Would definitely look at Inov8
Imo they fit this kind of foot shape. They are also relatively minimal compared to most, even their max cushion models are not particularly high stack by today's standards. They have a zero drop version of most models also. If you have a narrow heel I'd go 'precision fit', they still have decent toebox, and good ground feel imo.
Depending on terrain - trailfly are good on hardpack and low-medium technical trails, trail talons are the all rounder for varied terrain and softer surfaces, and mud talons are for mud and highly technical terrain.
I love my Inov-8's. I have gone through like half a dozen pairs of Roclite 290's and then some pairs of Trail Talons and more. They hold up well and especially the Talons have been very comfortable. The soles are grippy. Never used the Mid's but assuming they are like the base shoes just with a higher shaft - I would totally recommend them.
But shoes are a very individual, personal thing. All our feet are different.
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.
In the market for a new shoe for the arc of attrition next month. Route has everything but likely a lot of mud to contend with so looking for grippy options. My safe bet is the inov8 trailtalon but it really offers no energy return when your legs get tired. Any ideas of any shoes that would be better suited? Wide ish toebox is preferable but perhaps not essential. The stack of the new Hoka mafate wouldn't work for me on that route I don't think with it being quite technical. Considering picking up the normal tomir 2. Any other shouts for shoes to look into?
Note I've tried the topo mtn racer 4 and found the mid foot too wide. The Merrell agility peak 5 cut into my heels so absolutely wouldn't use those again
Any input appreciated. Cheers
The trailtalons work for my feet but as I say I feel they lack energy return and I know I can run much better in other shoes which offer just a bit. I've got the trailtalon max and find them the same. I recently used the trailtalon on a mountain 100 where I dnf'd at mile 76. She's work well for me but I really struggle when my legs get tired. In comparison at an easier race in my bike ultra flys I was running sub 8 minute miles for the last 5k
Long story short I dnf'd the arc of attrition this past weekend 67 miles in. My legs and feet had nothing left to give. We had exceptionally tough conditions this year, I dnf'd the race last year too. Last year I used the trailtalon from inov8 and this year the max version. Better runners than me say they won't use big lugs because it wrecks their legs and I feel like this is why yet I was grateful to have the security of the grip out there. Only slipped a couple of times in horrendously waterlogged, boggy conditions
My question, what shoe would you use in this instance? I absolutely need a new shoe for next time. I get issues with blisters, the Hoka mafate was the shoe I wanted to use but even with good taping gave me issues. I think 5-6mm lugs is probably the sweet spot really. As a shoe for easy trail I adore the fit and feel of the Nike ultrafly, the LA sportiva pro works for up to 50 too as long as I tape my feet well and really enjoy those. Any suggestions for a more appropriate mud shoe for the distance would be much appreciated. Tempted to try the nnormal tomir 2 but read mixed reviews about fit. Any input massively appreciated
Top Trail Running Shoes on Reddit
1
Mount to Coast
H1
85% positive of 177 users
Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
AbominableSnowman69
