Would it be better to run in Bare feet or mid/long distance track spikes for a important upcoming XC race?

I have no idea why you would want to run bare foot, that just doesn't make sense to me why people would think to do this. Run in regular shoes if you are not comfortable with your spikes.

try bare feet

Um I'd go with wearing shoes... Bare feet is probably not the best idea. Though the spikes aren't made for what you are doing, you really do need to run in shoes. Are those your only options? What are you practicing in?

Most people wear racing flats for XC races, although distance spikes would be good for most courses, especially all grass courses. Nothing wrong with racing in trainers, especially if you are nor used to wearing spikes or flats. Try a few workouts in them first. As for barefoot, if you train barefoot, go ahead. If you don't train barefoot, don't race that way. There are advantages to running barefoot, but it can also lead to injuries. When I was racing competitively, I would often jog my cool downs barefooted, and occasionally did strides. But all of my races and workouts included shoes.

i always found it easier to run barefoot because you have better balance and less chance of spraining your ankle. plus it helps to streghten your ankle and feet

i would recommend using the track spikes. they would give your feet more support than running bare foot and they would make you faster :) try getting used to them first and make sure they are the right kind

You cant wear spikes UNLESS your running on a Olympic rubber track. You cant run barefoot at XC because cross country has different terrains, stones, mud and a lot of stuff you might step in. Track and Field disqualifies any barefoot runners so you cant run barefoot at XC besides it being a not so smart idea for track. The rubber absorves heat so you will have to stop running and lie on the infield in the middle of the race. LMAO. Spikes cannot be worn at different terrains coz it will slow you down, only wear them at track. So for an XC race people wear running shoes.

If you aren't used to running in track spikes then I wouldn't use them or I wouldn't run in bare feat as that is dangerous especially since it is cross country. I would just recommend running in your joggers that you are used to.

you learn and get used to spikes the more you use them. but dont ever run bare footed!!! its very dangerous to your feet, while your running you have to get used to the simple fact that theer will be pain you have to learn to ignore it. try the spikes out around your neighborhood or around your house walk in them as much as possible the more you do the more your feet get used to them which is what you want. then before your meet change the spikes out for some sharper ones so the dull ones dont slow you down