5 Best Running Shoes For Spartan Race (OCR) in 2024

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
5 Best Running Shoes For Spartan Race (OCR) in 2024
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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 tested multiple Spartan Race running shoes to have an all-inclusive knowledge of each model. We organized everything we found in an in-depth review so you could learn about them without leaving your seats. 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 also split them in half to display all of their elements for us to assess.
  • We take them for a spin, running in every pair for miles to lock in their strengths and weaknesses. We test them out like crazy. And then we report and summarize all the significant things we find while wear testing each of them.

Best zero-drop running shoes for Spartan Race (OCR)

What makes it the best?

The ultra-grippy Altra Lone Peak 7 has a grounded and flexible profile that kept us agile, supporting any movement we made—from climbing obstacles to crawling in the mud. It keeps the ride all-natural, delivering the best zero-drop experience for Spartan races.

Its low-to-the-ground cushion heightens surface sensitivity and enhances stability, preventing the ankles from rolling in. Our caliper reveals its heel drop is barely there at 0.2 mm vs. the 8.1 mm average. This feature keeps the athlete in control.

From burpees to lifting weights, we could move freely in this pair as it flowed with our foot contortions. The lab result made sense when this shoe measured 16.4% more bendable than average in our flex test. This means it easily adapts to different movements—exactly what a Spartan needs.

We felt the outsole’s reliable traction on any pavement. We ran fearlessly around the muddy arena and climbed walls like a gecko. In the lab, we measured its sticky lugs to be 3.4 mm deep, explaining its “bite” even on slippery pavements. Keeping our foot in place is the steady lockdown provided by its semi-gusseted tongue.

At 3/5, this pair scored below average (3.3) on our breathability test. For athletes who prioritize well-ventilated shoes, we recommend checking other options.

Pros

  • Very wide toebox
  • Protective midsole
  • Superb lockdown
  • Super grippy outsole
  • Excellent for fast runs in the mountains
  • Added heel cup provides stability
  • Super comfy
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Colorways might be a downer
  • A bit pricey
Full review of Altra Lone Peak 7

Running shoes for Spartan Race (OCR) with the best grip

What makes it the best?

We ran fearlessly with Speedcross 6 and discovered it offers the best grip for Spartan obstacle course races. This solid and sturdy trail shoe crosses muddy paths and steep slopes with ease, offering secure lockdown and protection underfoot for a comfy and worry-free Spartan experience.

This rugged pair performs best in soft and wet terrains. With 5-mm lugs sticking out, Speedcross 6 is extra grippy. The aggressive pattern supported our wall climbs and mud crawls. The design cleverly sheds off mud too, so we didn’t have to bring the dirt home!

The tongue and mesh upper offer a lot of padding for a more comfortable experience. The Quicklace system effectively secures lockdown, which is why we had no issues of lacebite and debris sneaking inside the shoes. 

Underfoot, our heel sits comfortably on a generous amount of cushioning, whereas the forefoot remains low for better ground feel and control. This leads to an inclined platform with a 10-mm drop. 

Since Speedcross remains a high-stacked shoe, it may be unstable for runners who tend to overpronate more.

Pros

  • Superior traction on wet, technical trails
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Impressive durability
  • Quick mud shedding ability
  • Lightest Speedcross yet
  • Secure lockdown with QuickLace system
  • Enhanced ground feel in the forefoot
  • Agile and responsive in fast corners

Cons

  • Midsole feels like concrete
  • Extremely poor breathability
  • Not suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers
Full review of Salomon Speedcross 6

Best running shoes for Spartan Race (OCR) overall

What makes it the best?

As one of the longest-running trail series, the Peregrine is among the first shoes we think about when going offroad. In our opinion, it can handle nearly anything you throw at it thanks to its tried-and-true comfort, agility, and traction. But what truly puts the v13 above its predecessors is its thicker slab of midsole foam—making it even more capable for easy days, long slow miles, and the occasional race through punishing terrains.

Pros

  • Cushioned midsole
  • Protective rock plate
  • Better for longer efforts than the v12
  • A good trail racing option
  • Great traction whether on ice, snow, gravel, and dirt
  • Mud just falls off the outsole
  • Comfy and airy upper
  • Performance-oriented fit
  • No heel slippage
  • Smooth and natural-feeling ride

Cons

  • Debris tends to get in
  • Not as fast as other speedwork trail shoes
  • Too-firm midsole
Full review of Saucony Peregrine 13

Best lightweight running shoes for Spartan Race (OCR)

What makes it the best?

The Saucony Endorphin Rift is a one-of-a-kind trail running shoe. In our lab tests, we were amazed by its combination of an energetic midsole and a breathable upper, making summer long runs feel like a breeze, all in an incredibly lightweight 9-oz package. In our experience, although it may be a bit pricey, this shoe is versatile enough to handle both short and ultra distances, wide gravel roads, and narrow singletrack trails, whether in mud or dry conditions. And its Speedroll-assisted ride makes it an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a dynamic, rockered running experience.

Pros

  • Fantastic PWRRUN PB midsole technology
  • Ideal for summer runs due to its breathable upper
  • Capable of handling muddy terrain with ease
  • Upper and outsole showcase incredible durability
  • Sufficiently cushioned for ultra-marathons
  • Exceptional cushion-to-weight ratio
  • Sock-like upper provides a fantastic fit
  • Excellent heel lockdown
  • Handles faster paces effortlessly

Cons

  • Tongue design needs enhancement for ultras
  • Lugs could be slightly shorter
  • Price point is probably too high for some budgets
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Rift

Best running shoes for long-distance Spartan Race (OCR)

What makes it the best?

The Xodus Ultra 2 caught our attention in the lab as a versatile trail runner, perfect for those seeking a reliable all-rounder. On our runs, we were impressed by its responsive PWRRUN PB midsole and the robust grip of the PWRTRAC outsole, which, combined with a breathable upper, makes it a jack-of-all-trails. It's ready for anything, even the occasional hike, thanks to its flexibility. While we think Saucony could lighten the weight and soften the foam for future versions, we see this as a solid step up from its predecessor, signaling a bright path ahead for the Xodus series.

Pros

  • Snug, secure fit
  • Highly breathable
  • Enhanced lacing from v1
  • Responsive midsole
  • Upgraded durability
  • Solid, stable feel
  • Long-run-ready cushioning

Cons

  • Bootie upper might feel odd to some
  • Slightly heavy for its size
  • Firm cushioning
Full review of Saucony Xodus Ultra 2
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto
Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.