What kind of running shoes should you wear for a cross-country race? The answer can change with every cross-country race you do, and even in the days leading up to a race depending on the vagaries of the weather. There are three main options: normal trail shoes with relatively small lugs that are good for a variety of surfaces; deep-lugged or studded trail shoes designed for muddy conditions and fell running; or lightweight racing shoes with spikes in for gripping in the mud.

I did my first walk in the Soil Shakers yesterday - 12+ miles on mostly damp tarmac, which I usually find to be the slipperiest of all surfaces - especially when coated in a thin layer of oily clay! I was really pleased with the grip, which was far better than my Merrells - my usual favourite road shoes. And despite walking a fair distance in brand new shoes, my feet felt fine. Previously I’d run in Inov8s but whilst they score well on the grip, I tended to find them too narrow a fit. And my feet aren’t that wide. I understand that they do come in different shoe widths, but when I bought my last pair of X-Talons (admittedly a long time ago) it was Hobson’s choice! The fourth version of the Agility Peak sees updates to the midsole cushioning, upper fit and overall quality of the shoe that makes a serious contender in this space.Runners who overpronate and need a stability shoe sometimes miss out on the most exciting new developments in running. That’s often because brands focus on creating new soft, springy foams, which are great fun but not exactly what you want underfoot if seeking stability. The Liberate Nitro is a shoe that makes running fun, or even more fun, depending on how much you like running to start with. It’s very light, coming in under 200g in a UK 9, and has a bouncy midsole made from Puma’s excellent Nitro foam. It’s a good combination of cushioning technologies and feels stable too thanks to the plate, which also contributes to the responsive feel and push off.

Perfect for fell and mountain running, the Soil Shaker 2 with an 8mm drop, rugged outsole and ripstop upper will have you tearing through the mud with ease whilst offering maximum cushioning and ventilation. Lighter and more robust than its previous edition, the Soil Shaker 2 will have you running with efficiency and agility. It’s a well put together shoe and feels strong and durable yet at the same time comfortable for long days on the trails. The upper has a slightly broader fit than many trail options so those with ultra-distance events in mind should find the shoe accommodating even as the feet swell a little. In the midsole, you still have the same Floatride Energy foam, which is lightweight and comfortable, and makes the shoe suitable for a wide range of running, from easy plods through to speedwork. The outsole grips well in all conditions and is durable, and in general you can expect to log many hundreds of miles in the Floatride Energy 4 without worrying about it breaking down. This only increases the value it offers. Lots of the components of the shoe use recycled materials and the shoe is also Vegan friendly, adding to its environmental conscious appeal.Let’s start with comfort. Despite looking a little boxy and rigid compared to other trail running shoes, the Soiler Shaker 2 is actually quite comfortable and has a lot more flexibility than you may first think. It has good cushioning and low, firm support around the ankle. Weighing in at just under 300g – that’s about average for a trail running shoe – it strikes a good balance between weight and support. It’s a fairly narrow fit, so if you have wide feet, this may not be the shoe for you.

Fartlektraining is great for cross-country. The speed-play nature of it mimics the ups and downs and the variations in intensity of a race. Plus a weekly long run will give you the strength required for longer races. Cross-Country Running Shoe Guide Soil Shaker by Higher State are a budget trail running shoe designed for the muddiest of conditions. We put the latest version to the test on the boggy Peak District fells. First Impressions No, certainly not. This is one of the inherent beauties of cross-country. In the same field you’ll find elite thoroughbreds, complete newcomers, veterans and juniors. It really is all abilities. Do you need spikes or can you weartrail shoes? Perfect for fell running and those cross-country courses where you encounter lots of mud as well as gravel paths, the Soil Shaker 2 is a great solution. This great value shoe has a deep, rugged outsole that offers excellent grip and thanks to the flexible nature of the midsole and outsole it doesn’t clog up as you run.

Men's

The upper has a strong, durable feel to it, but it’s soft and supportive around the foot, with stitched reinforcements to help keep its shape and durability.