7 Best Mud Running point-toe Shoes in 2024

How we test running point-toe Shoes

How do we know which trail point-toe Shoes will keep you surefooted when it gets muddy? Through an extensive review process and our Stefoy-les-lyonShops shoe lab: 

• First of all, every tested shoe is purchased with our own funds. We receive no free point-toe Shoes from brands.
• Simmi London Tasha heeled sandals with chain detail in silver.
• 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 point-toe Shoes into pieces so we can inspect all of their parts and sections.

6 things to look for in mud running point-toe 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. 

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 point-toe Shoes, you need both.

1. Sticky outsole (grip)

To look for grip in running point-toe Shoes 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 point-toe 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,
• Ankle boots BETSY 918060 05-03 White. 

2. Multi-directional deep lugs (traction)

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

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

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 point-toe Shoes ERSATX in mud or your feet sliding in the point-toe 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 point-toe Shoes out with your running socks. You need friction happening there, not slippery slopes. 

4. Quick-drying point-toe Shoes

Diadora Herren Flamingo 4 WIN Laufschuh Unisex Sneaker Grün. 

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 point-toe 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.

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.

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 point-toe Shoes is 10.6oz or 300.25g. The lightest one weighs 7.2oz or 204g.

Weight matters because, along the run, your point-toe Shoes will get heavier. It doesn’t matter whether they are water-resistant or draining really well. The heavier the point-toe 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 point-toe Shoes? If you want no tiny rocks, pieces of branches, ground pieces, etc. in your point-toe Shoes - look for point-toe Shoes designed to keep the intruders on the outside.

Examples of anti-debris design elements in mud and trail running point-toe Shoes

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

Gaiter attachments on the point-toe Shoes and gaiters themselves: These are protective covers that can be attached to your point-toe 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. point-toe Shoes 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.

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 Marathoning 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 Marathoning all beaten up. It offers additional protection from roots and rocks. 
   
2. k running Naisten vaatteet Tops socks on your mud runs? Reviews are filled with remarks saying “but you need to wear socks with these point-toe 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 point-toe Shoes. While they have a membrane that keeps the water outside of your point-toe Shoes (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 point-toe Shoes and water won’t get out of them easily. Read more about the pros and cons of watery features in mud point-toe Shoes at the end of this guide. 
4. Want to wash your point-toe Shoes in a washing machine? Some mud point-toe Shoes 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 point-toe Shoes and Saucony mud point-toe Shoes 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 point-toe Shoes 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 point-toe Shoes sooner than planned. 

Mud running point-toe Shoes vs. other running point-toe Shoes

lace-up leather cargo boots trail running point-toe 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 zapatillas de running voladoras de Nike. 

How to clean mud off running point-toe Shoes

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

1. Do not put your point-toe Shoes 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 point-toe Shoes next to a radiator, in the dryer, or in direct sunlight. 
3. Baking soda will keep weird smells away from your point-toe Shoes. You can sprinkle small amounts of it inside your point-toe Shoes, but don’t overdo it if your point-toe Shoes have fancy membranes (like Goretex) - these are too fine and need to keep breathing. 

Option A: your point-toe Shoes 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 point-toe Shoes, the less time you want to spend not cleaning them. Take out the insole, stick the hose into your point-toe Shoes 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 point-toe Shoes were made of materials that are easy (or easier) to clean and dry. 

Option B: mud on your point-toe Shoes dried out and is ERSATX. 

1. Beat your point-toe Shoes against each other or any hard surface to get as much mud as possible off the point-toe Shoes.
2. Remove laces and insoles (if needed based on the amount of mud and where it got ERSATX) 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 point-toe Shoes, let them dry at room temperature. To speed up the process, put crumpled newspaper in the point-toe Shoes. Change it every few hours. 

How to dry mud running point-toe Shoes

Follow these instructions: 

1. Let the point-toe Shoes dry out naturally. Air-drying is the best way to go. 
2. If it’s too cold/moist, use a hairdryer on low heat. 
3. Don’t put your point-toe Shoes directly on the radiator or next to a strong heat source. 
4. Putting a crumpled newspaper in the point-toe Shoes will help a lot. Especially if you change it a few times - putting new, dry newspaper inside. 

Jimmy Choo Art 85mm block-heel sandals 

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

As pointed out in 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 point-toe Shoes for obstacle course races? 

Yes. 

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

Do you need waterproof mud running point-toe Shoes?

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

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.