1. Mix it up
Dressing for cross country racing or walking is challenging because you will run into so many different terrains and conditions. Unlike road racing, where you can count on a hard, even surface for the entire race, you could encounter soft ground, hills, grassy paths and hard, rocky roads all in one day. While you'll need some stamina to participate in cross country races, you also need the right kind of shoes.
2. Lighten up
Training shoes that are lightweight work best. Be aware of the possibility that your shoes will get wet during the race, so you don't want a bunch of heavy foam and rubber that could weigh you down when wet, taking a long time to dry. Lighter weight shoes will also take some of the pressure off your legs as you trudge through the countryside.
3. Stick it in the Ground
Cleats on cross-country training shoes work well to help maintain stability. Not all courses will make best use of cleats or spikes, so find a pair of shoes with removable cleats. The shoes must be heavy duty; able to stand up to the hard wear they get on a cross country race. Laces are the best closure to get for cross country shoes since you can adjust the tightness to accommodate swelling and wetness. Each time you retie your shoes, tie a double knot to keep them secure.
4. Fill the Closet
Since you need your feet to be pampered and in great condition to endure the rigors of cross country racing, you should have a number of different shoes for various weather conditions as well as for training purposes. Cross country racers use the gyms for strength and aerobic training and should wear different shoes inside. Jogging for training purposes requires another pair of shoes, and shooting hoops at the neighborhood court requires yet another pair of shoes with high tops.
5. The Right fit
If you are sure of your size and have bought a certain brand of shoes in the past, it should be safe to order shoes online where you can often save some money. However, if you are new to the sport and buying your first pair of cross-country racing shoes, try them on first in the store. The spikes on the bottom can give them a whole different feel and you may need to adjust your size. Also, consider what kind of socks you will be wearing for your new sport and try on the shoes with those same socks.
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