The 6 best Inov-8 running shoes 2023 - Trail shoes for any kind of terrain (2024)

Inov-8’s trail shoes are renowned for their exceptionally good grip with the surface, which is mainly due to Inov-8’s use of the miracle material graphene in the creation of their soles. In this article, you will learn more about how the Inov-8 running shoes distinguish themselves from the masses, and you can find the Inov-8 trail shoe that best fits your needs.

This article comprises the following sections. Click on any of the headlines to follow the particular section.

- ABOUT INOV-8

- GRAPHENE-GRIP IN THE OUTSOLE

- INOV-8 RUNNING SHOES – WIDTH

- THE 6 BEST INOV-8 TRAIL SHOES

ABOUT INOV-8

Inov-8 make special running shoes for trail running, orienteering, OCR, and much more. Their philosophy in developing running shoes is to focus on the weight, the functionality, and the natural movements of running. What makes Inov-8 different from other brands is how Inov-8 categorises its shoes according to the width and weight. The name of the shoes is typically followed by a G and a number, which respectively indicates that there is graphene in the outsole and the weight of the shoe.

This makes it incredibly easy and manageable to find the pair, or pairs, of shoes that fit your needs. This way, the shoes by Inov-8 are also encompassing a bigger crowd of runners.

See our selection of Inov-8 here

The most revolutionising feature of the Inov-8 running shoes is, however, without a doubt the graphene in the outsole!

GRAPHENE GRIP IN THE OUTSOLE

Previously, when you were buying running shoes, the options were between a sticky rubber sole, which worked great for the wet weather conditions but less durable, or the hardened rubber sole, which was more durable but provided less grip with the surface.

Since then, there are now many options to pick and combine the best from both worlds, but no one has managed to do it quite like Inov-8 – at least not as thoroughly! In 2018, as the first brand ever, Inov-8 released a running shoe with a particular graphene blend in the outsole. The graphene is 200 times stronger than steel, and the Inov-8 running shoes are therefore able to proudly boast of having the world’s hardest grip!

It has even beenscientifically proven that once the rubber is added to graphene it becomes 50% stronger, 50% more durable, and 50% more elastic, compared to regular rubber.This provides the best conditions for the otherwise challenging surroundings of trail running, OCR, and orienteering. In these environments, you will need a durable outsole that is capable of delivering a good grip with the often loose and muddy terrain. Anti-slip is crucial when it comes to terrain running, and for this reason, you should consider a trail shoe from Inov-8, if you want the best security on your runs in the terrain!

INOV-8 RUNNING SHOES - WIDTH

The running shoes by Inov-8 come in different widths to offer shoes to any kind of foot and foot shape. To make the navigation of the different shoes as user friendly as possible, Inov-8 categorises their running shoes on a scale from 1-5.

All of Inov-8’s shoes are designed with a so-called MET-CRADLE technology, which ensures the mid-foot is locked and stable inside the shoe. The shoes vary in width at the front in the area of the toe-box. The lower down the scale, the narrower the fit.

So, shoes with grade 1 are narrow around the toe-box, which keeps your toes locked and in place. It may be worth picking this model and fit if you want to pick up the pace for interval training or race-days, or if you are running in muddy and technically challenging terrain.

Shoes with grade 5 are great for runners with wide feet. A wider running shoe is perfect for long-distance runs, ultra runs, and trekking where you need a bit of extra rooms to allow your toes to swell after some time on-the-run. The Inov-8’s running shoes with a grade of 5 can – in broad terms – be compared to the 2E models.

THE 6 BEST INOV-8 RUNNING SHOES

Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270

– The best all-round trail shoe

The TerraUltra G 270 is the Inov-8 trail shoe with the best shock-absorption. This makes the shoe ideal for long-distance runs and ultra running. The ultra runner Damian Hall even set a world record in a pair of Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270 – this indicates a shoe with premium comfort and performance. With its 4 mm lugs on the outsole, the Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270 is a really good all-round trail shoe suitable for almost any type of terrain. At the same time, the TerraUltra G 270 is one of the Inov-8 shoes with the hardest toe-box. For these reasons, this trail shoe is great for the runner with wide feet who runs trail on different terrain and different distances.
Bonus info: In 2020, the TerraUltra G 270 was awarded the running shoe of the year by Runner’s World and lots of other media outlets covering running.

Width (1-5):5

Lug depth:4 mm

Drop:0

Weight:270 g.

Favourite surface:Hard and rocky

Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 V2

– Best for the soft surface (short distance)

This model is brilliant for the muddy, wet, and soft terrain model. The deep 8 mm lugs will efficiently dig through the terrain, and the Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 V2 are therefore ideal foroff-roadruns and extreme running. Due to the technically challenging terrain of a muddy and soft surface, Inov-8 has designed the Mudclaw G 260 V2 with a narrow fit to ensure optimal control and stability when you are running.
The Mudclaw G 260 V2 also has the most aggressive grip we have ever seen in any running shoe before!

Width:1

Lug depth:8 mm

Drop:4 mm

Weight:260 g.

Favourite surface:Soft and muddy, Loose

Inov-8 Mudclaw 300

- Best for the soft surface (long-distance)

The Inov-8 Mudclaw 300 ranks high on both comfort and the responsiveness of the sole. It is a trail shoe that shares many commonalities with the Mudclaw G 260 V2 – however, the difference is that the Mudclaw 300 does not have Graphene-Grip in the outsole. On the other hand, you do get more comfort under your feet. It is fair to say that the Mudclaw G 260 V2 is great for the muddiest and most technically challenging terrain, while the Mudclaw 300 is better for the less challenging surface and less aggressive in terms of comfort. The Inov-8 Mudclaw 300 delivers a better shock-absorption on long-distance runs, compared to the Mudclaw G 260 V2.

Width:2

Lug depth:8 mm

Drop:6 mm

Weight:300 g.

Favourite surface:Soft and muddy, Loose

Inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 V2

- As the best high mileage running shoe with Graphene-Grip

INOV-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 V2 is a trail shoe that has been optimised for long-distance trail running. Extra focus has been placed on the shock absorption in the midsole, giving increased bounce, softness and comfort, while at the same time ensuring a responsive set-off for each step you take, as well as when you land on the ground. The 8mm lugs deliver a level of grip that keeps you upright on your toes in even the muddiest terrain, which can make all the difference when you're trail running!
The INOV-8 X-talon Ultra 260 V2 is therefore also suitable for the more technical routes, where good grip and a good feeling of the ground beneath you are paramount - this is also reflected in its low weight and good comfort.

Width: 5

Lugs: 4 mm

Drop: 6 mm

Weight: 300 g.

Favorite-surface: Small stones & rocks, Dirt paths & trail, Road

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max

- Best for ultra running

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 is the most innovative and revolutionary running shoe from Inov-8 so far thanks to the Graphene in the mid - and outsole! It sets completely new standards for durability and makes Trailfly Ultra G 300 provide 25% more return energy than other models from Inov-8 among other things. It makes running more efficient without compromising on comfort. Running in Trailfly feels soft and protective which makes it especially well suited for long distances and ultra running. In addition the upper contributes to great comfort thanks to the ADAPTER-FIT technology which follows he movements of your foot and toes.

Width: 5

Lugs: 4 mm

Drop: 6 mm

Weight: 300 g.

Favorite-surface: Small stones & rocks, Dirt paths & trail, Road

Inov-8 X-Talon 212 V2

- Best for OCR running

The X-Talon 212 V2 is the lightest of the Inov-8 trail shoes. With its lightweight and narrow fit, the shoe is perfect for quickly navigating through your OCR run and other competitions that require precision. The deep lugs make the Inov-8 X-talon 212 V2 ideal for soft and muddy terrain. Nevertheless, the lugs are also perfectly capable of being used on rocky terrains. The X-Talon 212 V2 do not have Graphene-Grip in the outsole, which is not a disadvantage. The X-Talon 212 V2 are designed with a focus on minimum weight and maximum speed, and it is not a type of shoe that requires the same level of durability as other Inov-8 long-distance trail shoes.

Width:1

Lug depth:8 mm

Drop:6 mm

Weight:212 g.

Favourite surface:Soft and muddy, Loose, Rocky

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