New Balance FuelCell SuperComp XC-X: Race-Ready Speed Without Compromise

ON THE RUN

Quinn: When most people think of cross country spikes, they think of rigidity and stiffness as the tradeoff for speed. They'll tell you that you can have a more comfortable spike, but you better not be expecting to break any records in it. But why accept those terms? The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp XC-X says you don't have to. With a full-length FuelCell midsole and carbon-fiber plate, it brings the aggression needed to secure new PRs during the cross country season without sacrificing your comfort or health. Running hard in spikes generally leaves my lower legs feeling cooked for the next couple of runs, but that feeling was gladly absent in the days after running in these spikes.

THE FIT 

Quinn: The fit of this spike was honestly a relief. As I've mentioned previously, spikes are one of the only running shoes that we accept being uncomfortable because we know they'll help us run faster. That stereotype was immediately proved wrong as I slipped these spikes on. The mesh upper doesn't just feel like a sock, but like a very high-end and comfortable sock! I normally choose to go barefoot in spikes - the SuperComp XC-X allowed me to do that while still having enough room throughout the shoe to throw on a pair of socks if needed for those colder late-season races.

THE FEEL

Quinn: The first few steps I took, I was slightly wary of how soft and cushioned these spikes were. They're still the normal stack height that we'd expect from a spike, so I wasn't worried that I'd turn an ankle or anything like that. It's just that I've become accustomed to a certain "stiff" feeling that most other cross country spikes bring to the table. However, as I ran through the paces, I realized that any stiffness the foam may have lacked was more than made up for by the addition of the carbon-fiber plate - a feature that no other cross-country-specific spike has. Especially as I ran over gravel, I really appreciated that extra softness in the midsole, and judging by the lack of sore spots on the bottom of my feet, it's probably something that I could've used in the past!

THE NITTY GRITTY

Quinn: Obviously, a spike with a carbon-fiber plate is going to be used on your most important race days when you want to leave every last ounce of speed out on the course. However, there are times - like during important, intense late-season workouts - when you need an extra boost that your trainers can't give you. Some spikes are so aggressive and harsh on a runner's body that I'd advise using them only when absolutely necessary, but the SuperComp XC-X is an exception! Because of its accommodating upper and softer-than-average midsole, I'd say this is a spike that you may be able to get more total use out of throughout the season than some of its competitors while still staying healthy!

THE RUNDOWN

Quinn: The SuperComp XC-X shows that fast doesn't have to mean uncomfortable and unaccommodating. This fall, a speedy spike will be available for nearly every foot, and I'd be super excited to see runners at every end of the performance spectrum give it a shot.