Spartan and Tough Mudder are the most popular brands with the largest attended events within the sport of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR). Their races are fun but physically exhausting and, without the proper protection, can wreak havoc on your feet and legs. The Best Short Socks for Spartan Race and Tough Mudder explains where and why MudGear ranks among the best in the industry.

CRITERIA: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN OCR SOCK?  

While MudGear socks were the first to be made by and for obstacle course racers, a growing number of sock manufacturers are attempting to address the needs of this growing pastime. Similar to our list of Best Socks For Trail Running, this comparison focuses on comfort, fit, design, durability and overall value.  

Comfort - Socks never make you faster, but an uncomfortable sock can certainly slow you down and distract you from the obstacles on which you should be focused.  

Fit - Beyond feeling comfortable, it’s important that socks actually fit your feet in a way that promotes confidence and will not become a distraction later in your run.

Design - Functional design includes using the right material in the right places to cushion pressure points, maintain stability (no slip), promote ventilation, and wick away sweat and other unwanted moisture.  

Durability - Spartan and Tough Mudder races will test the durability of your socks like nothing else. Socks designed by and for obstacle course racers should last through multiple races and many muddy miles of training. 

Value - They say, “You get what you pay for;” however, the best OCR socks confirm you got your money’s worth and more. 

TOP 5 SHORT SOCKS (NON-COMPRESSION) FOR SPARTAN AND TOUGH MUDDER

While MudGear's tall compression socks are popular among obstacle course racers, there's an added sense of freedom that comes with shorter trail socks. However, you still want all of the key design element in regards to ventilation and comfort padding in key pressure points. You'll also want socks tall enough to keep mud and debris out and tight enough to stay up even through mud and water obstacles. 

#1 MUDGEAR 1/4 CREW TRAIL SOCKS

 

 

Wet and muddy obstacle course races were the exact inspiration for MudGear ¼ Crew Trail Socks. Nobody does better at draining sweat and quick drying after submerged in water obstacles. MudGear’s simple but effective poly-spandex blend strategically cushions the footbed and top of the foot between the upper arch and ankle. The smooth toe seam is located above the bend of the toes rather than their point to eliminate irritation. Finally, the Y-Heel design along with alternating ribbing around the ankle and 3x1 ribbing with strong spandex at the rim secures the sock to your foot like no other.

Pros Soft, never-slip comfort Extremely durable against all conditions

Cons Limited color options  Priced as a premium sock (rightfully so)

#2 BALEGA ENDURO V-TECH QUARTER SOCKS

 

 

Balega makes nice socks. Period. Balega Enduro V-tech Quarter Socks are no exception. The non-constricting compression bands, sensitive rib top, and extra deep heel pocket are welcomed considerations for anyone logging frequent miles. While the design is stylish and better than most in wicking away moisture, a common complaint is the socks’ thickness and underwhelming ventilation resulting in hot feet getting hotter. Overall durability is impressive considering the price, but best for shorter, cool weather runs.

Pros Stylish, performance-based design Impressive moisture control

Cons Thicker than expected Poor ventilation leading to hot feet

 

#3 DARN TOUGH ULTRA LIGHT 1/4 SOCKS

Though they’re best known for their ski and camping socks, the durability of Darn Tough Socks isn’t lost on obstacle course races. Darn Tough Ultra Light 1/4 Socks are composed from a unique blend of Merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex, delivering the toughness you’d expect from the Vermont-based sock company. The only questionable part of the name is the “ultra light” as the socks are thicker than suggested; thus holding more sweat and exterior water than racers typically want. Still, DT’s build will almost definitely hold firm without slipping and without blisters. Like MudGear, Darn Tough will honor a lifetime guarantee to replace worn socks as needed.

Pros Comfort of Merino wool Lifetime guarantee

Cons Fairly thick for “ultra lite”   Holds moisture

#4 INJINJI TRAIL MIDWEIGHT CREW XTRALIFE SOCKS

There are certain qualities shared among all of the contenders on this list. However, Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Xtralife Socks carry a certain distinction that some racers will find intriguing while others consider a distraction. Injinji’s five-toes patented design is like a glove for your feet carefully securing each toe. It’s different, but it’s surprisingly comfortable. Injinji’s thin, Coolmax material prevents your feet from becoming too hot, and the socks manage water considerably well. The one concern is the wear and tear that tends to develop at the end of the toes after many miles.

Pros Unique, but comfortable fit Thin for cooling effect

Cons Fitted toes are an acquired taste Tends to wear away at toe-tips

#5 DRYMAX MAXIMUM PROTECTION TRAIL RUN 1/4 CREW SOCKS

 

 

Drymax has been popular among trail and marathon runners for years. We’re now finding them to be a viable option in the obstacle course racing world. Using their trademark Drymax Technology, Drymax Maximum Protection Trail Run 1/4 Crew Socks sport a sturdy build and anatomical fit. Interestingly, testers found Drymax to be course to the touch, surprisingly thick and holding more moisture than the name would suggest. Nevertheless, Drymax’s “anti-blister system” is on point, and dense padding protects the foot from ground pounding as well as friction within the shoe. Oh, and you can fold the cuff down for a cool, secondary look.

Pros Sturdy build; anatomical fit Well padded

Cons Not as soft as most Thick; holds moisture

Common Thread 

The very best trail running and obstacle course racing socks designate strategic patterns and material in specific locations to improve ventilation, prevent slippage, and add support to cushion runners' most vulnerable areas. While commodity cotton socks focus simply on covering your foot, professional trail running socks are designed for performance. Review the image, and note MudGear's strategic design for maximum performance.

 

FINISH LINE

When it comes to comfort, durability, and functional design, MudGear consistently beats out the competition. However, let's be real. No matter how hard we try to eliminate bias and influence, these kinds of tests are never perfect. Every "Best of" list out there is an opinion that you shouldn't trust 100% until you try it out for yourself. So, are you read to try your next favorite OCR sock?

Click to learn more about MudGear 1/4 Crew Trail Socks, MudGear Tall Compression Socks, or MudGear No-Show Trail Socks.

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