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Contents
In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top 4 Picks Of The Best Shoes For Mud Run Obstacle Course You Need To Check Out In 2021
| Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Altra Women's Torin 4 Running Shoe | A weight of 7.6 ounces (oz) / 215 grams (g), easy to maintain and durable. | Check Price |
| Altra Men's AloA4PE5 Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe | A weight of 10.5 oz / 298 grams, 5mm thick sole, durable & easy to maintain. | Check Price |
| Innov-8 Women's Terraclaw | Lightweight. Midsole has 3 arrow Shoc-Zone technology acting as shock absorber & easy to maintain. | Check Price |
| Salomon Men's Speed Cross 4 CS Trail Runner | Lightweight, has SENSIFIT technology to secure foot, Contra grip technology & easy to maintain. | Check Price |
Mud run organizers have reported seeing thousands of shoes in the mud after mud racing events. This is not only down to participants wearing their shoes incorrectly but also down to the fact that some participants lose them on purpose due to the inconvenience they face wearing them during the course of the race.
You don’t have to feel disgruntled during a race, especially if you are putting on the right shoes. Shoes, like other items you put on during the course of the mud run, should make you feel very comfortable. If you are to fulfil your aim and objectives in participating in a mud run, then take note of the following factors you should look out for when choosing your shoes.
Read Also: Salomon Sense Escape 2 Review – Reason To Buy/Not To
Best Shoes For Mud Run Obstacle Course – Review
1. Altra Men’s AloA4PE5 Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe
If there is ever a runner’s favourite list of running shoes, then the Altra Men’s lone peak should be included. Its outstanding features are sure to give your feet the maximum comfort and protection in whatever kind of race you may choose to participate in. Here are further details that should interest you.
Product Description
Lightweight
Having a weight of 10.5 oz / 298 grams makes it very light for your feet which is a very important attribute in picking a shoe for a mud race. It ensures that you can move your feet freely, without having to worry about the weight it might be bearing on you.
The Sole Qualities
The insole of the shoe is just 5mm thick and it is also detachable which allows for easy cleaning of shoes after the race. The midsole has a dual-layer that is bound and made with a stone guard protection. The outsole is made with the latest MaxTrac rubber and also with a trail claw design which is sure to give you an excellent traction advantage.
Material Quality
The upper part of the shoe is durable to withstand all the beatings of mud racing, and it is also designed with quick-dry air technology to ensure proper ventilation on your feet.
Shoe Design
This version of the Altra men running shoe has been trimmed to ensure that your feet feel comfortable and flexible at the same time. It has also been designed to encourage a proper and low-impact firm all through the run.
It also allows your toes to spread out and relax naturally which is essential in climbing hills and other Rocky terrains. The hook-and-loop tab also allows for strapless gaiter attachments so that debris does not build beneath the shoe, which is a plus since mud racing would have made it quite challenging for shoes without this feature. It is also designed with canted lugs which helps to improve the traction and the grip of the shoe.
Easy To Maintain
It can also be very easy to maintain and clean after a mud run. All you need to do is follow the easy steps in the latter part of this article. (Read Also: How Do You Clean Up After A Mud Run In 2021?)
Size And Colour
It also comes in sizes 7 – 16, as well as exciting colours. So make sure you pick your feet size and your favourite colour in order to get the best out of your purchase. This shoe has been designed to give runners a true feel of what it means to be comfortable while running. This is a must-have to add to your collection.
2. Altra Women’s Torin 4 Running Shoe
The Altra Torin 4 is a shoe that has been specifically designed for women in other to give them the experience of running comfortably whilst looking pretty in the process. It would also make a perfect gift for your loved one.
Product Description
Lightweight
A weight of 7.6 ounces (oz) / 215 grams (g) makes it really light to run in whilst maintaining the balance you would require to run within the process.
Sole Qualities
The outsole of this shoe was designed to map the bones and the tendons of the feet in other to bend and move with it naturally.
Material Quality
This shoe is designed with the Fit4Her technology which ensures that every women’s shoe is designed with the unique anatomy of the female foot in mind. Each material of this shoe blends with what the female needs in a running shoe. It is extremely durable to withstand the vigorous nature of mud races.
Shoe Design
It has also been designed to allow the toes to relax and spread out comfortably. It is perfect for climbing hills and carrying out other outdoor activities. The sole is also designed to provide excellent traction while running, keeping your balance safe from slipping.
Easy To Maintain
It is easy to maintain irrespective of what it is used to participate in such as mud run and the likes. Washing the insoles and the outer surface will not pose a serious challenge at all.
Size and Colour
It is available in sizes 5.5 – 12 and also has exciting colours, leaving you with choices to pick from. It would look good on the feet of a lady, and will also carry out its intended purpose. That’s like killing two birds with one stone.
Read Also: The 6 Best Goggles For Mud Run In 2021
3. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe
Taking their acronym from the Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” which means “A Sound Mind in a Sound body“, ASICS has been hailed as a global force in sportswear production and the ASICS men’s gel venture 5 is no different, and here are the reasons why
Product Description
Rubber Soles
The soles of this shoe are made up of rubber which is sure to last for a very long time. It is also an important feature especially in mud racing and other racing that involves rocky terrains. AHAR technology ensures this also comes with a Trail-specific outsole with reverse lugs which gives you the traction and releases debris from the sole of your shoe. A necessity required to hike or climb any kind of terrain regardless of the surface.
Very Comfortable
Designed to bring maximum comfort to the legs, the ASICS gear venture 5 will bring maximum comfort to your feet while you engage in the tedious task of keeping your body fit.
Shoe Design
It is 100% synthetic, giving it a flexible movement while you engage in your run. The Rearfoot Gel cushioning also ensures that your feet will be well placed and balanced inside your shoes. It is specifically designed for outdoor racing with its brushstrokes patterns. The sock liner can also be removed in other to accommodate medical orthotics. It is a win-win in every ramification.
Easy To Maintain
The material overlay makes it very easy to clean after a mud run, or after any kind of race in particular. It also wouldn’t take a lot of time to dry.
Size
It comes in a size range of 8 – 15 and also has an option of ‘wide or narrow’ for each size range, so you can make your choice depending on your foot anatomy. It would be a perfect present for anyone who takes running as a hobby.
Read Also: Best Knee Pads To Use For Mud Runs In 2021
4. Innov-8 Women’s Terraclaw
If you are a lady who intends to test her tenacity and endurance in a mud run, then I will strongly suggest the Innov-8 Terraclaw for you. Mud racers who got this for a mud run have nothing but praise due to its lightweight and traction. This is a must-have for every lady who delights in feeling safe while running.
Product Description
Lightweight
It’s very lightweight, which means that you don’t have to worry about the weight your legs will have to endure in the course of the mud run.
Excellent Traction Soles
The outer soles are made of rubber which will ensure that it lasts for a very long time. It also provides it with the required traction properties. The midsole is made up of a 3 arrow Shoc-Zone technology, this acts as a shock absorber for your feet in case it comes in contact with a hard surface.
The upper layer of the shoe has a mesh thin-film overall which accounts for its beautiful look and design. The insole is only just 6mm thick and is also removable, this will make the washing of the shoe after the race easy and very straightforward. The outer sole is also made with a Terraclaw design that helps to improve the traction and grip of the shoe in any racing event.
Maintainance
It is easy to maintain and clean due to the way it is built. A simple toothbrush and dishwashing soap should definitely do the magic.
Size
It comes in different sizes ranging from 5.5 to 11. Do well to pick the size that best suits you. Having this on your mud run is probably the most comfortable feeling you can have from the race. It brings with it a great assurance of protection and comfort that are needed in any form of OCR racing and the likes.
Read Also: Injinji Running Socks Review – Reason To Buy/Not To
5. Salomon Men’s Speed Cross 4 CS Trail Runner
The Salomon men’s speed cross is a beast when it comes to mud racing. Its design and build are definitely made for running in terrains that aren’t supposed to be shoe friendly. Its exquisite design makes it really desirable.
Product Description
Wonderful Traction Soles
The rubber sole is made with rubber which tends to aid traction. The speedcross lug pattern ensures that it dismantles soft trails on its part. The SENSIFIT technology ensures that the foot is firmly secured from the midsole up to the lacing mechanism. It gives the foot the all-round fitness that is required to make running extremely comfortable and safe. Alongside this feature is the contra grip technology that combines precision, density, and geometry which is essential for running and other specific sports.
Quick Lace
The shoelaces are strong and are also designed to tighten your feet with just one pull. It can be removed easily and also worn easily.
Shoe Design
This shoe is designed to meet your everyday sporting need, be it running, climbing, hiking, and the likes. You are sure to experience the maximum protection it has on offer.
Easy To Clean And Maintain
It can be easily cleaned and maintained and the material it is made up of will ensure that it will save time to dry.
Size
The size ranges from 7.5 – 10.5, so do well to select the size that suits you best. Salomon running shoes are extremely comfortable and have been carefully designed to meet your running needs. It also comes with a 2-year warranty so you have absolutely nothing to lose. It’s a choice you won’t regret making.
The shoes reviewed above are sure to meet your running needs regardless of how far you have to run. They are every runner’s choice and their quality can attest to this fact. If you are still sceptical about using a new shoe for a mud race, here are some simple, easy steps to help clean your shoes after a mud race.
Shoes For Mud Run Obstacle Course – Buyer’s Guide
1. Durability
Your shoes will go through a lot in the course of a mud race. Therefore, it should be built to withstand a lot of tough treatment that comes with mud racing.
Apart from the obstacles you will have to overcome, which would put your shoe under a whole lot of pressure, your shoes would also have to endure the viscous nature of the mud, the scratching of rocks, and most of all, the weight of expectations you would have placed on it.
So it is important that they are tenacious and durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of a mud run.
2. Traction
This should be very important in considering your choice when purchasing a shoe for a mud run. It has to have a firm grip on the ground regardless of the nature of the surface, be it mud or grass. Do not use a shoe for a mud race whose soles are smooth, or else, you stand the risk of slipping when you shouldn’t.
3. Size
Your shoe should fit you perfectly. It should not be too tight to bring discomfort to your feet when running.
Also, ensure that they are not oversized as well so that they don’t leave your legs during the race. Lots of mud racing participants have complained about losing their shoes in the mud because they slipped out from their feet. Getting the right size of shoes would be the first step in preventing this from happening. (Read Also: How Do You Tape Shoes For A Mud Run In 2021?)
4. Weight
Having mud on your shoes is enough weight on its own, and wearing heavy shoes will only make it heavier making you feel uncomfortable in the long run. So it is important that your shoes are as light as possible. Your shoes will tend to come off from your legs easier if they are heavier than your legs can carry especially during motion. (Read Also: Best Socks To Wear For Mud Runs In 2021)
5. Protection
If a shoe does not protect your feet from accidental kicks or mishaps, then it has failed in its primary purpose. Mud runs are known for their rough nature, so it is important that your feet stay protected in your shoe at all times.
Having known all that, below are the best shoes you can get for a mud run. They have been recommended by various runners across the globe, and are sure to meet your running needs. They also thick all the requirements above and will also ensure that you get value for your money. Your mud run is sure to be fun with any of these on your feet. Take a look!
Read Also: Best Shorts For Mud Run In The Market In 2021
How To Clean Your Shoe After A Mud Race
Getting yourself in the mud is one thing, but getting the mud out of your running gears, especially from your shoes is what might pose a challenge for many. Following these simple and easy steps should help get your shoe back to normal in little or no time.
Step 1
After the race, put your shoe inside a disposable bag. This is to avoid mud stains in other areas of the car.
Step 2
On reaching the house, bring out the shoes from the disposable bag and allow them to completely dry. Do not dry with direct heat. If you feel it would take a lot of time to dry on its own, face it towards a fan and that should do the trick.
Step 3
After it must have dried, hit the shoes together to get rid of the already caked mud. You can hit on any hard surface as well to get the same result.
Step 4
Once this is achieved, remove the shoelace and the inner sole of the shoes, soak them in a bucket that contains a reasonable amount of water and dish soap. Also, get a bowl of water containing droplets of dish soap, get a soft toothbrush as well, dip the brush into the water, and brush every corner of the shoe.
Ensure the brush gets to every corner of the shoe including the foot compartment. Get a dry rag to wipe it off as you clean, in other to avoid mud-maps on the already clean portion of your shoe. Wash the shoelace in a machine or with your hands, it will only take you a couple of minutes. Then wash the inner sole with the brush, rinse with water, then hang to dry.
You could also choose to use the washing machine in case you are not satisfied with the result after step 4. Set the machine to gentle, and use cold water. Toss your shoe in it as well as the shoelaces and the inner sole. Include bedspreads that are probably in need of washing alongside the shoes. This would help to reduce the impact of the washing machine on the shoe. You will have a brand new shoe when this is done.
Step 5
Once this is accomplished, allow the shoe to dry under the sun. This should only take a couple of hours to complete. You should also consider putting baking soda inside the foot compartment in order to avoid the smell. Your shoe should be brand new once all these steps are carried out efficiently and effectively.
Best Shoes For Mud Run Obstacle Course – FAQ
Is It Bad To Run In Non-Running Shoes?
The question asked above has been a cause of heated debate amongst athletes or to-be-athletes who feel there is no need for running shoes, especially if you have that which can always come in handy, while some feel that it is extremely important you run in shoes that are built for the purpose of running.
But the truth still remains that when you use non-running shoes for running, you stand a very high risk of injuring yourself than when you don’t. Thanks to the advancement in technology, running shoes are being made to adapt to the terrain that we need them for, be it hiking, mud racing, or road racing.
If you intend to run in a shoe meant for fashion or walking, then I hope you don’t complain if any injuries result from such. It is called running shoes for a purpose, don’t put yourself at risk by thinking it is not important.
Should Running Shoes Be Soft Or Hard?
This all boils down to the runner in the end. Studies have shown that some runners prefer the mixture of both while running, and a selected few might not like the squishy nature that is associated with running in soft shoes especially for long-distance races.
So I suggest you go for the shoe you are most comfortable in and stick with it, even if it separates you from others. Any shoe which would make your feet comfortable and relaxed while running is advisable regardless of the texture.
Are Cheap Running Shoes Ok?
Are cheap phones ok? Are cheap clothes ok? Are cheap computers ok? Of course, they are, but it all depends on what you intend to use them for coupled with the expectations you have from them.
You can’t use a cheap phone and expect it to have some special functions that an expensive phone may have, such as using your biometrics for security and a host of others. The same goes for your shoes.
Cheap running shoes will serve the primary function of helping you run, but they won’t be as effective as the shoes that have been designed with newer technology such as SENSIFIT and SHOCKZONE technology which some of the expensive shoes are known to have.
The improvement made in producing these expensive shoes goes a long way to ensure that the runner is not only safe and protected but his or her performance is boosted in several ways. Cheap shoes are okay for running, but like the expensive gadgets, don’t expect any special features.
Best Shoes For Mud Run Obstacle Course – Conclusion
Having the right shoe for a mud run is essential to enjoying the race. The shoes reviewed in this article will go a long way in satisfying your quest for adventure. They are easy to clean after a mud run and would last for many years to come. Have fun with them! Cheers!
