New Balance XC 900v4 $90
The XC 900 has been New Balance’s top tier cross country racer. It has been a nice upgrade for the high school or collegiate harrier – sleeker material than entry level without breaking the bank, and round 4 is a top down revamp.
The upper is a closed stretch mesh with thin, fused overlays supporting a very light upper. The midsole is a redesigned RevLite foam, low profile and protective with plenty of flexibility. The outersole is textured rubber over most of the sole, with toughened foam where possible, as lightness is the objective in a racer. A six spike setup adds traction to the spiked version, rubber nibs give the spikeless version more versatility on hard packed or paved courses. The sharp design and attention to detail makes the XC900 hard to beat.
UPDATED
Sizes: Men 4-13,14,15; Women 5-10,11
Weight: Men 7.9 oz. (size 11, w/6 spikes); Women 6.3 oz. (size 8, w/6 spikes)
Fit: snug heel, close forefoot