Cross country running involves very little specialized equipment. Races are run in a jersey and short provided by MC. In particularly cold conditions, long-sleeved shirts and tights can be worn to retain warmth without losing mobility.
In high school, the most common footwear are cross country spikes, lightweight racing shoes with a rubber sole and five or more metal spikes screwed into the forefoot part of the sole. Spike length depends on race conditions, with a muddy course appropriate for spikes as long as 25 millimetres (0.98 in). If a course has a harder surface, spikes as short as 6 millimetres (0.24 in) may be most effective.
While spikes are suitable for grassy, muddy, or other slippery conditions, runners may choose to wear racing flats, rubber-soled racing shoes without spikes, if the course includes significant portions of paved surfaces or dirt road. Some great brands to look into are Brooks, Adidas, Saucony, and Asics. Every person has different feet with different needs of cushion, support, etc. so it is recommended to go to a running store that has employees trained to pick the right shoe.