My freshman cross country running season was a learning experience in
many ways for me. One thing in particular that I learned is that it is best to
buy
flats at the beginning of the season rather than the latter. This I learned, as
midway through the season I looked for flats before a big race, and had to
settle
on the only pair in my size. The fact that I didn't get to choose a color
wasn't so
bad, but that heel that felt a little crooked in the store was magnified to my
annoyance in the race. Another thing I learned about flats came via my friend
who borrowed my flats for another race that weekend. He hammered down a
long asphalt hill, and the next week was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his
upper leg. From this I learned that there is a tradeoff to be considered
between
weight and protection to your body.
Lightweight versus Greater Protection
As was illustrated by my friends prematurely ended season, protection is
important. He was injured wearing the Nike Zoom Waffle, the lightest shoe in
my comparison. As a sales rep at Mills and Greer Sports in Burlington, Vermont
put it "You could wash your car
with these things."
There are three components to the shoes, upper, midsole and outsole.
The uppers on most of these shoes are made of lightweight fabrics, they may be
less durable than most trainers, but you only wear them once a week. The
midsole is made of EVA, a fairly durable, lightweight foam that cushions the
ride,
but there is so little that you feel every large stone. The outsole on most of
these
shoes is made of blown rubber, a lightweight, but not very durable rubber. These
all add up to lightweight, but not particularly protective shoes.
As pointed out to me later in the season by one of our captains, the Zoom
Waffles I had bought, while being very light, also left me very susceptible to
injury. He pointed out that the sole narrowed at the middle of my foot,
not making for very good support, not to mention leaving only a few millimeters
of fabric between my arches and any sharp objects that may lie in my path. He
then showed me his Adidas Advance Cross Flats, and how they were wider in
the middle. The sole was a little firmer. These differences made his shoe
more protective than mine, but at the cost of nine tenths of an ounce. That
extra
ounce didn't seem to hurt him though, he finished fifth overall in the state and
38th in New England.
The most protective flats seem to be the New Balance 650, Mizuno
Cross, Asics Harrier, and Adidas Advance Cross Flat/Spike (basically in that order).
Traction (a.k.a. Mud versus Asphalt)
Traction is a big concern to cross country runners, because the last thing a runner wants to
do is train all season only to meet a rainy day, and get passed by everyone due
to lack of traction. The best thing for dirt and grass courses
are spikes, which are not allowed in some states for cross country racing.
Never fear though, the next best thing are waffles, especially ones with nubs
in
the forefoot for added traction. The best shoes for this are the Nike Zoom
Waffle, Reebok Harrier Ultra Racer, Mizuno Cross, and Adidas Advance Cross
Flat (all come in spiked models for states who like to live on the edge).
For places where asphalt is the main surface the Asics Harrier and New Balance 650
fit the bill (note: spikes are just a bad idea for pavement).
I might add that the Adidas is
borderline on the traction group, but it does have small nubs and most people
I've talked to really like them.
The contenders
Nike Zoom Waffle (6.1oz. $37) and
Zoom Country (6.5oz. $50).
Good traction, lightweight, very flexible, but not too
protective. Some of the most popular flats on the market,
and for good reason. Note: Nike has changed the Waffle and the Country
for '96, both are heavier, which may spell better protection.
Reebok Harrier Ultra Racer (6.2oz. $39) and
Ultra Spike (6.4oz. $47)
Reeboks answer to the Zooms. All personal preference. Note: like Nike,
Reebok has changed the Ultra Racer and Ultra Spike for '96, like Nike,
The weights have been increased.
Adidas Advance Cross Flat (7.0oz. $40) and
Cross Spike (7.2oz. $45)
More protective than Zooms and Harriers, but also weigh
more. Stiffer for more support. Spandex tongue is more
comfortable than most.
Asics Harrier (6.9oz. $37) and Omnispike
(8.1oz. $50)
Road type traction, decent flexibility and protection, but
weighs a bit more than most. Note Omni is just Harrier with
spikes.
New Balance 650 Flat (7.0oz. $50)
Most protective flat, built almost like a trainer. Only really
good on roads.
Mizuno Cross (6.9oz. $60)
Very good support, very stiff though. Decent weight and
traction.
Resources
Runner's World Magazine
Eastbay Catalog
Mill's and Greer
The Skirack
The EJHS Boys Cross Country Team
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Copyright Runner's Oasis, 1996.
Last updated: 8/15/1996
