Puma Haraka XCS – £45
Ideal for distances up to 10K off-road, these spikes fuse durability with comfort, and are made with an aggressive rubber outsole for faultless traction.
Weight: 187g
Pros: A combination mesh and synthetic upper house your feet in luxury with excellent cushioning to the heel and midfoot. The inner lining is soft, so you’ll be able to run sock-free.
Cons: These are essentially an entry-level to intermediate standard shoe – and a great option. But for the runner looking for marginal gains you might want to go for a lighter option.
Value for money: At only £50, the XCS is definitely not going to break the bank. Excellent value for a product that is exceptionally comfortable.
Style: Distinctive Puma logo on the side and a red and green colour combo, these spikes are a stylish to the market.
Rating: 4.5
uk.puma.com
Saucony Kilkenny XC5 – £59.99
This shoe looks like a lean, mean racing machine and weighs in at a paltry 173g. A lightweight upper designed with minimal layering provides a more performance-driven fit.
Weight: 173g
Pros: The XT-600 carbon rubber outsole which gives great grip alongside the spike pins. Supportive, breathable upper mesh holds the foot firmly in position.
Cons: The spike plate is quite rigid and the midfoot is very narrow – definitely one for thinner feet. The outsole of the heel could carry a fraction more grip.
Value for money: Very reasonable – these are racing snakes.
Style: Quirky. The upper is flecked with what looks like animal-based print, while the three-tone outsole adds nice detail.
Star rating: 4.5
Brooks Mach 16 – £59.99
This updated version of the popular cross-country spike now features a light, mesh upper to keep the weight down.
Weight: 141g
Pros: Well, they’re 141g – what more do you want? Fortunately, the full-length midsole delivers a surprising amount of cushioning for such a lightweight shoe. Five-spike configuration and rugged outsole provide great grip.
Cons: Asymmetrical lacing might not be to everyone’s liking. Upper feels a little fragile, especially given their usage.
Value for money: Strange how the lighter the shoe, the more you pay but these definitely won’t break the bank.
Style: Navy and blue triangular pattern looks sophisticated – although whether it does caked in mud remains to be seen.
Star rating: 4
www.brooksrunning.co.uk
