What Kind of Shoes Should a 14-Year-Old Cross-Country Runner Wear?

Cross-country running first emerged as a competitive sport in Britain in the late 1800s, with the first international competition being held between England and France in 1898. Cross-country emerged in the USA in 1877 with the formation of National Cross-Country Association. Cross-country running differs from other races in that it is run on often rugged, difficult terrain. Cross-country runners are distance runners who need to be adept at running on open terrain, grass, mud, sand and hills. Shoes for cross-country running are developed to handle the variety in terrain and additional support required for unstable surfaces.

  1. Professionally Fit

    • Always ensure that running shoes are fit properly to your child's foot. Buying too small or large (with "room to grow") can pose a problem for your young runner's feet. Specialty running stores often have professionals who are trained in determining the right type of shoe for your child's needs. They will watch your child's stride, observe how the foot falls and measure the foot to ensure the right fit. Although some of these stores may charge more for shoes, this is a service not often offered by big-box stores.

    Do-It-Yourself Fitting

    • If you are not able to get shoes fit, check the following: that the ball of the foot lines up with the widest part of the shoe, that your child feels balanced when standing in the shoes, that when he stands on one foot the midsole fits properly and that when he runs or walks in the shoe, there is no pinching or rubbing. Take your time selecting a shoe based on how it feels, not simply how it looks.

    Cross-Country Shoes for Competive Runners

    • Cross-country running shoes are designed specifically for supporting your child's feet as they master tough terrain. They are often lightweight runners with a contoured outsole made of solid carbon / blown rubber with studs for abrasion-resistance, sturdiness and multi-directional traction. Cross-country shoes may also provide built-in or removable spikes that can be screwed in to allow the runner additional traction on difficult terrain. If your child intends to run competitively, it is important to note that the 2011 USA Track and Field Rules allow for up to 11 spikes. Spikes are most often used when there is wet or muddy terrain.

    Cost-Conscious Alternative

    • There are a number of cost-conscious alternatives if your child is running infrequently or if she is running for fun and not at a competitive level. A good alternative to expensive cross-country trainers are lightweight trail runners with knobby outsoles or shoes that your child can use as trainers the rest of the year. Speak with your coach to determine what kind of terrain your child will be running on and seek advice on what type of shoe he might recommend for the terrain.