Inov8 - Trailfly G 270 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.

I would look at Inov-8s range - I haven't tried everything obviously but they are UK designed in the lakes and tend to cope well with the mud here. I like the Trailfly 270 because its a good all rounder that copes with most, not a mud specialist but good on mixed surfaces without being overkill for road sections. I find anything mud specialist will slide on wet tarmac. The new Trail Talon Speed looks good. Very low stack and decent but not excessively long lugs for softer ground. Probably my next trail shoe basec on reviews

I would look at Inov8's range - there are various models with varying drop and characteristics, but they do tend to be very low stack - which is the main thing that I find helps ankles. I like the old Inov8 trailfly 270s - I think that they have stopped naking them but they are still available online - these are zero drop and low stack, but were designed to cover long distance on various terrain. They are definitely nimble. Some of their new 'Speed' racier models have like 4mm drop and less than 20mm stack so could be worth looking at.

Altra Outroad are good for this if you get on with zero drop. They are great value and good all-rounders, my complaints are they are a little heavy and run hot in summer. In the past I've used the Inov8 Trailfly g270 for these mixed surface runs too, probably a nicer shoe than the Altras in terms of build quality and feel, but won't have enough cushion for many. No idea what the new replacement model is like. Craft shoes worth checking out, I haven't tried myself but they have an emphasis on road to trail. I think some models have outsoles by Vittoria bike tires which is cool. Reviews often say the uppers aren't great though. The other one could be the Inov8 Roadfly. I have seen mentioned a few reviews that they have a decent enough grip for light trails (like 2mm) and I'll likely get these to replace my Outroads.

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

Long reply here but I understand this quite niche problem all too well. I have a bunion in the same place on left foot but actually have skinny midfoot so always struggle to get a lockdown in 'wide' shoes. The Inov8 Trailfly and their new range works well here. I'd actually go for the standard fit over wide as the toe box is already foot shaped. The width I think is in the midfoot. For example, I have a pair of precision fit Mudtalons and get a super snug midfoot lockdown but the toebox still lets my foot spread. The problem you actually have is that a lot of 'wide toe box' shoes still carry that super straight line on the inside of the foot which obviously doesn't work. Even the Prodigio Pro mentioned is quite accommodating but suffers from this to a degree as the bunion pushes the mesh out and can become uncomfortable by forcing your foot or all toes away to the side. Salomon shoes are quite bad for this, even though I suck it up and wear them as the midfoot just suits my feet. The Trailfy is the comfiest shoe I've worn in years, and I've even cleaned mine up and now wear them for walking around daily and the gym. They do a Trailtalon too if you need more softground grip, plus a road shoe. Edit to add: if anything like me, mine is just on the one foot so if I buy wide shoes, the other is super sloppy. This is why a better shape toe box works better than a wide fitting shoe in my opinion.

Inov8s are the answer.

I've been using Inov8 TrailFlys and love them. Probably easier to get where you are. If you can find the Ultra 300 G (discontinued) in your size, that's my favorite for racking up miles in the Sierra.

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.

I was / am a fan boy of Inov8 trail shoes but it seems like they rebrand everything in the Trailfly line up at the same time. Why can we not ever just go back and get the same model again. I do have 3 pairs of the trailfly 270 in the boxes left and they are my favorite. But it seems the 280 and the 300 are gone? I had been using all 3 and would get a couple more 300's if they were available.

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!

The new Inov8 shoes all have anatomical toe boxes ( at least as wide as Topo), and their Trailfly (4mm lug), Traltalon (6mm), and Mudtalon (8mm) are all getting zero-drop versions released in the next couple of months. They will have a 12mm stack height though.