converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes customize | 7 Best Mud Running Shoes customize in 2024

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Mud Running Shoes customize in 2024
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Obstacles come especially when running on trails. One usual kind of obstacle is mud. With that being the case, we created this guide to highlight the features that differentiate mud running shoes customize from all other shoes. This way, we can ensure safety over accidents when running.

The best advice is to look for shoes customize with deep, sticky, and rubbery lugs. We have acquired them all in our lab and performed a series of tests on them. We also wore them in our actual runs on muddy tracks. After that, we examined which ones are the most terrific. Now, you’ve got your top picks in different categories depending on what you need the most on the trail.

For more in-depth information on the peculiarities of mud shoes, check out our guide.

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How do we know which trail shoes customize will keep you surefooted when it gets muddy? Through an extensive review process and our CerbeShops shoe lab: 

  • First of all, every tested shoe is purchased with our own funds. We receive no free shoes customize from brands.
  • We are dedicated runners who take each pair to a rough test on wet trails for at least 30-50 miles.
  • Over 30+ parameters, including lug depth, are measured at our lab. This is where we translate “traction,” “durability,” and “flexibility” into comparable data. We also split the shoes customize into pieces so we can inspect all of their parts and sections.

Best mud running shoes customize overall

What makes it the best?

We conquered muddy tracks with confidence in the Peregrine 13. It seamlessly combines reliable traction and a compromising midsole, all in a lightweight package. We felt like we could run all day on any pavement with this pair. No doubt, it's our top trail runner for mud.

The key to ensuring safety on the trail is having deep, sticky rubber lugs. Peregrine 13 goes beyond the 3.5 mm average with lugs measuring 4.8 mm deep. This didn’t go unnoticed in our runs since the outsole bit through slippery trails, preventing mishaps. What’s awesome about the lug pattern is that it prevents the mud from getting stuck in the outsole.

Helping us lift our feet off the soil easily is the shoe’s light weight. It came up at 9.6 oz (271g) in our scale, 8% lighter than the average trail shoe. 

We felt nimble with the resilient midsole that easily adapted to uneven terrains. We stayed in control since the shoe didn’t give much resistance. In our flex test, our observation was confirmed when it emerged 33% more flexible than average.

The 29.1 HA firm cushion sits right above average, which may feel harsh for some runners on longer miles. We recommend checking other options if plush cushioning is a priority.

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Pros

  • Cushioned midsole
  • Protective rock plate
  • Better for longer efforts than the v12
  • A good trail racing option
  • Great traction whether on ice, snow, gravel, and dirt
  • Mud just falls off the outsole
  • Comfy and airy upper
  • Performance-oriented fit
  • No heel slippage
  • Smooth and natural-feeling ride

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Cons

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  • Too-firm midsole
Full review of Saucony Peregrine 13

Mud running shoes customize with the best grip

What makes it the best?

Since its debut in 2006, the Speedstore has become a trail-running staple for Salomon, almost reaching legendary status. In our lab, we found the sixth version to be lighter yet still rugged and durable, making it perfect for our fast-paced training and racing on challenging, early-season trails. Equipped with big lugs and a robust, closed upper, it also excels in muddy conditions. However, we found the shoe's extremely limited breathability makes it primarily suitable for cooler weather, and less ideal for warm or humid conditions.

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Pros

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  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Impressive durability
  • Quick mud shedding ability
  • Lightest Speedstore yet
  • Secure lockdown with QuickLace system
  • Enhanced ground feel in the forefoot
  • Agile and responsive in fast corners

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Cons

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  • Extremely poor breathability
  • Not suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers
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Best long distance trail running shoes customize for mud

What makes it the best?

The Agility Peak 5 from Merrell builds on its predecessor's success, offering key updates. We found the latest version lighter and more stable, especially with its improved Vibram Megagrip outsole and strategic lug design. The nearly 40-mm stack height offers exceptional muscle protection, making it ideal for diverse trail challenges. While it excels in cushioning and comfort, we still see room for improvement, particularly in reducing weight and refining the design for forefoot and midfoot strikers.

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Pros

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  • Easily handles tough trails
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  • Extremely durable upper with numerous TPU reinforcements
  • Suitable for year-round use
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  • Great for long-distance runs thanks to its cushioning
  • Wonderful for heel strikers
  • Excellent all-terrain shoe

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Cons

  • Heavier than expected
  • Actual drop deviates significantly from what's stated
  • Could be more affordable
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Best zero drop running shoes customize for mud

What makes it the best?

Armed with a low profile, a flexible midsole, and a grippy outsole, the Lone Peak 7 kept us agile and safe through our muddy encounters. Our lab results support it’s the best zero-drop shoe in the mud running category with its enhanced ground sensitivity that allows us to adapt to various terrains. 

Upon our first slip-on, we immediately felt Lone Peak 7’s low and leveled platform. This definitely gave us a lot of control as we navigated tricky and uneven slopes. Our caliper reveals its grounded 23.3/23.1 mm stack, ultimately leading to an easy-to-ignore 0.2 mm drop.

We felt nimble enough to sprint astore slippery tracks with its flexible midsole. Measuring 17.1% more bendable in our flex test, it moved relentlessly with our feet. This natural feel added a boost of confidence in our runs.

Its 3.4 mm deep, sticky, and rubbery lugs cling to the slickest surfaces, keeping our strides smooth and controlled. They supported us as we traversed muddy tracks and wet rocks with a pattern that served as our brakes on steep slopes. What we also like about the design is that it doesn't take the mud home, making it easier to clean.

With subpar 3/5 breathability, we recommend using a more ventilated pair for the summer season.

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Pros

  • Very wide toebox
  • Protective midsole
  • Superb lockdown
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  • Excellent for fast runs in the mountains
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  • Super comfy
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converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Cons

  • Colorways might be a downer
  • A bit pricey
Full review of Altra Lone Peak 7

Best lightweight running shoes customize for mud

What makes it the best?

The Saucony Endorphin Rift is a one-of-a-kind trail running shoe. In our lab tests, we were amazed by its combination of an energetic midsole and a breathable upper, making summer long runs feel like a breeze, all in an incredibly lightweight 9-oz package. In our experience, although it may be a bit pricey, this shoe is versatile enough to handle both short and ultra distances, wide gravel roads, and narrow singletrack trails, whether in mud or dry conditions. And its Speedroll-assisted ride makes it an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a dynamic, rockered running experience.

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Pros

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  • Ideal for summer runs due to its breathable upper
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  • Upper and outsole showcase incredible durability
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  • Sock-like upper provides a fantastic fit
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  • Handles faster paces effortlessly

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Cons

  • Tongue design needs enhancement for ultras
  • Lugs could be slightly shorter
  • Price point is probably too high for some budgets
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Rift

Running shoes customize for mud with the best cushioning

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes customize | What makes it the best?

As seen in its name, Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 is all about more foam and luxurious comfort. It delivers a solid amount of bounce, combined with a flexible midsole and reliable outsole that allows us to stay agile on muddy tracks. Our lab and run testers wholeheartedly agree — this shoe wins the best cushioning among mud running shoes.

Its very thick 38.6/31.5 mm slab of foam in the heel and forefoot rises 6.8/7.3 mm above the average trail shoe. Our durometer says it’s one of the softest trail shoes customize we’ve tested — sitting 45.6% above average. This combination makes it a solid impact dampener, protecting our legs from feeling beaten up. The shoe is also surprisingly stable with its wide base.

The midsole doesn’t resist our movements, allowing us to maneuver through the mud. Our flex test in the lab confirms it’s 11.4% more malleable than average. 

Its Ecostep outsole and chunky lugs help us cruise through tracks by providing good grip on soft dirt and moderate trails. Its lugs are 1.5 mm deeper than the average trail shoe, making it more capable of biting into mud.

This shoe isn’t the best option for technical trails since its mega-stack gives us less ground feel.

 

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Pros

  • Insanely protective even without a rock plate
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  • Solid amount of bounce
  • Incredibly stable
  • Plush and airy upper
  • Roomy fit
  • Good grip on mild to moderate trails
  • Durable outsole
  • Light on the run
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  • Best for easy days and long runs
  • Sustainable

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Cons

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  • Not great for technical trails
Full review of New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3

Running shoes customize for mud with the best foot protection

What makes it the best?

Endorphin Trail is Saucony’s trail killer that lets us run through rocky terrains and soft mud without hesitation. It's built like a shield with its thick and dense midsole, tough and grippy outsole, and bootie upper that prevents anything from getting in. Our actual runs and lab tests prove it provides the best foot protection for mud running.

Its tall 36.2/31.1 mm stack is max-cushioned for road running shoes customize and even more for trail shoes customize that only average 31.8/24.2 mm. It serves as a thick buffer to mute the friction from the ground and to protect the foot from sharp debris. It's surrounded by a mesh to prevent the midsole from wearing out. 

The bottom is lined with a tough 87.5 HC rubber, harder than the 85.1 HC average. We can easily store muddy puddles since the lug design is super grippy and aggressive. At 4.5 mm, the lugs are 1.0 mm deeper than average.

The top of our foot is hugged by a sock-like bootie upper, providing a snug fit. This ensures small rocks in the mud won’t penetrate in.

The upper is so protective that it blocks proper airflow too, making the shoe feel like a sauna on a hot, humid day. We recommend exploring other pairs for tropical weather.

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Pros

  • Amazing grip
  • Sock-like fit
  • True to size
  • Aggressive
  • Peppy midsole
  • Rock protection

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes Cons

  • Heavy
  • Not breathable
  • Poor draining
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Trail

converse chuck taylor all star high men shoes customize | 6 things to look for in mud running shoes

These are the features you want in a mud shoe. Maybe not all of them (amplified to the max), but the more the merrier. 

Features of mud running shoes

You might have gone through your trail-running life so far without knowing the difference between traction and grip, but that ends here. In mud shoes, you need both.

altra-lone-peak-5-in-the-mud.jpg

1. Sticky outsole (grip)

To look for grip in running shoes customize means to look for the outsole that will cling onto the running surface. Grip essentially depends on the material. Stickier rubber has a better grip but, since it’s softer, it suffers more abuse in traction.

A good grip will get you from snow to puddles to muddy trails.

A perfect example of this is using trail running shoes with soft rubber lugs on harsh technical trails - you will see signs of wear immediately after your run. Or, this is why you change from winter car tires to summer car tires. To make your winter tires last longer. 

Brands tend to have their own technologies, but mainly it’s all sticky rubber

  • Salomon calls it Contagrip® TA, 
  • ASICS has AsicsGrip™ which is a sticky and flexible rubber, 
  • Inov-8 comes with Endurance Rubber Compound or Sticky Rubber with high adherence to the ground,
  • Saucony uses PWRTRAC which is a durable and abrasion-resistant outsole material, etc. 

2. Multi-directional deep lugs (traction)

To look for traction in running shoes customize means to look for the outsole that resists sliding. Or mudslides. In mud shoes, this is accomplished by multi-directional lugs (cleats on the outsole). 

Lug patterns

They are usually 6-8 mm deep. This opposite-facing design means the shoes customize allow for both uphill and downhill sections. That’s why they can be odd-shaped like pentagons, triangles, diamonds, chevron-shaped stripes, etc.

lug-depth-trail-shoes.jpg

regular trail shoe lugs (top) vs. mud-ready shoe lugs (bottom)

Why do they need to be multi-directional? Because running through mud means unpredictable terrain and varying inclination. That’s why one-directional lugs wouldn’t be of help here - they are good for downhills only, or forward motion only. Running in mud asks for multi-directional traction. 

3. Snug fit 

Mud is sticky. You don’t want your shoes customize stuck in mud or your feet sliding in the shoes. The better (snugger) the fit, the better control you’ll have. 

This isn’t only about the tightness of the shoe. Sock-liner material matters a lot. It should not be slick, so make sure to try the shoes customize out with your running socks. You need friction happening there, not slippery slopes. 

4. Quick-drying shoes

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Where there’s mud, there’s water. Your feet will get wet and, in order to keep running and not get weighed down by your shoes, they need to dry out quickly. And, if you know you’ll be running through puddles (or even larger bodies of water), you should look for a really breathable upper and maybe even drainage holes.

altra-lone-peak-5-drain-ports.jpg

The diamond-shaped drainage ports help to push the water out of the shoe.

If you dive into shoe specs, you’ll probably find these materials as “nylon mesh”, “mesh fabric”, “no-sew mesh”, “anti-debris mesh”, “3D mesh”, “air mash”, etc. The overall idea for this material is to be breathable, keep the foot as dry as possible, prevent trail debris from entering the foot chamber, accommodate for natural swelling, resist wear and tear.

saucony-peregrine-11-upper-closeup.jpg

Robust material that still allows for some ventilation. 

Drainage holes work wonders when washing the shoe too, stick a hose in it and watch the water flow through them. 

5. Light weight 

The average weight of mud running shoes customize is 10.6oz or 300.25g. The lightest one weighs 7.2oz or 204g.

Weight matters because, along the run, your shoes customize will get heavier. It doesn’t matter whether they are water-resistant or draining really well. The heavier the shoes, the more difficult the run. If there’s any way to shake off a few grams, do it. 

6. Anti-debris design

This depends on your run - is it mud only or is there a possibility of anything else getting into your shoes? If you want no tiny rocks, pieces of branches, ground pieces, etc. in your shoes customize - look for shoes customize designed to keep the intruders on the outside.

Examples of anti-debris design elements in mud and trail running shoes

Sock-liner: Shallow or deep. Prevents the debris from entering the shoe around your ankle.

nike-wildhorse-7-gaiters.jpg

camper pelotas ariel leather sneakers item: These are protective covers that can be attached to your shoes. In winter conditions, they are great for keeping the snow on the outer side of the shoe. 

Make sure to pay attention to the design - it should not allow for mud to clog your gaiter attachments and weigh you down. Shoes customize should have attachments for gaiters. If not and the gaiters go underneath the middle of your shoe, the shoe outsole must not be flat. It should be arch-shaped so the gaiter attachment can fit under the arch. Otherwise, it will clog mud.

altra-lone-peak-5-gaiters.jpg

Unexposed laces: Accomplished with lace garages or lace covers. Let’s face it: it’s easier to wash the cover than the laces. Plus, the debris and mud have fewer chances of entering the shoe around the laces. And the laces won’t flap around and annoy you. 

Bonus things to think about (if you’re feeling nerdy about your mud runs) 

  1. In case you’re up for running not just through mud, but rocks (technical sections) and mud, a rock plate will save your feet. It will prevent them from feeling all beaten up. It offers additional protection from roots and rocks. 
    Rock plate in running shoes
  2. Do you wear socks on your mud runs? Reviews are filled with remarks saying “but you need to wear socks with these shoes”. This is up to you. But if you don’t want to wear socks, make sure that the shoe is perfectly comfortable and that it creates no hot spots. 
  3. You can find waterproof mud shoes. While they have a membrane that keeps the water outside of your shoes customize (up to a point), this doesn’t mean water won’t cascade down your leg and find its way inside your shoe surreptitiously. They are less breathable than non-waterproof mud shoes customize and water won’t get out of them easily. Read more about the pros and cons of watery features in mud shoes customize at the end of this guide. 
  4. Want to wash your shoes customize in a washing machine? Some mud shoes customize were made with that in mind. Brands usually promote this, so you won’t miss it. 
  5. The trouble of lacing up! So far we’ve seen Salomon mud shoes and the sunshine ready sneakers were loving for spring equipped with laces that don’t need to be tied in a knot but tightened only using their special designs. Rather than obvious pros - quicker lacing up time and no possibility of loose laces, these are also easier to clean. 
  6. When you’re done with the mud run, try resisting taking the shoes customize off before loosening up the laces. This will, in time, destroy your heel collar and heel counter and cause heel slipping. Then, you’ll have to get new shoes customize sooner than planned. 

Mud running shoes customize vs. other running shoes

Sure, there are trail running shoes that might work, but if they try to cater for a bit of everything, they fail at being mud proficient. Worst case scenario: you use road running shoes

Mud run shoes customize vs. other running shoes
What might happen if you stick to your regular trail or, god forbid, road running shoes? Why did this happen? 
Losing a shoe (in mud). The shoe was too loose-fitting. 
sneakers geox j ciak g a j9204a 000an c8011 d rose. Traction and grip failing you. 
Shoes customize become too heavy and might even cause muscle aches due to weight you aren’t accustomed to.  Drainage and drying out issues. Mud-shedding issues. 
Being too cold and soaking wet. Drainage and drying out issues. 
fendi flow sneakers item.  They weren’t durable enough. 
Feeling every little bump and hurting your feet.  The shoe is too soft and doesn’t offer enough protection.
Having to stop every now and then to empty your shoes.  No anti-debris protection. 

How to clean mud off running shoes

Here are a few tips on what to do after a mud run. These 3 rules always apply: 

  1. Do not put your shoes customize in the washing machine unless you know they can take it (based on the brand’s specifications). 
  2. Also, air-drying is your friend. Don’t put your shoes customize next to a radiator, in the dryer, or in direct sunlight. 
  3. Baking soda will keep weird smells away from your shoes. You can sprinkle small amounts of it inside your shoes, but don’t overdo it if your shoes customize have fancy membranes (like Goretex) - these are too fine and need to keep breathing. 

How to clean mud off running shoes

Option A: your shoes customize are still fresh from the run (you just finished your mud run or an obstacle course race). 

  1. The more mud you have in and on your shoes, the less time you want to spend not cleaning them. Take out the insole, stick the hose into your shoes customize and let the water flow. 
  2. Then clean the outside of the shoe and your insoles as well. The same applies to your sink in case you don’t have a hose, but make sure not to clog your pipes. If needed, use a soft brush. 
  3. If there’s a lot of mud, you might need to wash the laces separately.
  4. Usually, water is enough because it’s only mud and mud shoes customize were made of materials that are easy (or easier) to clean and dry. 

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  1. Beat your shoes customize against each other or any hard surface to get as much mud as possible off the shoes.
  2. Remove laces and insoles (if needed based on the amount of mud and where it got stuck) and wash them separately. 
  3. Using an old toothbrush or a sponge (softer side), remove as much mud as you can. Don’t rub the shoe too hard and damage it. 
  4. If mud isn’t gone yet, rinse the shoe and keep brushing with a toothbrush. You can use lukewarm water. 
  5. If water got inside your shoes, let them dry at room temperature. To speed up the process, put crumpled newspaper in the shoes. Change it every few hours. 

How to dry mud running shoes

Follow these instructions: 

  1. jimmy choo diamond light f leather sneakers. 
  2. If it’s too cold/moist, use a hairdryer on low heat. 
  3. Don’t put your shoes customize directly on the radiator or next to a strong heat source. 
  4. Putting a crumpled newspaper in the shoes customize will help a lot. Especially if you change it a few times - putting new, dry newspaper inside. 

Wash your hands, take a shower. After each muddy run or a race.

shoes customize sagan 3096 granatowy lakier this study, an outbreak of Escherichia Coli was linked to a mud obstacle race in England. It’s up to organizers to inform participants about the chances of contracting a gastrointestinal disease. It’s also up to them to ensure that livestock is removed from the course 28 days before the event. 

While runners and competitors are usually healthy and strong, fit individuals, extreme efforts suppress the immune system and make the organism more susceptible to infection. If you’re passionate about mud runs and obstacle course races, this study offers an in-depth insight into possible risks and is worth reading.

Can you use mud running shoes customize for obstacle course races? 

Yes. 

Just by looking at the top mud shoes customize and obstacle course race shoes customize - they are the same or really similar. What mud shoes customize won’t offer you is obstacle-specific protection, e.g. for rope climbing.

Do you need waterproof mud running shoes?

To make this decision easier for you, we will list possible scenarios and whether the waterproof mud shoes customize would do you good or harm.

Features of waterproof mud running shoes

Keep in mind that there are different levels of waterproofness. The upper can be made of, in order of low-to-high water protection, water-resistant, water-repellent, or waterproof materials. 

When (not) to use waterproof mud running shoes customize and why
cinzia araia kids teen lace up boots item Yes They will keep the water and mud on the outside and your feet will stay dry. 
Running through a lot of mud and possibly large bodies of water.  No No membrane can withstand this amount of water, plus water and mud will enter your shoes customize around your ankles. Powering through large puddles asks for nonwaterproof mud shoes. 
Running through high wet grass No Without gaiters, the water will cascade down your legs and enter the shoe anyway. The waterproof membrane isn’t as breathable as the mesh upper and the water will be stuck inside. 
Obstacle course races  No There are mud and water all over the course. Nothing will save you from them. Better find the most breathable mud shoes customize out there. 
Light rain during the run or a race.  Yes The waterproof membrane will keep your feet dry during light rain. The moment it gets to moderate rain or showers, it’s a matter of minutes before your feet get wet. 
Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic
Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.