6 Best Underwear for a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race

You’re all prepped for your Tough Mudder or Spartan Race. You have your shoes, shorts, shirt, and watch. But do you have special underwear?

Believe it or not, some companies create and sell underwear designed specifically for runners. These should help athletes remain comfortable and deal with moisture that can cause problems. But should you really invest in them?

Considering numerous runners go commando, there might be a reason for special athletic underwear.

Why Special Underwear for Tough Mudder or Spartan Race?

Everyone knows that athletes sweat, even in areas they would rather not mention. Sweating produces odors, bacteria, and moisture that can leave runners feeling gross and uncomfortable. One of the best ways to combat sweat is to find a pair of underwear that wicks away moisture.

Scientists and manufacturers developed certain materials designed to reduce sweating or wick away dampness so runners are more comfortable. Seamwork Magazine describes these fabrics as “activewear” with fibers that keep moisture away from the skin so runners stay dry. Specialty underwear helps runners stay comfortable during difficult races like a Tough Mudder or any Spartan level events.

Another issue with sweating is chafing. Chafing happens when skin rubs against skin or repeatedly against fabric. Healthline lists symptoms as a red rash that comes with a burning or stinging sensation, while some rare cases can include bleeding and skin peeling.

Athletes developed several methods to treat chafing. Runner’s World recommends showering immediately after a run to remove bacteria and soothe the area. It’s also encouraged to use a skin calming cream that can combat irritation.

Unfortunately, people will still need to suffer from the discomfort of chafing unless they prevent it. Sometimes, runners can avoid chafing by correcting their running form, as seen in the below video.

However, form is just one part of the equation. People with thicker legs are more likely to chafe because there is more skin surface area rubbing together.

To avoid this problem, runners can wear underwear designed to protect and soothe the legs, including the sensitive upper thigh area near the groin.

Best Men's Underwear for Tough Mudder or Spartan Race:

Men’s underwear is naturally designed to accommodate a different physique. Most running underwear for men tends to be tighter and more form-fitting than their regular counterpart and also include extra support and protection for comfort.

These come in several styles, including briefs and shorts.

Male athletes do need to be careful when searching for a pair that works for them. Many products run small and might cause significant discomfort. If possible, male runners should purchase one size larger than usual or read reviews to determine what the standard fit is.

It’s also important for men to protect their private area. Many new products feature special pockets and support to keep everything in place. However, some models lack convenient pockets and slits in favor of a more form-fitting design, which doesn’t work for everyone.

In a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race, you will be tested to your limits and so will your underwear. Always train wearing the same clothes you intend to use during the event and be sure to find a combination of comfort, support, and moisture avoiding capabilities.

Any of the following models below are excellent examples of what you should search for when making a decision.

1. Smartwool PhD Seamless Brief 

The Smartwool seamless brief is designed to be tighter but feature a moisture-resistant fabric that can keep men comfortable while they run.

The product is 71% Merino wool, which manufacturers realized is one of the best materials to stop sweat buildup and keep runners at a comfortable temperature during exercise.

The briefs use knit textures to improve ventilation and help stop sweat buildup. A typical pair is designed to last for a long time, making this underwear an investment.

This material can additionally reduce the amount of bacteria found in one’s underwear after a run, which can reduce the chances of developing fungus like jock itch or other ailments.

This product can be thrown in the washing machine without suffering damage and also lasts for runners used to hard workouts, making them a popular choice during Spartan races or the Tough Mudder.

The easy to clean feature also means you won’t be left trying to scrub the mud out in the sink and can instead rely on technology.

The ExOfficio Give-n-Go features some leg coverage around the upper thigh and groin area to prevent chafing and the irritation associated with it. The fabric is also designed to stretch to fit different people but doesn’t actually wear out the material, making them a popular choice for runners.

3. Nike Pro Combat Short 2.0 

The focus of this underwear is keeping you dry, which is a common problem for people during longer runs like the Tough Mudder or a Spartan race.

A pair costs lasts longer for intermediate runners. They can be thrown in the washing machine or hand washed. The Nike shorts do not include as much groin support as other models and instead emphasize a sleeker, tighter fit for runners.

Best Women's Underwear for Tough Mudder or Spartan Race:

Women have different needs than men when it comes to underwear. It’s harder to find models that include some form of thigh coverage and most products will not have extra support in the grown.

However, it’s easier to find tighter fits and a range of styles from shorts to briefs to thongs.

A lot of the products for women include additional moisture wicking because female runners tend to produce more sweat in the area around the groin.

Cotton is not a popular fabric because it traps moisture, so most women’s underwear is made from wool or synthetic fibers.

 Because the majority of women’s underwear is style like a brief, it is much more likely that female runners will suffer from the ever-present and ever-annoying wedgie. It’s important to find a product that features a little extra fabric to fully cover the butt without eliminating the tightness that holds the material in place.

The following products are some of the most popular for runners seeking long-lasting, durable underwear for races like the Tough Mudder.

Remember to practice wearing the clothing in which you intend to complete the race.

One of the benefits of the Arcteryx Phase SL Brief is that it includes anti-odor protection around the groin to help stop odors before they begin.

Another benefit is the inclusion of polyester fabrics which help wick away moisture. Not only will you be sweating during a Spartan race or Tough Mudder, but you will also likely end up in puddles, mud, or rain.

You want underwear that will stay dry for as long as possible, and the Arcteryx briefs are an excellent option.

This product fits like standard women’s briefs but is tighter around the waistband and legs to ensure the material stays in place. This means fewer wedgies! It also includes a gusseted crotch for extra comfort during long runs.

2. Champions Absolute Briefs

These women’s briefs include tighter edges to help the material stay in place while running. The product uses polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers to encourage moisture to sit on the surface of the underwear and evaporate in the air.     

The product also has targeted ventilation to keep the groin cool while running. This is important for long runs like the Spartan race, where it’s easy for participants to overheat.

These underwear can be thrown in the washing machine for a quick and thorough clean without losing structural integrity.

3. Under Armour Power in Pink 

Unlike a lot of women’s underwear, these provides extra support so everything stays in place. Female runners tend to store more fat around their butts, thighs, and groins, so there is plenty that needs to remain in place during a run.

Under Armour uses synthetic fibers that help wick away moisture so it can evaporate and women remain dry during races like the Tough Mudder. Many people additionally enjoy the material because it is soft, smooth, and doesn’t bunch up during movement

6 Best Underwear for a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race Wrap Up

An individual’s choice in underwear is one of the most personal tidbits about someone, but can make the difference during a tough run.

While many runners go commando, others are uncomfortable with this idea and want an extra layer. You won’t know what works for you until you try a few pairs, and these options are an excellent mixture of quality and price.