Tough Mudder races are very tough, and even the most experienced runners usually encounter challenges when they sign up for it. A mudder is a foot race that is run over several miles and it is usually completed with engineered obstacles and stick, wet mud. Today, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of this sport, and many shoe brands have decided to make shoes that are great for the sport.
In this guide, we will review some of the best shoes for Tough Mudder races. With the right shoe for this sport, you will be at the top of your game, and you would be able to go through obstacles without any injuries or pain. Continue reading to see our top picks and buyer’s guide.
Here Are The Best Shoes For Tough Mudder…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Merrell Trail Glove 4 Runner |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Inov-8 Terraclaw 250 Trail Running Shoe |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Saucony Women’s Peregrine 7 Trail Running Shoe |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe – Best Mud Running Shoes
The Salomon Men’s Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe is the best obstacle race shoe on our list, thanks to its rigidity and strong build. This is a super lightweight shoe that is great for Mud Running Races. With this shoe, you will be able to handle the additional hurdles that come your way while running. The shoe comes with a Mud and Snow “Climashield” and “Contagrip sole” that gives it a hedge over other shoes.
This shoe has a highly protective upper with an extremely aggressive tread to prevent you from falling off the balance beam. It comes with a highly durable and firm sole that provides great traction. You can also use it to run through the sloppiest of trails without slipping. It provides great balance and grip, and you can use it in any weather condition.
With this shoe, you do not have to worry about shoelaces, as it comes with a tightening cord that you can pull easily to get a secure and snug fit. The shoe is made with synthetic and mesh, with a highly breathable open mesh. It features Sensifit and 3D Flex making the shoe flexible and very easy to run with. You can get this shoe in four different colors, with sizes ranging from 8 through 13.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic and Mesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 8– 13
Pros
- Made with durable and lightweight materials
- Can be used in any weather condition
- Quicklace system for an easy and secure fit
- Provides supreme traction and stability
Cons
- It runs narrow
2. Merrell Trail Glove 4 Runner
If you are looking for an extremely lightweight and simple shoe for Tough Mudder, then the Merrell Trail Glove 4 Runner is one of the best options to consider. Merrell has been in the trail shoe manufacturing game for a very long time now, and the Trail Glove from this brand does not disappoint. This shoe provides a real barefoot experience, as it has zero heel-to-toe drop.
Merrell made this shoe with 100 percent textile and synthetic, and it comes with a Vibram sole that provides exceptional durability and stability. The Trail Glove 4 is super comfortable on the feet and you will almost forget you are putting on shoes. The shoes are also super flexible right out of the box, and you will not have any issues breaking-in.
Tough Mudder run is indeed a tough sport and it is going to leave you sweaty and wet. In such a condition, what you need is a shoe that can wick away sweat and moisture, and this shoe has the ability to do that. It also comes with a highly breathable mesh upper that also reduces the chances of experiencing sweaty feet. The shoe is available in seven different colors, with sizes ranging from 7 through 15.
Specs
- Material: Textile and Synthetic
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Vibram sole
- Size: 7 – 15
Pros
- Simple and lightweight design
- Keeps your feet dry and comfortable
- Wicks away sweat and moisture
- Provides a secure and firm fit
Cons
- Not the best tongue design
3. Inov-8 Terraclaw 250 Trail Running Shoe
Next on the line is the Inov-8 Terraclaw 250 Trail Running Shoes, and it is one of the best shoes for Tough Mudder races. This trail running shoe is flexible, comfortable, and highly durable. This brand designed this shoe for this purpose and it delivers great performance. These shoes are highly protective, and they are designed to keep you safe while running.
Inov-8 also considered how the human body biometrics functions naturally when making this shoe. Tough Mudder runners usually experience repetitive stress and constant pounding on their feet that could result in injuries, but this shoe is designed to prevent that. It is a high-performance shoe that provides great support in the foot, knees, ankles, back, and hips.
You can also use this shoe in all seasons, as it is highly breathable. It allows for adequate airflow to keep your feet cool and dry always. The shoe is made with 100 percent synthetic, with a synthetic sole that provides great traction on different surfaces. The lace-up mesh upper is well ventilated, and it provides a comfortable and snug fit.
The tongue of the shoe is sawn diagonally to keep debris out. It is also designed to protect your toes while running, thanks to its layered lightweight toe cap. This shoe is easier on joints and the body, but it does not come cheap. You can get the women’s version of the shoe here.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 15
Pros
- Super lightweight design
- Provide great traction and stability
- Easy on the joints and body
- Highly breathable upper
Cons
- It is expensive
4. Saucony Women’s Peregrine 7 Trail Running Shoe
The last on our list is the Saucony Women’s Peregrine 7 Trail Running Shoe, and Saucony designed this shoe to enhance your running experience on any surface. This shoe is the number one choice of many Tough Mudder runners because it is highly breathable. The upper is firm, comfortable, and it allows for the constant flow of air to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
The heel collar has also very thick padding that provides you with all the comfort you need while running. It comes with a PWR TRAC sole that provides the best grip and traction you can get. The shoe is made with 100 percent textile, and this is a super lightweight material that also helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
It comes with a RUNDRY collar lining to help wick away moisture and provide your feet with a comfortable and healthy environment. For enhanced energy return and performance, this shoe features the EVERUN construction. It also provides a secure and comfortable, providing you with extra confidence you need when running.
Specs
- Material: 100% Textile
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 12
Pros
- A great amount of padding
- Enhances your running performance
- Provides solid traction and grip
- Protects your toes
Cons
- Might run small
How To Pick The Best Shoes For Tough Mudder Races
Excellent Traction
If you want to stay ahead of the game in this sport, you need a running shoe that offers dependable traction. You should go for a shoe with a sticky rubber lug design on the outsole. With this design, you will be able to climb up walls and obstacles with ease.
A shoe that offers great traction and grip would also prevent you from slipping when you are covered in mud. This is why trail running shoes are the best shoes for Tough Mudder because they provide exceptional grip and traction on different surfaces.
Breathability
Tough Mudder events are, well, muddy. Breathability is one vital feature you need to consider since your feet would be wet most of the time. With your feet wet and sweaty most of the time, you need a shoe that can help dry your feet. The shoe should be highly breathable and it should have enough perforations to promote good ventilation.
Support
Going for a shoe that provides you with all the support you need is very important. If you have any specific foot need, you need to make sure you go for a shoe that meets your needs. It should provide excellent all-around support.
Final Thoughts
We have here a roundup of some of the best shoes you can use for Tough Mudder courses. We hope you are able to find the perfect shoe for your next game on this guide.
All the shoes on this guide are great for the Tough Mudder, but if we were to pick only one shoe, it would be the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe because it was designed for this purpose. It offers great grip, stability, comfort, and it is highly breathable.
