
Mount to Coast
H1
Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
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Inov8 has several zero drop models, but they may not be available everywhere. In the U.S., I can get Trailfly Zero, Roadfly Zero, Trailtalon Zero, and Mudtalon Zero. I have the Trailfly Zero (Wide) and they're pretty good. There's plenty of toe box space for me. Mid-foot and Heel are less generous, but they work well for my foot shape. You may need to go up a half a size. They're a little on the expensive side.
Inov-8's new lineup has wide options for every shoe. The one's I've used have been super durable shoes. I like the zero, but some of their thicker shoes with drop might align with your preferences better. Offensively ugly, but really good shoes. For sizing, always go by the bigger foot. Perfect would be to find a friend with opposite problem and split pairs, but that's pretty unlikely..
I've liked the new Inov-8 Trailfly zero a lot. Also got a shell from Dynafit, one of the few options which is designed to fit over the vest.
I don't know about Nordas myself, but about Inov-8. They quite recently brought back a zero-drop model, and they have wides available. I also get heel slippage with Altra 9+ wides, Trailfly zero has nice and snug heel. Trailfly Zero is basically same width in the toebox area, but shaped differently. Altras rub my big toe, Inov-8 squishes my little toe. For the same shoe size Altra is a bit longer and more voluminous, it could be half-a-size difference.
I'm loving their new Trailfly Zero. I liked the classic G270, but it was narrow in the toebox, while Zero in wide is just perfect for me fitwise, and I like the slightly stiff but low stack, I find the traction quite good on varied terrain. I dunno, I'm not sure what I'd like in it to change. They are ugly, but I can live with that. I'm Finnish, I think they are one of the more common brands here, but behind the main names Hoka and Salomon. VJ and Altra seem to be quite popular as well.
What do you mean? I hike and run in LP and Trailfly Zero, both in same size, and in wide, very happily. Zero has more space on big toe side, LP for little toes. LP is more thoroughly wide, with wider heel while Zero is more triangular. Zero has stiffer feel, LP is more plush. I would say both dry like trail runnibg shoes, fast or slow depends on conditions and comparison point. LP's insole holds more moisture, but swapping an insole is easy. FWIW I prefer Zero, it fits my feet better, and I like the slight stiffness. I trust the brand for durability much more, but I haven't used either shoe to finish yet, so can't really say.
I've been liking the new Inov-8 Trailfly Zeros in wide. Vivo shoes fit me decently well and these seem similar fitwise.
I don't know about Nordas myself, but about Inov-8. They quite recently brought back a zero-drop model, and they have wides available. I also get heel slippage with Altra 9+ wides, Trailfly zero has nice and snug heel. Trailfly Zero is basically same width in the toebox area, but shaped differently. Altras rub my big toe, Inov-8 squishes my little toe. For the same shoe size Altra is a bit longer and more voluminous, it could be half-a-size difference.
I love my Inov8 shoes, and think their new lineup is great. Anatomically shaped, regular and wide options, comfortable and stable, and there are models for all diff terrain (same rubber compound). They seem to be misunderstood, these days. The closest replacement for the Roclite 275 v2 is the Trailtalon Speed (6mm lugs, similar midsole stack, 6mm drop instead of 8mm). I’ve run multiple 100mi races in Trailfly Speed and Trailfly Zero **Roadfly** has a 0-2mm tread **Trailfly** has a 4mm tread **Trailtalon** has a 6mm tread **Mudtalon** has an 8mm tread Of those models, the variations are with drop and stack height following drop and stack (without the tread depth): **Zero** (i.e. Roadfly Zero) is zero drop, 18mm **Regular** (i.e. Mudtalon) is 6mm drop, 24/18mm **Speed** (i.e. Trailtalon Speed) is a 4mm drop, 17/13mm **Max** (i.e. Trailfly Max) is a 6mm drop, 30/24mm
They’re all the same shape, and the models (i.e. Trailfly Zero, Trailfly Speed, Trailfly Max) have different drop and amount of cushion. However, as far as aggressive sole, choose which line of Inov8 shoes based on the tread/terrain you plan to encounter: Roadfly = 0-2mm tread; Trailfly = 4mm tread; Trailtalon = 6mm tread; Mudtalon = 8mm tread
I’ve worn Inov8 TrailFly Speed for multiple 100mi races, and Inov8 TrailFly Zero for one so far. No complaints.
Try out Inov8 shoes. I have great results on wet rocky terrain. I like Trailfly Speed and Zero. They’re foot shaped wide toebox. They also last 2-3x as long. Second choice would be Altra Timp.
They’re all the same shape, and the models (i.e. Trailfly Zero, Trailfly Speed, Trailfly Max) have different drop and amount of cushion. However, as far as aggressive sole, choose which line of Inov8 shoes based on the tread/terrain you plan to encounter: Roadfly = 0-2mm tread; Trailfly = 4mm tread; Trailtalon = 6mm tread; Mudtalon = 8mm tread
I would highly recommend the Trailfly Zero if you're looking for a zero drop shoe with a relatively low stack height, good ground feel, and good grip.
Inov8 Trailfly zero or Trailtalon zero.The wide version is nicely footshaped. They lock wel around midfoot and heel, good tongue padding (I have a narrow heel so I wear them.tight and don't feel te laces at all), very comfortable insole, durable graphene outsole. (edit: i have the regular versions, not the zero's)
If you don't have a very wide heel/midfoot you could also try the Inov8 Trailfly or Trailton wide models. Foot shaped, wide at the front and with a durable graphene sole. Both available in zero drop versions. I went from the Lone Peaks to these models and couldn't be happier, they better hold the midfoot in place on oneven trails if you don't have a beefy midfoot.
Inov8 Trailtalon, with rockplate, footshaped, choice of regular/wide and 6mm drop/zero drop. The front of the wide version is comparable in width to the Altra LP, the midfoot and heel offer much more stability. Also the Inov8 Trailfly model (designed harder surfaces) has a rockplate, but only the Trailfly, the Trailfly V2 doesn't have a rockplate.
Maybe give Inov8 Trailfly Zero a shot, too. I am currently, coming from Xero Scrambler Low and Topo Runventure 4. Wide toebox, I prefer the build (outsole, foam, fit) to my Topos.

Mount to Coast
H1
Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.

Altra
Lone Peak Series
Spacious toe box, but cushioning and durability are polarizing.

La Sportiva
Prodigio Series
Great technical grip, but unstable for some, with sizing issues.

Nike
Pegasus Trail Series
Versatile for non-technical trails, but poor on wet, technical.

Mount to Coast
T1
Lightweight, cushioned; but lacing and underfoot protection are issues.

Ranked #1
Salomon - Speedcross Series

Ranked #1
Hoka - Speedgoat Series

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Mount to Coast - H1

Ranked #1
Salomon - Genesis Series

Ranked #1
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series

Ranked #1
Mount to Coast - H1