Rob Foulkesview more articlesWhat do we want from a good Obstacle Racing shoe? Well we need two things - great grip and strong durability. When shopping around in general ‘fell’ shoes are the best as these are designed for hills and mountains which therefore provide superior grip over any other shoes.
Everybody wants something different from a shoe so we’ve put together the ten shoes that we think should be on your shopping list to research over or try on in your local running shop. If you’re buying online we recommend Sportshoes.com as they have the lowest prices and biggest stocks.
1. Inov8 Bare Grip
For the serious amongst you, this is a truly great shoe from Inov8 which is a light barefoot racing shoe keeping your feet close to the ground whilst running. The sole has thick teeth which offer excellent grip on muddy terrain.
Great For - Superior Grip, Barefoot Feel, The Serious Racer
Not so good on - Higher price, Only for muddy and soft ground
Where to buy - Obstacle Kit.co.uk use code ‘mud14race’ to get 10% off
RRP - £84.99
Best for - the minimalist obstacle racer or fell runner who wants serious grip and has the budget to buy a racing shoe
2. Inov8 X-Talon 212
Less aggressive grip than the BareGrip’s so more of an all year round shoe and better for harder trails, but equally great. The 212′s offer more durability than the 190s but these shoes are super comfortable and tight fitting. They are not as grippy as the BareGrip’s but they are more versatile in terms of terrain you can use them on and would be suitable for harder ground.
Great For - Harder muddy ground, Tight snug comfortable fitting
Not so good on - Less durable than the Bare Grip’s and the grip isn’t as strong (but still very good)
Where to buy - Obstacle Kit.co.uk use code ‘mud14race’ to get 10% off
RRP £79.99
Best for - the experienced runner who wants to use these for obstacle races, trail running and some harder grounds
3. More Mile Cheviot 2
A budget conscious shoe but with the best grip around that £30 can buy. Both male and female versions are available.
Great For - Those on a budget, Superb for grip
Not so good on - You pay for what you get here so don’t expect them to last forever but they are perfect as an introductory shoe
Where to buy - Obstacle Kit.co.uk use code ‘mud14race’ to get 10% off
RRP - £28.99
Best for - those on a budget but want to some more grip on the trails
4. Adidas Kanadia Trail
Breathable and fast drying with strong grip designed to reduce mud clogging on the sole. Both male and female versions are available.
Great For - Those on a budget, Versatile for trails and the muddy bogs
Not so good on - These are quite a heavy shoe at 309g
RRP Buy from £37.49 - Sportsshoes.com
Best for - those on a budget and looking for an introductory shoe but want the confidence of a top brand
More: Essential Obstacle Racing Gear
5. Inov8 Mud Claw
More stability and heavier than the BareGrip and Talon’s, so perfect if you’re not into the full minimalist shoe feel yet and want the support. The grippy studs on the Mudclaw are also great and offer superb stability on wet or muddy terrain.
Great For - First timers looking for their first obstacle racing shoe, great on grip and comfortable
Not so good on - Heavier than other Inov8′s and not as flexible on the sole
Where to buy - Obstacle Kit.co.uk use code ‘mud14race’ to get 10% off
RRP - £79.99
Best for - those looking to move into a serious shoe with grip and minimalist feel but not ready for complete barefoot style and still want protection
6. Reebok All Terrain
A new shoe to the market with specific Obstacle Racing features such as water drainage holes, rope climbing grip and quick drying tongue. See the review here
RRP £85 Buy from Reebok
7. Salomon Fellraiser
These have replaced the Speedcross on this list as the Fellraiser we feel is better suited for Obstacle Racing. The Fellraiser is a lot lighter than the Speedcross with a mesh lining that lets water in but then out, which keeps them light. They are heavier than the Mudclaw at 290g. You’ll be closer to the mud with these too with a 6mm heel drop on them.
Great For - superb durability and grip - perfect those that want more cushioning.
Not so good on - a little bit on the heavy side
RRP £65.99 Buy from Sportsshoes.com
Best for - those looking for a serious durable, grippy shoe that will work across multiple terrains. The main contender to the Inov8′s
8. Saucony Powergrid Kinvara
A new contender to the Inov8 range in our opinion but slightly lacks on the grip side for wetter ground. This new shoe has a 4mm heal drop meaning that it has a minimalist feel. The material has now been replaced with a mesh lining which has reduced the weight to 221g.
Great For - Harder grounds, Light and Fast
Not so good on - Grip not as strong as others, Will struggle in thick mud
Buy now £89.95 - from Sportsshoes.com
Best for - looking for grip and durability but don’t want to break the bank
9. Inov8 X-Talon 190
The lightest of the Inov8 range at 190g but still with superb grip. If you like your shoes light then the 190′s will be for you. Super comfortable and really quick too you won’t be disappointed. The heel drop is 3mm so these are minimalist shoes, so you’ll need to slowly wear them in.
Great For - Lightweight, Quick and Comfortable
Not so good on - Not much cushioning and can wear down easily
Where to buy - Obstacle Kit.co.uk use code ‘mud14race’ to get 10% off
RRP - £94.99
Best for - those that want to be quick and want comfort with grip. But they don’t come cheap
10. Adidas Adizero XT4
A new addition to the top 10 list. The Adizero has great cushioning and grip from the studded soles. It’s not particularly light though at 300 grams but has a mesh lining to allow the water to drain out. If you want support and cushioning then these should be on your consideration list. Shop around and you can often get them reduced. Also available in red and black.
Great For - Cushioning and Support
Not so good on - A bit on the heavy side
Buy now £69.99 for other colours - from Sportsshoes.com
Best for - if you want grip, cushioning and support
Key Glossary To Look out for
Lugs - this term refers to the teeth or studs on the sole of the shoe.
Heel to Toe Drop - simply refers to how much heel there is on the shoe. Measured in mm, the lower the flatter the shoe will be.
Outsole - the treaded layer on the shoe that gets dirty.
Read more about the shoe anatomy here
