Best Running Shoes for High School Track and Cross Country
A successful season starts with the right running shoes!
By Coach Chris Knighton
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Introduction – Best Running Shoes for High School Athletes
In this article, I will share with you the best running shoes for high school track & cross-country athletes.
High school track & field and cross country is a sport that requires very few pieces of equipment. But whether you sprint, jump, or run long distances, there are a few pieces of gear which are essential.
Owning well-fitting running shoes, super fast track spikes, and a high-quality running watch makes a huge difference.
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Why do High School Track Sprinters and Cross Country Runners need Good Running Shoes?
High schoolers actively involved in running activities such as track and field or cross country must wear appropriate running shoes. This is important for several reasons:
- Injury Prevention: Running shoes are specifically designed to provide cushioning, support, and stability. This helps absorb impact and can reduce the risk of common running injuries, such as shin splints, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis.
- Comfort: Running shoes are designed to provide comfort and support for the foot during high-impact activities like running. They offer features such as cushioning, breathability, and a snug fit. This contributes to a more comfortable running experience.
- Performance: Wearing proper running shoes can improve overall performance by providing the necessary support and traction. This allows high school track & field and cross country athletes to focus on their running technique and speed with reduced risk of discomfort or potential injury.
- Foot Health: The right running shoes can help maintain good foot health by providing adequate arch support and cushioning. This can prevent issues like flat feet, over-pronation, or under-pronation.
Types of Athletic Shoes High School Track and Cross Country Athletes Should Own
- Running Shoes – Necessary for the daily training of all cross country and track & field athletes. Whether you are a sprinter, jumper, thrower, or distance runner, owning at least one, and ideally multiple pairs of running shoes is essential for everyday training.
- Track Spikes – Track spikes are a must for serious high school track and field sprinters and runners. You should wear spikes when speed is of utmost importance.
- Throwing/Jumping Shoes – Regardless of the track and field event, the priority is to get the appropriate footwear to ensure stability and comfort, allowing the greatest distance with the throw. or jump. Throwing and jumping shoes are a specialized form of footwear not covered in this article.
While it’s important to wear appropriate running shoes during training and competitions, it’s also crucial to ensure that the shoes fit properly and are suitable for the specific running activity. High schoolers should consider factors such as their foot type, running style, and the terrain they will be running on.
How to Choose Running Shoes for High School Track and Cross Country Runners
Ignore looks; go by feel
We get it—you want to look cool (who doesn’t?). It’s easy to convince yourself that a popular or attractive shoe—or even the one your best friend wears—is good for you, even if it fits poorly or causes pain. If you’re thinking, “I’ll break them in,” or if they don’t fit well right out of the box, reconsider them and choose another model or size.
Leave some room
You need more room in a running shoe than a street shoe because your feet swell while running. Make sure there’s space between your toes and the end of the shoe—at least a thumb-width. Check that the shoe isn’t too narrow, either. You want room to spread at the ball of the foot. When in doubt, go up a half size so they’ll still fit at the end of the season—as a high school sprinter or runner, you’re still growing, and you’ll be bummed if your favorite shoes no longer fit mid-season.
Be smart about track spikes
When you’re first starting your running or sprinting career, it’s fine to run races in the same pair of shoes you train in. As you get older and more competitive, you might change into track spikes for races. While not everyone needs competition shoes, track spikes are lighter than training shoes and provide a tighter fit and more traction. Upgrading to wearing track spikes is recommended for track & field and cross country athletes as they become more advanced in their sport.
The Best Running Shoes for High School Track and Cross Country Athletes
Brooks Ghost
Best for These HS Athletes: Distance
The Brooks Ghost is a very safe choice for distance runners. Distance runners of all abilities will find this shoe extremely comfortable. It can handle just about anything – from the track to muddy cross-country trails.
Running Shoe Description:
The Brooks Ghost creates a smooth, soft ride, no matter what your training looks like, and it is now lighter and softer than ever. The engineered mesh upper is lightweight yet durable and the 3D fit print feels secure around your foot, making the Ghost an excellent daily trainer.
While the Ghost is instantly plush, the shoe transitions well between long runs, recovery days, and uptempo workouts thanks to a grippy outsole that adds an extra kick of responsiveness.
Click Here to View “Brooks Ghost” on Amazon.com
Nike Pegasus
Best for These HS Athletes: Sprints or Distance
The Nike Pegasus is best suited to short or middle-distance runs making it the perfect shoe for young sprinters just starting out in the sport.
Running Shoe Description:
A workhorse shoe for elite athletes and weekend warriors alike, the Nike Pegasus is ubiquitous thanks to its versatility and eye-catching design. Nike’s React foam gives you a smooth and responsive ride, while two Zoom Air units at the forefoot and heel add a pop to your step to keep you feeling energized for miles. It’s a versatile and nimble shoe that can handle high mileage with ease or even take on cross-training and strength sessions.
Click Here to View “Nike Pegasus” on Amazon.com
Saucony Ride
Best for These HS Athletes: Sprints, Middle Distance, and Distance
The Saucony Ride is a do-it-all trainer that’s great for beginners and experienced runners alike.
Running Shoe Description:
Neutral support and well-balanced cushioning make the Saucony Ride both soft and responsive. It’s durable enough to handle long runs, and lightweight enough to take on speed work. The midsole geometry has high side walls so your foot sits into the footbed rather than on top of it, giving you a supportive feel and smooth transitions.
The Saucony Ride provides a no-fuss fit and comfortable feel. It’s an excellent choice for daily training and suitable for road 5Ks and longer track races.
Click Here to View “Saucony Ride” on Amazon.com
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
Best for These HS Athletes: Distance
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 is a beast for high mileage and hard efforts, but it’s just as comfortable for beginners dipping their toes in the water. If you are planning to join the distance group on your high school track team then this is the shoe for you!
Running Shoe Description:
Pillowy Fresh Foam cushioning provides a buttery soft, neutral support to each step, and absorbs the impact of running on pavement, delivering a bouncy feel on every run. The overall lightweight feel makes the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 an easy choice for daily training because nobody likes a clunky shoe.
The knit upper fits like a sock with stretchy and supportive sections. The forefoot is roomy enough for a natural toe splay, and the 1080 also comes in wide (and extra-wide) sizing.
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 is lightweight and soft, giving you the perfect foundation to ramp up your training and finish strong.
Click Here to View “New Balance Fresh Foam 1080” on Amazon.com
Hoka Mach 5
Best for These HS Athletes: Sprints
The balance of cushion, lightweight design, and rockered performance make this the perfect training shoe for sprinters.
Running Shoe Description:
The Hoka Mach 5 is light but plush. This pavement pounder is built for performance and ready to race. The new Mach 5 delivers a snappier ride with PROFLY’s stacked midsole setup, offering a lightweight, responsive foam directly underfoot. The wider platform aids in stability, making this shoe feel agile and confident on uneven surfaces.
Click Here to View “Hoka Mach 5” on Amazon.com
Conclusion – Best Running Shoes for High School Athletes
Ultimately, the best running shoe for a high school track & field or cross country athlete will be one that offers a comfortable fit, suits their running style, and provides the necessary support for their foot type.
Remember – it’s important to prioritize comfort and injury prevention when selecting running shoes!
Set yourself up for a successful high school track or cross country season by purchasing a new pair of running shoes at the start of each season.
