Whether you’re considering signing up for the Spartan Race for the first time or returning after a break, you’ve probably spent hours and hours researching everything you need to make the whole experience better, safer, and more secure. We’re here to make sure you choose the best shoes for Spartan Race that can provide you with exactly that.
What have we learned thus far? The best shoes for Spartan Races are those that offer features such as traction, stability, and shock absorption cushioning. The best shoes are also tailored to your needs and provide you with the characteristics needed to protect you and prevent potential harm.
Other than those, you can choose between an array of brands that feature running shoes of similar characteristics. Throw a glance, check for the characteristics you need, and head to the nearest store (or pull up Amazon in a new tab) to get yourself a pair that will carry you through the next Spartan Race.
1. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe
These Salomon shoes are a treat for your feet! We already touched upon the fact that Salomon reigns the Spartan Race footwear for a million reasons and the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes aren’t any different.
When we’re talking about traction, support, and water-wicking features, we’re talking about these Salomon shoes.
First off, they’re perfectly-fitting shoes because of the novice lace technology that ensures the laces stay exactly where you put them. Pull the strings as tight as you want and you’re good to go without having to touch them afterward again.
Other than that, they’re also versatile, and they can be both regular and wide depending on your preferences.
They’re equipped with deeper lugs for that traction we mentioned beforehand. They’re great on both soft and hard surfaces – and they’re great on muddy surfaces, too. Turns out they’re enriched with a GORE-TEX finish that keeps your feet dry and warm for most of the race.
That being said, they’re quite pricey considering they’re around $140, depending on where you get them from. But, they’re a great investment for the Spartan Race runners.
2. Altra Women’s Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe
Moving on to a different brand, the Altra Women’s Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoes are among the best shoes for Spartan Races when we’re talking about women.
Now, nobody’s stopping you from getting men’s shoes that feature everything you need, but you might have a harder time finding perfectly-fitting shoes (which happens to be crucial).
When you take a look at the Altra Women’s Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoes, you’re going to notice that they’re made with great fabrics, they’re quite roomy and wide, and they’re protective. They’re equipped with zero-drop cushioning which offers enough support and shock absorption.
They’re lightweight and breathable which happens to be a much-needed feature when you’re running Nobody wants their shoes weighing them down!
They’re equipped with lugs that stop you from slipping through each step while you’re running – similar to the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes we mentioned beforehand.
3. Merrell Glove 4 Trail Runner
Whether you’re looking for men’s shoes or women’s shoes, there are certain features you can’t run without. What makes for the best shoes for Spartan Races, you’re wondering?
Durability, stability, and slip-resistance, all of which you can get with the Merrell Glove 4 Trail Runner shoes.
Now, these shoes are perfect for those rough, Spartan Race terrains! They’re equipped with high-performance rubber outsoles designed to prevent you from slipping and falling.
Not only that, but they’re known for the fact they feel like barefoot shoes because they’re lightweight and breathable, and they provide natural comfort with minimalist construction.
They also feature zero-drop cushioning from heel to toe and provide you with a natural stride. Spartan Race runners can bet on these shoes to get them through the race unharmed – that’s how good these are. What are you waiting for?!
4. Reebok Unisex-Adult Sole Fury Trail Running Shoe
We just talked about breaking those gender norms and here comes Reebok to offer us exactly what we need! We would go as far as to argue that the Reebok Unisex-Adult Sole Fury Trail Running Shoes possess every feature you can think of.
When you’re searching for the best shoes for Spartan Races, make sure you don’t leave out these Reeboks. First and foremost, they offer plenty of stability because they’re equipped with graphite plates around the midsole areas.
Other than that, they’re padded for comfort and enriched with Die-cut EVA sock liners. Of course, they’re flexible enough to move with your foot thanks to the Split EVA midsole design.
We also can’t forget about the zip-up front closure which secures your foot and provides you with added stability and support. Oh and, to make matters even better, they’re typically around $110, depending on which store you go to.
5. Inov-8 X-Talon 255 V2 Trail Running Shoes
When you’re looking for the best shoes for Spartan Races, chances are you’re focusing on what’s trending (hence the Salomon praise at the beginning of the article).
However, you can discover really great shoes when you ditch the preconceived notion of certain brands being better than others.
Now, the Inov-8 brand might not be as popular as Salomon. But, the Inov-8 X-Talon 255 V2 Trail Running Shoes are some of the best shoes for soft and muddy surfaces out there.
They’re equipped with durable upper fabrics that keep your feet protected and supported. They’re water-repellent which means they’re guaranteed to keep you warm and dry for longer.
And, they’re enriched with 8mm STICKYGRIP rubber studs which provide you with enough grip and slip-resistance while you’re running through wet, rocky, off-trail terrain and obstacle courses.
Other than that, the Inov-8 X-Talon 255 V2 Trail Running Shoes are a wider-fitting option for anyone who’s searching for that feature.
6. Topo Athletic MTN Racer Trail-Running Shoes
Now, the Spartan Race happens to be known for numerous water challenges. Whether that means you’re running through mud, hopping over puddles, or swimming over a body of water, you need shoes that can protect you from slipping, as well as dry fast enough to avoid swampy, soggy feet.
And, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer Trail-Running Shoes offer you exactly that. First off, they’re equipped with the Vibram Megagrip outsoles that won’t slip on wet surfaces. Other than that, they also have drainage ports that accelerate the time they need to dry.
They’re made with lightweight, breathable fabrics that won’t weigh you down. They offer a roomy toe box for anyone who’s looking for that feature specifically. Also, they’re quite cheap considering everything they offer.
7. Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Trail Running Shoes
Sure, most Spartan Race runners aren’t looking for aesthetics. But, we can’t help but gush over how attractive and fashion-forward these Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Trail Running Shoes are.
We understand you aren’t looking for something to wear to Fashion Week. So, we’re happy to announce that these Hoka shoes are indeed among the best shoes for Spartan Races out there!
Starting from the beginning, Hoka’s known for adding plenty of padding to ensure comfort, stability, and safety. And the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Trail Running Shoes are no exception.
They’re equipped with shock absorption which makes them perfect for rough surfaces. They’re enriched with Hoka’s bucket seat design which provides your feet with stability and support. And they’re constructed with Vibram Megagrip outsoles with excellent gripping capabilities.
8. Brooks Men’s Cascadia 15 Trail-Running Shoes
More often than not, you can rely on Brooks to come out with high-quality, reliable running shoes. Granted that you’re a stranger to the brand, don’t shy away from checking out the Brooks Men’s Cascadia 15 Trail-Running Shoes.
Sure, they might not be the best shoes for Spartan Races we mentioned thus far, but they’re pretty freakin’ close. They’re really comfortable considering they’re made with the Lightweight BioMoGo DNA cushioning.
And, they’re quite supportive because they’re designed with the four-point pivot system that offers all-terrain stability. They’re breathable and lightweight, which appears to be a plus when you’re fighting your way through a bunch of obstacles.
9. Salming Men’s OT Comp Trail Competition Trainers
We’re bringing you another statement shoe guaranteed to get you a head start considering your opponents are going to be startled by the color combination of your shoes.
We would go as far as to argue that the Salming Men’s OT Comp Trail Competition Trainers look as good as they perform.
Though that might sound strange, the Salming Men’s OT Comp Trail Competition Trainers offer some of the most gripping, durable, and supportive soles out there because they’re created with a little help from Michelin.
They’re appropriate for whatever terrain the race throws your way, and that’s why they deserve to be known as one of the best shoes for Spartan Races out there.
They’re equipped with lugs designed for maximum traction which ensures you aren’t slipping and falling while making your way through the race.
The arch support that’s designed with the help of novice technologies offers plenty of stability, whichever terrain you’re struggling with. These shoes are a steal of the deal, too, which is always great to hear.
10. La Sportiva Men’s Mutant Backcountry Trail Running Shoe
We’re going to wrap up this article with the La Sportiva Men’s Mutant Backcountry Trail Running Shoes! These definitely also deserve to be known as one of the best shoes for Spartan Races.
We could go on and on about these shoes, but the fact that they’re advertised as perfect for moderate-to-technical terrain, as well as hiking, mountain climbing, or running, we can only assume they’re perfect for the Spartan Race.
Before anything, they’re equipped with Integrated Fusiongate Lacing Harness, High-Frequency reinforcements, and Spyraltongue technology that ensure gripping capabilities, reduce friction and provide a narrow, secure fit. They’re lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
With that out of the way, we’re hoping we helped you find the best shoes for a Spartan Race and we’re wishing you good luck.