Quality Replacement Spikes for XC shoes?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

15 years ago 01/11/2009 10:29am EST

I raced in a trail ten-miler yesterday, and wore new 3/8" spikes in my xc shoes. The spikes I got for free from a local running shop (they also gave me a couple sets, plus blanks and 1/4" sets- when I tried to pay they said to keep it) and had a red anodized finish to them. I noticed they were quite soft when I screwed some of them into my shoes because the wrench would bite into the metal when I was tightening them.

Then at the race, after a 20 minute warmup I looked down and saw that the spikes had already worn way down, and I didn't have time to change them. After the race I checked them again, and some of them didn't even protude past the recess they go into. This was after an hour of running on really soft, muddy trail.

I'm guessing they're either some cheap-ass metal or aluminum.

Has this happened to anyone else? Does someone have a particular place they like to order good quality (steel) pyramid spikes from? Thanks!

15 years ago 01/11/2009 11:16am EST

re: pnw runner

Spikes with a color finish are usually composite or ceramic spikes, which are much less durable than a standard steel spike.

They are, however, much lighter then a traditional steel spike, which makes them great on the track.

I believe most websites that sell XC spikes will also carry the actual spikes at well. Firsttothefinish.com definitely does.

They have traditional 3/8" steel pyramids, 3/8" steelex spikes (which are very nice by the way, but you need a hex socket to change them), and they carry the 3/8" composite "lite" spikes, which are similar to the ones you used.

15 years ago 01/11/2009 11:31am EST

re: letsrun.com

Thanks for the info; I went to that link, and the spikes they gave me look like the Omni-Lite ceramics.

For cross-country, how do they steelex spikes compare to traditional steel pyramids in terms of traction and durability? The steelex seem to have a sharper point.

Thanks again.

15 years ago 02/15/2009 9:07am EST

re: pnw runner

Hi-we've been using Steelex spikes for our son for a couple of years now, both for CC and track. I can't recommend them enough! They are very durable, and the hardened steel holds up very well, staying sharp even when he walks on pavement. The hex heads won't strip like traditional spikes, and the wrench won't shred itself when you're trying to remove a stubborn, mud-caked spike...

15 years ago 02/15/2009 9:15am EST

re: Jeff D

Don't warm up in your spikes. Problem solved.

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