Overview
- Why it’s a bad idea to attack Tough Mudder with normal running shoes
- What you should consider before buying your Tough Mudder shoes
- The Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0 – the favourite shoe of many professional obstacle runners
- The Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 – the perfect solution for all-rounders!
- The agony of choice – which is the best shoe in my specific case?
1. Why it’s a bad idea to attack Tough Mudder with normal running shoes
Good shoes are essential to master obstacle races such as Tough Mudder.
You already have good running shoes?
Forget them!
You need special shoes for Tough Mudder, because otherwise it may happen that you can throw your good running shoes away after the run.
If you can’t imagine why, just remember that Tough Mudder means…
- …jumping repeatedly into water
- …dealing with a changing and rough terrain
- …sometimes being stuck in mud thigh-deep
That’s not what “normal” running shoes are made for!
It’s like wearing flip-flops to go ice skating 😉
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2. What you should consider before buying your Tough Mudder shoes
In what follows, we tell you the seven most important features for your Tough Mudder shoes, and how to choose the right shoe size.
7 Tips for your perfect Tough Mudder shoes
- Tough Mudder shoes should be as light as possible. After 12 miles, you’ll feel every ounce of weight you’re carrying.
- They should provide you a good grip on wet and muddy terrain.
- The shoes should be water resistant and fast drying.
- The running shoes should not only be comfortable, but also fit firmly. We’re not joking – some Mudders lose their shoes when they’re stuck in the mud!
- Tough Mudder shoes should support you perfectly at climbing obstacles.
- They should be sturdy and easy to clean, so you can use them for many Tough Mudders and other obstacles races.
- Looks don’t matter much. But of course, it wouldn’t hurt if your Tough Mudder shoes would be eye-catchers in addition to providing great functionality.
How to choose the right shoe size
Although Tough Mudder and other obstacle races become more and more popular, we’re still talking about a niche!
So it’s still hard to find suitable shoes for obstacle races in common sport stores.
Therefore, there is almost no way around buying your shoes online!
In that case, it’s even more important to get a guidance for the right shoe size.
In general, it’s advisable to order running shoes one size larger than your street shoes.
What’s the reason?
During running, your feet swell up and you need some additional space!
We did just the same and it worked very well with both pairs of shoes which we’ll introduce to you below.
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3. The Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0 – the favourite shoe of many professional obstacle runners
Please note
Unfortunately, the Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0 is rarely available at amazon UK. Because of this, we link to zalando in our text.
But don’t worry, it’s as smooth and comfortable as ordering at amazon! Nonetheless you can give amazon a try* if you like.
Reebok launched the All Terrain Super 2.0* a few weeks ago.
Because all three of us made great experiences with the 1.0-version, Basti and Michael bought the new 2.0-version shortly before the end of the 2015 Tough Mudder season to be up to date for Mudder Guide.
Basti tested it for a single round (12 miles) and Michael for two rounds in a row (24 miles).
Reebok is the main sponsor of the Spartan Race. That’s the reason why they want to be the market leader in shoes for obstacle races at any cost.
Based on these ambitions, it’s no surprise that they work together with some of the best obstacle runners of the world.
The result speaks for itself!
The shoe is so light, you hardly know you’re wearing it, and thanks to the H2O-Drain-System, water is running out quickly.
Additionally, the shoe is made of dirt-repellent material, which makes cleaning easier and keeps the shoe light, even after running on muddy ground for miles.
For a trail shoe, that’s a big plus!
The Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0* is super comfy and fits tightly.
On firm ground and on mud, it provides secure grip; at climbing obstacles, it will provide reliable support.
The only little weakness is the reduced grip on slippery surfaces!
On Everest 2.0, we were slipping and sliding quite a bit when it rained.
Nonetheless, that’s complaining on a high level!
Luckily, the shoe isn’t just functional. With its bright colours, it’s also quite trendy.
Both the men and the women version are available in multiple colours, so there’s something for everyone.
For all that reasons, the Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0 is the perfect shoe for Tough Mudder and similar obstacle runs!
After washing them, they look as good as new, which means that you can use them for a long time and that you’ve spent your money well!
To give you a feeling for the durability of those shoes, we show you a picture of Michael’s old ones after six Tough Mudder events.
We’re pretty sure they would bear 10-20 more Tough Mudder easily.
Unfortunately, availability is an issue with this shoe!
In some countries you can order the Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0 at amazon, but it is rarely available* in the UK!
So you have to order the shoe at zalando. But don’t worry, it’s as smooth and comfortable as ordering at amazon!
Here you can find the links:
| zalando | amazon |
|---|---|
| Women* | Women* |
| Men* | Men* |
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4. The Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 – the perfect solution for all-rounders!
Alternatively, you can get the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265*.
This shoe was also specifically designed for obstacle courses, and does a fantastic job!
Michael has not only tested them during his training, but also put them to an ultimate stress test – two Tough Mudder rounds in a row!
The Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 passed the stress test successfully, because it provided a great support during all the 24 miles.
What more can a Mudder want?
Compared to the Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0*, the Mudclaw 265* is a bit heavier (our kitchen balance says 1,69oz per shoe), but on the other hand it has a better grip sole.
Because of the better cushioning, it has an advantage on tarmac. In addition to that, it can handle slippery surfaces very well.
Both make the Mudclaw a little better suited for everyday use.
If you’re looking for an all-rounder, this is definitely a plus!
Unfortunately, the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 has no H2O-Drain-System. For this reason, it has a little more trouble dealing with water than the Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0, and it also tends to collect a bit more dirt during Tough Mudder.
However, the difference isn’t that much. Compared to other trail shoes, they’re still ahead!
In terms of colours, you can choose between the blue unisex model and the red previous model – unfortunately, Inov-8 doesn’t offer such a wide range of colours as Reebok.
You can order the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 for your next Tough Mudder at Amazon:
Current models*
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5. The agony of choice – which is the best shoe in my specific case?
To make it clear – when we’re talking about which of these two models is best for you, we’re splitting hairs!
Both pairs passed the stress test easily and beat other running shoes for Tough Mudder by far!
There is almost no difference in price, and it’s absolutely legitimate to base your decision on style preferences!
If you don’t care too much about design, and only want to look at the features, you can follow these recommendations:
- If you’re only looking for a shoe which is perfect for Tough Mudder and similar obstacle races, you should prefer the Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0*.
- If you also want to use the shoes for running on tarmac every once in a while , you should favour the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265*.
In both cases one shoe beats the other one with 100 to 95 – so don’t drive yourself mad 😉
If we had to nominate the ultimate Tough Mudder shoe, we would choose the Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0. But that really depends on your personal preferences!
Whatever your decision is – you shouldn’t wait too long!
If you try to order one week before Tough Mudder (like probably many other Mudders) and your size is sold out or the size you ordered doesn’t fit, you’ll be in serious trouble!
Additionally, we highly recommend to break in your shoes to get a good feeling for them and avoid blisters on the big day.
Once again, here are all the links you need:
Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0
| zalando | amazon |
|---|---|
| Women* | Women* |
| Men* | Men* |
Inov-8 Mudclaw 265
Current models*
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