10 Best Running Shoes For Obstacle Races
Updated on: December 2023
Best Running Shoes For Obstacle Races in 2023
Inov-8 Womens X-Talon 230 - Lightweight OCR Trail Running Shoes - for Spartan, Obstacle Races and Mud Run - Grey/Teal 8.5 W US
Inov-8 Mudclaw 275 - Trail Running OCR Shoes - Soft Ground - for Obstacle, Spartan Races and Mud Running - Black/Silver 7.5 Women/6 Men
- ➤ UNRIVALLED GRIP - The aggressive outsole features 8mm cleats, each with water dispersal channels which prevent aquaplaning to deliver unparallel claw like grip, no matter how thick the mud is.
- ➤ INCREASED PROTECTION - A flexible rock plate not only provides underfoot protection from obstacles but also flexes with the foots natural gait to aid agility on the trails. Whilst a gusseted tongue prevents debris from entering the shoe.
- ➤ HIGHLY BREATHABLE - The highly breathable, non water absorbing upper materials keep the shoe light in wet conditions, with added overlays for durability.
- ➤ FLEXIBLE DESIGN - The flexible outsole technology molds around any obstacle ensuring the foot has the flexibility and freedom to move naturally on the trails, allowing you to run confidently as the trail surfaces and weather conditions change.
- ➤ SIZE NOTE - The shoes come up a 1 on our fit scale (1 narrow - 5 wide).
Inov-8 Unisex X-Talon 200 | Super Lightweight OCR Trail Running Shoe | Wide Fit | Perfect for Mud and Obstacle Races | Red/Black M4.5/ W6
- Aggressive 8mm sticky rubber studs deliver ultimate traction across soft muddy terrain
- Super lightweight flexible design, allows the shoe to move naturally with the foot
- Rubber toe bumper protects obstacles, whilst rubber outsole delivers traction and durability on rope climbs
- 3mm heel to toe drop and EVA midsole delivers superb comfort without compromising on ground feel
- ✅ Size note: The shoes come up a 4 on our fit scale (1 narrow - 5 wide)
ASICS Womens Gel Fuji Runnegade 2 Trail Running Rhoes (6.5, Azaela/Silver/Black)
- Plasma guard: Your shoes are protected from rain and mud without the loss of breathability and flexibility through plasma guard, an innovative coating technology patented by Euro plasma.
- Solyte Midsole Material: A lighter weight midsole compound than ASICS' standard EVA and speva. Also features enhanced cushioning and durability.
- Rear foot GEL Cushioning System: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
- Trail Specific Outsole: Reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain.
- Seamless Construction: The use of seamless materials reduces the potential for irritation and friction caused by traditional stitches and seams.
Inov-8 Roclite 290 Trail Running Shoes - Women's, Grey/Pink/White, 7.5 US, 000564-GYPKWH-M-01-6
- Surface: Trail. Differential: 4 mm. Standard fit last features a wider toe box that allows toes to splay naturally. Will fit wider than a traditional medium width shoe. Designed for running swiftly over a variety of terrains. Breathable, lightweight mesh and synthetic upper materials. AdapterWeb Met-Cradle adapts to the movements and swelling of the foot for an adaptive, more comfortable fit and feel. Lace-up closure. Protective rubber toe cap. Y-Lock heel support helps stabilize the heel.
- From wet mountain terrain, to muddy grass, hard-packed trails, and everything in between, the inov-8® Roclite 290 feels your need for speed and confident footing.
- Predecessor: None.
- Support Type: Neutral to underpronation (supination).
- Cushioning: Lightweight, flexible response.
From Fat to Finish Line
VJ MAXx Shoes - Trail Running Shoes Women and Mens - Made for Rocky and Technical Mountain Trails and Obstacle Course Races - Men's 9/Women's 10.5
- MADE FOR GOING LONG: The New VJ MAXx VJ MAXx is a well cushioned, light-weight trail shoe especially designed for the longer distances
- THE BEST GRIP ON THE PLANET: Outsole is VJ's famous 100% Butyl-rubber
- A LITTLE BREATHING ROOM: The upper is made of breathable sandwich mesh and reinforced with strong Kevlar fibers and built on a larger than medium last with just a little more space in the toe box
- PROTECTION: Strengthened rubber toe-cap and full length Rock Plate in the sole protects you from sharp rocks and sticks
- THE SPECS: 6mm drop - 8.8 oz (US M 8.5) - 4mm cleats in the outsole
Inov-8 Womens Roclite G 275 - Lightweight Trail Running OCR Shoes - Graphene Grip - for Obstacle, Spartan Races and Mud Running - Navy/Blue M7/ W8.5
- ➤ GRAPHENE OUTSOLE - Using graphene we have developed outsole rubbers that are scientifically proven to be 50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% harder wearing than our standard outsoles. Combined with versatile 6mm lugs to provide excellent grip over everything from soft mud to hard rock.
- ➤ UNDERFOOT PROTECTION - A flexible rock plate not only provides underfoot protection from rocks but also flexes with the foots natural gait to aid agility on the trails.
- ➤ ADDED COMFORT - A minimally constructed, yet super durable upper with protective overlays creates one of the most comfortable lightweight trail shoes around. Elastic mesh liners hug the foot and expand to accommodate feet that are swollen from hours on the trail for added comfort and support.
- ➤ FLEXIBLE DESIGN - The outsole technology in the forefoot ensures the foot has the flexibility and freedom to move naturally on the trails. Whilst the roomy toe box allows the toes to spread out naturally, providing additional stability, allowing you to run confidently as the trail surfaces and weather conditions change.
- ➤ SIZE NOTE - The shoes come up a 3 on our fit scale (1 narrow - 5 wide).
VJ XTRM OCR Shoes - Trail Running Shoes Women and Mens with a Full Length Rock Plate - Made for Rocky and Technical Mountain Trails and Obstacle Course Races - Mens 7.5 | Womens 9 Red
- Designed for Obstacle Course and Trail Running - Made for rocky and technical terrain of OCR, Trail, Sky, and Mountain Running. Co-designed by Jon Albon, World Champion Sky Runner and OCR athlete.
- XTRM is built with cushioning units in the front and heel for maximum comfort while the full length rock plate protects your feet from sharp rocks and sticks. A medium last guarantees a secure ride with a toe box that not too narrow and not too wide. New FitLock secures your foot into the shoe for precise control.
- Outsole made of Butyl rubber - for VJ's legendary grip. A strengthened rubber toe-cap protects your toes. Upper is made from a custom blend of Kevlar and polyester designed to be tough and durable.
- Specs: 4mm drop - 8.8 oz (US M 8.5) - 6mm cleats on the outsole.
- #TheBestGriponthePlanet
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes,Black/Carbon/Neon Lime,8 Medium US
- Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
- Removable Sockliner: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
- Removable Sockliner: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
- Trail Specific Outsole: Reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain.
- AHAR Outsole: Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Placed in critical areas of the outsole for exceptional durability.
SYTYCD S7: July 8 2020; Alex Wong Detached Achilles Tendon - Cannot Dance for 3 Months; In Bottom 3 Billy Bell & Ashley Galvan
So You Think You Can Dance, Season 7, July 8 2020; Elimination Results: In the bottom three were-- Alex Wong (due to his injury), Billy Bell, and Ashley Galvan. Alex was cut due to lacerated Achilles tendon.
Yet, if Alex ruptured his Achilles heel- which his MRI will confirm or rule out- he will be unable to dance for the remainder of the competition and will thus be cut tonight. Soccer star David Beckham had the same injury and has thus far been unable to play for three months. If the injury turns out to be minor and Alex is able to dance next week, the judges will likely keep him in the competition. He performed an unbelievable Hip-Hop last week. If Alex stays, then the judges will decide which of the two other dancers in danger will leave the stage for the last time as a competitor.
Live from Hollywood, dressed as angels, the Top 8, sans injured Alex Wong, began the show with a routine choreographed by Mia Michaels to Sting's 'When We Dance'- Ade Obayomi substituted for Alex. Just before the dancers learn their fates- whether they will stay or be cut- the judges' appraisals of their performances from last night are reviewed.
The first dancers to learn their SYTYCD fates were: Billy Bell and Lauren Froderman. Host Cat Deeley made the pronouncements. The first to learn he's in the bottom three, with Alex, was Billy Bell. Sexy Lauren Froderman is safe!
The next dancers to learn their fates, in this sequence, were: Kent Boyd, Jose Ruiz, and Robert Roldan. All three are safe! The first person Kent hugged was Lauren F., with him he shared an intimate kiss at the end of their performance last night.
The last dancers to learn their fates were: Ashley Galvan and AdéChiké Torbert. Ashley is in the bottom three, which makes AdéChiké safe. Mia said she didn't know why Ashley was there. She explained to AdéChiké that she had seemed harsh and insensitive last night in a criticism of one of his routines. She said she loved him and it was just tough love. She felt his light had dimmed this week, compared with the previous week. But she thinks he's great.
Next up: All-Stars Anya Garnis and Pasha Kovalev: Anya and Pasha are a wicked couple, so hot, so the best. They danced a hot ballroom number to 'Magic Carpet Ride (No Comprende Edit)' by Mighty Dub Katz. Then, the original Broadway cast of In the Heights performed '96,000'.
Dance Solos in the Dancer's Style: The first dancer in danger to dance for his life was Billy Bell. He danced Contemporary to the music 'To Build a Home' by The Cinematic Orchestra. The next to dance for her life was Ashley Galvan, who danced Lyrical to 'Lost (Acoustic)' by Anouk. Alex, of course, was unable to dance.
Judges Deliberation: Cat sent the judges- Nigel Lythgoe, Mia Michaels, Adam Shankman- backstage to deliberate about which dancer to send home. Meanwhile, Natasha Bedingfield did a dynamic performance of 'Touch' with eight of the twelve SYTYCD all-stars backing her with an energetic routine- Lauren G., Neil, Dominic, Ade, Courtney, Mark, Comfort, and Kathryn.
The 'Cut' Decision: The decision was made by default rather than deliberation. The results of Alex's MRI showed that Alex has a lacerated Achilles tendon, which will keep him from dancing for at least three months. So, he was cut, of course.
About Alex's Injury: Alex came on center stage using crutches. He allowed Nigel to share the MRI results of his injury, which came in late last night, which is that he has lacerated Achilles tendon- the tendon has detached from the heel bone. Alex will have an operation on Tuesday July 13 that will reattach the tendon to the bone. There's an 80% chance Alex will be dancing again after three-months rest. Nigel has invited Alex to compete on SYTYCD next year.
Tears rolled down Alex's eyes as his SYTYCD journey was reviewed on the large screens and as the judges praised him. Alex said he is very appreciative of all that he learned from being on the show. He will miss his dancer friends, who were also all in tears.
Next Wednesday, the Top 7 dancers will dance. On Thursday, another dancer will be cut. The guy-to-girl ratio is now 5:2.
Cut Dates; Cut Dancers:
7/08: Alex Wong, 23; Vancouver, Canada; Ballet. (Injured)
7/01: Melinda Sullivan, 22; Thousand Oaks, CA; Tap.
6/24: Cristina Santana, 24; San Diego, CA; Salsa.
6/17: Alexie Agdeppa, 23; Rowland Heights, CA; Jazz.
The Top 7 Dancers (plus age, hometown, amp; dance expertise):
AdéChiké Torbert, 23; Brooklyn, NY; Contemporary.
Ashley Galvan, 19; Visalia, CA; Lyrical.
Billy Bell, 20; West Palm Beach, FL; Contemporary.
Jose Ruiz, 21; Miami, FL; B-Boy.
Kent Boyd, 18; Botkins, OH; Contemporary Jazz.
Lauren Froderman, 18; Phoenix, AZ; Contemporary Jazz.
Robert Roldan, 19; Thousand Oaks, CA; Contemporary.
Related articles:
Injured Alex Wong Couldn't Dance; Lauren amp; Kent Best;
July 1; Melinda Sullivan Cut; Billy, Robert Also in Bottom 3;
June 24; Cristina is Cut: Melinda amp; Robert Also in Bottom 3;
Cristina amp; Pasha Hot; Jose amp; Kathryn Do Bollywood;
Partner W/ All-Stars June 16; Alex Wong Raises Standard;
Cristina Santana amp; Nathan Trasoras Are Hot Stuff;
