Inov8 - Mudclaw G 260 V2

I started noticing this a couple years ago and planned accordingly. For me I have huge feet and it's hard to find good shoes. For those in my situation and like a low drop and low rise, look into Inov-8. I've only bought these shoes since early '23 and I hope they never change.

Topo mtn racer has better grip. Inov8 has better grip also; Trailfly for hard trails and Mudfly for wet/mud.

I run on Coniston fells every week pretty much and use Mudclaws. I have loads of pairs as I get them whenever I see a bargain on eBay. Mega grip and they even handle the odd stretch of gravel path or road. The uppers have always lasted well. They get wet and sometimes I dry them but most of the time they're wet until my next run.

Personally I don't like waterproof trail runners. They're ok for short runs but they overheat (as you said) or if they do get wet they stay wet for ages. It takes forever for them to dry. If you're here in summer even if your feet do get wet they shouldn't get too cold. I don't bother with waterproof socks in summer, again I overheat. In winter though they can be very useful. I'm not going to suggest a specific shoe as the fit is far too personal. I've had a lot of pairs of Saucony Peregrines and live on the Pennines (same hills as the Peak District). They have a 4mm drop so you might prefer something with more padding. I know a lot of people that use Inov8s Mudclaws etc etc but they're too thin for me. Hokas obviously and Altras if you prefer a wide toebox. I'd recommend going to a running shop and trying some on. Have you tried asking the event organisers to see what they suggest? They know the route so should be able to tell you what the surface and ground conditions will be like.

I’ve been wearing Inov-8s for 15+ years for trail and fell running and even moved to them for XC races when achilles injuries meant I could no longer wear spikes. Always done the job for me, reasonable value and regularly available with chunky discounts online.

Inov-8 has a bunch of models in a wide size now. Even the older models I use have a lot of room for my toes. Durability is fine I think, compared to what I read about Altras.

I'd say yes (not having used the latest models personally though). I find mine very comfortable.

I can also confirm the durability of Inov-8s!

Don’t know of any places that offer that kind of support but you could try inov8. They’re outsoles are supposed to be tough. The ones I’ve used fell apart before the sole showed any wear. They’re sizing isn’t very consistent though so worth trying in a shop if you can find them.

I had an older version of the mudclaws. Low rise, awesome grip, lightweight. But far too narrow. I’d get pain running on side hills from the tendons in my ankle resisting the torque because my forefoot wasn’t spread wide enough to give it support. If they are wider now that would be incredible.

VJ or Inov8 both are wider and VJ has the best rubber on the market

You should give the Inov8 shoes a try. I remember the older Merrell Moab shoes to last pretty long for most people, though no idea on the quality of their current shoes. How much do you weigh?