Interesting that you don’t like the trailtalons for longer distances. I’m running in a pair now. I’ve used the trialfly over 50+km but I hear you on the energy return issue. To deal with that problem earlier this year I switched to Trailfly max for a 125km in the Pyrenees, they were a disaster (I’d rather stick to the regular trailflys). That said they do a trailtalon max version and if you are one of the many who do get on with them, those might be a great option for you.
I’d suggest inov8 Trailfly . I’m on my 3rd pair and I find them perfect. They recently redesigned their last placing a specific emphasis on brining in a much wider toe box. Lug dept is 4mm and offset is 6mm. Great for dry trails.
If you live in an area where it gets wet and muddy in the winter then you could go for the trailtalons, basically the same shoe but with a 6mm lug - same offset. Much better in the mud. Because of the deeper lugs they take (in my experience) about 50k for the outsole to wear in, but I’m finding them great now.
Good luck.
Interesting that you don’t like the trailtalons for longer distances. I’m running in a pair now. I’ve used the trialfly over 50+km but I hear you on the energy return issue. To deal with that problem earlier this year I switched to Trailfly max for a 125km in the Pyrenees, they were a disaster (I’d rather stick to the regular trailflys). That said they do a trailtalon max version and if you are one of the many who do get on with them, those might be a great option for you.
I run a lot of trails in various shoes but I actually use my Trailfly V1s for walking and the gym so might be in a good place to answer this. They're a great everyday shoe, and fit brilliantly. I've had them up some relatively technical trails in Italy at speed too so confirm they work there.
The old Inov8 Trailfly G300 were perfect for this. They’ve been replaced with the new Trailfly but they have nowhere near as much cushion now and the max version with extra cushioning is a huge stack height so makes me prone to a rolled ankle.
GYX shoes in my opinion aren’t great in the UK, bogs go in the top and you end up with your feet swimming because the water can’t get out. I much prefer a well draining shoe and a good pair of merino socks so you don’t get blisters
My first trail she were the brooks cascadia which I’d I would recommend as a first trail shoe tbh. But for once you start doing more bogs/ deep mud/ grass etc they’re not great so are definitely a beginner trail shoe/ dry trail shoe (dry trail is hard to come by in winter though!)
I have a pair of Tomir 2 that I've stopped running with, they are too narrow for me. They are size UK 11, which is EU 46? Get blisters and my forefoot feels cramped. For reference, Inov8 Trailfly (V1) fits me perfectly at 45,5. Rebel Fuelcell V2 at 46. So I also get the impression that the Tomir 2 is just a bit narrow. But the grip is sooo good. I use them for scrambling etc.
I have trail fly v1... I like them but feel like they don't grab my heel like they could. A little bit prone to blisters on outside of my heel if I do long runs in them, but it's tricky cos they're really nice to run in, and up to that point really comfy. Weird thing is I have tried both trail fly speed and trail fly max, and both are better on my heels despite going in opposite directions from the base model. Keen to try the V2 and see if it's any better
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