Discover The Best Shoes For Obstacle Course Racing (OCR)

Conquer the obstacles like a pro.

Push your limits as you overcome physical challenges on a race filled with exciting obstacles like climbing, carrying, crawling, and jumping. Unleash your inner athlete and rise to the challenge!

OCR Shoes

To conquer that OCR course you gotta have the right gear, especially when it comes to your shoes.You can't just show up in any old sneakers... you need some kicks that are built for the obstacles!Now, I know finding the perfect OCR shoes can be a tough journey, but trust me, it's worth it.There's a ton of options out there, from shoes that'll help you nail that rope climb at a Spartan race, to kicks that'll drain the muck fast for a mud run.Let's take a look at the most bad-ass OCR shoes on the market, and find the pair that's right for you.

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🛒 Buy Here OCR Shoes

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Best OCR Shoes For Women in 2024 👩

Listen, ladies!When it comes to choosing OCR shoes, women don't need to overthink it.There's no need to invest in "women's specific" shoes. These are just a marketing tactic to get you to spend more money.Instead, stick with the trusted models that have been popular for years.OCR shoes for men and women are essentially the same, so there's no need to worry about a difference in design.Just take a look at the professional female athletes in the elite Spartan Races and you'll see that they wear the same shoe models as men.

Best OCR Shoes Brands in 2024

• Inov-8

• Salomon

• Craft

• Altra

• Saucony

• Merrell

• La Sportiva

• Hoka

• Reebok, New Balance, Adidas and Nike (Trail Running Shoes)

Best OCR Shoes According to Reddit Users

We've analyzed many threads and Reddit users have a variety of opinions on the best OCR shoes.In a summary, the Salomon Speedcross is a popular choice for its durability, comfort, and grip, although some users have noted that they tend to hold water. The Inov-8 TrailFly Ultra is also a very popular choice.

How do we choose the best OCR shoes?

The best pair of OCR shoes that you can rely on for more than just one race are shoes with grip, drainage, fit, and durability.

Traction

Traction is the key to conquering the obstacles in OCR, and you need shoes that won't let you slip, slide, or stumble. You need shoes with grip and grunt to get you through the toughest terrain, walls, and water.Lugs are the little protrusions on the bottom of your OCR shoes that give you extra grip and traction. Not all OCR shoes have lugs, but if you want maximum grip, look for shoes with heavy-duty lugs made for the outdoors.We checked with real-world OCR racers to see how well these shoes prevent slipping and sliding. You want shoes that keep you stable, even when the course is wet and slippery.Rock plates are like armor for your feet, providing protection from rocks and debris while adding stability. We also looked at how well the rock plates work with the lugs to give you maximum traction.

Drainage

Drainage is a big challenge for OCR shoes. You need shoes that can take a serious soaking, drain quickly, and dry fast. The last thing you want is soggy feet during the race.We looked at the latest drainage systems to see which ones are innovative and effective. The OCR shoes on our list have up-to-date drainage systems that will keep your feet dry and light.Water-resistant properties are important in OCR shoes, but make sure they don't sacrifice drainage. The best OCR shoes use a mesh-like material to stay breathable and quick-drying.

Fit

The right fit is key to getting the best out of your OCR shoes. You need enough wiggle room for your feet to expand, but not too much or you'll get blisters and chafing.The best way to get the right size is to try on the shoes in-store. But if you're ordering online, measure your feet and check the sizing chart before you buy.Lacing systems are important too. Look for lacing systems that adjust to your needs so your shoes stay securely in place. You don't want to stop every 20 minutes to fix your laces.

Durability

BUILT TO LASTYou want OCR shoes that are built to last and can handle more than just one race. Look for shoes with heavy-duty rubber outsoles for extra support and durability.We looked at real-world OCR racers to see how well these shoes hold up over time. You want shoes that can take a beating and keep on performing.

OCR History

Obstacle racing has been around for a minute, dating back to the 1800s with the 200m Obstacle Swim at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris.But, the first formal land-based obstacle race happened in 1947 at a Military Physical Training Centre in Freiburg, Germany.

It's come a long way since then, with world championships happening every year and over 138 countries competing in the World Military Games. The sport's governing body, the International Military Sports Council, now organizes obstacle races for military personnel.In 1987, the first modern OCR race, Tough Guy, went down. The survivalrun in the Netherlands emerged in the late '80s, with the setters of a drag hunt trail turning it into a foot race with natural obstacles.The Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series in 1996 was one of the first contemporary obstacle races and included man-made obstacles, biking, and kayaking.Muddy Buddy races in the US were the first to bring mud into the mix and transition adventure racing to what we know as OCR today.Nowadays, OCR has many variations for athletes of all levels, from ninja races to cross country courses, and longer endurance races like the Spartan.Inflatable obstacle races are also gaining popularity.The international governing body, World Obstacle, was founded in 2014 with the goal of taking OCR to the Olympics.World Obstacle now has national member federations in 115 countries and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.The sub-sports of Ninja, OCR, and Adventure Racing became self-governing under World Obstacle in 2020.The OCR 100m international standard format is used in World Obstacle-sanctioned races and is all about speed, agility, and strength.So, that's a quick rundown of OCR's history!

OCR Notable Races

Muddy BuddyThe first national OCR series in the US, emphasizing man-made obstacles and mud. Included a bike leg, making it a "ride and run" OCR. Went out of business under pressure from Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash.Rugged ManiacFounded in 2010 by former lawyers Brad Scudder and Rob Dickens, the event has expanded to 24 cities in the US and Canada. Features 25 obstacles over a 5k course and ends with a festival of beer, food, mechanical bull riding, and more.Spartan RaceBegan as an outgrowth of the annual Death Race, with courses varying in distance and difficulty from 3 miles with 20+ obstacles (Sprint) to 13+ miles with 30-35+ obstacles (Beast). Offers endurance events like the Ultra Beast (30 miles) and Hurricane Heat. World Championship held in Olympic Valley, CA.Spartan Winter RaceFirst World Championship held in December 2011 in Texas with a prize purse of $20,000. Held annually with a total of $500,000 in cash and prizes. Obstacles vary from race to race and can include climbing, crawling, throws, carries, jumps, and more.Tough MudderThe first event was held in May 2010. Not a race but focuses on teamwork and completion of the event. Courses are between 10 and 12 miles with military-style obstacles. The final event of the Tough Mudder series is the World’s Toughest Mudder, a 24-hour endurance event.Warrior DashThe first event was held in 2009. Features a 5k course with 12 obstacles. Known for its post-race party with music, beer, and food. Held in multiple countries around the world.

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