After each mud run or obstacle race I compete in, you'll get my review and grades for each event to help you decide which ones you might want to sign up for. The following categories will be discussed:

1. COURSE- the design, venue, and setup of the race itself- how creative/ adventurous/ difficult the obstacles were, and obviously... how was the MUD?!?

2. FESTIVAL- all the fun beyond the actual race- the social atmosphere which usually includes food, beer garden, dj/ music/ concert, contests, vendors, and more during the after-party

3. SWAG- the included goodie bag and prizes up for grabs- all the "free" stuff that comes with price of entry and the quality of awards, shirts, and other giveaways

Feel free to use the search box to read up on any past topics you might be looking for.

GEAR REVIEW: Reebok All-Terrain shoes - Super OR (and) Thrill

It's been a while since we heard from Reebok's line of obstacle-race-centric footwear, but this Spring will see TWO new models hit the shelves!  The first is a revamped edition of their Super racing shoe, which as we know, has had questionable durability on our rugged trails and obstacles, but hopefully improved in this "OR" version. The other is a new style to come out, which should also "Thrill" ;) those looking for a less minimalist and smoother ride for races and training. I'll try to compare these to Reebok's earlier OCR shoes, but also feel free to read through my earlier articles on those, which are hyperlinked here:.

ALL-TERRAIN SUPER
http://mudmanreport.blogspot.com/2014/02/gear-review-reebok-all-terrain-super.html

ALL-TERRAIN SUPER 2.0
http://mudmanreport.blogspot.com/2015/08/gear-review-reebok-all-terrain-super-20.html

ALL-TERRAIN THUNDER
http://mudmanreport.blogspot.com/2015/05/gear-review-reebok-all-terrain-thunder.html

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ALL-TERRAIN SUPER O.R.
(men's / women's)


1.  FIT/FEEL-  The slightly new name, which the initials I'll guess stand for Obstacle Racing, are the third generation of Super's to hit the market since their debut 2 years ago.  Still a narrow fit as you might want for racing, so as not to have much wiggle room or allow space for debris to enter.  The first thing that I noticed out of the box was the change to the speed lace system that the Thunder's (and any Solomon brand shoe) used.  I'm personally not a fan of these, but if the idea is more ease and speed of tightening the shoe, I won't knock it too much- especially since the type of thin material laces they had before didn't usually hold a tie too well. We can also notice that the tongue seems to have more attachment to the upper than the earlier version, as my high arches always caused it to slip to the outside instead of staying put. The major gripe of past Super shoes has been their notorious lack of durability, sometimes not even lasting a single OCR without getting a hole somewhere (usually near the pinky toes)!  The upgraded Cordura coating should be a huge improvement on that, but it remains to be seen as we go through the 2016 race season.  Lastly, this new model is again among the most lightweight shoes out there, so no worry about heavy plodding feet even after a wet or muddy section.  GRADE = B



2.  FUNCTION-  I haven't yet tested these in an actual race, but the features clearly resemble those of its Super ancestors and will likely work as well.  The most notable of course is the H2O Drain which was probably the most crucial thing to ever happen to "OCR shoes" (from those original 1.0's). Great traction from the bottom tread as always, though the general design including smaller rope-climbing teeth around the arch, has become a standard from many other brands of obstacle race shoes now.  I quickly noticed that the lugs near the heel have grown a little bigger than before, but not sure what the reason other than possibly helping with downhill grip?  GRADE = A


3.  FASHION-  Flashy as ever, and isn't that the style now?  I suppose the graffiti paint drip design fits for the intended use of getting them splashed (with mud), though likely not the vibrant neon colors like these unless you're are wearing them for a "color run" race.  In that case they'd always come out looking like new! These would be pretty cool for an everyday shoe if not for the cleated bottom that doesn't work for anywhere but the trails.  GRADE = B


OVERALL GRADE = B

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ALL-TERRAIN THRILL
(men's / women's)


1.  FIT/FEEL-  Though these are a whole new species of shoe, I put them a little more in the hybrid race/training category, along with the aforementioned Thunder 2.0's or even the little-known All-Terrain Wild's. These Thrill's are easily my favorite of Reebok's All-Terrain series so far, combining a more cushioned feel with an excellent "racing" bottom tread that allows me to go a little further off-road. I don't think these would qualify any more as a minimalist shoe, but they are still lightweight enough to not feel bulky.  I have a slightly wider foot, and these definitely don't give me the tight squeeze of the Super versions.  There is a Terrain Support heel clip that also should keep you strapped into the shoe a little better, even after all those twists and turns.  The laces are back to thicker strings, and have not let me down and come loose yet.  Either way, I always double knot anyway just to make sure.  GRADE = A



2.  FUNCTION-   Like I said above, they borrow a similar tread from the Super shoe lineage, and even add multi-directional lugs for ascent/descent.  They are also spread apart so mud shouldn't get caked up between too much.  Water port H20 Drain holes on both sides will prevent a flood inside, but I'd still wonder if the thicker cushioned upper might hold a little extra water than the other shoes.  Underneath, a solid rock guard makes uneven and gravel trails an easy run.  And on the topic of durability once more, the rubberized coating should add more years to their life, if not at least repel some mud from sticking to the shoe.  GRADE = B


3.  FASHION-   I don't know how many color options will become available, but the simple black and neon color combo's are pretty without being obnoxious.  The matching two-tone lace colors is a nice touch as well. I almost don't want to let these get dirty lol.  I'll look forward to the evolution of this model shoe, as I can see this being a popular choice for it looks, comfort, and versatility.  GRADE = A


OVERALL GRADE = A

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Side by side men's (OR vs Thrill)


Side by side women's (OR vs Thrill)