I am an experienced runner, mixing short distance training runs to 50 -100 mile races. I regularly run on local woodland and head into the Dales or Lake district for longer runs. I normally go up full size up (size 7) in all my running trainers, however only a half size in the wide fit Hoka (6.5). I wear Salomon trainers for trails but Hoka and Mizuno for road. I tested these INOV8 TRAILTALON on several mixed terrain runs, each run between 60-180mins and I chose size 7 in a wide fit.
Features of the INOV8 TRAILTALON
- Ideal For Soft Ground
- 6mm Drop
- Suitable For Everyday Training
- Graphene Enhanced Rubber Grip
- BOOMERANG Footbed
- Weight 310g
First impressions, I thought the toe box looked lovely and roomy for the wide fit option and grip looked superb for muddy conditions. The INOV8 TRAILTALON appeared quite a bit wider than Salomon (Speedcross 5) and I noticed this during training runs. Thankfully this wide toe box didn’t give me any issues with foot slipping. At first I thought they felt a bit structured inside and was worried that I would feel this while running. There was no need to however, I never noticed any issues with the sole once I actually started running, just enough cushioning.
I personally need to adjust how I lace the INOV8 TRAILTALON up and use the last available hole in a lace lock, as otherwise they felt a bit too roomy around the fit of the heel. It could be that going up only a half size might work for me better. After first few runs, I tweaked the lacing system and this definitely worked better for me, as they now felt snug around the heel. In muddy conditions I found they gripped well, and didn’t seem to hold too much mud, this gave me confidence to push the pace on the descents, without any falling over.
On one of my runs, the ground was extremely wet. l was bit dubious as a previous INOV8 trail shoe I had didn’t allow water to escape very well, so I was sloshing about. However, this didn’t happen with the INOV8 TRAILTALON, allowing me to run freely and not care how many puddles I ran through. On mixed terrain, rocks, to grassy sections they coped well and I felt confident running at pace.
Overall, despite my initial reservations, I have found this to be a good shoe and I’m looking forward to wearing them on longer run over 6hrs. I may even be converted to come away from my trusted Salomon for trails/fells to INOV8. I feel this is a great all-round shoe with cushioning that adapts to various terrains.
Fit 9/10
6mm lugs great in muddy conditions. Lightweight Graphene grip
Performance 8/10
Adapt well from rocky trails to muddy sections. Ample cushioning for mixed terrain.
Design 8/10
Responsive; but shoe needs to be tight for good heel grip. Breathable, water can escape.
Value 8/10
In comparison to similar shoes on the market, the price is good.
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