Brent Doscher's Best Action Pics Like the sport’s competitors, good OCR shoes must be tough, versatile, and able to withstand everything sadistic race organizers throw at them. They also better feel good on your feet. That mix isn’t always easy to find in a sneaker, so I called on Outside's obstacle-course racing expert Erin Beresini to answer this question. The early OCR adopter, Buyer’s Guide tester, and fitness columnist wrote the book on obstacle-course racing—literally. Beresini’s Off Course: Inside the Mad Muddy World of Obstacle Course Racing is a definitive history of the young and fast-growing sport, and will be available October 14. So when it comes to buying the right OCR shoes, the three-time Ironman finisher knows of what she speaks. Here are her suggestions: A lot of racers favor Inov-8 shoes because they have large, grippy lugs on the bottom, which allows for great traction on technical terrain. They won’t slide on either the uphill or the downhill, even if it’s muddy, says Beresini.

Inov-8 makes shoes that range from super minimalist to fully cushioned, and Beresini suggests selecting the amount of support based on your own needs and preferences. "I have flat feet, so I need more support than the really minimalist shoes. But if you can get away with minimalist shoes, do it because they drain really fast and they’re lightweight," Beresini said. Go for the lightest, most minimal shoe you can handle so it doesn’t bog you down during the water obstacles. The X-Talon 190 is a good choice for minimalists. Bar Towels With SayingsIf you need a bit more support, Beresini suggests the TrailRoc 245.Hot Springs Hot Tubs Dayton Ohio Reebok released its All Terrain Series specifically for Spartan Races, and according to Beresini, the company nailed it with its new shoes. Tiny Toy Poodle Puppies For Sale In Alabama

The All Terrain Supers were designed specifically for the Super Spartan course—an eight-mile race with more than 20 obstacles. "The outsole has really tiny teeth that help you when you’re rope climbing," says Beresini. "They're also designed to drain really well because the designers knew you were going to get your feet soaked." After you’ve picked out the right pair of shoes, make sure you protect your feet—and calves—with the right socks. Beresini uses compression socks when she competes in obstacle-course races. They prevent dirt and rocks from getting into the socks, and they’re made from quick-dry synthetic fibers so they don’t hold water.Chris deciding which pair of inov-8s to using for training Obstacle racing has exploded in the past few years from a niche market to being featured on national television, like the Spartan Race World Championships. It is likely that most people now at least know what obstacle racing is and millions have run a race, whether it be a Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, or part of the Battle Frog Series.

Every day it seems there is a new entrant into the obstacle racing gear segment. Before there was “obstacle racing gear”, there was Inov-8. The products originally built for the functional fitness and trail running market are a natural fit for the obstacle racer. I have tried a lot of different shoes and packs over the past few years, some worked, some did not. So to save you some time, I have put together a comprehensive list of “Tough Training” recommended shoes and packs from Inov-8 broken down by use and race distance. Shoe: f-lite 195 precision and Bare-XF 210 Pack: Duffel and Water Bottle The standard bearer for everyday fitness workout is the f-lite. This is an all around performer. If my WOD takes me outside or even onto to some trails, this shoe will perform. I keep the Bare-XF in my duffel just in case there is a lot of rope climbing in the WOD. The f-lite will get me through, but the Bare-XF will get me up the rope faster. In my duffel I make sure I am packing an Inov-8 water bottle.

Its unique design makes it easier to identify as mine after the WOD. When I am headed off to the trails, you will most likely find me wearing my RocLite’s. This is a great all around trail shoe. It can handle just about anything in my training terrain. If I am going to be out for a while I make sure I strap on the Race Ultra 1 hydration belt with one or both bottles. The bottle conforms to the anatomy of my hips, I hardly know they are there. If I leave one bottle at home, I can use the other pocket to store my IPhone for the inevitable Tough Training selfie. Or the back pocket works just fine too. Shoe: f-lite 195s standard fit Pack: Carry On and Water Bottle When I am traveling by car or by plane, I like to wear standard fit f-lite 195s. These give my feet a little room to breathe when I am sitting for a long time. Wiggling the toes and slipping them on and off is a bit easier with the extra room. The Carry On is the perfect travel backpack for me. It has a place for my MacBook and allows me to run through the airport with ease if I am late for my flight or just getting in some extra work by taking the stairs vs the elevator.

I like to carry the bottle from the Race Ultra 1 with me on the plane as its sleek design fits easily into the seat pocket. Shoe: f-lite 195s precision fit I have run a lot of stadium races and have always raced them in the f-lite 195 precision fit. This is the perfect shoe for the race. I am primarily running on concrete with perhaps a little dirt in the nfield or area outside the gates. They offer just the right amount of grip and control to navigate the course and obstacles. The Kit Bag is the right bag to bring along. It does double duty as a duffel and a backpack, allowing me to use it both ways. For this type of race I do not need to carry water/fuel with me on the course. Heading to the dirt, water and mud I love to have on the x-talon 190. This is a high performance obstacle racing shoe. The shoe is very light and provides excellent drainage in all conditions. The lugs on the bottom of the shoe grip the terrain like a Jeep. I feel in total control wearing these shoes.

On a course this short, they are all I need to get through, well and shorts. No waist pack, no vest, just getting water at every aid station on the course. I use the Carry On to get my gear from my hotel to the bag check at the races. The pack is perfect for the inevitable trek from parking to the registration. Pack: Carry on and Race Ultra 1 As I move up in distance, I like to have a little more shoe under foot. The Trail Roc 245 strikes the perfect combination of support, trail feel and drainage. This is my go to longer distance race shoe. It also does double duty as a training shoe. The Trail Roc has been around a few years and continues to be my favorite. The Race Ultra 1 hydration belt allows me to easily carry a bottle and some fuel without impeding my way through the obstacles. Pack: Carry On and Race Ultra Vest Alright, going long is when I want to make sure your nutrition is on point. The Race Ultra Vest allows me to carry what I want where I want. There is a 2 liter hydration bladder and two 500ml water bottles.