One of, if not the most important choices you need to make before doing a mud run such as Tough Mudder or similar is to figure out which type of mud running shoes you’re going to get.
When I did Tough Mudder back in 2018 with a group of friends, the funniest mistake I made was going there in my Vans casual shoes (Yes, you read that correctly!). The reason why it was funny was that my shoes basically fell off every time I did a hard obstacle.
When you’re getting very wet and very muddy you need to ensure that the shoes are sturdy and won’t fall off at the drop of a hat. Whilst I’ve never gone back to do Tough Mudder I have done a trail marathon and only then did I realize how important the right shoe is.
What I’ve covered in this article is my experience from trail running shoes conducted together with research on what running shoes work the best in mud terrains. Using my experience from my Tough Mudder run I’ve compiled a list of shoes which I believe you’ll definitely benefit from when doing your mud run.
Hopefully, the below will help you in finding the best mud running shoe for yourself. Whatever you decide, I hope you have the best mud run and enjoy that crisp beer at the end of it all.
Best Mud Running Shoes Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Title | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | #1 - Salomon Men's Xa Pro 3D GTX Trail Running Shoes | Salomon | Check Price on Amazon |
 | #2 - Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe | Salomon | Check Price on Amazon |
 | #3 - Inov-8 Women's Terraclaw 250 Trail Running Shoe | Inov-8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | #4 - La Sportiva Bushido Running Shoe | La Sportiva | Check Price on Amazon |
 | #5 - Reebok Women's All Terrain Super OR Running Shoe | Reebok | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - Salomon Men's Xa Pro 3D GTX Trail Running Shoes
You should check out the post if you’ve landed here finding a trail shoe, or even considering trail running gaiters (protective covers to prevent mud, sticks, etc from coming in). Anyway, let’s get into the Salomons.
These mud running trail shoes are made from 100% water-resistant textile material. And with its GoreTex (Best waterproofing material) bootie you can imagine that these shoes would come in very handy during a mud run or jumping in a river or whatever which is very common in such a run.
One thing that it comes with and something that’s very common with the Salomon brand is the precise-fit quick lace. This ensures a comfortable fit for every foot and will definitely help you avoid the mistake I made with my Vans on my first mud run.
With Salomon’s history of over 60 years together with the impressive features that it boasts I’ve found these to be the number one best running shoe for mud terrains. These are the most rugged all-terrain shoes you can find on the market today.
PROS
- Waterproof material throughout
- Weather-resistant
- Provides a precise fit for your foot
- Soles provide grip on all surfaces
CONS
- Might not be a good fit for wide feet
- Not everyone likes the lacing system
#2 - Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe
The first shoes I reviewed I believe are better all-rounders for the mud-terrain whilst Speedcross focuses more on the trail running aspect. These shoes, however, are a lot more lightweight.
These Salomon’s pack on an aggressive grip to ensure that your foot stays stuck to the floor. The Speedcross 4 also contains the Salomon quick lace system. Whilst it’s made from 100 percent synthetic material, it doesn’t contain the same GoreTex waterproofing material as the Xa Pro 3D GTX Trail Running Shoes.
However if what you’re looking for is a lightweight shoe for your mud or trail terrain then Speedcross 4 is the better choice for you if you can compromise on the waterproofing.
If you’re anything like me and have poor knees then you can have comfort in the fact that these shoes provide maximum cushioning and the soles have known to last a very long time. So you’ll be able to keep the support from them for a while, as long as the tread is not worn out.
As a general rule of thumb, most running shoes of high quality can expect to get 400-600 miles on them before they need to be replaced.
Just remember that these shoes are primarily and best used for mud or trail races, and they would be too clunky and sticky for hot surfaces such as track.
Because they are lightweight it means that they will drain the water out much faster when you come out of the mud, which is the next best thing compared to waterproofing.
PROS
- More lightweight than the Xa 3D GTX
- High durability
- Provides maximum cushioning
CONS
- No waterproofing material such as GoreTex
#3 - Inov-8 Women's Terraclaw 250 Trail Running Shoe
They’re made 100% from textile and synthetic materials. Again another shoe that doesn’t contain waterproofing materials.
These shoes are best suited for mild to moderate technical terrains. These make them a good choice for a mud run, but if you’re considering a much more technical and tough trail such as the Hurt 100 (Kudos to you if you’re doing this by the way!) then they might not be the best option. The durability isn’t the same as the top three products we’ve reviewed.
However don’t let that scare you, they have a double-layered lightweight toe cap that protects you from debris, dust, rocks and so on from entering the shoe.
One definite benefit of these shoes is the comfort that they provide. The 8mm drop and 16mm/8mm stack offers more protection underfoot and helps you get more mileage out of the shoes which definitely makes them a good bang-for-buck choice if you compare them to the Salomon’s.
Because they are lightweight, it makes them perfect for a mud run. Some people may think that waterproof material is the most important thing for a mud run. This is because of personal preference, but the next best thing to waterproofing is how quickly the shoe drains out water.
If you’re coming out of the water and your shoes are holding a lot of water with no drainage then it’s going to be heavy on your feet. This will make the race extremely difficult as there are heaps of water and mud in these types of races.
The Inov-8 Women’s Terraclaw 250 Trail Running Shoes drain very fast, meaning you can hit the ground running quite fast after coming out of the water.
What have other women said about these shoes?
“I took these to the savage race mud run and they were perfect! I had no issues with them falling off or causing me any problems and am very happy with them.” Kelly A
PROS
- Lightweight and drains water fast
- Thick sole stack offering more mileage
CONS
- Not good for hard terrains where there are sharp rocks
#4 - La Sportiva Bushido Running Shoe
They are made completely of fabric and synthetic materials so these are another pair of mud running shoes that don’t contain any waterproofing materials such as GoreTex.
They are extremely breathable with their AirMesh material and AirMesh front which helps keep your foot dry from sweating, but don’t get mistaken if you get them wet then you won’t be protected compared to if you were using the Xa 3D GTX from Salomon.
Many have said that these shoes provide an awesome grip, so even if they don’t have the Salomon quick lace system they’re able to provide the same stability.
If you’re not a fan of the Salomon quick lace system and you’re looking for an all-round lightweight trail shoe that is sturdy and durable then the La Sportiva’s are definitely a great choice.
With these three picks (Salomons vs La Sportiva) it definitely comes down to personal preference and if you require waterproof material or not.
Many others have mentioned that the shoes might be small by 0.5. If you haven’t tested these shoes in store first before purchasing them online then it might be a good idea as a few people have been caught out by this.
PROS
- More affordable than Salomon's
- Extremely lightweight
- Durable
CONS
- Shoes may be a size smaller by 0.5
#5 - Reebok Women's All Terrain Super OR Running Shoe
They contain an underfoot rock guard which helps protect your feet on the much tougher trails.
These shoes provide a very tight fit which is great for the shorter mud runs meaning they fit their purpose but can be a bit uncomfortable the longer your run goes for.
They provide great grip on the arch which helps with the rope climb that most obstacle courses like the Spartan Race or mud runs provide.
Others have said that they’ve been able to use it for more than just mud runs or spartan races, they’ve also used it for daily cardio activity as well as HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) classes. This makes them a great allrounder and the price is very affordable.
PROS
- Great at draining water
- Good protection for tougher terrains
- Can be used in other sports
CONS
- A tight fit that might be uncomfortable during a long run
My Number One Pick
- 100% Water Resistant Textile
- Stability : 3d chassis stabilizes the foot without sacrificing forefoot mobility
- Precise fit: sensifit with quick lace delivers a fast, comfortable fit for every foot.
- Outsole: high traction contagrip / high abrasion contagrip
- Add custom text here
What To Look Out For When Buying The Best Mud Running Shoes
When considering a purchase for an obstacle course shoe there are a few things that you will need to look out for. Most of the features depend upon personal preference however looking out for features such as waterproofing or water draining are the most important.
As with any purchase, there are always key nuances to look out for in order to get the best value for yourself. The most important thing that you do is not do an obstacle course such as the Spartan Race or Tough Mudder in normal running shoes.
Those shoes don’t contain the qualities and features that you require and you’ll probably have to throw them away after you’re done with the race. Below are the top things to look out for and should serve as buyers guide for obstacle course runners.
Waterproofing And Water Drainage
The key feature to look out for when considering the best mud running shoes for yourself is that they’re either waterproof or are capable of draining water quickly.
When you’re constantly hopping in and out of the water and/or mud your shoes are going to get very wet. If your shoes aren’t waterproof they’re going to feel rugged and heavy.
That’s why you need to make sure that the shoes that you’re purchasing are able to drain out water fast when you come out of a water-crossing obstacle.
Lightweight
The shoes should be as lightweight as possible, most of these obstacle courses tend to go for 10 miles or more. By the end of it, you’re going to feel that extra weight that you’re carrying if your shoes aren’t lightweight as they will constantly be going through the water or attracting dirt and mud to them, adding to the volume of the shoe.
Grip Strength
The shoes should provide the right grip. Obstacle courses will contain walls you need to climb, a rope that you need to climb and difficult crosses where you want to ensure that your foot is grounded to either the obstacle or to the latches for you to get through.
Tight Fitting
The shoes should provide tight-fitting, or contain a quick lace system such as the Salomons. As your foot gets heavier and heavier the more obstacles you go through it has the potential to fall off your shoe (Such as my example with the Vans).
They will also get very wet so you want to ensure that they don’t slide off or another competitor accidentally steps on them halfway through the obstacle course and then putting them on and tightening them will become a mission in itself.
Easily Cleaned
You want to get the most out of your shoes, you don’t want to have to throw them away after running just one obstacle course. You will want to look for materials that are easily cleaned such as GoreTex or synthetic materials. If you start running with a shoe that contains a lot of cotton material then you’re not going to get much use of them afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions for Mud Running
Q: What’s the most popular Mud Run?
A: Generally Tough Mudder is considered the most popular, however other races such as the Spartan Race are growing in popularity. You can find a wide range of different mud runs that are available now through a simple internet search.
Q: Can I use these shoes for other activities as well?
A: As most mud running shoes are derived from trail shoes themselves you can pretty much take these shoes hiking, trail runs and even everyday-use if they serve that purpose for you.
Q: Do I need to use certain socks for Mud Runs?
A: Whilst there isn’t a rule for this, it’s highly recommended that you invest in performance socks. These will provide compression and help keep your foot in place with your shoes.
Conclusion
The most important thing to consider before picking out mud running shoes is what works well for you. If you’re like me and love Salomon’s quick lace system then they should definitely be amongst the top picks for yourself.
The reason why I chose the Salomon’s as well is that the company is very reputable and have been around since the 1940s.
Also if you have weak knees then getting shoes that provide maximum cushioning is only going to benefit you. If you don’t like your shoes and socks getting soaked then opt for a waterproof shoe that has GoreTex material such as the first Salomons pick.
We also did a post on the best waterproof running shoes, if you’re looking to get the GoreTex treatment. Some people even love to run in mud runs / spartan races in barefoot running shoes. Though this is always going to come down top personal choice.
Whatever your choice is, the fact that you’re investing in the right shoe will make your mud run a fun experience, I guarantee it. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have fun at the race.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.