For those new to OCR Obstacle Course Racing – such as Tough Mudder or Spartan, an important issue is the footwear and finding the best OCR running shoes for racing these types of events.
It’s hard to just say, oh so and so is the best shoe; go for that. This is because every obstacle course runner will have there own preference and favourites. Also, what might be a great OCR shoe for one person might feel very average to another.
Finding The Best Obstacle Course Racing Shoes
However, there are some general principles that you need to look for in the best obstacle course racing shoe.
In this guide, we’ve done the research, and we’ll take you through some of the top obstacle course racing shoes currently available.
The criteria we used to select out top OCR shoes was based upon the shoes meeting the requirements list below.
OCR Shoe Requirements
- Grip On The Outsole
- Ability To Drain Water
- Lightweight, Don't Carry Extra Weight
- Comfortable & Secure Fit
- Durable & Robust
Top OCR Shoes In 2021
Anyway, that’s enough rambling; let’s take a look at the best OCR obstacle running shoes for 2021. That’s the real reason you’re here. Our pick in this first section have been specially designed for obstacle course racing and will reallt get the job done.
Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 V2
- Mesh Upper - Lightweight comfort, plenty of ventilation and ability to drain water.
- Durable Rand - Promotes lock-down and increases durability of the grip on the outsole
- Lacing System - Locks down the midfoot and keeps you foot firmly in the shoe
- Exteroflow & Meta-Plate - A good level of cushioning and protection
- Large lugs will offer the grip needed o muddy terrains
- Epic grip of graphene with an OCR specific shoe
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
VJSport VJ iRock Shoe
- Long history and hertitage in OCR
- Kevlar fibre fabric has great durability traits
- Specially designed to perform damp conditions
- High level of comfort and precision fit
- Excellent grip for any obstacle course race
- Fitlock system which beautifully hugs the foot
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Salming OT Comp
- The Michelin OCX - Extreme Outdoor Compound that offersextreme grip wet slippery surfaces
- Secure fit and little lateral foot movement in the shoe
- ROCSHIELD: A special PU covering the upper, protects the foot from sharp objects
- Lightweight and decent cushioning
- The shoe mould tothe shape of your foot over time - increasing the level of fit and comfort.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Inov-8 X-Talon G 235 OCR Shoe
- Graphene enhanced rubber outsole delivers insane sticky grip and increased durability
- Aggressive 8mm studs claw through soft terrain and hold firm on harder ground.
- Designed with lightweight, non-water absorbing materials and a 3mm drop
- Any water inside the shoe can escape via the flexible, breathable upper materials,
- Narrow fitting is sec
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Inov-8 Mudclaw 275
- Breathable - Allows cool air to flow into the shoe whilst hot humid air flows out.
- Waterproof - Not going to work for mud races though, more for dry OCR events
- Rugged outsole
- Gusseted Tounge - Locks out debris
- Good level of cushioning.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder 2
- This was launched in conjunction with Tough Mudder® challenges.
- Durability is decent enough and youll get a nice fit when you find the right size. I find that Merrell shoes do run a little small
- Lycra Neoprene Heel Lining - Offers extreme comfort.
- Built for tougher terrain and muddy trails
- Good absorbsion of shock and impact forces.
- Very breathable
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
VJ Sport VJ XTRM
- Very popular for fell, trail and sky running
- Extra space in the toes box compared to the iRock
- Plenty of cushioning in this shoe
- Fiberclass stability control.
- Fitlock system keeps the shoe secure
- The iRock listed above is better for OCR, however this still a great shoe
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best OCR Shoes From The Trail Running Scene
The shoes we have listed below are not specifically designed for obstacle course racing. However, we think they are trail and fell running shoes that could easily adapt. We used the same criteria as in the previous section to select the one’s we think could be great as OCR running shoes. They offer fantastic grip in soft terrain, comfort and durability – want you to need for a muddy run race event.
Walsh PB Elite Extreme Fell Running Shoes
- A classic of British Fell Running. Design has not changed much over the years, yet this shoe can still hold its own
- Xmid Material - offfers you stability, protection and durability to the toe heel and instep.
- Your feet will be stable and secure in the shoe
- The upper is durable and quick drying
- Pyramid Grip Outsole - Will give you the maximum grip on mud and wet ro
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Salomon Speedcross 5
- Secure fit with Salomons unique lacing system that will keep your feet firmly planted in the shoe
- Redesigned with deep, sharp lugs for an improved grip perfect for mud races
- Perfet for racers with a wider foot
- Salomon Speedcross is a great entry-level option that can be used on mud runs and general trail runs
- Not the lighest shoe but a good option for heavier runners and mud run rac
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Salomon Speedcross 4
- This is our best value pick - not the latest model, yet still a great trail running shoe that can adapt to OCR and mud racing events
- Perfect for people new to trail or mud running
- Lightweight considering the durability of the shoe
- Top quality construction and fantastic grip on the outsole
- The most popular trail shoe on Amazon
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
OCR World Championships Video Highlights
Best OCR Running Shoes Conclusions
Finding the best OCR running shoe is trial and error for beginners. It sometimes means trying a few brands and seeing what works best for you. When I’ve bought trail running shoes in the past, that just didn’t seem right after a few weeks. I would still use them or find a use for them.
If you are new to obstacle course racing or have just signed up for your first event, I would suggest picking a trail running shoe rather than a specialised OCR shoe. There is no need to blow big money on a shoe that might get little use or feel right personally for you. You might also want to take a look at our other guides; Best Trail Running Shoes For Mud Under £100 and Salomon Speedcross 4 Review.
Later on down the line, if you have caught the OCR bug, you could then invest in a more specialised pair of shoes.
Ultimately the answer as to what is the best OCR shoe is personal. Still, I hope you have learned something new in this guide. I’m sure to find your perfect race shoe in no time.
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