 15. Brooks is suitable for 3000 to 10000 distances. The Brooks Mach 15 is the newest addition to the brand’s well-known cross country line. It is made using a breathable air mesh upper and it also has both microfiber and artificial overlays so as to have a comfortable as well as a snug fit. The Mach 15’s Strobael has a layer of foam that is responsible for cushioning.
Adidas
In case your cross country program has rocky as well as bumpy courses, you should consider getting the Adidas XCS 3 Spikeless which is also available in a spike version. The model is intended at providing you with a comfortable cushioning as well as lightweight quickness. You will experience no trouble with the gripping of rough surfaces as the XCS 3 Spikeles has a rubber sharkskin sole.
Conclusion
You can be able to take a run off the road using cross-country sneakers that are made for adventure. If you prefer running on hills and rocks than running on a step foot that is on the treadmill then this shoes are the best for you as they provide you with traction, support, and also extra security so that you can be able run tough trails easily.
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