Northwave improves upon their cross-country favorite the Ghost XCM with the XCM 2, with a more supple upper and redesigned dials. The Carbon XC 12 sole provides a powerfully stiff platform to power through the straightaways, while the rubber outsole provides grip on slick roots if you get jostled off the good line.

Northwave again uses their XFrame 2 upper construction for a wraparound fit without pressure points, paired with the perforated upper for better breathability. The cherry on top is the pair of SLW3 dials, which hone in the fit in micro-adjusts and can be entirely released when it’s time to jettison the race footwear.