Another muddy, wet British cross country season beckons. My last pair of spikes, no longer made, have finally disintegrated after about ten seasons. (Yes, a bit embarrassing, I didn't race much for many of those years).
The courses here are usually NOT like the downhill Californian golf courses I read about enviously on letsrun. Footpaths through the woods, the occasional ploughed field or deep clay bog, steep clay banks, even a river crossing - but still with enough gravel and grass that 'trail shoes' would be a mistake. Races are usually 5-6 miles, with some up to 9, so I won't be running on my toes the whole way. It definitely needs solid construction, a bit of cushioning, and some grip on the sole behind the spike plate.
So, what's good these days?