4 Best Running Shoes For Spartan Race (OCR) in 2025

We ran fearlessly with Speedcross 6 and discovered it’s the best running shoe for Spartan obstacle course races. This solid and sturdy trail shoe crosses muddy paths and steep slopes with ease, offering secure lockdown, reliable traction, 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 with lace bite and debris sneaking inside the shoes.

Underfoot, our heel sits comfortably on a generous amount of cushioning (36.5 mm), whereas the forefoot remains low for better ground feel and control. This leads to an inclined platform with a 14.1 mm drop.

Because of its steep drop, it suits heel strikers best. We recommend midfoot and forefoot strikers to find a lower drop shoe for an enhanced running experience.

The Altra Lone Peak 9 gave us peak agility as it delivers the best zero-drop experience for Spartan races. It has a grounded and stable sensation that allows intuitive manoeuvring, supporting any exercise we perform—from climbing obstacles to dropping on the floor for burpees. It keeps the ride all-natural and ensures generous room for toe-splaying.

Its low and firm cushion boosts surface sensitivity, ensuring secure and stable strides. Our lab reveals a true zero heel drop compared to the 7.5 mm average, and a balanced 23.6 HA foam measurement, enhancing control during multi-directional movements since the foam won't compress unevenly.

From lunges to lifting weights, we could move freely in this pair as its wide toebox gave us breathing room to adapt easily. It features a square-shaped silhouette, confirmed by our gel mould when the big toe area emerged at a massive 85.3 mm.

We felt the LP9+ version’s reliable traction, whether on dry or wet ground. We ran fearlessly around the arena and climbed walls like a gecko. In the lab, we measured its sticky lugs to be 3.8 mm deep and positioned strategically to enhance traction.

However, we warn caution that this version is stiffer than the previous versions, losing its barefoot feel. Those who value flexible midsoles should keep exploring.

Hoka Tecton X 3 helped us earn the Spartan title with security and ease. It allows us to move effortlessly with its turbo-charged midsole, climb properly with its grippy outsole, and stay comfortable with its world-class impact protection. Both our lab results and feet can confirm that it offers the best shock absorption among Spartan shoes.

Every stride in our runs and every jump we perform on each obstacle didn’t feel harsh on the legs because the midsole offers exceptional muscle protection. We measured the stack at a massive 37.8/30.9 mm, ensuring all types of runners and foot strikers won’t run out of cushioning. In our shock absorption test, we verified the foam’s strain-reducing capacity with solid scores of 139 SA (heel) and 120 SA (forefoot).

Pushing the pace feels easy because the midsole offers strong and instant rebound. We validated Tecton X 3’s springiness with very high energy return scores of 69.9% (heel) and 70.2% (forefoot).

Its Vibram outsole feels steady with 4.0 mm deep lugs that stick well to the walls we climb and on the dirt trails we run on. It’s well-suited for race environments with its confidence-inspiring control.

However, Tecton X 3 lacks the flexibility for performing workouts like lunges and burpees with ease. Those seeking maximum agility should find another shoe.

On our wear tests, Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 boasted a high level of flexibility, comfort, and stability, making it the best long-distance shoe for Spartan courses. In the lab, we found that it has discreet supportive features, providing us with precise control over our movements.

Whether we run, climb, or squat, we move easily thanks to XU3’s loose build. Completing various exercises felt like a breeze, as validated by our flex test when it emerged 12.5% more bendable than average. Adding to its effortless feel is the well-ventilated upper, scoring a high 4/5 in our breathability test.

XU3 features the PWRRUN PB, known for its responsiveness, which is hard to ignore in our runs. We found a dual-foam setup, a plush 15.9 HA for comfort and energy return, and a balanced 24.0 HA layer closer to the ground for support. The 116.4/91.1 mm midsole also stands wider than average to stabilise our landings. We couldn’t deny XU3’s impressive support, especially as we speed up.

Underfoot is the PWRTRAC outsole and 4.3 mm lugs, which keep us steady whether we climb walls or run through mud. Every shift in movement and direction felt controlled as we tackled various obstacles.

However, its heavy 10.7 oz (302g) build made us feel less agile than other shoes. Those who prefer a speed-oriented shoe should check alternatives.