Are spikes actually worth buying? Senior in high school. I've run in flats my entire high school career just because I prefer them. But yesterday I raced in terribly muddy conditions and was forced to borrow a friend's spikes to race. I'm just wondering because nike zoom victory xc's are $110, which is a lot of money
A better option...
Yes, but you don't need to spend $110 if that is too much for you. You can find plenty of spikes marked down.
Monetary value versus success is something only you can judge. If you are not talented, then success is not really important, and you should invest in what fulfills you personally. Only you can judge the benefit in this cost/benefit analysis.
As a freshman in cross-country, my first few races with Adidas Dragons were all over 17:00 (for 2.5 miles). But then, the school gave me spikes, and the next week, I ran sub-16. For cross-country, on tailored golf courses, in fair weather, it made a big difference.
What do your "flats" cost, that $110 seems like a lot of money? Is there a cheaper spike you can buy?
If you question the need no matter because of performance increase or cost then the answer is they are not worth it.
Best cross country shoes in my opinion. Get the matumbos for the track and golf courses.
i picked up a pair of streak xc 2's for 50 bucks. I've been racing in them for the past 2 years
you dont need to get the zoom victory xc, there are plenty of other spikes out there and many of which might suit you better (not saying the victory xc isnt good, there just might be a better one for you.) i personally prefer racing in flats for xc as well if the course isnt in terrible conditions because it feels better for me and its easier on my legs. if its a golf course type of race though then i'd put on track spikes.
a good xc spike for a good price is the nike zoom forever 1 and the zoom forever 2. both have spike option on them but can also be used as flats (you ca even get them exclusively as flats). you can find then on ebay pretty cheap. great spikes because they have a track spike feel but at the same time are comfortable and durbale (and without spikes have a flat feel)
another good spike is the gel dirt dog, same reasoning as the forevers, just in asics. if you can find them, theres also the nike kennedy xc's aka nike zoom GHAC. great shoe, solid shoe, very durable and has a nice upper. sometimes theyre on ebay as well.
you can find plenty of spikeable cross shoes for less than even 60 dollars that are still great shoes, you just need to look