When we revealed that Reebok, through their partnership with one of Obstacle Course Racing’s (OCR) leading providers Spartan Race, were developing a series of OCR trainers; here at Muddy Race we must say we were a little excited.
Reebok’s R & D department is ideally placed, through this partnership, to have the perfect testing ground to provide OCR competitors with a shoe that can handle even the most testing of terrains that an OCR can throw at you. It is clear from the feature list that a lot of thought has gone into the making of the shoe, specifically for Obstacle Racing.
Overall a lightweight vibrant shoe, that has real potential with innovative features but may struggle on tougher muddier winter terrain. Recommend for summer and harder trails
The result of this effort is the “All-Terrain Series” that has been labelled proudly by Reebok as an “innovative game changing product that will help you conquer any obstacle” and provides “durability and versatility”. Although a big claim; the first specific OCR trainer we have reviewed comes with an impressive host of features including:
Obstacle Specific Features
- Strategically placed mesh drainage ports allow water to drain quickly and easily;
- Square indented lugs (talons) providing 360 degree traction while the toe pick helps give you leverage on slippery surfaces;
- Duragrip upper helps provide durability in key wear areas;
- Underfoot rock guard helps protect against sharp / hard objects;
- Mid foot teeth help provide traction and protection on ropes and walls; and
- Second skin perforated tongue is lightweight and does not absorb water.
On close inspection the All-Terrain Series also looks the part with bright vibrant colours and is incredibly lightweight. The undersole of the shoe contain a series of blue talons (gripping teeth) on the perimeter of the sole and encasing a host of square black talons. On the inside of the heel is a host of smaller talons to give that extra grip and support on climbing ropes.
The yellow area is designed for climbing ropes - the first of its kind to do so
The only concern I could see, from first inspection, was the size of these talons (teeth on the sole) compared to what I was used to wearing through my Inov-8 Xtalon 190 or my Inov-8 Mudclaws. They just did not seem as large or as aggressive as the ones I have used across the last 12 months.
The first test - Dirty Dozen
In order to really put the test to the All-Terrain Series; I decided to put them through their paces at one of the hardest OCRs out there - the 12k Dirty Dozen at Usk. Having never raced here before but hearing the claims of undulating hills; mixed terrain and some of the best obstacles that you can expect to find in OCR it seemed an obvious choice.
The horrendous hills and mud resulted in the shoes failing to get grip
Usk did not let us down (see review here) and provided me with horrendous hills almost from the start that were spoilt with mud and grit. The All-Terrain Series initially took to these well and seemed fairly planted on the climb inspiring confidence; however on reaching the descent, and being able to increase your pace a little this confidence deteriorated. I was, to my surprise, falling over in certain muddy sections and watching competitors race past me whilst I was on my knees.
The teeth on the sole could be a little grippier for the UK mud
Sadly this experience was repeated at certain sections of the trail runs, up, down and through the forests through a mixture of dense and challenging woodland, and I slipped over on a number of occasions much to my frustration. I must say I was unaccustomed to this experience and it was clear the All-Terrain Series just could not handle the difficult mixed terrain that Usk was throwing at me.
They brushed the water aside like it was irrelevant and the feel of the All-Terrain Series remained comfortable
The All-Terrain Series fared better through the water and importantly did not feel heavy or cumbersome at any point after wading through bogs or small lakes. They brushed the water aside like it was irrelevant and the feel of the All-Terrain Series remained comfortable. In addition when negating obstacles; the All Terrain Series provided support and importantly did not hinder me despite being called upon to climb or jump across obstacles.
As with all trainers providing talons; when faced with a wooden ramp or half pipe - these trainers are simply not effective at providing you with grip when wet. This is the case with the All-Terrain Series and they do not like being wet or muddy on normal surfaces; preferring to slip and slide. However this is a common issue and one that seems to be unsolvable.
The actual feel and comfort of the All-Terrain Series is great and they are clearly designed for the minimalist market. Some may grumble about the lack of ankle support
The actual feel and comfort of the All-Terrain Series is great and they are clearly designed for the minimalist market. The only additional complaint I would have, and this is personal preference, is that the All-Terrain Series do not feel supportive towards your ankles and I just prefer some support whilst negating hills or valleys.
The Second Test - ParkRun
Joining Team Muddy Race at Park Run and benefiting from a Park Run that runs alongside a river with mixed terrain I decided to see how they would fair in lesser conditions than Usk had provided but still was challenging and off road.
They excelled in harder trails with gravel and mixed terrain
I have to say the All-Terrain Series excelled. The terrain offered was a mixture between trails and mixed surfaces such as gravel; the All-Terrain Series almost ate these surfaces up and longed for me to push harder and faster. They remained stable and offered a lightweight and effective trainer to meet these conditions.
The difference in my view at the end of the run, compared to Usk, was stark and I welcomed the support and confidence that these had given me.
The front of the shoe has drainage ports to allow water to escape - again another innovative feature
Overall Verdict
There are a lot of positives to take from these trainers. They are lightweight, comfortable and provide a reasonable grip when facing mixed testing terrain. However when facing tougher or harder terrain such as that thrown you by Dirty Dozen in Usk; through sharp hills, narrow trails or very boggy land, they simply do not provide the grip and confidence that you would expect and need.
The grip may let you down on tougher UK Spartan terrain but they are great for harder trails and offer innovative features
My feeling is the talons need to be made bigger or redesigned to be more supportive; if they are to compete on a stage with other trainers in the harsher conditions and offer “planted” grip that you expect and need. I haven’t tried these at a Spartan Race yet - but know that Pippingford Park can provide horrendous terrain when it wants to, and the All-Terrain Series may struggle to cope with this challenge.
This being said; they performed well through Park Run, feeling comfortable and fast. If you are looking for a minimalist trainer that is effective through testing terrain then these could be for you but if you are looking for something that is designed to perform in the “trenches of Spartan” and tough challenging terrain; the grip offering may let you down. Watch this space, though as once the grip is improved (which I’m sure it will) these will soon to become an OCR choice.
Buy direct from Reebok and choose from an array of colours here