What are the Best Spartan Race Shoes for You?

Best for Spartan Race Sprint	Best for Spartan Super/Beast	Best Women’s Spartan Shoes	Best Cold Weather Spartan Shoes
VJ XTRM OCR Shoes	Salomon Speedcross 4	Inov-8 X-Talon 200	Icebug Zeal RB9X
Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on AmazonÂ

Maybe it’s because you’ll see a lot shirtless people on the course, it’s no surprise that the most important Spartan Race gear you’ll bring to a race is your shoes. Deciding what the best Spartan Race shoes to wear are can be difficult, but there are some key elements you will want to look for before purchasing a pair for your next race.

Let’s face it, there just isn’t a great selection of OCR shoes in most retail stores, so we are forced to buy our Spartan Race shoes online, trusting Amazon reviews from people who either love or hate the shoe, or just picking a pair that look good to us and hoping they fit. Companies like Inov-8, Reebok, and Icebug all have a great variety of shoes, it’s tough to know exactly what you need when preparing for an OCR event like Spartan Race.

Key Features for the Best Shoes for Spartan Race

Below, we’ve listed some key features you will want to look for in a shoe. If you want, you can jump down to our winning shoes. Remember like running shoes, no shoe is perfect for all types, so make sure you lock in on what is most important to you, and pick a shoe that will best the best match. Then, we gave you our best shoes for each event, as well as best Spartan Race shoes for women, and best Spartan Race shoes for cold weather. We also have an article covering OCR Clothing Tips.

Traction

One of the hardest parts about Spartan Races is navigating the terrain. In order to glide over rocks and roots like they’re flat pavement and climb up and down steep and muddy hills, you will need a shoe that has some serious grip.

Drainage

Spartan Races, like most OCR events, usually feature some kind of water element. Sometimes you’re swimming, and other times you’re just jumping in crawling out of mud pools, but your shoes will need to get rid of the water as quickly as they take it in. Good Spartan Race shoes are designed with outlets for any water that gets into your shoes so you won’t be sloshing around when you’re back on dry land.

Stability

Between the Spartan Race obstacles, flat sprints, and hills, you need a versatile shoe that will stand up to a beating A lot of distance runners prefer a shoe with a soft upper and thin midsole because it’s light and gives them the feeling of running on air. While this feeling would be wonderful in Spartan Races, it’s rarely the case. That’s why having a shoe with a little structure is a good thing and Spartan Racers should key in on this feature when looking for their next shoe.

Comfort

Of course, comfort is important when picking out work shoes, running shoes, or Spartan Race shoes. If you know whether you have flat or high arches, wide or narrow feet, or if your heel or toe strikes first when you run, you’re be able to better choose a shoe fit for your foot. Good cushioning and support is key when you are logging miles, jumping in and out of water, and navigating difficult Spartan Race obstacles.

Breathability

Before, we mentioned the importance of structure and stability, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice a breathable shoe that will feel good after four or five miles of Spartan Race obstacles. Good Spartan Race shoes should repel water, but also allow for a tight hold on your foot without cramping or holding in moisture.

Check out the Best Gloves for Spartan Races

Best Spartan Race Sprint Shoes: VJ XTRM OCR Shoes

When looking for shoes that will get you past Spartan Sprint obstacles and through a short course, you will want to focus in on drainage and structure, as well as comfort. The best short distance shoes are the VJ XTRM OCR Shoes. VJ is a relatively new shoe company, but you’ll see serious Spartan racers and elite Pro Wave competitors rocking these shoe for their unmatched grip and sneaker-like comfort.

VJ XTRM OCR Shoes on Amazon

Best Spartan Race Super/Beast Shoes: Salomon Speedcross 4

Longer races like Spartan Race Supers or Beasts require shoes that still offer structure and drainage like Spartan Race Sprint shoes, but also are lightweight, comfortable, and have good traction since you’ll be climbing more hills and stepping over more rocks, roots, and whatever other natural elements Spartan loves to throw at their racers. Our pick for best Spartan Race Super/Beast shoes are the Salomon Speedcross 4 shoes. They are probably the most comfortable shoe on the market, and will hold up over many miles with great traction.

Buy the Salomon Speedcross 4 on Amazon

Best Women’s Shoes for Spartan Race: Inov-8 X-Talon 200

Inov-8 makes an incredible lineup of women’s shoes, and our favorite are the Inov-8 X-Talon 200. The deep cleats will help keep solid footing whether you’re on loose ground or on steep terrain. The cleats do make some flat Spartan Race obstacles difficult, but the comfort and traction of these shoes make them the best pick for female Spartan Racers.

Buy Inov-8 X-Talon 200 on Amazon

Best Cold Weather Spartan Race Shoes: Icebug Zeal RB9X

When racing in cold weather, the number one thing you will want to look for in a shoe is traction. If there is any snow on the ground, you won’t be able to see the unevenness of the ground, and ascents and descents will be much easier to navigate if you have the right shoes with plenty of grip. You’ll also want shoes that have a good moisture wicking material that will keep your feet dry. The best combination of these two elements can be found in the Icebug Zeal RB9X for men and women. The traction is some of the best on the market for Spartan Race shoes, and the water-resistant upper on the shoe is second to none. Some have complained about the comfort of these not being what some of the other brands are, but in terms of keeping your toes locked in and protected, nothing beats an Icebug.

Buy the Icebug Zeal RB9X on Amazon