When it comes to tackling muddy trails, grip is king. You need a shoe that can almost stick to the earth, giving you enough confidence to really tackle those mountain trails. But how do you know about the best running shoes for muddy trails?.
So Depending on what kind of trails you will be facing, it’s best to look at three elements: durability, cushioning and fit. So getting any of these three wrong could make all the difference.
To help you find the perfect pair, off-road running experts have hunted down finest trail running shoes available to humanity, from lightweight racers to full-on ice-busting, hill-conquering trainers that will transform you into a human mountain goat.
In a Hurry? Here is our Top 10 Best Running Shoes For Muddy Trails winner after research
| RANK | PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOP |
| #1 |  | Salomon Speedcross 4 | 99/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #2 |  | Inov-8 Terraclaw 250 | 97/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #3 |  | Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX | 95/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #4 |  | Icebug Acceleritas6 | 93.2/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #5 |  | Reebok All Terrain Super | 91.5/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #6 |  | Saucony Peregrine 8 | 89.5/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #7 |  | Adidas Kanadia 8.1 | 87/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #8 |  | Merrell All Out Peak | 85/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #9 |  | Inov-8 X-Talon 212 | 83.7/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
| #10 |  | Vibram V-Train | 81.5/100 | SHOP AT AMAZON |
1. Salomon Speedcross 4
Guys and gals this is the speed cross 4. The speed cross 4 is really designed for everybody. It’s a really capable shoe. Only for the people to shoot for advanced technical runners. So this shoe is for a beginner, it does anything anywhere. My favorite part of the speed cross 4 is the traction system.
The Contra directly like lugs on the bottom really just grip onto anything. Lugs on the bottom full chevron shaped lugs for 22% more surface area gives you much better traction in on down hills and over muddy and sloppy surfaces. Mud just kind of sheds itself. Each step is a fresh step. Sense of it hugs the top your foot really nicely. That really wraps the foot up that you’re not sliding around and technical terrain. Quick lace is just all something side from the lace garage. So you know to readjust or tie your shoes while you are running. Shoes also nice and lightweight with reduces fatigue.
Speed cross 4 is really a versatile so you can wear it around afterwards it’s good looking shoe.
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Great look and design – Rugged and durable – Very comfortable interior – A very breathable shoe – Very aggressive tread with even more lugs [/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]Check out sizing – Those with wide feet may need to adjust accordingly – Toe box can be a little small [/su_box]
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2. Inov-8 Terraclaw 250
Right out of the box for a 6 miler on the first part of the Cactus 2 Clouds in very wet conditions. I have wide feet so these were perfect for one, second the grip on wet rock for where I was running was great, the shoe was put into the puddles and flowing water come g down the mountain and it drained well on top of everything else and dryer quickly on my way back. You do feel the ground in these shoes because of the stack height. My only concern is that how do they hold up and feel after a long run of 20 to 30 miles. I will add more after these get at least 100 miles.
So these are surprisingly light weight trail running shoes. They appear to be wearing evenly (I’m a supinator so I get excessive wear on the outside). The aggressive, almost cleat like tread does well in off road conditions, including snow. Unlike many of my trail running shoes, they are not overly hot in warm weather. Best of all, the uppers have yet to develop holes, a common problem with my running shoes. The laces slip a bit and may need to be tightened up after a few miles.
So Inov-8 is known for their durable and rugged running shoes, so it is no surprise that the Terraclaw 250 comes as a second choice on our top 10 picks. If you are a neutral runner looking for a versatile mud run shoe that you can also take on technical trails, then you may just fall in love with these. Because they are not only durable, but also comfortable, flexible, and perfect for training and competition.
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Versatile, Really durable, Comfortable, Toe box is large, Lightweight, Optimal drainage and Secure fit [/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]Sizing runs on the small side – Does not have a rock plate [/su_box]
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3. Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
So the iconic, proven adventure shoe offers an incredible fit, improved durability, and a grip that inspires confidence.
Salomon was born in 1947 in the heart of the French Alps and the birthplace of modern alpinism. Driven by a passion for skiing and design innovation, Francois Salomon and his son George designed and perfected much of the first modern ski equipment. During the following 60 years, Salomon’s commitment to innovative design and passion for mountain sports created a vast range of revolutionary new concepts in boots, skis and apparel and brought innovative solutions to footwear, apparel and equipment for hiking, adventure racing, mountaineering and trail running. Through performance-driven design, Salomon enhances mountain sports by converting new ideas into action and expanding the limits of possibility.
I’ve been wearing Salomons for around four years now and they are still amazing. A few tweaks in this new revision: they done away with the inside loop/elastic band that was part of the Sensi fit, the tie cap isn’t as big nor does it seem to be as thick as before and the tread pattern and material are different. I’ll touch on those points a bit then give MY overall opinion of this new version of the shoe.
About the inner elastic loop… I always liked it, but I know quite a few people who wear this exact same shoe and have never been fans… toes catch on it, feels like it right around your foot, etc. To me personally it provided a great bit of support in conjunction with the lacing system.
With the toe cap, it just seems like they wanted to save a little weight and have the front of the shoe to be not as bulky. It still provides a great level of protection and does exactly what the old version did, it’s just a bit smaller now.
And lastly, the tread pattern and material. The new pattern is just slightly different, therefore it doesn’t really affect the foot feel inside the shoe, a good thing if your foot is acclimated to the shoe type already. The new material does a remarkably better job on wet surfaces than the last iterations. My experience is with polished concrete and shop floors, so take that in mind.
Overall I’m really pleased with the new product. Some reviews bring up the idea that they seem more narrow than the last, but I didn’t seem to notice. Of course due to packaging, they come slightly molded inward, but just after a few times wearing them, they feel exactly like slipping into the past 4 pairs that I’ve owned.
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Durable – Offers great stability – Waterproof – Great traction – Secure fit – Easy lace system – Versatile [/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]Expensive – Sizing runs small [/su_box]
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4. Icebug Acceleritas6
The Polyester upper is super soft and airy, so light and smooth it feels like being barefoot. The midfoot design pattern is updated to further improve the fit. The water pickup is minimal, the drainage is excellent and hence the wet weight is almost as low as when it’s dry. The midsole is very flexible and keeps the weight down. The height of the heel cup is slightly reduced in order to reduce pressure at the Achilles tendon.
Terrain feel is remarkable thanks to the low profile of the sole. The shoe promotes the natural movement of the foot, it’s like running in a pair of socks, but socks that provide thermal and impact protection, and traction.
The outsole is designed with a pattern that is optimized to grip on hard as well as on soft surface, with an aggressive pattern where dirt is steered away to the sides in diagonal channels (it’s the same principal as in tractor tires). The Acceleritas outsole is crowned with the jewel among sticky rubbers: RB9X®. This innovative rubber compound provides incredible traction on both wet and dry surfaces, without compromising the durability.
Whether you are new to mud runs or have been doing them for a while, you will absolutely love these shoes! They are really versatile and perfect for minimalistic runners who love a good obstacle race or challenge. They can handle anything that comes their way, so bring on the mud and water!
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Great traction – Excellent drainage system – Optimal traction on wet and dry terrain – Flexible – Secure fit – Added stability – Minimalist design – Offers a barefoot feel [/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]Expensive – No lugs [/su_box]
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5. Reebok All Terrain Super
Overcome any obstacle in these Reebok All Terrain shoes built for tough performances. The lugged outsole and water drains deliver traction that sheds moisture after water crossings. Plus, the speed lacing system lets you pull them tight quickly. An underfoot rock guard protects your feet when the trail gets tough.
These are tight but need to be for mud or terrain runs so they do not slip off. I have worn these for two Spartan races and they are perfect. They are snug enough that the mud does not pull them off. I have run hills, climbed walls and ropes in these shoes. They have great grip on the arch for rope climb and the laces are easy to tighten and tuck away. I have really put these thru a lot and they are still holding up.
I bought these shoes to run the Central Texas Tough Mud race in and I cannot say enough good things about this shoe. I bought them about 1 week before race day and was able to race the full 10 miles in these shoes through the muck, dirt and water comfortably with not a single blister. I ran into several other people on the course wearing the same shoes and we were all very impressed with the quality of these shoes.
Running out of the water obstacles you could see the water being pushed out of the shoes with every step. At the end of the race the shoes rinsed off in the showers to look [almost] brand new again. I normally wear a 9-9.5 in these shoes and ended up with an 8.5. My friend who bought them also had to go down from a 9.5 to a 9. But seriously. If you need shoes for any sort of trail running/obstacle course racing GET THESE SHOES. And good socks. Don’t skimp on the socks.
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Terrific value – Will hold up well to a ton of mileage – Machine washable – They won’t let your foot slip and slide inside the shoe – Good and protecting the foot and keeping out debris – Very stylish [/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]May need to wear socks for races – Customer service could be easier to navigate – Wear and tear issues have been reported[/su_box]
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6. Saucony Peregrine 8
Ready to go off-road the peregrine 8 has dialed traction to give you underfoot protection and cushion for the trail. I’ve never had a bad thing go wrong with any saucony shoe. I actually got these for an upcoming Yosemite trip. I’m not a boot kind of girl, so read up on the perfect hiking shoe.
These seem like they’ll be perfect. I took them out for a test hike and got them a bit muddy. Little dirt never hurt. They have great cushion, and the lugs seem like they’ll make for good traction on different terrains. I’ll update once I actually go on my trip!
So the Saucony is regarded as one of the leaders in the running shoe industry. Saucony Peregrine 8 is a go-to for hiking or running in the mud or on the trail, you can confidently tackle wet, smooth and slippery surfaces without losing any grip.
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Drains water away fast – Come in a variety of color options – Fit like a running shoe but have durability and traction of a hiking shoe – Easily cleaned and dried – More robust shoe – Outstanding off-road shoe[/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]Soles are have a bit of weight – Sizing a bit smaller than previous versions[/su_box]
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7. Adidas Kanadia 8.1
The Kanadia line continues to be the perfect fit for trail runners who want a lightweight shoe while still providing protection from gravel and other uneven surfaces. Compared to the Kanadia 7, the 8 rises lower on the heel and relies on a wider lace path. Kanadia are truly go-anywhere shoes – I’ve run technical rocky trails and trekked in Nepal with them, but they’re equally comfortable at the green way.
The only improvement I would hope for in future models is a slightly less tapered toe box to allow for greater toe spla
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Fit true to size – Beautiful design with plenty of color options – Exceptional – comfort for the foot – Awesome price – Light for their size[/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]May be a bit bulky for some – Can have a plastic looking appearance – Some users report wear and tear issues over time[/su_box]
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8. Merrell All Out Peak
I was looking for a trail shoe to protect my feet, have traction on steep acents and decents, and be a stable ride for when I fatigue during ultra-distance events and or long training runs. This shoe delivered on all fronts, with just a few minor grips, see below.
Grip: 10/10
I have worn many inov8, salomon, merrell and a few other models that marketed themselves as “superior grip” and the grip on the all out peak is the best I have ever worn. Yes, even better than the x-talons, even better than the s-lab ultra sg version, even better than the icebugs. The bonus was the grip on wet rock and ice! There wasnt a surface I could find (wet leaves, mud, loose gravel, wooden bridges) that the shoe lost its grip.
Fit: 8/10
Narrow midfit and roomy toebox. This is the direction the market it shifting. Couldnt find my normal 12.5 size on amazon but the 12 fit perfectly thankfully. Heel is a little roomy but with the heel lock lacing technique it corrected that.
Ground Feel: 7/10
Now the reason for the lower ground feel score is mainly from the added arch support. I think if the shoe had less arch support, it would be almost a perfect fit. Time will tell if this is an issue, but its something to note if you have low archers or flat feet, its pretty uncomfortable if you are used to more minimal shoes like I am – What does feel great is the “cushioning” – not squishy, but firm, and offers complete protection from the most technical terrain. It truly is a 4×4 for your feet, with enough ground feel to still feel connected and nimble through twisty single track.
Draining: 10/10
Two creek crossings fully submerged and both drained fully within the next quarter to half mile.
Final thoughts:
Midfoot/forefoot runners will still appreciate the shoe even up to 50k distances or beyond, it is a shoe designed to protect your feet, offer best in class grip, a roomy toe box, snug mid foot for stability – depending on your skill level this isn’t the shoe to wear to PR your next race. I really dislike the added arch support the more I run in them, but it isn’t a deal breaker and being able to fly over terrain that normally I would have to tip toe through is something that will pay dividends up here in the Northeast. This is not a shoe for fire roads, or groomed trails. These are designed for technical, muddy, steep terrain both trail running and or hiking.
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Work for people who have wide feet – Terrific obstacle course shoe – Very good with drainage – High quality foot protection, midfoot excellent – Laces allow for easy adjustment – Very nice fit, no slipping at the heel [/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]Not a running shoe for pavement and concrete – The arch support doesn’t work for every foot[/su_box]
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9. Inov-8 X-Talon 212
The Inov-8 X-Talon 212 is an all-terrain running shoe so say goodbye to blisters, the upper is made of a tight-knit and abrasion-resistant material. That is what you most definitely want for long distance and soggy environments.
A flexible, lightweight racing shoe that delivers unrivalled grip over soft or extreme terrain and is super-fast on dry trails too.So i think that the number one choice for elite athletes wanting to run fast off-trail. An all-terrain running legend that does it all.Therefore Popular for both racing and training, it is durable, protective, fast, and delivers outstanding grip on softer, looser terrain.
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Sole inserts are great for long distance running and wear – Funky design – Cleats and traction are top notch – Flexible shoe moves with your foot[/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]Show material thinner – Not great for running on concrete, an absolute off road shoe[/su_box]
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10. Vibram V-Train
Vibrams five-fingers v-train cross training shoes provide the perfect balance of proprioception (foot sensory impact) and protection on rugged surfaces. A minimalist 2mm polyurethane + microfiber sole provides impact protection from stones and debris, whilst allowing a more natural gait.
The tread design delivers sure-footed grip in all directions and the moulded tc-1 rubber in midsole offers great foot protection, dispersing impact over a wider area. The polyester fabric and nylon mesh upper offers natural breathability while the vibram fast lacing system ensures a secure fit. All in all, the v-train is the ideal choice for the barefoot runner needing protection for a variety of activities.
[su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#008000″]Zero drop – Very light and comfortable feel – Solid grip interior – Amazing movement quality – You can be confident lifting in these shoes[/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bd0d28″]Does not have a bunion cradle – Toes run a little long[/su_box]
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Conclusion
Finding the best running shoes for muddy trails for you can be a pain. Luckily, this list is available now is here with the details and tools you need to compartmentalize your things and make life easier. We have tried our best to provide you up to date list related to best running shoes for muddy trails.