Inov8 - Terroc 345 GTX

The first pair of "proper" running shoes I bought were Inov8 terrocs in late 2005. I thought I was going to buy some Walsh PBs, but tried the Inov8s in a running shop and thought they were just what I wanted. By later standards, at 330g they were heavy, but lighter and better in mud than anything I'd known then. I used them for mountain biking and many activities. At this point, inov8 was a new, innovative company making seemingly more modern trail running shoes than others whose designs had barely changed in years. Later, Inov8 remained my go to for a trail running shoe, and I used x-talons as my favourite for years, then things like Roadclaw when I was running on harder surfaces, Terralultra when I started running longer distances. Living in a rural area, having shoes I knew fitted me and would work meant I could buy them again online, without needing to go into a shop and fit. The shoes fitted me well, they were light, I liked the off road grip of eg x-talon, and new running on tarmac from my door to get to somewhere off road was fine. Then came the rebrand and complete redesign of almost all the shoes. I bought up a few pairs of my favourite x-talons, immediately suspicious of their replacements with much deeper cushioning, but not wanting to take the time to go to a shop and start working out new shoes and new fit. The new logo looked cheap and unoriginal vs the old one. I hadn't followed the chnges of ownership, but was immediately suspicious. I've still not tried the "new" designs, remain wary, but as of today see that x-talons are being manufactured again. I can probably retreat into my safe comfort zone with the shoes Ive been wearing for years.

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.

Inov8s are the answer.

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.

Topos never did it for me, they have a really high arch. Outside of Altra, I prefer inov8 for a more snug fit and wider toe box.

Loved my Peregrines but 3 pairs went holey in that same spot. I've narrow feet and size up, and no other make had done this - even with significantly more miles on them. I gave up and now use Inov8 and La Sportiva.

i found inov8s to be too thin for my liking, but i’m going to second topo