7 Best Running Shoes For Spartan Race (OCR) in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best Running Shoes For Spartan Race (OCR) in 2023
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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 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.

Best cushioning
Altra Lone Peak 6 Altra Lone Peak 6
$140 $83 From Amazon
Best for long distance
Saucony Peregrine 13 Saucony Peregrine 13
$140 $93 From Zappos
Best trail
Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 v2 Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 v2
$170 $121 From Amazon
Best with wide toebox
Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 Inov-8 Trailfly G 270
$160 $59 From Amazon
Best comfort
Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280 Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280
$185 $125 From Amazon
Best breathable
Salomon Sense Ride 5 Salomon Sense Ride 5
$140 $91 From Backcountry
Best with plush cushioning
Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX
$150 $106 From Amazon
See all 27 running shoes for spartan race (ocr)

    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.    

    Running shoes for spartan race (OCR) with best cushioning

    Merrell Nova 2 %2025
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Cut-2
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Cut-2
    Merrell Nova 2 %2022
    Merrell Nova 2 %20921
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Run
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Run
    Merrell Nova 2 %2099
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Cush
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Cush
    Merrell Nova 2 %2091
    Merrell Nova 2 %20917
    Merrell Nova 2 %2095
    Merrell Nova 2 %20924
    Merrell Nova 2 %20919
    Merrell Nova 2 %2092
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-360
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-360
    Merrell Nova 2 %20913
    Merrell Nova 2 %20912
    Merrell Nova 2 %20918
    Altra Lone Peak 6
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.

    Pros

    • Fits true to size
    • Excellent all-round grip
    • Highly durable
    • Great ground feel
    • Feels like it makes you run better
    • Great pull tab
    • Gaiter compatible
    • Brilliant lacing
    • Roomy toe box
    • Fully gusseted tongue

    Cons

    • Stain magnet
    • Not enough cushioning for some
    Full review of Altra Lone Peak 6

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Maroon (AL0A547L666)
    Blue (AL0A547L305)
    Orange (AL0A547L880)
    Brown (AL0A547L990)
    Blue / Grey (AL0A547L242)
    Dusty Olive (AL0A547L315)
    Black (AL0A547L020)
    Black (AL0A7R6K020)
    $83
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $112
    See deal  
    $113
    See deal  

    Best running shoes for spartan race (OCR) for long distance

    saucony peregrine 13 onfeet
    saucony-peregrine-13-cutting
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    saucony-peregrine-13-upper
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    saucony peregrine 13 midsole durometer
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    saucony peregrine 13 freezer
    saucony peregrine 13 midsole forefoot
    saucony-peregrine-13-stability
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    saucony peregrine 13 midsole heel
    saucony-peregrine-13-strike
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    saucony-peregrine-13-flex
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    saucony-peregrine-13-flex-hands
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    kailas-fuga-yao-flexibility
    kailas-fuga-yao-flexibility
    saucony peregrine 13 heel
    saucony peregrine 13 forefoot
    saucony-peregrine-13-running
    saucony peregrine 13 lugs
    saucony-peregrine-13-rocker
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    saucony peregrine 13 outsole running
    saucony peregrine 13 outsole durometer
    saucony peregrine 13 insole
    saucony peregrine 13 laces
    saucony peregrine 13 gusset
    saucony peregrine 13 tongue
    saucony peregrine 13 table
    Saucony Peregrine 13
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    As one of the longest-running trail series, it’s safe to say the Peregrine is among the first shoes runners think about when going offroad. 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 and protective midsole
    • 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

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Agave/Basalt (S2083825)
    Fog/Clay (S2083885)
    Vapor/Poppy (S2083816)
    Wood/Fossil (S2083815)
    Arroyo (S1083835)
    Finesse Black (S2083891)
    $93
    See deal  
    $130
    See deal  
    $138
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best trail spartan race (ocr) running shoes

    Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 v2
    88
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    To say that the Trailfly G270 v2 has it rough is an understatement—it has the unenviable job of being the successor of the gen-1 G270, a shoe many experts hailed as the best trail runner of 2020 (and remains one of their favorites to date). Impressively, v2 manages to keep the excellent ride and feel of the original while also addressing some of its minor flaws. It’s a pair that will be enjoyed by Inov-8 OGs and newcomers alike.

    Pros

    • Breathable
    • Upper material dries easily
    • Very roomy forefoot
    • Good trail feel
    • Superb traction on wet/dry trails, snow, light mud
    • Protective for long runs
    • Light and bouncy enough for speedwork

    Cons

    • Poor lockdown for narrow feet
    • Mud clumps up on the outsole
    Full review of Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 v2

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    $121
    See deal  
    $165
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  

    Best running shoes for spartan race (OCR) with wide toebox

    Inov-8 Trailfly G 270
    84
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    The Trailfly G270 (formerly called the Terraultra G270) is the fastest and most technical trail-ready among the Inov-8 ultra-running lineup. It’s a worthy successor to the G260—surpassing it in terms of cushioning, grip, and lockdown. It’s no wonder that this runner bagged plenty of ‘trail shoe of the year’ recognitions during its heyday.

    Pros

    • Fantastic grip on wet and dry surfaces
    • Protective even without a rock plate
    • Good trail feel
    • Smooth and comfortable even on roads
    • Breathable and quick-drying
    • Great for long distances
    • Snug lockdown
    • Accommodates wide feet

    Cons

    • Not very protective upper
    • Thin tongue is inconvenient initially
    • Expensive
    Full review of Inov-8 Trailfly G 270

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    $59
    See deal  
    $85
    See deal  
    $104
    See deal  
    $128
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Running shoes for spartan race (OCR) with best comfort

    Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280
    86
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    Remember Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Think of the Ultra G280 as the Inov-8 Trailfly Baby Bear—not too technical like the G270; not too rugged like the G300. This is one of those pairs you just reach for without thinking: stable and protective enough for grueling ultras, but also energetic and agile enough for bombing down slopes. In the words of Goldilocks, it’s “just right.”

    Pros

    • Comfortable and airy upper
    • Durable from the ground up
    • Lively midsole foam
    • Bouncy but stable ride
    • Nimble and conforms to the terrain
    • Grip is among the best of the best
    • Ample cushioning for long runs
    • Light enough for fast runs

    Cons

    • Forefoot doesn’t feel as protected
    • Tough to get a good lockdown
    • Lacks ground feel
    Full review of Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    $125
    See deal  
    $125
    See deal  
    $185
    See deal  
    No stock  

    Best spartan race (ocr) breathable running shoes

    salomon sense ride 5 running4
    salomon-sense-ride-5-cutting
    salomon-sense-ride-5-cutting
    salomon-sense-ride-5-smoke
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    salomon-sense-ride-5-microscope
    salomon sense ride 5 micro3
    salomon-sense-ride-5-light
    salomon-sense-ride-5-light
    salomon-sense-ride-5-upper
    salomon-sense-ride-5-upper
    salomon-sense-ride-5-heel
    salomon-sense-ride-5-running2
    salomon sense ride 5 insole
    salomon-sense-ride-5-midsole
    salomon-sense-ride-5-midsole
    salomon sense ride 5 durometer
    salomon sense ride 5 freezer
    salomon-sense-ride-5-running3
    salomon sense ride 5 outsole
    salomon sense ride 5 outsole height
    salomon sense ride 5 durometer heel
    salomon-sense-ride-5-stability
    salomon-sense-ride-5-stability
    salomon-sense-ride-5-running
    salomon-sense-ride-5-rocker
    salomon-sense-ride-5-rocker
    salomon-sense-ride-5-flex
    salomon-sense-ride-5-flex
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    salomon sense ride 5 stack front
    salomon sense ride 5 stack rear
    salomon sense ride 5 bigtoe
    salomon sense ride 5 toebox
    salomon sense ride 5 front
    salomon sense ride 5 heel2
    salomon sense ride 5 on feet
    salomon sense ride 5 gusset
    salomon sense ride 5 tongue
    salomon sense ride 5 pull tab
    salomon sense ride 5 pull tab heel
    salomon sense ride 5 table
    Salomon Sense Ride 5
    80
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    All beefed-up. That’s perhaps the simplest way to describe the 5th edition of the Sense Ride. With its soft cushioning, protective ride, secure lockdown, and improved traction, this Salomon favorite became an even better all-around, all-terrain trainer that especially excels on moderate trails. As one reviewer so masterfully put it, “this is one helluva update!” But, is it?

    Pros

    • Immaculate lockdown
    • Good responsiveness
    • Plenty of ground feel
    • Confident on moderate trails and steep downhills
    • Smooth and stable ride
    • Can hold its own for speedwork
    • Comfy and breathable upper
    • Best for daily miles, longer efforts, and even road runs!

    Cons

    • Forget about hard trails
    • Thin under forefoot
    • Runs a little bit narrow
    Full review of Salomon Sense Ride 5

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Rainy Day/Hot Sauce (L472124)
    Green (L472117)
    Black (L472143)
    Grey / Orange / Red (L470462)
    Grey (L471442)
    $91
    See deal  
    $130
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best running shoes for spartan race (OCR) with plush cushioning

    salomon-speedcross-5-gtx-intro-new
    salomon-speedcross-5-gtx-intro-new
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx
    salomon-speedcross-5-gtx-onfeet-new
    salomon-speedcross-5-gtx-onfeet-new
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx laces
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx heel
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx lateral
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx medial
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx forefoot
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx upper
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx lugs
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx outsole
    salomon speedcross 5 gtx waterproof
    Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX
    86
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    Mixed technical, wet, and boggy sections, and longer runs, are no match for the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX. This is the best shoe to take with you if you are headed into the unknown. While it is not perfect in some areas, it is ultra-reliable, and solid to get you through the unpredictable.

    Pros

    • True to size
    • Aggressive outsole
    • Waterproof
    • Quicklace system
    • High-quality build
    • Responsive ride
    • Highly durable

    Cons

    • Narrow fit
    • Break-in period needed
    • Stiff sole
    • Not very breathable
    Full review of Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Night Sky Barrier Reef Evening Prim (L414615)
    Black (L407953)
    Mallard Blue/Wrought Iron/Vibrant Orange (L416123)
    Biking Red (L416125)
    Monument Black Saffron (L414613)
    $106
    See deal  
    $130
    See deal  
    No stock  
    No stock  

    Comparison of the 7 best running shoes for spartan race (OCR)

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    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.

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