7 Best Running Shoes For Spartan Race (OCR), 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023

When the arena is all muddy and you have your game face on, you can't be wearing just any random pair. No, you need to be in the best Spartan Race (OCR) running shoes on the market.
We've searched high and low just to bring you the finest and the most grunge-ready race kicks known to man. Indeed, this stellar selection houses the best Spartan Race (OCR) running shoes — from the most tenacious to the most well-rounded.
How we test running shoes
We are proud to present our spotlight-worthiest Spartan Race (OCR) running shoes. We assembled our top picks through this foolproof approach:
- We don't rely on brands sending us free kicks. Instead, we buy running shoes using our own money.
- In our own lab, we put these runners through various tests to discover their fortes.
- We take them for a spin, running in every pair for miles to lock in its strengths and weaknesses.
- Reviews from hundreds of gear pundits and experienced runners are gathered and analyzed. We then include them in ours for comprehensiveness.
As a result, every tested and reviewed Spartan Race (OCR) running shoe receives a RunRepeat-exclusive, 0-100 score (a.k.a. CoreScore). We then handpick the cream of the crop based on their rankings.
Best running shoes for Spartan race (OCR) overall
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 2% in trail running shoes
- Top 2% in Salomon running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- A beast for difficult rugged trails
- Perfect for mud
- True to size
- Responsive
- Spot-on cushioning
- Fits like a glove
- Superior traction
- No break-in
- Foot protection
Cons
- Limited for specific use
- Thick tongue holds water
Verdict
If you're looking for an all-around trail shoe that can segue from road to trail easily this is not the shoe for you. On the other hand, if you want to add a heavy-hitting member to your trail arsenal to be used when conditions and terrain dictate, look no further. The aggressive tread alone will win you over.
Running shoes for Spartan race (OCR) with best grip
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 7% in trail running shoes
- Top 13% in Inov-8 running shoes
Pros
- Supportive
- Protective
- Sturdy
- Grippy lugs
- Aggressive outsole
- Underfoot cushioning
- Spot-on aesthetics
- Lightweight
Cons
- Upper causes discomfort
- Short tongue
Verdict
The Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 was welcomed by many off-road running enthusiasts and competitive athletes who enjoy obstacle course racing. The underfoot platform was said to be comfortable while the outsole was praised for being highly efficient. The design and construction of the façade were also given high regard. There were some issues with the upper, but people didn’t let that become a deterrent to the overall experience.
Running shoes for Spartan race (OCR) with best protection
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 4% in trail running shoes
- Top 7% in Saucony running shoes
Pros
- Multisurface traction
- Well-cushioned
- Protective
- Excellent fit
- Easy to put on
- Stylish
Cons
- Not for hard surfaces
- Overly long laces
Verdict
Made for extra grip on softer terrains (hence, the name ST), the Peregrine 11 ST from Saucony is a trustworthy choice, especially for runners taking on their ultra adventures. In essence, it is a trail shoe that can handle everyday training on virtually all kinds of trails and conditions, but where it shines is on muddy surfaces. It may not be the trail shoe for you if you're used to minimalist models. And if you plan on running on ice, you will most likely slip in this.
Best trail spartan race (ocr) running shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 5% in trail running shoes
- Top 6% in Salomon running shoes
Pros
- Perfect for technical terrain
- Extraordinary grip
- Comfy fit with toe space
- Lightweight
- Springy ride
Cons
- Not for long distances
- Difficult to adjust laces
Verdict
Best lightweight running shoes for spartan race (OCR)
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 18% in trail running shoes
- Top 30% in Inov-8 running shoes
Pros
- Flexible
- Excellent grips
- Lightweight
- Fast on multi-surface terrains
- Durable upper
- Doesn't retain water
Cons
- Uncomfortable toe material
- Restricted lacing system
Verdict
The X-Talon G 235 is considered one of the successful shoe releases from Inov-8. Proven and tested by expert reviewers and casual runners, the shoe has made them happy and satisfied. Overall, the new features utilized in crafting the shoe made avid fans believe that this version is a must-have running partner for every runner. Its materials and technologies are suitable for a wide variety of challenging terrains.
Best multi-terrain running shoes for spartan race (OCR)
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 3% in trail running shoes
- Top 7% in Inov-8 running shoes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to break-in
- Excellent tractions
- Breathable
- Durable
- Roomy toebox
- Well-cushioned
- Flexible
- Suitable for rocky terrains
Cons
- Laces need double-tied
- Insufficient security while running
- Flimsy laces
Verdict
Many liked the Inov-8 Roclite 275. They accepted the features and technologies integrated into the shoe. Moreover, the flexibility, cushioning, comfort level, and lightweight structure of this model were lauded by many users. Some purchasers complained of its thin and not durable laces but, overall, the Inov-8 Roclite 275 was admired by many because of its fantastic construction and excellent performance on a wide variety of terrains.
Best long-distance running shoes for spartan race (OCR)
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn morePros
- Roomy toe box
- Secured heel section
- Grasps foot securely
- Reliable tractions
- Water-repellant upper
- Durable
- Dependable
Cons
- Needs break-in period
Verdict
The highlight of the Inov-8 X-Talon 260 Ultra was apparently its roomy forefoot design because people never failed to praise it. Wide-footed consumers were happy with such a feature in a trail shoe. The rest of the parts were deemed efficient, as well. On the other hand, an observation was directed towards a required break-in period for this shoe.