Cross Country Spikes Preview Videos: New 2013 Saucony Running Shoes

Saucony Carrera XC


The Saucony Carrera XC is the newest addition to the Saucony cross country family and will be available in July 2013. Seeking to offer runners a premium, ultralight racing spike, Saucony is proud to debut this model at less than 4 ounces: A men's size 9 weighs 3.9 ounces and a women's size 8 tips the scales at 3.4 ounces. With FlexFilm overlays, the upper is not only very flexible but also supportive of the top of the foot.

"It performs like racing car," says Saucony Representative Mark Johnson. "The shoe is designed with spine through the middle of the sole to help with with stability and responsiveness for speed."

It is Saucony's lightest cross country spike and, despite its featherweight feel, is durable enough to withstand the hills, terrain, and turns on every cross country course.

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Shop the Saucony Carrera XC Spike for men
and the Saucony Carrera XC Spike for women

Saucony Kilkenny XC5


The Saucony Kilkenny XC5, an update from the Kilkenny XC4, has been redesigned to make it lighter than ever. Available in July 2013, the new Kilkenny will be less than 6 ounces, including the weight of the spikes themselves (5.9 oz for men and 5.3 ounces for women). Though it has slimmed down from the previous model, it is still as soft.

Saucony reconstructed the upper of the shoe in order to use less overlays, giving it a freer fit, and--more importantly--a lighter feel. "This shoe is a crowd pleaser," said Mark Johnson. "It's just as suitable for the entry level runner as it is for the elite level athlete."

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Shop the Saucony Kilkenny XC5 for women and the Saucony Kilkenny XC5 for men


Saucony Shay XC3


The Shay XC3, a tribute to the late Ryan Shay, may not be undergoing an update, but will be offered with new color schemes in July.

"It performs much like a track spike," says Mark Johnson. "It gives you that lightweight, gripping feel for performance."

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Shop the Saucony Shay XC3 for men and the Saucony XC3 for women