Does anyone know of XC spikes that are purported to have lots of cushioning and be comfortable? I just ran in the Saucony Havok XC 2, and my Achilles tendon is now dead. I was looking at the Hoka One One EVO XC, but there are few reviews for it. The Nike Rival XC 5 would also be a possiblity, though idk how much it has.
It's likely that the lower drop on spikes is what's irritating your achilles.
You could always go with a Nike spike-flat, which is a Streak LT 4 with a spike plate. Another option would be the Saucony Kilkenny, which seems to be an A9 with a spike plate.
One of those "racing flat with a spike plate" shoes is going to have more cushioning and a little more drop to it than most standard xc spikes.
Hoka EVO XC, Nike rival XC, saucony Kilkenny, brooks draft XC, and new balance XC 7 are all pretty cushioned.