Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for reducing distributed storage operation latency using segment routing. In some examples, a method can involve receiving, from a client, a message identifying an intent to store or retrieve data on a distributed storage environment, and sending to the client a segment routing (SR) list identifying storage node candidates for storing or retrieving the data. The method can involve steering a data request from the client through a path defined by the SR list based on a segment routing header (SRH) associated with the request, the SRH being configured to steer the request through the path until a storage node from the storage node candidates accepts the request. The method can further involve sending, to the client device, a response indicating that the storage node has accepted the request and storing or retrieving the data at the storage node that accepted the request.