When you step out on the trails in the worst conditions you need the best mud running shoes to avoid losing your footing.
Whether you're a mud lark who lives for racing through gloop, a seasoned fell runner tackling steep terrain, or you've entered your first obstacle course, getting your footwear right can save you a world of pain. Because no one wants to fall over and hurt themselves miles from home.
Choosing the right design for you is essential, as some shoes are more suited to longer steady runs, some to racing, and some will handle mud better than others.
There's a lot of choice in terms of design features: tread pattern, heel-to-forefoot drop, cushioning, type of material, lacing system, weight, waterproofing – and that’s all before you consider the price.
For us, the best mud running shoes all round are the Inov-8 X-Talon G 235 thanks to their aggressive tread that gives great grip, and doesn't wear out thanks to the graphene-reinforced rubber material. If you're on a budget, the La Sportiva Mutant also come highly recommended thanks to their integrated gaiter to keep out dirt, and comfortable cushioned midsole.
Our testing ground for the best mud running shoes was the wild, wet and magnificently muddy landscape of the Peak District in northern England, where we put each pair through its paces on long runs, short runs, fast runs, slow runs – across fells and along routes that all had one thing in common: muck.
The quick list
We rate this as the best overall shoe for mud and fell running for a number of reasons. The 8mm lugs can handle the deepest mud, while the graphene-boosted rubber means the tread will resist wear for a long time, and the midsole rockplate offers a decent amount of protection
While it may be heavier than some, we reckon this is a well-specced shoe that will help keep up your confidence on mucky steady paced runs. The Gore-Tex upper will hold out the gloop, while the chevron lugs and decent toe bumper mean you should stay upright and without a bruised toe or two!
Don't be fooled by the trad appearance. Walsh may have pretty much stuck with their tried and tested last, but they're now avoiding using animal products in their shoes and this is a vegan design, which we appreciated. The rigid sole may be an acquired taste but this model has lasted for a reason
Unlike the Walsh, this is a very flexible shoes with only 4mm drop, giving a 'molded to the foot' feel. We like the fast draining uppers, which allow you to run through the deepest puddles without fear of waterlogging, making this design ideal for obstacle courses
This isn't a shoe for the deepest bog, but it's ideal if you're running across patches of mud and firmer ground. The fairly stiff sole offers good protection, but we also found it reduced trail on uneven terrain compared to some other shoes in this category
This is a heavier shoe, designed with a 10mm drop, so racy it's not. However, if you're looking for a comfortable shoe, we think you'll like the Mutant. The gaiter hugs your foot nicely and the well-cushioned midsole is ideal for longer runs and firmer terrain
With a low drop, light weight and grippy outsole, the Terrex makes a great race shoe and drains super fast, making it another great option for obstacle courses. The mesh upper isn't super comfy as there's very little padding, but this shoe is very much designed for races and does that job well
The outsole on this grippy mud shoe definitely ticks the quirky box, with hollow rear lugs that have holes on two sides. On test we found these lugs could get a little clogged, but there's a lot to recommend here, with plenty of grip and cushioning making this design a great choice if comfort is your priority
This shoe has a built for speed vibe that's hard to ignore. The neat fit and tapered toe box keep your foot firmly in place, but probably won't suit runners with wide feet (see the inov-8 Mudtalon for that). The 5mm lugs should provide enough grip in all but the deepest mud
If you're a fan of muddy slippery runs then the aggressive 8mm lugs on the outsoles of these bad boys should appeal. Made from Stickygrip rubber, they should stop you from slipping over in the worst conditions. There are two fit options, literally and figuratively widening its appeal
The best all rounder
If you want to race through wet mud then the Inov-8 X-Talon G 235 are a great choice. The aggressive outsole is covered in 8mm lugs that bite into the deepest mud and offer great grip even whilst running fast. A heel to forefoot drop of 6mm brings you close to the ground whilst a narrow fit ensures that your feet stay locked into position within the shoe. The revolutionary graphene-enhanced rubber means that the tread will resist wear for longer giving you great grip well into the life of the shoe. There isn’t a great deal of cushioning, however, although a rockplate in the midsole offers protection on harder surfaces. Well suited to racing, the X-Talons are a popular choice with cross country runners and obstacle course racers.
The best for wet conditions
The standout feature on the Salomon Supercross Blast GTX is the Gore-Tex membrane upper designed to keep your feet dry in wet conditions whilst still allowing them to breathe. The Quicklace system means no more struggling to undo muddy laces; a quick pull on the tab and they come loose and adjusting tightness mid run is quick and easy too. Chevron lugs cut into mud to give multi directional grip and a wide, well cushioned sole provides plenty of comfort. A sturdy toe bumper offers protection at the front of the shoe. This is not the lightest of shoes, and having more heel-to-forefoot drop than some others we feel the Supercross Blast are more suited to steady paced runs rather than fast racing.
The best for traditional looks
If something isn’t broke don’t try to fix it! The PB Elite looks pretty much the same as it did 15 years ago, with Walsh sticking to a tried, tested and trusted design. The distinctive sole pattern with aggressive pyramid studs gives superb grip in muddy conditions, even at a fast pace. The heel to forefoot drop is 8mm but the overall ride height is low, giving the shoe a stable feel. The sole is rigid rather than flexible, which can take some getting used to. Fast drying and lightweight materials, and a traditional lacing system make up the upper. One thing that Walsh have changed in line with modern ethics is avoiding animal products in their shoes and this is a vegan design. There are no frills with this shoe, it doesn’t look the most fashionable and while that might not suit everyone, you can’t argue against its performance. The Walsh PB Elite simply still does what it was designed to do years ago.
The best for obstacle courses
If you’re looking for a lightweight, minimalist shoe for wet and muddy conditions then the agile Icebug Acceleritas 8 are exactly that. They are lightweight, close fitting and extremely flexible and with a 4mm heel-to-forefoot drop it almost feels like the shoes are part of your feet. The sticky rubber RB9X outsole gives superb traction in mud thanks to the deep, multi directional lugs whilst the fast draining uppers mean that you can run through the deepest puddles without fear of the shoes becoming waterlogged and heavy. These low profile shoes would be a good for anyone wanting to run fast in wet and muddy conditions and would be ideal for obstacle course racers. They’ve also got good environmental creds, with a fully recycled upper and lining, and partially recycled rubber outsoles – all Bluesign approved.
The best for mixed terrain
While it might not be the best shoe for tackling full-on deep mud, the Scott Supertrac RC2 can still handle some fairly soggy conditions. The uppers are quick drying thanks to the 3XDRY coating, which repels water from the outside and draws moisture and sweat away from the inside. There is a sturdy rand protecting the toes and a fairly stiff sole provides underfoot protection on firmer ground although we did feel that this compromised the precise feel on uneven terrain that some shoes offer. The sole unit offers enough cushioning to deal with longer distances and firmer surfaces as well as muddy conditions. The low heel-to-forefoot drop of 5mm gives the Supertracs a stable feel, and the radial pattern of the lugs give multi directional grip. With a mix of cushioning and grip, we think the RC2s are best suited to conditions that combine both mud and firmer ground.
The best for comfort
At first glance the La Sportiva Mutants look a little odd with their integrated SpyralTongue gaiter and the large loop on the top of the heel cup. This system allows you to stretch open the shoe to get it on and off easily. Once on, the gaiter hugs your foot like a sock, giving a reassuringly comfortable and supportive feel while preventing any mud and debris from entering the shoe. The midsole offers enough cushioning for longer runs or firmer terrain and the sticky-rubber studded outsole gives a good grip on muddy ground. The breathable upper isn’t particularly water repellent but it does allow water to drain freely so we had no problems when running in very wet and muddy conditions. The Mutants are heavier than some of the more stripped down shoes and the 10mm heel-to-forefoot drop might not suit some runners seeking a ‘racier’ feel, but if you want a comfortable shoe offering good grip on a mix of terrain they are hard to beat.
The best for racing
The SG in the name of this shoe refers to soft ground, and the Adidas Terrex Speed Pro certainly handles soft, muddy conditions with ease. The low drop, light weight and aggressive outsole with 7mm lugs make this a great shoe for racing and fast running in muddy terrain. The uppers are very lightweight and almost see through, which means that they drain very quickly making them a good choice for obstacle course racing. The downside of the upper is that they also let water in easily so your feet won’t stay dry for long. The mesh material offers minimal padding and thus less comfort than some other shoes. The racy design means that there isn’t a lot of cushioning to deal with harder surfaces but then that isn’t what these shoes are designed for.
The best for downhill runs
The first thing you notice about the On Cloudventure shoes is the unique outsole design. The tread depth increases from front to back and there is a deep Y shaped groove running down the centre of the sole. The rear lugs are also hollow with holes on two sides. All this gives a good deal of cushioning and grip, particularly when going downhill although the traction in muddy conditions isn’t as good on steep uphills. In wet mud there is a tendency for the hollow lugs to get a little clogged up and the deep groove occasionally got stones lodged in it during our testing. A sturdy toe bumper adds protection and the padded heel gives a comfortable fit around the ankle. The ride height and weight give the feeling that the Cloudventure are more suited to comfort than speed.
The best for narrow feet
The Dynafit Feline SL looks like a shoe designed for fast running, and that impression was backed up when we tested it out. The quick lacing system means you are ready to run within seconds and allows for quick adjustments as you run. The Felines have a precise fit and a tapered toe box, which help ensure that your foot stays securely in place even when running fast. However this might not suit everyone, especially runners with wider feet.
A padded tongue provides comfort and the mesh ‘invisible lacing’ overlay prevents mud and dirt from entering the shoe. A tough toe bumper gives good protection should you want to venture onto rockier trails. The outsole with the 5mm lugs provide good traction in all but the deepest of mud and the 8mm drop will hit the sweet spot for many runners.
The best for thick mud
Designed specifically to help you run fast across muddy, slippery hills, fells, trails and vales, the new Mudtalon Speed from British brand inov-8 has an outsole that bristles with aggressive 8mm lugs. These fangs grip the ground with savage efficiency, but also shed mud very quickly. They're made from ‘Stickygrip’ rubber, which bestows them with real biting power and clingability on rocks, as well as stopping you slipping over in sloppy conditions.
The shoes boast a highly supportive chassis, made from a translucent but tough synthetic ripstop material, and offer a comfortable ride on all but the hardest of terrain. The Powerflow Pro Foam midsole strikes a balance between providing cushioning and allowing some trail feel, and this is complemented by the Boomerang footbed, which helps put some bounce in your pounce. There’s also a Meta-Plate rockplate in the mid-shoe mix, to prevent puncture wounds if you accidently tread on sharp sticks or stones submerged in the mud. The 4mm heel-to-toe drop gives you a low centre of gravity, perfect for tackling technical trails, and this is complemented by the super secure hold achieved by the snug-fitting upper, and, of course, the exceptionally grippy outsole.
Made on a new last, the Mudtalon is available in two versions; Precision Fit (with a narrow, tight toe box) and the Wide Fit (which allows for more wriggle room). This choice reflects the fact that Mudtalons are intended both for competitive racers and people who simply enjoy going on recreational runs and everyday outings on mucky trails and hillsides.
On the downside, the Mudtalon Speeds are not as quick-draining as they look (or as inov-8 claim they are), the lace system is pretty basic and with no rand and a very small toecap, there isn’t much protection for the upper foot. Overall, however, these are great mud- and fell-running shoes.
| Mud running shoe | Weight per shoe | Drop | Compatability |
| Inov-8 X-Talon G 235 | 235g / 8.25oz | 6mm | Fast running in very muddy conditions |
| Salomon Supercross Blast GTX | 340g / 12oz | 10mm | Good grip, ideal for wet conditions |
| Walsh PB Elite | 280g / 9.88oz | 8mm | Muddy conditions |
| Icebug Acceleritas 8 | 250g / 8.82oz | 4mm | Muddy runs and obstacle course racing |
| Scott Supertrac RC 2 | 270g / 9.52oz | 5mm | Longer runs across mixed terrain |
| La Sportiva Mutant | 320g / 11.28oz | 10mm | A comfortable shoe that can cope with a variety of surfaces |
| Adidas Terrex Speed Pro SG | 225g / 7.94oz | 4mm | Very muddy conditions and obstacle course races |
| On Cloudventure | 295g / 10.41oz | 6mm | Well cushioned and suited to steady pace rather than racing |
| Dynafit Feline SL | 290g / 10.23oz | 8mm | A precise fitting shoe suited to narrower feet |
| inov-8 Mudtalon Speed | 260g / 9.17oz | 4mm | Perfect for training and racing on muddy trails and filthy fells |
Meet the expert
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
An experienced, competitive, fell runner and UK Athletics coach, Dave specialises in fell and mountain running. His personal achievements include winning the 2015 English Fell Running Championships (V50 category) and completing the Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and Charlie Ramsay Rounds. He has contributed reviews and training articles to magazines including Trail Running, Outdoor Fitness and the Fellrunner magazine. His most embarrassing moment was having a running shoe fall apart completely while high in the Lake District fells.
How to choose mud running shoes
Fell running, obstacle racing and trail running on predominantly muddy surfaces is a slippery affair, and there are certain features you need to look for in the best mud running shoes.
Grip
We’ll deal with this first, because one quality all the best mud running shoes share is aggressive grip on the outsole. Grip and traction in slippery, muddy conditions is supplied by ‘lugs’, which are like the studs on a football boot or the tread on a mountain-bike tyre. Look at how deep these lugs are, what shape they are, and how they’re arranged. If they are placed too closely together, they’re likely to accumulate mud, which will make your feet heavy and reduce the performance of the shoe.
The best mud running shoes will have things like forward-facing lugs at the front to provide traction when you’re pushing off in gloopy conditions, and reverse-angled, chevron-shaped lugs on the heel, to supply braking control during slippery descents. Do bear in mind that the more pronounced these lugs are the better the grip, but the more you will feel them on the soles of your feet when you run on harder-packed surfaces – especially if you go for a shoe with minimal cushioning (see below).
Fit
It might sound obvious, but the most important thing to consider when choosing any trail running shoes is fit. You can get away with a running jacket or a running tee that is too loose, but that’s not the case with shoes. And you can have the most grippy outsole in the world, but if you’re sliding around in a shoe that’s too big, your stability and balance will be compromised massively. Don’t just consider shoe size (length) think about width too, because a shoe that is too tight or too loose across the midfoot can result in pain, blisters and loss of grip on muddy and technical terrain.
Cushioning
Some of the best mud running shoes are very lightweight with little padding or cushioning, making them more suitable for shorter, faster runs or races. If you are planning longer outings where you may be running for several hours then you might want to opt for a little more comfort in terms of cushioning, which comes at the expense of extra weight. Extra cushioning in the midsole is definitely worth considering if you run on mixed terrain but want a shoe with aggressive lugs (see above).
Protection
While mud is soft, it often hides sharp rocks, sticks and other obstacles that can be painful if you stub your toes or tread heavily on them. The best mud running shoes have protective rubber rands with more substantial toe caps, and a rock plate running the length of the sole.
Materials
Most shoes for trail running are made from non-waterproof materials, which allow water to escape quickly instead of trying to keep it out altogether. This means accepting that you are going to get wet feet in certain conditions. Some models use waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex to help keep your feet dry, however such shoes don’t drain very well, so if water does get in you can end up running with heavy, soggy shoes, which will cause a problem.
Lacing
Deep mud can swallow your feet entirely, and can even remove and steal shoes if you don’t have them securely fastened. The best mud running shoes will feature an extra pair of lace holes right at the top of the tongue, which laces are not usually threaded through when you purchase the shoe. Use this extra pair of holes and you will keep hold of your shoe in even the deepest bogs.
Cost
This is an important consideration, but don’t be tempted to buy cheap if the shoes don’t fit or are known not to very durable. Fell running is rough on footwear, so you need a tough pair of the best mud running shoes to deal with it.
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