Many companies sell men’s cross country shoes, but you will be hard-pressed to find better shoes than the ones made by ASICS. There are many different styles to pick from, with or without spikes. Spikes are just one thing to consider when buying shoes, however. What materials make up the upper portion of the shoe? How is the sole put together? These and other considerations are important when buying a new pair of men’s ASICS cross country shoes.

The Uppers

The uppers of cross country shoes tend to be made of either one of two materials: leather or mesh. Uppers are the colored portion of the shoe above the sole. While leather uppers are considered by many to have more style, they also trap more heat, which can be good or bad, depending up on the environment and circumstances. Leather can last for a long time, however, if given proper care. Leather is easily stained and feels stiffer than mesh, even after being worn for some time. Since it traps heat, it also does not breathe well. Conversely, mesh breathes very well, which can provide a great deal of comfort for someone who runs long distances. In cold weather, however, if you have mesh uppers, you’ll really feel the cold.

The Interior

The things to look for on the inside of your cross country shoes are support and cushioning. Try to find shoes that match the contours of the arches of your feet, for the best support. Cushioning is important because it lessens the impact of your feet against the ground. These impacts are the primary cause of fatigue when running, which means good cushioning will notably increase your stamina. Even a relatively minor matter like the material lining the inside of your shoes can make a difference.

The Bottom

Rubber soles are the general standard when it comes to cross country running shoes. This does not mean that all soles are equal – they can certainly vary in their flexibility. The preference for the stiffness of the sole of your shoe is entirely a personal choice. Whatever you feel most comfortable with is the best choice.

Spikes or No Spikes?

Spikes are not an automatic feature of running shoes, so you will have to decide if you want them or not. The decision should be made by the ground you commonly run upon. Muddy or soggy terrain will almost certainly need spiked shoes. Runners who stick to pavement, rocks, roads, or other more solid terrain can do without spikes. The choice, once made, does not have to be set in stone. Some shoes come with permanent spikes, but there are several styles with removable spikes.

Everything Else

The secret to getting good men’s ASICS cross country running shoes, or any other kind, is to learn every little detail about your feet. Do you have high arches, low arches, or neutral arches? What about pronation? This is the tendency to roll your feet either outward or inward. Pick up a pair of your well-worn shoes and look at them. If they appear to lean toward each other, you are pronating and need shoes that compensate for that.

Find More Mens Shoes Articles