What to Wear For Cross Country Running

Expert Advice on Running Clothing,Autumn & Winter Running Advice,Speed Training & Cross-Country Advice
What to Wear For Cross Country Running

If you're getting ready for cross country season, here are some ideas on what you could or should have in your kit bag for autumn and winter training and for race day as well.

Spikes / Fell Shoes / Replacement Spikes / Hats & Gloves / Tops / Jackets & Bottoms / Compression / Legwear / Socks / Nutrition

Cross Country Spikes

It is obviously beneficial to stay upright! Spikes or studs are the best way to do this. There are specialist cross country running shoes with a slightly more flexible spike plate than you'll find on a track spike, with shallow studs to compliment the spikes.

The flexibility underfoot will feel more comfortable on the uneven ground of cross country courses. In keeping with most spikes, new manufacturing processes allow them to be made with almost seamless uppers, making for a very comfortable fit.

All round track spikes like the Nike Zoom Rival D or Adidas Allroundstar (which is also available in a Junior version), are fine for cross country, and great as a first pair of spikes, or for occasional spike users. It's important to highlight that kids will grow out of them so quickly, and before you know you'll have to upgrade to a larger size, so alternating between cross country and track for juniors is suitable, just make sure to screw longer spikes in for cross-country (9mm or 12mm). Shout out to the kids who are involved and having fun! Check out our blog on how to care for your spikes!

Shop Cross Country Spikes

Men's Saucony Carrera XC4
Unisex Cross Country Spikes
£65.00

Adidas Adizero XCS
Unisex Cross Country Spikes
£70.00

Cross-Country Running

Fell Running Shoes

Fell running studs are recommended for courses with harder trail sections. Designed with a racing flat with grippy outsoles that provide excellent traction on wet and muddy terrain. It offers superior durability and protection for runners on the toughest terrains and offers superior performance at an affordable price. If you are going to do an obstacle course the X Talon 255 would be the best option.

The Inov-8 Mudclaw G260 v2 offers a super durable Graphene grip with snugger fitting. A versatile option suitable for fell running and training on hills and trails.

Shop Fell Running Shoes

Men's La Sportiva Mutant
Men's Fell Running Shoes
£155.00

Men's Salomon Speedcross 6 Wide
Men's Trail Running Shoes
£140.00

Men's Inov-8 X Talon 260 Ultra v2
Men's Fell Running Shoes
£125.00

Women's La Sportiva Mutant
Women's Fell Running Shoes
£155.00

Women's Salomon Speedcross 6 Wide
Women's Trail Running Shoes
£130.00

Replacement Spikes & Spanner

Spikes and a spanner are always provided with the shoes, but the spikes may not be long enough for all race conditions.

Generally you'll want 9mm for firm / dry ground, 12mm for your average British weather conditions, and 15mm for mud-bath conditions. After a muddy race, do try and get the worst of the mud off your spikes as soon as you can, they will last longer that way.

Giving the spikes a little loosen with a turn or two of your spike wrench will also help prevent mud drying in the spike threads, rusting, and making it harder to change the spikes. Always pay attention when screwing in the spikes; cross thread them and they're ruined!

U.P. Pyramid Spikes 9mm
Running Accessories
£4.50

U.P. Pyramid Spikes 12mm
Running Accessories
£4.50

U.P. Pyramid Spikes 15mm
Running Accessories
£5.00

Running Hats & Gloves

It is generally acknowledged you lose a lot of body heat through the top of your head, so a thin lightweight running hat or headband are good for those cold training evenings and during races. Paired with light running gloves you'll probably find it possible to race in shorts and t-shirt when it's not too cold.

Shop Hats & Gloves

Pressio Thermal Beanie
Running Hats
£20.00

Ronhill Afterhours Gloves
Running Gloves
£27.00

Buff Original EcoStretch Headwear
Running Buffs
£16.95

OMM Kamleika Cap
Running Caps
£30.00

Compressport Arm Force Ultralight Sleeve
Running Arm Sleeves
£30.00

Running Tops

A good baselayer will keep body heat in, but wick sweat to the surface to evaporate, so you don't feel hot and clammy. A good racing choice under a vest is a crew neck, with sleeves that can push up easily if you do get a little warm.

Perfect to layer under your club vest, as it offers a good balance of fantastic wicking as well as warmth. If you get warm once you start running and just want to keep the chill off then the Ronhill long-sleeved top offers good breathability without being too warm. If you feel the cold, you might be happier with one of our warmer thermal tops.

Shop Running Tops

Men's Ronhill Tech Tee
Men's Running T-Shirt
£37.00 £29.00

Men's Icebreaker 175 Half Zip Merino Baselayer
Men's Thermal Running Top
£80.00 £68.00

Men's Ronhill Tech Top
Men's Long-Sleeved Running Top
£40.00 £34.00

Women's Ronhill Tech Tee
Women's Running T-Shirt
£37.00 £29.00

Women's Odlo Seamless Baselayer
Women's Running Base Layer
£45.00 £37.00

Women's Pressio Core Half-Zip Top
Women's Long-Sleeved Running Top
£55.00

Running Jackets & Bottoms

Judging by recent weather, a wind/rain running jacket is pretty much essential for anyone doing sports outside! Even if the weather is going to be dry, a windproof jacket are great to keep you warm.

Waterproof trousers or full length tights could be your saviour if the weather turns a little cold and miserable. Some runners may opt for shorts regardless, the choice is yours!

Shop Running Jackets / Shop Running Bottoms

Men's Adidas D4R Twin 5in Shorts
Men's 2-in-1 Running Shorts
£40.00 £34.00

Montane Unisex Minimus Nano Waterproof Pants
Unisex Waterproof Running Trousers
£95.00

Men's Ronhill Tech Afterhours Jacket
Men's Windproof Running Jacket
£90.00

Women's Ronhill Tech Ultra Twin Shorts
Women's 2-in-1 Running Shorts
£60.00 £35.00

Women's Janji Transit Tech Pants
Women's Running Trousers
£76.00

Women's OMM Kamleika Jacket
Women's Waterproof Running Jacket
£200.00 £149.00

Compression

The support they offer can reduce muscle wear and tear, resulting in faster recovery after intense training or racing. They feature compression that can improve blood flow, reduce muscle vibrations, and help you feel more comfortable so you can focus on your run. Compression clothing can also support muscle memory so that your muscles fire optimally, helping you achieve your best possible performance.

Shop Compression Running Clothing

Men's Pressio BIO Run Tights
Men's Compression Tights
£110.00

Pressio Power Calf Guards
Compression Running Socks & Calf Guards
£40.00

Pressio Equilibrium Compression Socks
Compression Running Socks & Calf Guards
£40.00

Women's Compressport Trail Compression Shorts
Women's Compression Tights
£95.00 £55.00

Compressport Calf Sleeves R2 3.0
Compression Running Socks & Calf Guards
£35.00

Compressport Arm Force Ultralight Sleeve
Running Arm Sleeves
£30.00

Tights

Yes you will need a pair of running shorts, either club issue or at least to vaguely match your club vest. And a pair of lycra tights to keep your muscles warm as you warm up and cool down.

Shop Running Tights

Men's Ronhill Tech Revive Stretch Tights
Men's Running Leggings & Tights
£58.00

Men's Ronhill Tech X Tights
Men's Running Leggings & Tights
£90.00 £72.00

Men's Odlo Element Warm Tights
Men's Running Leggings & Tights
£50.00 £43.00

Women's Ronhill Tech X Tights
Women's Running Leggings & Tights
£90.00 £72.00

Women's Ronhill Tech Winter Tights
Women's Running Leggings & Tights
£70.00

Women's Ronhill Tech Afterhours Tights
Women's Running Leggings & Tights
£65.00

Dark Socks

Thickness of sock is a choice to consider and opinions vary! a thicker and padded sock will provide comfort or warmth. Whereas thin socks will provide lighter coverage.

For the thicker options try Hilly Supreme which will keep your feet warmer in wet mud. Or for a thinner choice the Hilly Lite Anklet has been a long time best seller! In between popular choices are the Feetures and Belega.

Shop Running Socks

Feetures Elite Light Cushion Quarter Socks
Running Socks
£14.50

Stance Performance Light Quarter Socks
Running Socks
£15.99

Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Toe Socks
Running Socks
£19.00

Balega Enduro Quarter Socks
Running Socks
£15.00

Hilly Supreme Medium Cushioning Anklet Socks
Running Socks
£16.00

SealSkinz Wretham Waterproof Warm Weather Socks
Running Socks
£29.00

Water Bottle & Snack

It is important to keep energy levels up and maintain your performance. Why not try a mix isotonic drink, or reduce muscle cramping and heat stress as well as boosting your stamina with the Saltstick chews – lemon is my favourite. Pack an energy bar for pre race, or protein bar for post race, or both!

Shop Running Nutrition

FlipBelt Water bottle 6oz
Running Water Bottles
£13.50

SaltStick Fastchews
Running Energy & Electrolyte Chews
£3.49

SIS Go Electrolyte Powder 500g
Running Energy & Hydration Drinks
£20.00

SPIBelt H2O Companion Running Bottle
Running Hydration Belts
£10.99

Maurten Gel 160
Running Energy Gels
£4.20

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