Skip to Content

10 Best Shoes For Spartan Race Guaranteed To Keep You Safe

10 Best Shoes For Spartan Race Guaranteed To Keep You Safe

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.

“Why shoes?”, you might wonder. We would go as far as to argue that shoes are the most important piece of equipment when it comes to obstacle races.

Whether you’re s Spartan Race runner, a Tough Mudder contestant, or a part of any other obstacle race, you’re guaranteed to showcase enormous physical and mental strength and overcome extreme challenges laced with monkey bars, two-story slides, barbed wires, and electrical wires aplenty.

Therefore, you’re going to need shoes that are durable enough to not break apart while you’re running for your life, to not cause blisters while you’re trying to overcome different challenges and to not make the obstacles harder than they are. Otherwise, you’re exposing yourself to all sorts of danger.

Now, the best shoes for Spartan Races offer durability, stability, and support. They’re, for example, made from fabrics that provide traction to prevent you from slipping and falling.

They’re equipped to contribute arch support, appropriate heel-to-toe drop, and comfort. On the other hand, they’re lightweight and breathable to ensure they don’t weigh you down while you’re running. Truth be told, there are a lot of things to keep an eye on to ensure your safety.

Hence, we’re bringing you a step-by-step guide on what to consider before committing to a purchase. We’ve gathered some of the most appropriate (and attractive) athletic shoes that possess all/most features you need to get tough the Spartan Race without a scratch.

How to choose the best shoes for Spartan Races?

10 Best Shoes For Spartan Race Guaranteed To Keep You Safe

On the off chance that you’re running for a race you’ve never seen before, you might not have noticed what the contestants of the race normally wear.

From running sneakers and gym trainers (kind of OK) to new-kid-on-the-block Vans and open-toe sandals (not OK), we’re pretty sure some of the contestants ended up regretting the footwear they went with.

Therefore, there’s nothing stopping you from drawing your conclusions from the many, many mistakes the Spartan Race contestants have made. Moreover, there’s nothing stopping you from learning from your mistakes, too.

Whether you’ve worn the wrong type of shoes while you were training for the Spartan Race or you’ve regretted your footwear when you attended the race beforehand, now’s a great time to right your wrongs.

We’re bringing you a couple of features to keep an eye on while you’re scouring the world wide web for the best shoes for Spartan Races. Spare a couple of minutes more and discover what’s trending on the Spartan Race footwear front at the moment.

1. Fabrics

Obstacle races are tough on your feet, but choosing the right fabrics can make a world of difference. As a matter of fact, the right shoes feature a myriad of characteristics and technologies guaranteed to keep you supported, secure, and comfortable.

Actually, once you start exploring those characteristics and technologies, you’re going to understand the difference between regular sneakers and the type of sneakers you need for the Spartan Race.

Google searching “trail running shoes” or “obstacle race shoes” can get you far, but not as far as searching for specific features such as traction, water drainage, and breathability.

Right off the bat, traction’s one of those things you really can’t race without. Spartan Races and other obstacle races take place on rugged surfaces and are beaming with roots, rocks, loose sand, mud, and water.

A great traction system should be able to keep you going without slipping and falling. And, the best shoes for Spartan Races always have rubber outsoles as well as other means of achieving traction.

On the other hand, water drainage and quick-drying abilities are crucial for a reason. When you’re running through puddles and wet, muddy areas, you’re bound to get your shoes (and your feet) wet. Waterproof shoes keep the water from going out, and that’s why they’re not a good option.

But, shoes with water drainage and quick-drying abilities are great because they dry faster, prevent blisters from forming, and keep your feet from getting soggy and uncomfortable.

Other than these two, look for breathable and lightweight fabrics because you’re better off wearing shoes that don’t weigh as much as you do. Flexible fabrics are a must, too – you need your shoes to move with your feet and adapt to any surface.

2. Cushioning

10 Best Shoes For Spartan Race Guaranteed To Keep You Safe

Of course, the best shoes for Spartan Races need cushioning! When you’re running through mud, sand, rocks, and other rough surfaces, your feet are having the worst time because they’re carrying your weight and they’re hitting the ground without much protection.

But, when you’re wearing proper shoes with enough padding, you’re protecting your feet from whatever’s coming their way.

Hence, you should always pay attention to features such as midsole cushioning, heel counter, shock absorption, heel-to-toe drop, and upper padding. Comfort plays a huge part when we’re talking about running a 12-hour or a 24-hour race.

However, too much comfort can also take away from the support and stability you need for safety reasons. What does that mean? When you make sure you get the shoes with the features we mentioned beforehand, you shouldn’t worry about them not performing the right way.

But, when you focus on getting shoes that are padded and comfortable, rather than equipped with a heel-to-toe drop, for example, you’re bound to end up wondering “What did I do wrong?!” During an obstacle race, you’re bound to run uphill, downhill, and climb over tall obstacles.

And, your strength and endurance aren’t the only ones put to the test – your feet need the best shoes for Spartan Races that possess all/most of the features we mentioned.

3. Support

To finish our step-by-step guide, we must talk about the significance of support. Cushioning can get you through the race because you’re guaranteed to run (and think) better when you’re comfortable.

But, comfort can’t save you from rolled ankles, overworked feet, and other irritating injuries. First off all, always go for shoes that offer enough heel support because most of the stress of running a race ends up around the area of your heels.

Even worse, when you’re suffering from health problems such as plantar fasciitis, you’re bound to make things even worse without proper heel support.

Secondly, don’t forget to look for shoes that offer enough arch support. When you’re running, you’re putting a lot of pressure on your feet. While a lot of that pressure ends up on your heels, some of that pressure’s guaranteed to affect your arches.

Different arches require different levels of support which means that’s something you need to figure out beforehand.

Runners with low-arched feet need appropriate arch support to prevent them from rolling their ankles. Runners with high-arched feet, on the other hand, need even more support (and might even need added cushioning around the arch).

Thirdly, the overall fit of your shoes should be perfect. Sure, you might get away with wearing the wrong shoes when you’re hitting the gym, running around the neighborhood, or doing anything that doesn’t make you run around on rough surfaces.

But, to ensure the Spartan Race, you need to get perfectly-fitting shoes that offer enough firmness to avoid unwanted movements and painful rubbing.

And, don’t worry – while you might be overwhelmed with the sheer number of features you need to look for, there are plenty of brands that offer exactly what you need.

What are the best shoes for Spartan Races on the market right now?

10 Best Shoes For Spartan Race Guaranteed To Keep You Safe

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.

Salomon, for example, happens to be the go-to sneaker brand for a lot of Spartan Race contestants because of those features. Whether you go for Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes or Salomon Women’s Glide Max Running Shoes, you’re guaranteed to have your feet protected and supported!

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

Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes for Men
$140.00 $132.95
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 08:42 pm GMT

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

ALTRA Women's AL0A4VR7 Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe
$184.04


Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 12:40 am GMT

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

Merrell Trail Glove 4 Men 15 Blue Sport
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

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

Reebok Unisex-Adult Sole Fury Trail Running Shoe, Wild Brown/Midnight Ink/Fiery Orange, 6 M US
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

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

Inov-8 X-Talon 255 Red/Blue Women's Size 10 Trail Running Shoes
$94.90
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 12:47 am GMT

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

Topo Athletic Men's MTN Racer 2 Comfortable Lightweight 5MM Drop Trail Running Shoes, Athletic Shoes for Trail Running, Bone/Black, Size 9
$130.44 $108.70
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 12:49 am GMT

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

HOKA ONE ONE Mens Speedgoat 4 Gore-TEX Anthracite/Dark Gull Grey Trail Runner – 9
$139.12
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 12:54 am GMT

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

Brooks Men's Cascadia 15 Trail Running Shoe - Navy/Orange/Pelican - 11.5
$123.30
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 12:54 am GMT

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

Salming Men’s Off Trail Competition (OT Comp) Sports Shoes, Poseidon Blue/Safety Yellow, 7.5
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

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

La Sportiva Mutant Mountain Running Shoe - Men's Carbon/Flame 38
$154.95 $104.04
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 12:59 am GMT

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.

Read this if you’re getting ready for an OCR: 8 Best Socks For Spartan Race And Tough Mudder

10 Best Shoes For Spartan Race Guaranteed To Keep You Safe
en_US