There are many types of shoes for mud, but the best shoes for mud are those that provide the best traction. The best shoes for mud will also be waterproof and have a good amount of support.
Trail running shoes are specifically designed to work well on rough terrain and in muddy conditions. They typically feature a more aggressive tread than most other types of athletic shoes, which gives them better traction in slippery conditions.
Trail running shoes often have rugged outsoles that have lugs or spikes that dig into soft ground like mud and sand. This extra traction helps keep you from slipping as you run through these conditions. They also typically feature an EVA midsole that provides some rigidity while still being flexible enough to provide good cushioning underfoot.
Waterproof trail running shoes are made with Gore-Tex or similar fabrics that keep your feet dry even if you’re running through puddles or streams along your route. You can find waterproof versions of most types of trail running shoes including trail sneakers, trail hiking boots and light hikers.
If you’re looking for a shoe just for walking around in wet conditions, there are several options available too! Waterproof hiking boots and rain boots both offer reliable protection from
Best Shoes For Mud
Chances are you got stuck in the mud or you’re trying to avoid that. This guide highlights the features that differentiate mud running shoes from all the other shoes. This way we let Bon Jovi be all slippery when wet and keep you grippy when wet.
The best advice is to look for shoes with deep, sticky and rubbery lugs. We have gathered them all in our lab (over 20 models) to perform all possible wear tests. Now you’ve got your top picks in five different categories depending on what you need the most on the trail.
How we test running shoes
How do we know which trail shoes will keep you surefooted when it gets muddy? Through an extensive review process and our RunRepeat shoe lab:
First of all, every tested shoe is purchased with our own funds. We receive no free shoes from brands.
Our dedicated runners take each pair to a rough test on wet trails for at least 30-50 miles.
Over 30+ parameters, including lug depth, are measured at our lab. This is where we translate “traction,” “durability,” and “flexibility” into comparable data.
In addition, 230,000+ expert and user reviews for 50+ trail shoes for mud have been included in our final score.
A CoreScore from 0 to 100 is given to each mud running shoe. This is where we nitpick the best ones.
Best mud running shoes overall
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
Wow! The Salomon Speedcross 5 is everything we needed to run with confidence even on the slickest mud. If there’s one thing it’s king of, undoubtedly, it’s the EXTREMELY grippy traction it possesses.
This shoe does a darn great job at conquering the most challenging conditions like snow, crusty ice, and of course, mud. It sweeps through everything with ease. And whether it’s steep downhills or uphills, it’s a no-sweat effort for this trail monster!
And its fit makes everything 10x better. It wraps around the feet like a glove, giving us all the support we crave, especially on uneven terrain.
Protection? This is easily the best of the best on the market! From the bottom up, you don’t have to worry about sharp rocks poking your feet because this shoe is a literal tank that will mute out everything underneath.
And if you’re thinking this makes this shoe stiff and uncomfortable, well, it’s got a few surprises. There’s really NO need to break it in. You can run in it straight from the box without any issues.
We put our shoes through the wringer, and the Salomon Speedcross 5 is no different. We beat it up real good. And 70 miles in, it’s proven itself the superlative of sturdy. The outsole is practically unbreakable!
If you’re looking for a trail shoe that’s going to eat up everything you throw at it, nothing does it better than the Salomon Speedcross 5.
Best waterproof mud running shoes
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
Verdict
Salomon Speedcross 5 is THE king of all mud running shoes in our arsenal, and it’s even made better in its GTX version!
And these are not just throwaway words. On creek crossings, this shoe has done a beautiful job in keeping our feet dry all throughout. And having tested waterproof shoes in the past, we can attest that this is a solid A1.
Of course, grip is just as fantastic! On mud, technical single track, loose scree, and off-trails, it swallows everything. It bites into the ground, and it does so flawlessly.
If you want to run with confidence on the roughest, gnarliest terrain, this shoe is more than capable of fitting the bill. The traction is already a star, but when the supportive midsole comes to play, this shoe beats everything else!
And nope, if you’re thinking it’s a dull and brickish ride, it’s anything but that. Surprisingly for a trail shoe, it’s got some pop for a fun and lively sensation.
Even better, it’s as tough as it can get. After 100 miles of rough wear testing, it has withstood the challenges of the trails with flying colors! It’s unscathed.
For all the goods it lays on the table, it’s NOT heavy on foot. One paper, it’s one hell of a hefty shoe at 12 oz. But on the run, it’s rather nimble and does not drag the feet down.
Mud running shoes with best grip
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 is the shoe that lives up to its name, and it does so exceptionally well! When it comes to traction, nothing comes close to this shoe. And that’s a statement we stand by with confidence.
This shoe’s grip is by far THE stickiest that we’ve encountered. On muddy surfaces, it’s proven itself a champ. And although mud got stuck in the outsole, NOT once did we feel like our steps were compromised.
Even better, the outsole’s strength is far out! It’s graphene, meaning it’s 50% stronger than other compounds on the market, and we couldn’t disagree.
After hammering this shoe in the rough terrains, it came out unbruised. Simply, it’s a trail tank that’s ready to swallow just about anything.
Confidence-inspiring is the name of the game. Not only through its grip, but also through its fit. It’s a solid ace! In this shoe, we had ZERO issues with slips and wobbling. If anything, our feet were locked securely in place.
The upper takes everything to a whole new level with its flexibility. It may be built tough, but it has some give to mold into the feet, especially when they start to swell.
What’s more? It’s a featherlight shoe. It may pack a lot of protection, grip, and durability, but it sure doesn’t load it all up on the feet!
Best mud running shoes for ultra
Pros
Grips on varied surfaces
Roomy toebox
Doesn’t require a break-in
Waterproof
Shields the foot
Stable ride
Snug heel
Cons
Heavy
Verdict
If we had to pick one shoe that’s first-class when it comes to protection, the shoe that comes to mind (and rightfully so) is the La Sportiva Lycan GTX.
We always like to put our shoes through the wringer, and this one is no exception. And after logging tens of miles in this shoe, all we can say is, our feet have never been this well-shielded. All the jagged rocks and roots underfoot are muted.
And after long sessions on the trails, our feet and legs felt just as fresh from mile 1 down to the last.
Even better, comfort cements its name in the ultra running scene. It’s MIGHTY cushy and stable, there’s really no need to break it in.
And its traction is the epitome of excellence. On muddy, rocky, and snowy terrains, this shoe bit its way through with utmost ease!
On steep ascents and descents, we were surefooted as ever. Apart from grip, its fit has been terrific. The heel and midfoot were locked-in AF!
To really seal the deal, the La Sportiva Lycan GTX is a waterproof shoe. So, whether you’re running in sunny or rainy conditions, there’s really no need to fret.
Best lightweight mud running shoes
Pros
Grippy outsole
Lightweight
Drained water well
Responsive cushioning
Durable
Cons
Lacks protective plate
Crackling sound
A bit narrow
Verdict
At 7.2 oz, we never thought trail shoes could be this light, until the Hoka One One Evo Jawz happened.
Hoka shoes tend to be very cushioned, but this is the opposite of that (but all in good ways). Trimming down the foam also meant that this shoe goes on a diet, which is a big plus for us.
It skimps on weight, and ONLY on weight. The rest of the shoe’s features are just as mud-ready as any other trail shoes in this list.
Its grip is to die for! On mud, it excels, and does just as great on steep uphills and downhills, slippery roads, and wet trail sections.
And if you want to blaze through the trails, nothing can do it better than the Evo Jawz. Apart from its ultralight weight, it also enables faster turnover. You can beat the competition with no sweat.
The upper takes everything to a whole new level. Not only is it comfortable, it’s also VERY supportive and durable. It wraps around the contours of the foot nice and tight, excess movements aren’t at all in this shoe’s vocabulary. And after putting it through harsh wear testing, the upper has proven itself sturdy.
Overall, if you want a shoe that’s performance-ready without being bulky on foot, take the Hoka One One Evo Jawz. And if you want to catch some attention, it’s a stunner in the style arena.
Best value mud running shoes
Pros
Outstanding grip
Perfect foot lockdown
Great for mud, ice, rocks
Durable as a tank
Cons
For narrow feet only
Not breathable
Heavy
Verdict
The Supercross 3 from Salomon is a trail running shoe that delivers ultimate traction on soft, muddy terrains. With its design, it’s the perfect go-to for short to mid-distance runs and slow to moderate-tempo days outdoors. On top of this, the Salomon Supercross 3 is a light and peppy shoe that allows you to conserve energy for the miles ahead.
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
Verdict
Every single component of the Supertrac RC 2 is durable and made to last. Since I do not intend to use it as a daily trainer, I envision this shoe lasting years, and not merely a few months. I am really looking forward to using the Supertrac RC 2 in the late fall and winter when the trails here in the Pacific Northwest will turn to mud. Overall, I am very impressed with the quality of the materials used by Scott.
These are the features you want in a mud shoe. Maybe not all of them (amplified to the max), but the more the merrier.
You might have gone through your trail-running life so far without knowing the difference between traction and grip, but that ends here. In mud shoes, you need both.
1. Sticky outsole (grip)
To look for grip in running shoes means to look for the outsole that will cling onto the running surface. Grip essentially depends on the material. Stickier rubber has a better grip but, since it’s softer, it suffers more abuse in traction.
A perfect example of this is using trail running shoes with soft rubber lugs on harsh technical trails – you will see signs of wear immediately after your run. Or, this is why you change from winter car tires to summer car tires. To make your winter tires last longer.
Brands tend to have their own technologies, but mainly it’s all sticky rubber:
Salomon calls it Contagrip® TA,
Asics has AsicsGrip™ which is a sticky and flexible rubber,
Inov-8 comes with Endurance Rubber Compound or Sticky Rubber with high adherence to the ground,
Saucony uses PWRTRAC which is a durable and abrasion-resistant outsole material, etc.
2. Multi-directional deep lugs (traction)
To look for traction in running shoes means to look for the outsole that resists sliding. Or mudslides. In mud shoes, this is accomplished by multi-directional lugs (cleats on the outsole).
They are usually 6-8 mm deep. This opposite-facing design means the shoes allow for both uphill and downhill sections. That’s why they can be odd-shaped like pentagons, triangles, diamonds, chevron-shaped stripes, etc.
regular trail shoe lugs (top) vs. mud-ready shoe lugs (bottom)
Why do they need to be multi-directional? Because running through mud means unpredictable terrain and varying inclination. That’s why one-directional lugs wouldn’t be of help here – they are good for downhills only, or forward motion only. Running in mud asks for multi-directional traction.
3. Snug fit
Mud is sticky. You don’t want your shoes stuck in mud or your feet sliding in the shoes. The better (snugger) the fit, the better control you’ll have.
This isn’t only about the tightness of the shoe. Sock-liner material matters a lot. It should not be slick, so make sure to try the shoes out with your running socks. You need friction happening there, not slippery slopes.
4. Quick-drying shoes
Look for a mesh upper. It dries rapidly.
Where there’s mud, there’s water. Your feet will get wet and, in order to keep running and not get weighed down by your shoes, they need to dry out quickly. And, if you know you’ll be running through puddles (or even larger bodies of water), you should look for a really breathable upper and maybe even drainage holes.
The diamond-shaped drainage ports help to push the water out of the shoe.
If you dive into shoe specs, you’ll probably find these materials as “nylon mesh”, “mesh fabric”, “no-sew mesh”, “anti-debris mesh”, “3D mesh”, “air mash”, etc. The overall idea for this material is to be breathable, keep the foot as dry as possible, prevent trail debris from entering the foot chamber, accommodate for natural swelling, resist wear and tear.
Robust material that still allows for some ventilation.
Drainage holes work wonders when washing the shoe too, stick a hose in it and watch the water flow through them.
5. Light weight
The average weight of mud running shoes is 10.6oz or 300.25g. The lightest one weighs 7.2oz or 204g.
Weight matters because, along the run, your shoes will get heavier. It doesn’t matter whether they are water-resistant or draining really well. The heavier the shoes, the more difficult the run. If there’s any way to shake off a few grams, do it.
6. Anti-debris design
This depends on your run – is it mud only or is there a possibility of anything else getting into your shoes? If you want no tiny rocks, pieces of branches, ground pieces, etc. in your shoes – look for shoes designed to keep the intruders on the outside.
Examples of anti-debris design elements in mud and trail running shoes
Sock-liner: Shallow or deep. Prevents the debris from entering the shoe around your ankle.
Gaiter attachments on the shoes and gaiters themselves: These are protective covers that can be attached to your shoes. In winter conditions, they are great for keeping the snow on the outer side of the shoe.
Make sure to pay attention to the design – it should not allow for mud to clog your gaiter attachments and weigh you down. Shoes should have attachments for gaiters. If not and the gaiters go underneath the middle of your shoe, the shoe outsole must not be flat. It should be arch-shaped so the gaiter attachment can fit under the arch. Otherwise, it will clog mud.
Unexposed laces: Accomplished with lace garages or lace covers. Let’s face it: it’s easier to wash the cover than the laces. Plus, the debris and mud have fewer chances of entering the shoe around the laces. And the laces won’t flap around and annoy you.
Bonus things to think about (if you’re feeling nerdy about your mud runs)
In case you’re up for running not just through mud, but rocks (technical sections) and mud, a rock plate will save your feet. It will prevent them from feeling all beaten up. It offers additional protection from roots and rocks.
Do you wear socks on your mud runs? Reviews are filled with remarks saying “but you need to wear socks with these shoes”. This is up to you. But if you don’t want to wear socks, make sure that the shoe is perfectly comfortable and that it creates no hot spots.
You can find waterproof mud shoes. While they have a membrane that keeps the water outside of your shoes (up to a point), this doesn’t mean water won’t cascade down your leg and find its way inside your shoe surreptitiously. They are less breathable than non-waterproof mud shoes and water won’t get out of them easily. Read more about the pros and cons of watery features in mud shoes at the end of this guide.
Want to wash your shoes in a washing machine? Some mud shoes were made with that in mind. Brands usually promote this, so you won’t miss it.
The trouble of lacing up! So far we’ve seen Salomon mud shoes and Saucony mud shoes equipped with laces that don’t need to be tied in a knot but tightened only using their special designs. Rather than obvious pros – quicker lacing up time and no possibility of loose laces, these are also easier to clean.
When you’re done with the mud run, try resisting taking the shoes off before loosening up the laces. This will, in time, destroy your heel collar and heel counter and cause heel slipping. Then, you’ll have to get new shoes sooner than planned.
Mud running shoes vs. other running shoes
Sure, there are trail running shoes that might work, but if they try to cater for a bit of everything, they fail at being mud proficient. Worst case scenario: you use road running shoes.
Mud run shoes vs. other running shoes
What might happen if you stick to your regular trail or, god forbid, road running shoes?
Why did this happen?
Losing a shoe (in mud).
The shoe was too loose-fitting.
Constantly slipping and/or falling.
Traction and grip failing you.
Shoes become too heavy and might even cause muscle aches due to weight you aren’t accustomed to.
Drainage and drying out issues. Mud-shedding issues.
Being too cold and soaking wet.
Drainage and drying out issues.
Destroying your shoes.
They weren’t durable enough.
Feeling every little bump and hurting your feet.
The shoe is too soft and doesn’t offer enough protection.
Having to stop every now and then to empty your shoes.
No anti-debris protection.
How to clean mud off running shoes
Here are a few tips on what to do after a mud run. These 3 rules always apply:
Do not put your shoes in the washing machine unless you know they can take it (based on the brand’s specifications).
Also, air-drying is your friend. Don’t put your shoes next to a radiator, in the dryer, or in direct sunlight.
Baking soda will keep weird smells away from your shoes. You can sprinkle small amounts of it inside your shoes, but don’t overdo it if your shoes have fancy membranes (like Goretex) – these are too fine and need to keep breathing.
Option A: your shoes are still fresh from the run (you just finished your mud run or an obstacle course race).
The more mud you have in and on your shoes, the less time you want to spend not cleaning them. Take out the insole, stick the hose into your shoes and let the water flow.
Then clean the outside of the shoe and your insoles as well. The same applies to your sink in case you don’t have a hose, but make sure not to clog your pipes. If needed, use a soft brush.
If there’s a lot of mud, you might need to wash the laces separately.
Usually, water is enough because it’s only mud and mud shoes were made of materials that are easy (or easier) to clean and dry.
Option B: mud on your shoes dried out and is stuck.
Beat your shoes against each other or any hard surface to get as much mud as possible off the shoes.
Remove laces and insoles (if needed based on the amount of mud and where it got stuck) and wash them separately.
Using an old toothbrush or a sponge (softer side), remove as much mud as you can. Don’t rub the shoe too hard and damage it.
If mud isn’t gone yet, rinse the shoe and keep brushing with a toothbrush. You can use lukewarm water.
If water got inside your shoes, let them dry at room temperature. To speed up the process, put crumpled newspaper in the shoes. Change it every few hours.
How to dry mud running shoes
Follow these instructions:
Let the shoes dry out naturally. Air-drying is the best way to go.
If it’s too cold/moist, use a hairdryer on low heat.
Don’t put your shoes directly on the radiator or next to a strong heat source.
Putting a crumpled newspaper in the shoes will help a lot. Especially if you change it a few times – putting new, dry newspaper inside.
Mud-related health risks you should be aware of
Wash your hands, take a shower. After each muddy run or a race.
As pointed out in this study, an outbreak of Escherichia Coli was linked to a mud obstacle race in England. It’s up to organizers to inform participants about the chances of contracting a gastrointestinal disease. It’s also up to them to ensure that livestock is removed from the course 28 days before the event.
While runners and competitors are usually healthy and strong, fit individuals, extreme efforts suppress the immune system and make the organism more susceptible to infection. If you’re passionate about mud runs and obstacle course races, this study offers an in-depth insight into possible risks and is worth reading.
Can you use mud running shoes for obstacle course races?
Yes.
Just by looking at the top mud shoes and obstacle course race shoes – they are the same or really similar. What mud shoes won’t offer you is obstacle-specific protection, e.g. for rope climbing.
Do you need waterproof mud running shoes?
To make this decision easier for you, we will list possible scenarios and whether the waterproof mud shoes would do you good or harm.
Keep in mind that there are different levels of waterproofness. The upper can be made of, in order of low-to-high water protection, water-resistant, water-repellent, or waterproof materials.
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