In the search for the best shoes for tough mudder there have been many questions about whether boots are suitable for competition. Maybe some New-Age boots or a boot-esque type of shoe, but not any heavy clunkers. I discuss my reasoning behind this and make suggestions towards the best shoes for tough mudder for those wanting boot protection and feel in this article.

In short, I would NOT suggest wearing boots for tough mudder and here is why. They will end up being very heavy on you if you are trying to set any kind of personal record or be a real competitor in the event. Now if you plan on walking the entire event, boots wouldn’t be a terrible idea, but you’ll likely not be in the front of the pack. There are many shoes for tough mudder that can give you the same benefits as boots, but can also give you a competitive advantage. For a true competitor, I would suggest Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX which are still lightweight and easy to run in, but they give you all the added support and weather protection that boots have. The Salomon Speedcross 3 is great at this too, but some people do prefer more support than an athletic shoe can provide for this kind of event.

The Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX is the best of both worlds. They provide the classic boot structure, stability and waterproofing, while still being lightweight and comfortable enough to run in without straining your calves or shins. Also these have superior grip! These can be a little more costly than the Speedcross 3 but not if you find a great deal on AMAZON.

Another cost effective solution for those desiring the boot feel would be KEEN shoes. This brand of awesome trail shoes cost a little less than Salomon without sacrificing quality. From talking with other runners and athletes brand name is a personal preference thing, and I suggest trying different brands at some point to make sure you have found your best fit. The KEEN Tryon WP trail running shoes is one of the best shoes for tough mudder. These versatile shoes are supportive and sturdy like a boot, but are lightweight and comfortable to allow you to really lay down some speed in them.

If you are dead set on some sort of boot I suggest the KEEN Verdi II Mid WP. This boot has excellent stability and dryness ratings, and is as comfortable as a running shoe. I haven’t tried these personally, but I would like to know how these perform because they have potential to be some of the best shoes for tough mudder.

Do you have a boot or shoe you suggest or had a good experience in Tough Mudder events? Leave a comment below or contact me on the contact page and we will try to include it in our next post!