The Ultimate Guide – What to Wear For Tough Mudder or Any OCR

Mud. It’s everywhere. But how close do you really want to be to it?

In the Tough Mudder, you become one with the mud.

 In fact, by the end, you will be more mud than human.

As for your clothes, you need to pick something that will last and survive its time in the trenches. Perhaps this is a little dramatic but in reality, any Tough Mudder, Spartan Race or OCR you are going to be covered in mud, from head to toe. 

What Am I Getting Myself Into? Tough Mudder or OCR Overview 

The Tough Mudder is known as one of the world’s toughest mud runs and obstacle courses. Athletes take part in three different races which range between three miles, five miles, and ten miles. Runners choose which one suits their running style and then compete to slog through the mud and clamber over obstacles designed to test an athlete’s limits.

Previous obstacles have included the Funky Monkey, the Devil’s Beard, and Electroshock Therapy, hindrances which challenge a person’s flexibility and resilience. Most competitors begin training months in advance in order to succeed, although others enter the event for fun.

One of the biggest challenges runners face, though, is what to wear. The Tough Mudder can cause real problems for people who are used to exercising in their best equipment or on dry ground, as the mud will get everywhere and require assets that won’t slip or absorb too much moisture.

You don’t need to watch the entire video, but the two speakers and the athletes in the images they show demonstrate the broad range of clothing which people wear during this event. You need to find something comfortable for you, so take these suggestions as just that – suggestions.

 Below are some of the top items available on the market and why they would be useful in this gauntlet of a competition.

1. Tough Mudder Shorts Selection

You’re going to want to cover all of your bases before the Tough Mudder, including your butt. Runners are expected to dive, lunge, avoid friendly fire, and a myriad of other challenging tasks that leave competitors sore and begging for more.

The perfect pair of shorts is going to come down to preference. Some people prefer tighter, more fitting clothes while working out, and others want loose fabric with few physical restrictions.

When it comes to the material, there are also numerous varieties with different benefits. Seamwork Magazine comments that the majority of the options available are designed to wick moisture away from the body and keep runners comfortable, including synthetics.

This means you have many options from which to choose. I tested a bunch and found the Storelli as a great option for protected and warm.

I tested a bunch and their are not really shorts designed for Tough Mudders. I am aware that these are soccer protective shorts but they do exactly what you would need to them to do. 

Runners should also determine whether or not they want some form of compression or not. Some athletes enjoy having the extra support, but others prefer loosey-goosey fabrics that provide more space.

One thing that all shorts should have, though, is a breathable fabric. You are going to sweat. A lot. You need something that will get the moisture away from your body, prevent you from overheating, but also keep you relatively warm when diving through the mud.

The options listed here are some of the toughest clothes available for runners, but they aren’t your only choices. Find something which works for you and go with it.

2. Tough Mudder Socks Selection

It’s time to contact the sock monster in the dryer, because you need some real bad boys to help you. Regular people might not think about their socks too much, but runners definitely do.

For an event like the Tough Mudder, you need a pair that will protect you from the harsh elements you’re going to face.

Mud runs are grueling normally, and this mother of the mud runs is no exception. You need a material that will stop mud from coating your legs and feet, will wick away moisture, and keep you warm and dry as you progress.

My TOP CHOICE is MudGear. There are specifically designed for Mud Runs, Tough Mudders, or any OCR. 

All of these models share some common features that you should look for. First is a tight fit. You don’t want your socks to slip around while you’re running because of the discomfort and potential for injury if you get twisted and stuck in your shoe.

For further, more in-depth review of the socks you can check that out here.

Second is the ability to withstand moisture. No one likes running in wet socks, including avid athletes. They’re squishy, they’re smelly, and they’re breeding grounds for bacteria. No one needs that while they’re already challenging themselves!

3. Tough Mudder Gloves Selection

Some obstacles include the need to grip ropes or hang by plastic and metal, so it’s important to choose a material that favors grip. It can also be cold during the event, so if you’re someone whose extremities get cold during exercise, then you might want a fabric or synthetic that will keep you warm.

Some of the best options for the Tough Mudder is the Mechanix Wear. I liked these as they kept grip the entire race, kept my hands semi-dry and protected. 

Both products emphasize the importance of grip and comfort and are made using a combination of natural and synthetic materials. 

The design additionally utilizes a breathable mesh that will allow you to cool down in between obstacles. 

You can read a more in-depth analysis of the gloves here.

It’s important to pick a glove that fits well and cushions sections of your hands that could become injured. The National Safety Council notes that it’s easy to strain and task muscles too much without protection, leaving you open to damage.

4. Tough Mudder Shoe Selection

This might be hard to believe, but it’s difficult to find the perfect mud run shoe. There is no single type which will be perfect for everybody, especially since you need to go through many different terrains and obstacles.

Some factors you should look for are grip, tightness, breathability, and durability.

Grip is how well your shoes will latch onto the ground. During the Tough Mudder, you will mostly be running through the slimy mud, which is challenging and difficult to grip. A shoe with a moderate to strong bottom will stop you from slipping, sliding, and eventually falling face first into the sludge.

The highest recommended shoe is the Solomon Sonic (they come in options for Men and Women). 

Tightness is important because you don’t want to lose your shoe while running, especially since it could easily become lost in the mud. You also don’t want the ground to suck your shoe away, which can happen to athletes who don’t have theirs tightened enough.

Going along with this, you also don’t need a shoe which is too tight. If it’s constricting your feet, then you’re not getting enough blood flow, could go norm, and cause injuries.

Breathability is significant so you don’t overheat. Many breathable shoes can also stop moisture from building up, which prevents discomfort and wet socks.

Finally, you want something durable. There are some athletes who will specifically buy a pair of shoes for the Tough Mudder just because of how challenging it is on the feet.

Your shoes need to be able to keep up with the shock of the elements; you don’t want something that will fall apart halfway through the competition!

For some people, this could mean a pair of barely there footwear that allows them to feel the surface of the ground. Others will want something with more grip, cushioning, and padding to protect their feet from the elements.

Before you wear a pair of shoes to the Tough Mudder, be sure to test them out on a moderately challenging outdoor course, just so you’re prepared.

What to Wear For Tough Mudder or Any OCR - BEST Gear List Wrap-UP

The Tough Mudder is a great way to test your strength, your endurance, and yourself. Most athletes need to complete many months of training in order to be able to finish the races, particularly the five and ten mile courses.

Clothing will be an important decision, and you are the only one who can decide what you wear. The selections in this article demonstrate items which have many of the qualities necessary to keep you comfortable while slogging through the mud.

Remember, you need to know yourself and your limitations when picking an outfit for the big day,

Now, get out there and show the world what you’re made of!