Nothing says ATV riding more than mud.

One of the first places a new ATV owner plays in is the mud. What did we do as kids? Played in the mud. What do we do on 4-wheels? Play in the mud. What ruins a fun day in the mud? Bad tires. Or the wrong tires.

If you plan to take your ATV to a mud pit then you better get some mud tires. Second to the very recognizable and required sand tires for dune riding, ATV mud tires show off some serious lugging and without them you'll just be a stick in the mud.

A number of manufacturers make crossover tires that work in the mud but that are not actually mud specific tires. For example, you can get trail or off-road tires that work well in muddy conditions however these tire types work when mud is more of an obstacle not in actual mud conditions. Crossover mud tires provide much better handling without so much of the deep "V" tread pattern true mud tires offer.

Blazing through trails or even a motocross track with occasional spots of mud or water holes is a snap with these crossover tires. However, in true mud conditions where rider and machine receive coat after coat of ick and goo, your ATV requires mud tires.

Mud tires come with a softer rubber compound, most likely 6-ply, and deep, large gaps between lugs. These tires are directional - meaning they install in one direction. The "scoops" of the tread won't work otherwise. Therefore, mud tires cannot be turned around when the outside edges begin to show wear.

The tread of course is recognizable thanks to the raised "V" pattern shape that could double as a rock climbing wall. The deep gaps in between the lugging push serious traction but also prevent caking to provide a self-cleaning effect. Flinging the mud off tires is crucial to keeping traction intact otherwise you'll just spin those wheels.

ATV mud tires give you the most aggressive beefed up lugs available to tackle the deepest and sloppiest mud pits you can find. When looking for mud tires, keep in mind the terrain you expect to ride in. Mud tires offer less stability on normal terrain and wear out quick on hard pack. Swap them in when you're facing true mud conditions where the traction is a necessity.

Good ATV Mud Tire

Better ATV Mud Tire

Best ATV Mud Tire

Kenda Executioner Utility ATV Tires

Maxxis Mudzilla Utility ATV Tires

Gorilla ATV Utility ATV Tires

Price: $70.99 - $112.99

Price: $159.99 - $204.99

Price: $154.99 - $242.99

Features:

  • Outstanding performance in the muddiest riding terrain
  • Provides good handling and ride comfort with dimpled tread surface
  • Beefed up knobs reduce rollover at low pressure
  • 6-ply rating

Features:

  • Massive tread bars give maximum traction
  • Step-down tread pattern adds to the lug strength
  • Deep shoulder wrapping tread bars for extra traction in ruts
  • 6-ply rating

Features:

  • Lug wraps all the way to the bead on both sides
  • Superior traction in ruts
  • One of the most aggressive ATV tires on the market
  • 6-ply rating
 

The above picks are based on customer satisfaction, dependability, performance and overall positive reviews. What works for you and your ATV may not work for another so stick with what works if you've found a brand that keeps you from getting stuck. If you're mud shopping for the first time or looking to try something new check these selections out.