Inov8 - Trailfly Speed

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 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.

They still/again have zero drop trail runners? Trailfly zero, mudtalon zero. Trailfly speed is 4mm drop. So I'm not sure if you're looking in the right place?

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.

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.

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!

I am in the same boat with wide flat feet and about 200lbs. I have found the best success with the Altra Lone Peak (although I know you said you didn't want zero drop). The other shoe that has worked for me is the Inov8 Trailfly in wide. They also just released the Trailfly Max if you want a bit more cushion. Both are 6mm drop.

I have not run in the 9s yet as I still have a pair of the 7s that have some miles left in them. I did try on the 9s at an REI and the 9 in a wide felt substantially wider than the 7 in a wide that I have.

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've put 200km on my Inov8 TrailFly and they barely show any sign of wear. They're an awesome shoe: ample toebox, low stack, low drop, solid grip.

I run moderately technical trails in the Inov-8 TrailFly (wide) and I love them. Good traction, decent rock protection etc. They've done a lot of miles and are still going strong. I'm considering the RoadFly to replace my Kinvaras now that Saucony discontinued the wide fit.

Inov-8 TrailFly are my current wide-fitting trail shoe.