Hello everyone.
I am thinking of challenging Tahmader later this year, but I want advice on what shoes to buy.
Until now, I had only experienced obstacle racing once, and at that time I wore Calimore trail shoes. But it shrank after washing.
The budget is about 60 to 70 pounds. If you have any recommendations or general advice, please let us know. Thank you.
The shape of the foot is different from each other, so various opinions come out.
My friends rave about Calimore, but I’ve tried some brands and the Innovate Mad Crow is the best, and the X-Talon suits me.
The best advice is to have the running form analyzed and choose from it. If there is enough tread, there is no problem.
This question is often asked. If you search in this subredit, you should find more answers.
I know it’s not a trendy shoe anymore, but I love Solomon Speed Cross trail shoes. The tread is wonderful, the drainage is good, and it will be refreshed when washed in the washing machine. I have been wearing it for nearly 10 years and I can still use it even if I do more than 40 OCR races.
Actually, I ran a tough madder with Nike shoes for circuit training. The cushion for shock absorption was included, and the strings were not loosened.
I don’t need special shoes. Comfortable shoes are good enough. If it is dry early, it is excellent (I really don’t like the beta-sticky feet after the lake section) It is also great.
Old Merrell trail running shoes and trail gloves. Although it is super lightweight and does not accumulate water (because there is no foam or pad), grip power is outstanding. This is very easy to use! Actually, I bought it second-hand. Because I knew that it was going to be rough in OCR only. Never have I ever been sucked from my feet with a mad mile!
The only one, but my Hokka Speedgoats are the best of all time.
My only presence, my Hokka Speedgoats, is still the best.
I am also a fan of Innovate. I run on X-Talon 255 (Mad Claw is too narrow for me). Although it is a little higher than the budget, I often see the newsletter registration discount code on the official website. Sportsshoes.com may also be a great deal. If you are a running club member, ask the club if you have a discount code.
A more budget-friendly option is to find a large Go Outdoors store. We usually handle a wide range of trail shoes with good grip power. I bought a pretty affordable Merrell All Out Crush as my first trail running shoe.
The one I liked most until now was the one I bought during the sale at Decatron. The grip on the bottom was pretty good, but I can rub a bit.
I hit Merel’s shoe, but it was too big and rubbed.
I bought it because everyone I know was praising Speed Cross, but unfortunately it was the worst. I wasted more than 100 pounds. No grip on obstacles.
With a budget of £60–£70, you’ve actually got some good options. Decathlon’s Kiprun TR2 or Evadict TR2 are both affordable trail shoes with solid grip and quick drainage, and they hold up surprisingly well in muddy conditions.
If you can stretch just a little above your budget, the Inov-8 X-Talon 212 sometimes goes on sale and is a favourite among obstacle course racers for its aggressive lugs. Definitely worth keeping an eye out for discounts.
Here are a few things I’d double check before buying:
Lug depth & spacing — deeper, well-spaced lugs help with mud shedding.
Firm heel and midsole so your foot doesn’t slip inside when going uphill or in water.
Toe protection — rocks/roots and obstacles will catch you.
The sole material — sticky rubber helps vs very smooth plastics.
If you can, try on shoes and mimic mud conditions (if possible) before committing.
What worked well for me was finding a past-season or discounted trail shoe. The newer models can be over your budget, but older versions still have excellent traction and durability.
For example, Inov-8’s X-Talon or Mudclaw lines are specifically recommended for OCR / muddy terrain.
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Also, get ones with drainage holes or a breathable mesh upper so water doesn’t stay inside.
If I were you, I’d look for trail / OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) shoes with good grip, quick drainage, and enough protection up front (toe cap or bumper) since you’ll hit mud, water, rocks, etc. Brands like Inov-8, Reebok All Terrain Super, Salomon Speedcross etc often get good feedback.
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Under your budget, try to get something with decent lugs (aggressive tread) so mud sheds off and doesn’t clog them. And make sure they aren’t too snug — when wet your feet swell a bit, so comfort + good fit = big factor. Also, wash & dry them properly so they don’t shrink again!