Shoes are one of the most important items when it comes to obstacle racing and mud runs. Many people use an old pair of shoes for their first event run, but doing so could make race day a disaster. Consider investing in proper footwear prior to your first event. If you're a seasoned veteran, you may also want a new set of Spartan race shoes or sneakers for another type of race. Learn more about the shoe choices out there for Obstacle Course Racing (OCR). This shoe is the original in the world of OCR (Inov-8 is pronounced innovate). This shoe started to show up at races in 2011 and has been a favorite each year among many of the racers. It cuts through mud very well. The Inov-8 X-Talon 200 is the first shoe designed by Inov-8 especially for the obstacle racer and mud runner. This shoe was built on the popular X-Talon 190 platform but offers a wider toe box and more rugged design for the demands of an obstacle race. The Trailroc 245 (236 for women) is the most durable shoe for all conditions Inov-8 makes.

It can handle all types of terrain and is becoming popular among many racers. The Roclite offers more protection for those not ready for a minimal shoe. The women's version is the Roclite 268 both can tackle all sorts of terrain as well as longer distances. Icebug is a company out of Sweden and new to the OCR market. This shoe is made for muddy trails as well as swim/running conditions which is one of its best features.nike basketball shoes usa online New Balance Minimus Zerov2 Trailhow much do custom nike shoes cost This is one of the most aggressive Minimus models to date. nike shoes casual priceLarge, sticky rubber lugs grip the trail, REVlite cushioning delivers supreme comfort and Toe Protect™ helps fend off debris.nike shoes online india cheap

The Salomon Speedcross has been a staple on trails for years. This was a natural transition over to the obstacle racing world. Many who need more support will find this shoe also offers the grip needed to climb through the mud. This shoe was made for the mud and most extreme conditions. It dries quickly and is made to repel mud and grit. running shoe stores arizonaThe lugs will ensure that grip is not a problem in any muddy condition.best walking boots 2014 uk Reebok All Terrain Sprints The Reebok series of OCR shoes are one of the only shoes on the market specifically made for Spartan races and OCR. These shoes offer drainage ports for mud and water and are quickly making a dent in the market. Reebok All Terrain Supers The Reebok All-Terrain Super offers more protection for those looking to tackle the longer races.

The Super was made especially for Spartan Race and was designed with the athlete in mind. Drainage ports are a key feature of this shoe as well as a durable outer sole. How to Select Shoes for Obstacle Racing and Mud Runs No matter which shoe you take to your events, the most important thing is that it works for you. Be sure to take time and make sure that you know exactly what you need for your next pair of OCR shoes. Obstacle course runs are hotter than ever, and shoe manufacturers have started developing shoes specifically designed to help participants slog through mud and cruise over obstacles. Runner's World got a hold of new models from Under Armour and Reebok and put them through our Shoe Lab to see how they fit and what features manufacturers added to help runners conquer a course.In just a few years time, mud runs and similar obstacle races have taken the fitness world by storm, redefining what it takes to test athlete's physical and mental stamina. Straight from shows like Survivor and Wipe Out, you don't have to be on reality tv to slop around in the mud or swim through an ice bath this weekend.

The start of Under Armour-sponsored Tough Mudder in 2010 has paved the way for other endurance races like Spartan Race, Warrior Dash, and Muddy Buddy to create a new kind of sport—one that naturally requires its own category of footwear to compliment it. Coming off of the Spring 2013 previews, brands will start to churn out mud-specific kicks, but until then these are the best suggestions to help you channel your inner mud monster. CLICK TO BEGIN STORY RELATED: The 10 Most Ridiculously Impressive Ultra-Marathoners of All Time RELATED: Vibram Expands It's FiveFinger Line with the See Ya LS No. 10 - Brooks Adrenaline GTX The Adrenaline GTX features all the traits of a solid off-road shoe. It's light enough to keep you moving forward, but also protects against potential injuries caused by rocks and uneven surfaces--making an excellent option for mud runs. Technical Advantage: The versatile sneaker is equipped with a breathable, waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, making it a perfect sneaker for splashing around in the mud.

Where to Buy: Brooks Running No. 9 - Merrell Trail Glove The flexible and unified design of the Trail Glove gives it excellent maneuverability on any obstacle course. The sneaker has a built-in drainage system to ensure mud has a way out. Technical Advantage: What the sneaker lacks in traction in muddy conditions, it makes up with its light weight and water draining abilities. Where to Buy: Merrell No. 8 - New Balance Minimus 10 Trail It's minimal design gives the NB Minimus 10 Trail an advantage in virtually any obstacle race. The 10 Trail has excellent ventilation to help keep your feet somewhat dry, along with a Vibram outsole to ensure you can overcome anything the course throws at you. Best For: Water Gauntlet & Crawls Technical Advantage: The ventilated design of the Minimus 10 Trail allows for water to drain through properly, resulting in a lighter feel. Where to Buy: New Balance No. 7 - Keen A86 TR The Keen A86 TR is one of our favorite trail running shoes of the year, it is designed to take on the toughest of off-road trails.

The sneaker feature shark tooth-like lugs on the outsole that dig into the earth and help you propel forward. Not even a pool of mud can slow down the A86. Best For: Hay Hurdles & Parking Lot Obstacles Technical Advantage: With a fast-drying upper and a reinforced toe, the A86 is ready to hit the ground (or in this case, mud) running. No. 6 - Salomon Speedcross 3 Salomon claims that the Speedcross 3 can take on the worst of muddy and snowy conditions, and we believe them. The mid-top sneaker is completely weather-proof, and features bungee-style speed laces that wont soak up moisture and weigh your feet down. Technical Advantage: The high-traction rubber outsole on the SpeedCross 3 is designed specifically to conquer muddy or slushy conditions. Where to Buy: Backcountry No. 5 - Saucony Kinvara TR The trail running edition of the Saucony Kinvara features an EBO plate for added protection against debris. The sneaker gives you the confidence to tackle such obstacles like ladder walls, and balance beams without skipping a beat.

Best For: Ladder Walls & Rope Climbs Technical Advantage: The Kinvara TR features an External Bedrock Outsole, which protects the foot from rocks, stones, and whatever else may cross your path. Where to Buy: Saucony No. 4 - Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon LS The FiveFingers Spyridon LS has become a popular choice for mud racers, and for good reason. The aggressive tread design on the outsole delivers sure-footed grip in all directions, while molded nylon mesh in midsole adds a “rock block” effect, dispersing impact over a wider area. Unlike the other shoes on the list, the Spyridon LS is completely machine washable, so getting all that mud off your kicks won't be a problem with this one. Best For: Low Crawls and Tunnels Technical Advantage: The Spyridon LS is ideal for obstacle races that require swimming. A vibram outsole ensures solid footing on the worst of surfaces. Where to Buy: Vibram FiveFingers No. 3 - Saucony Razor 2 The Razor 2 from Saucony is the ultimate shield against the elements.

It's wrapped in a waterproof membrane that just screams mud runs. Put this bad boy on for you next race and you won't be sorry. Technical Advantage:  The eVent fabric used for the Razor 2 ensures one-way moisture transfer, so sweat escapes, and of course, mud has no way in. No. 2 - Under Armour Charge RC Storm With a name like the Charge RC Storm, it's as if the folks at UA designed this specifically for obstacle races. While it features a low profile, the RC Storm has an array of performance technology designed to keep you on the track. The Carbon spring plate on bottom of running shoes transfers heel-strike energy forward, so getting through the mud won't be a monumental task. Technical Advantage: All-weather UA Storm technology gives the Charge RC protection against the force of mother nature. Paired with an ultra-responsive carbon rubber sole, this UA sneaker has Tough Mudder written all over it. Where to Buy: UA The Inov-8 Mudclaw is designed for one thing, and one thing only: to get you out of the mud.