Inov8 - Mudclaw G 260 V2

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 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.

okay, one brand no one has mentioned - Inov8. The mudclaw and mudtalon are great, althought rubber on the X-Talon Ultra wasnt great for wet obstacles or rocks in my experience. but if you want the best grip on the planet, buy some VJ Ultra / iRock / MAXx shoes. they are epic.

Find if I ask what you didn't like about them? I love my mudclaws except the heel has never quite fitted me, so was considering looking at the new mudtalons to see if they might work for my feet better. What's different about them?

There's going to be a compromise: you need aggressive lugs for snow and mud, but aggressive lugs aren't comfortable on road and wear down faster. So you need to decide for yourself what's more important to you and then choose the shoe accordingly. Examples of trail shoes with less aggressive lugs good for running on road: Inov8 Parkclaw, New Balance Hierro. Examples of trail shoes with aggressive lugs good for optimal grip in mud: Salomon Speedcross, INOV8 Mudclaw, ST version of the Saucony Peregrine. Many trail shoes including the regular (non-ST) version of the Peregrine are in between these two extremes.

Inov-8 Mudclaw - wonderful shoe for muddy/snowy conditions, though not sure if for longer ultras.. I hate them with passion when I have to run with them on a dry trail/road, but I haven’t tried anything better for mud. Bonus points for being indestructible. EDIT: just read „tomorrow” - well, I certainly wouldn’t risk anything new for a 100k!

Been in inov8s for decades. Great trail shoe. Full on off roaders are the mudclaw or xtalon. Then there's the intermediate ones. Give them a go.

Been in inov8s for decades. Great trail shoe. Full on off roaders are the mudclaw or xtalon. Then there's the intermediate ones. Give them a go.

Inov8 do wide fit options, I've got the Mudclaws for very muddy trials and OCRs

Shoes that are really great in mud are not going to be great on slippery wet rock - those are two different lug designs that are kind of opposite tbh. If your runs are mostly mud, a good mud shoe will be very helpful. Look at inov-8.

I'm in two minds. Most people commenting have not even tried out any of their new shoes and just go by "I heard that they're now shit" My experience: Used to be a big fan of the Roclite 275, a little long and could've done with more toe box, but otherwise superb. Same for the Mudclaw, Xtalon 200 and Xtalon 260. The new TrailTalon feels a little clumsy, and a bit of heel rub. The Mudtalon was too high stack, not comfy and I had to stop using them.gril was great but rubbish otherwise.

Inov8 with graphene has very good grip. Nike trail have no grip at all

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’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 just ran a 50 miler in Altras and my feet were amazing throughout. But I have trained in them and Inov-8s for over a decade

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.

Only Inov-8 and VJ are going to be mega-grippy in the Adirondacks, followed by footwear with Vibram, then everything else. That said, I'll still throw on a pair of Sauconys for the Great Range and just keep the footwork quick and light. At least the ADK granite isn't as slippery as Vermont schist!

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?

Have you found an alternative with similar feel but better grip and more robust outsole? I like my 13s for grassy Scottish trails, but they do not feel secure on wet rocks and the outsole wears out too quickly. Inov8s are too narrow for me..

Love the inov8 fit and grip - hate the lack of energy return. Feel like I've got bricks on my feet after 50 miles! Looking for an alternative, gonna be trying the Topo MTN racer for my next winter shoe

I ran Lofoten for a few months in autumn/winter and i'm from the UK and Inov8 are probably the best call here for ground conditions, both very similar.

If you want grip on rock I cannot recommend the Decathlon TR2 and MT3 enough. Uppers will last you 1400km-2000km, i've had 6 pairs so i know. Inov8 do some great trainers but i've had 2 pairs both fall apart in less than 400km on the same trails i run with the Decathlons and i've worked with some athletes on FKT and races and their trainers fell apart quicker than we would have liked too.

Yeah I’ve used both Altra and Inov8 on long distance hikes and Inov8s are far more durable. Altras will give you 500 miles *maybe*. My current pair of Inov8s have 700 miles on them and they’re still going. They also have the best sole material I’ve found for slippery mud and rocks.

Never needed support shoes when running trails. Road I use Gel-Kayanos or GT1000s. Off road I run in Inov8, model depends on terrain. I've had some Salomons but they went AWOL.

Too narrow for me. Gave me bunions

Always always always Inov-8 shoes. Still love my Nathan running vest for hydration for longer trail runs.

I just ordered Inov8, they have anatomic shaped toebox options and wide options, and also zero drop models. I love zero drop and I've been wearing it exclusively for year and a half, but for racing trail I think I might benefit from some drop. I think my calves might also love 6mm drop, but we'll see. Anyway, there are some great YT reviews for new Trailfly and Trailtalon, check it out. Also, I had a pair of Inov8 years ago and they were indestructible, which I cannot say for Altras. LP7 is better made than other pairs I own, though... Torin and Outroad uppers are so poorly made.. I still loveand wear them, but such a shame.

I used to do a race where there were waist deep river crossings. I used a pair of inov8 trainers which drained well, they also had insoles with holes in them that helped. Probably more importantly I used to cover feet in vaseline which helped protect the skin from becoming prematurely "soak softened"

Inov8 Absolutely love their shoes. One of my pairs is 5 years old and is in desperate need of repair but somehow still get me round semi mudi trails.

Find a reputable gear store with lots of choice, get your shoes fitted and walk around the store, wear the socks you intend to hike in and make sure your feet are warm before you start. If you can borrow a pack off the shelf with some weight in it (if you don’t have your own) walk around the store and up/down steps if you can. Buy the ones that fit best at the price you can afford. If you have weak ankles boots might be better but training walks in shoes can make your ankles stronger. Better grip is more important that being waterproof. I bought a pair of Inov8 shoes off the back of many recomendations, they were the worst shoes ever (for me). I stick with what works for me - Merrell Moab.

Inov-8 are a blast. I have now a pair of Terraultra. Best shoe ever with my VJ Maxx. Incredible sole, and perfect for thin foot.

You need to try them on. I tried Merrell, La Sportiva and inov8 when I bought some trail shoes recently. I thought I'd like the inov8 but the La Sportiva fitted better because they are available in half sizes. I have 2 pairs of scarpa boots and would endorse those too. go outdoors is good if you're near one.

I’ve had this with all my trail shoes. Altras, inov8 and Salomon. They’ve all split around the sides all within a year of owning.

I’ve been really impressed with the peregrines. Used them a fair bit over the lake and some steep rocky downhills and they’ve been fab. Far better than my previous pair of inov8s which I think had involvement from Torville and/or Dean in the design

Inov8 have become my favourites

Altras or topos....stable, but not sure they are "affordable". Agreed with others, no such thing as ankle support, but stability for sure. I had a pair of Saucony that felt great, but were ankle sprainers beyond a doubt. Running in Topos and Inov-8s now.

I had a pair of Inov8s which were the best, again from around this time period. And then they changed everything but kept the names the same, my next pair tore my feet up - you can't win!

LP 6,7,8 have been fantastic for me. Dipped my toes in Topo’s but they did not work for me. Inov8 also worked well for me - not as wide as Altra but I found the volume to be quite roomy.

Man, I've beat the hell out of my peregrines and never seen this Inov-8 fits me well as a not wide shoe, but depending on where you are, may not be able to try them on in any stores

I swear by inov8 trainers since I bought some last year for hiking the highlands. Very lightweight, decently wide fitting and super comfortable, waterproof too (obviously to a certain extent).