Trailtalon 235 V3

Just for statistics: I still really like them. After the updates to all the product lines they fit my feet even better. Luck of the draw I guess. First used the Trailtalon 235 in 2019 followed by two pairs of the Trailfly G270 V1 and a Trailfly G300Max. So I never wore the fell running models of the glory days everyone seems to miss so much. Now using Mudtalon Speed, Trailfly Speed and Max Models. They fit loose in the heel which you can counter with adjusted lacing. All of them are extremely durable with good grip. I also like the wider toe box. The look is quite dated and uninspiring though.

Hiya, (this is my 1st Reddit comment ever, and I'm talking running shoes, what's wrong with me!). Been a very good client of Inov8's for years (Mudtalons, Traiflys 270 1 and 2, Roclites 290, 275 1 and 2, 280 Ultra...), I'm also concerned. My favourite overall for my terrain (Irish hills and mountains) is the Roclite 275, I've bought the Trailtalons (standard), and find them terrible, heavy, tall, unstable. I was thinking giving a chance to the Trailtalon Speed, but have you tried it? How do they compare to the Roclites? Thanks!

I love Inov-8 the Trail Talons are great.

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.

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 used inov8 trail talon on my muddy 200

The most important thing in a trail shoe, to me, is lug depth. I'm into fell running and just straight lining it off hills so often go out in shoes with 8mm lugs, but for trail running I'd go for a 5mm-6mm lug. As such an inov8 trailtalon could be worth a look imo. That said, most of my races are 5-10km so maybe a more comfortable ride would be preferred!

I used to rave about Inov8, especially for tackling the UK's winter mud. But ever since they rebranded, their shoes have been distinctly average. Nothing they produce is outstanding anymore, and while it's a minor point, they look really cheap now. I'm also convinced the sizing has changed. I get massive heel slip in the TrailTalon, even after trying different sizes and lacing techniques. To me, it seems like Inov8 no longer prioritises innovation or quality.