Athletic shoes appropriate to the cross country surface — typically spike length max 9mm; some courses prohibit spikes; Team uniform with school logo, unique singlet/jersey numbers; Optional: gloves, sleeves, hats, sunglasses (no advertising restrictions per NCAA)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that gloves are strictly prohibited for cross country runners, misunderstanding that they're only optional under NCAA guidelines. The confusion arises because some athletes or coaches might overlook the fact that these items can be used at their own discretion, leading to arguments about what constitutes "mandatory compliance" with equipment rules.