Im looking to buy my girlfriend some spikes for running. Is it okay to buy XC spikes for distance track?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Absolutely,
I assume that the intent of these is for racing and not training like the conclusion all the other answerers seemed to jump to. XC spikes are great for distance track because they are light weight and spiked but still provide a lot of cushioning and support.

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Asker's Comment:

Thanks for the input. The spikes are, indeed, for racing in meets and not for practicing or training.

Answer 2

You can get away with training in spikes, but I prefer the athletes that I coach to use the spikes only for races and a few time trials. The reason being that the use of spikes puts strain on some muscles in the lower leg that is not there in regular running shoes. This often leads to nagging injuries such as shin splints, which can really hamper an athletes training.
Can you run faster in the spikes? Absolutely. But save them for races and special timed runs, and train in the flats.

Answer 3

Why not buy her some 4oz racing flats instead? Less stress on the wrong muscles and it strengthens the feet and arches when used it training.

Not recommended for runs exceeding 13.1 miles....

Source(s):

Training for triathlons -- from sprint to Ironman.

Asics Gel Hyperspeed 2's for up to 1/2 IM distance races.

Answer 4

It is, though they'll be a little heavier than the ones that people normally use for track. They have a little more heel and arch support than LD Track shoes and the plate might be a little less aggressive. Also be sure to change the spikes that come with the XC spikes because they usually dont work as well as pyramid spikes on rubber/all-weather tracks.

Source(s):

Track Runner

Answer 5

Yes, you can buy your girlfriend cross country spikes. Though it doesn't really matter if you buy her XC or sprint. If she is good, or wants to get better, then buy her the lightest ounce spikes you can. Then have her practice in heavy cross training shoes.

This will increase her ankle strength, and her times will improve with little effort.

Answer 6

I don't really see the difference between running with cross country spikes or track spikes. But it is a role that if you run on a track, distance or sprinting, you have to wear track spikes. It is okay... but she might get in trouble. They usually don't check.

I think you have to wear 1/4th of an inch?

Answer 7

Yes, I think so. I ran XC and track in the same spikes, and I was fine. I don't even know which they are for, but they held up well for both, even the sloppy, wet, muddy xc races. She'll like it either way :), other guys could learn a thing or two from you...