Obstacle Course Racing is a unique and exciting experience to have fun while pushing your physical, mental, and emotional limits to the highest. OCR, as it’s said, is a complete package of adventure full of challenges. So, when it comes to OBSTACLE COURSE RACING, shoes are one of the most crucial pieces of kit for anyone to challenge that complex challenges like wet logs, deep inclines, mud pits, scaling slippery walls, rope swings, or extreme water conditions, and to become a modern-day warrior.

However finding the best OCR shoes, the best shoes for a spartan race, and the best shoes for a mud run can be stressful because selecting the wrong shoes can lead to a serious injury. But Lucky for you as we have got you covered as always to take a proper well-decisive decision.

Below you will find our random list of the 10 Best OBSTACLE COURSE RACING SHOES TO BUY. So, HAPPY SCROLLING..!!

10 Best OCR Shoes

1. Inov-8 Women’s X-Talon 212 Trail Running Shoe

The Inov-8 Women’s X-Talon 212 Trail Running Shoe is the best spartan race shoe. They provide an excellent grip for both soft and hard terrain and offer a natural running experience. With the classic design, the shoe also possesses a stylish sporty look. However, when it comes to shoe soles the Inov-8 has put in the maximum effort.

The outsole of Inov-8 Women’s X-Talon 212 Trail Running Shoe has an 8mm squarish lugs depth that is angled slightly in all-around directions which helps to provide excellent grip on muddy and rock surfaces, while the upper sole has an impressive durable water repellant coating which delivers high breathability and control.

Reasons to Avoid:

• The shoes are somewhat on the narrower side making them less suitable for wide-footed people.
• Gets shredded after washing, our suggestion is to go at least half a size bigger.

Bottom Line:

At this very price point with all the impressive features, the Inov-8 Women’s X-Talon 212 Trail Running Shoe is the best spartan race shoe in the market for overcoming obstacles.

2. Adidas Racer TR 21

Everything on this Adidas Men’s Cloudfoam shoe is soft, from top to bottom making it feel like walking on air. The tread of the shoe comes with a simple pattern with a mesh build and a rubber outsole. With inspiration coming from outdoor trail runners this Cloudfoam is highly suitable for all those urban adventures. This shoe goes very well with shorts, joggers, skinnies, or any sportswear. However, they might not be the best OCR shoes due to stability and grip, but definitely, does the trick for the best mud/snow running shoes or the best shoes for the Spartan race.

Reasons to Avoid:

• The Adidas Men’s Cf Racer Tr can run big when it comes to size, making its sizing tricky.
• Doesn’t provide a “Down to Earth” Feeling.

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for Adidas shoes that do it all then this Adidas Men’s Cf Racer This just for you. This modern sneaker has all when it comes to exploring the urban adventure, all-day walking, fashion, comfort and pocket-friendly price point.

3. Reebok Women’s Advanced Trainette Cross Trainer

An Aggressive Reebok Women’s All-Terrain Thrill is built just for obstacle course racing. With well-supported and high-quality materials, this shoe becomes highly suitable for performing on unpredictable surfaces. The Thrill of the shoe does all the talking when it comes to going a little further off-road. However, the design of the shoe may be the concern but when it comes to the performance they are really tough to beat.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Due to low cushioning in the forefoot, it doesn’t provide support for a long duration.
• Shoe Dirty Appearance.

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a beast that can handle long-distance obstacles at an affordable price point then Reebok Women’s All-Terrain Thrill Running Shoe is the best shoe for obstacle course racing which you should definitely give it a try.

4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 860v11

The New Balance Men’s Nitrel V1 FuelCore Trail Running Shoe is a great option for someone looking for the best shoes for obstacle course racing or the best shoes for the spartan race that provides a lightweight design with the same comfort and support. Along with its versatile design, the shoe also takes care of griping which is highly needed on different types of terraces. The midsole of the shoes is integrated with injection-molded Ethyl Vinyl Acetate which provides more cushioning and responsiveness in a number of ways.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not the best when it comes to durability.
• Narrower toe box.

Bottom Line:

In the end, If you are looking for a name-brand sneaker that provides a great combination of performance, attitude, speed, and traction for your next obstacle course racing then this shoe is just for you.

5. ALTRA Women’s Escalante Racer Running Shoes

When it comes to a unique combination for the wide feet of individuals then Altra AFW1755F Women’s Lone Peak 3.5 Shoes are really tough to give a fight. With all-around protection and advanced zero-drop technology, these shoes run for miles on any given surface. However, these shoes don’t provide great durability and stability but when it comes to playing safe and smart with protecting your feet to the fullest then the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 is the best shoe for obstacle course racing.

Reasons to Avoid:

• A bit heavier.
• Lacks Breathability.
• Creates sizing fusion, our recommendation is to go at least half a size bigger.

Bottom line:

If you are looking for a pair of kicks that provides enhanced protection, comfort, great gripping, and feeling of confidence while running then we highly suggest you try this Altra Lone Peak 3.5

6. VJ Spark Lightweight, Quick Attack OCR & Trail Running Shoes Voted as a Runner’s World Best New Shoe of 2022

When it comes to high-quality shoes for outdoor athletes then Merrell Men’s Bare Access 4 Trail Running Shoe is one of the masters. It features a more robust mesh with hyper-sensitive holes to provide advanced control while running. Seamless construction helps to keep feet cool and dry from time to time. However they are not the best when it comes to serious shoes for obstacle course racing but with their simplicity, responsiveness, style, comfort, and control it definitely does their trick.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not the most durable.
• Not a serious contender for the trail shoe.
• High break-in period.

Bottom Line:

If you are new to trail racing and just wanted to give it a try then this Merrell Men’s Bare Access 4 might be the best shoe for spartan race/ best shoe for OCR racing as it does it trick for both barefoot and traditional shoe lovers. It is a true all-rounder both for adventure and daily lifestyle.

7. La Sportiva Men’s Wildcat Trail Running Shoe

The La Sportiva Men’s Wildcat Trail Running Shoe possesses a versatile outsole with a well-cushioned midsole that can handle any surface. It goes best with any long-duration challenges like spartan races, trail running, hiking and backpacking. On the tough tread, they are durable and fairly aggressive which helps you to feel confident while running on that difficult entrances.

Reasons to Avoid:

• A bit too bulky.
• Doesn’t keep the feet totally dry and cool.

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for the best shoes for obstacle course racing that provides a lot of cushions, ample comfort, and high stability to carry your feet to any destination then this La Sportiva Wildcat is a great option.

8.

ASICS Women’s Gel-Fujitrabuco 8 Running Shoes

The Fearless ASICS Women’s Gel-Fuji Runnegade 2 Running Shoe can handle any terrain from deep mud, intense terrain, climbing uphill, and traveling downhill to a simple jog making it the best spartan race shoe. It features upgraded solute technology which makes the shoe highly responsive and lightweight. It also features massive 6mm lugs that are just unbelievable in helping the runners and obstacle course racers to tackle that unprecedented surface.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Doesn’t soak water too easily.
• A narrower heel leads to blisters.
• The size is smaller than expected, our recommendation is to go for half a size bigger.

Bottom Line:

When it comes to Asics there is no need to look any further. With such a strong grip, an abundance of power, and massive protection this shoe are really tough to compete with. So, Grab this ASICS shoe and be ready to kill your next spartan or Obstacle Course Race.

9. Salomon Men’s Unisex Spikecross 5 Gore-tex Trail Running Shoes

When it comes to mountain racing this Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe is the best obstacle race shoe. With its aggressive and trendy design, it can tackle any rocky or muddy surface. It is quite light, comfortable, and has unbelievable traction. However, the Salomon speed cross 4 isn’t completely flawless as they have a sensitive touch, lack stability, narrower structure, and don’t handle water very well. But when it comes to fashion taste, durability, traction, and performance they are just insane.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Slightly narrower than before.
• Doesn’t dry as quickly as anticipated.
• Long break-in period.
• The shoe is on the heavier side.

Bottom Line:

Salomon speed cross 4 is an iconic trail shoe that just might fit your needs as it will do everything you need it to and indeed while others are sliding and slipping through that difficult terraces you will be running like a breeze.

10. La Sportiva Men’s Bushido II Running Shoe

The Merrell Men’s All Out Crush 2 Sneaker is absolutely lightweight, protective, and durable making it highly suitable for those days you want to perform all out in those Obstacle muddy trails like Mud Warrior, Tough Mudder, and Spartan race. The upper layer of the shoe undoubtedly provides high ventilation which helps to drain out very quickly.

The traction of the shoe plays a semi-aggressive role on solid ground and muddy trails. However, the shoes lack support when it comes to stability, but when comparing their performance in terms of speed then Merrell Men’s All Out Crush 2 Sneaker is the best obstacle race shoe.

Reasons to Avoid:

• The size is slightly bigger than usual.
• Advanced gripping is causing the problem in road racing.

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for the best ocr shoe that is better, faster, and effortless than ever on rough surfaces then All Out Crush (AOC) is definitely worth the investment.

Awesome List of 10 Best Shoes For OCR