Inov-8 Mudtalon v2 Review
Now the weather has turned considerably wetter and the ground is saturated, having a grippy running shoe is essential if you want to continue running on the trails. The Inov-8 Mudtalon v2 has one of the grippiest outsoles available, designed to keep you upright in the sloppiest mud. The 8 mm pointed lugs are shaped to bite into soft surfaces such as muddy fields or snow. The outsole uses a sticky rubber compound that offers reliable traction on wet rock and other slippery hard surfaces. This rubber is 36% stickier than that used on the original Mudtalon, further enhancing traction.
The Mudtalon replaced the Inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 and is designed for the same purpose: to be comfortable while offering enough underfoot protection for long days out on the fells, mountains or simply for a long Sunday run around farm fields. Traditionally, fell or cross-country shoes with long studs designed for wet, muddy conditions tend to be stripped back. Cushioning is removed and the upper made very thin so it holds no water. These shoes are built for races lasting an hour or less, run at a ferocious pace, where designers prioritise lightness and responsiveness. In Inov-8’s line-up, the Mudtalon Speed v2 fulfils this task. If you want your grippiest trail shoes to be more versatile, offering greater underfoot protection, more comfort in the upper and increased durability, then the Inov-8 Mudtalon v2 is the one to consider.
The Mudtalon v2 gains 5 mm more midsole under the forefoot than the Mudtalon Speed v2. The heel-to-forefoot drop increases from 4 mm to 6 mm, allowing for an easier heel strike, which many runners use at slower paces. This gives the Mudtalon v2 a midsole thickness of 18 mm in the heel and 12 mm in the forefoot, the same as the previous version. The midsole is made from Inov-8’s Powerflow Pro foam, a nitrogen-infused critical EVA. The midsole is sealed to prevent water and grit from entering, reducing fatigue and slowing degradation. Because the foam is sealed, air cannot escape, which adds an element of bounce that also doesn’t quickly degrade. The midsole feels the same at the end of your run as it does at the beginning, even after a long day out.
As well as the stickier outsole, the Mudtalon v2 gains additional cushioning over the original version through the new Boomerang insole, which is 2 mm thicker than before. The Boomerang insole is also sealed to prevent water and grit entering and air escaping. It has a softer feel with slightly more compression than the midsole, adding a surprising amount of cushioning considering its thin profile.
Like all Inov-8 running shoes, the Mudtalon v2 has a rounded toe box to allow your feet room to spread and function naturally. However, this does not mean the fit is sloppy. As you would expect from a shoe designed for broken ground and long distances, your feet are held securely. The padding around the heel cup and collar is sufficient for comfort without being excessive, helping the upper avoid water absorption. The heel cup is pliable so it can mould to your foot when laced. Midfoot overlays draw the upper in when tightened, holding the foot back in the shoe and reducing the chance of slipping forwards on long descents. The toe box is left free to allow natural movement, helping you negotiate uneven terrain as the foot’s 26 bones, ligaments and muscles can function effectively.
The natural ride of the Mudtalon v2 has been improved by removing the forefoot rock plate found in the original Mudtalon. Although the original plate was a thin nylon component and the shoe remained flexible, its removal allows for even more flex. This is immediately noticeable when running. There is less pressure on the heel when climbing steep hills, and the midsole bends more easily to match the ground’s contour, creating a smoother ride and allowing the foot to function more naturally.
The Mudtalon v2 comes in two width fittings: Precision (a narrower fit) and Wide, which is similar to a 2E fit from other brands but with slightly less volume in the upper. This lower volume likely helps maintain a secure fit on rough terrain. If the Wide version still feels too low-volume, you can replace the 6 mm Boomerang insole with a thinner insole. You will lose some of the soft initial feel, but it is far more important that your feet have room to spread and function. My wife has this issue and has several pairs of Inov-8 shoes where she has swapped to a thinner insole.
Compared to most other trail running shoes, the Inov-8 Mudtalon v2 moulds to the ground far more effectively. This contributes to a smoother run and helps maintain traction as the lugs can bite into the surface. Stiff trail shoes lose traction when the midsole cannot bend to match the ground, reducing the amount of outsole in contact with the terrain. The Mudtalon v2 is not as flexible as the Mudtalon Speed v2 due to its thicker midsole, but while you lose some ground feel and agility, you gain protection and cushioning that make it more comfortable over longer distances.
Inov-8 shoes are a similar length to Karhu, Hoka, New Balance and La Sportiva. If you use Brooks, Saucony, Topo or Altra, we suggest trying half a UK size larger to achieve a comparable length. For example, a UK 11 in Brooks is similar to a UK 11.5 in Inov-8.
In summary, the Inov-8 Mudtalon v2 is a fell, trail and cross-country shoe designed to offer high traction on soft, muddy terrain. Built for longer runs on the fells, it is also suitable for runners seeking a more versatile alternative to an out-and-out racing shoe, and works well for cross-country racing or shorter runs on soft ground such as mud or snow.
Alternatives to Inov-8 Mudtalon v2
Saucony Peregrine v15: A slightly higher level of cushioning and less pointer studs makes the Peregrine ride better on firmer surfaces but takes away from the traction on the softest ground. The traction is still good. The ride is smooth but, with less ground feel. The big toe line is straight which allows for a positive push off but there isn’t the same space for the feet to spread as there is in a rounded toe box shoe. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-peregrine-15-review/
Scott Supertrac RC v3: A 6mm lug that is less pointed than the Mudtalon outsole gives less traction on the mud but is more versatile and rides better on firmer ground. The midsole has a rocker to help maintain good posture and a quite cadence. This works better on firmer surfaces and doesn’t allow the midsole to bend to the curvature of the ground. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scott-supertrac-rc-3-review/
La Sportiva Mutant v2: An all day mountain shoe with a tough upper and built in gaiter. The lugs don’t offer quite as much traction as they are flatter but, the midsole does bed in nicely and flexes to the ground. A higher drop and narrow fit.
https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-mutant-review-new-version-for-2023/
VJ IRock Plus: The IRock Plus has a pointed lug pattern that bites into soft ground. Flexible like the Mudtalon but with a more pointed toe box. The IRock Plus is wider than other VJ shoes but, they are narrow so they aren’t a very wide shoe.
https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/vj-irock-4-plus-review/
Scarpa Spin ST: An 8mm lug that is pointed gives good traction in the mud. A gaiter helps prevent debris from getting into the shoes. Not quite as flexible as the Mudtalon. The fit is similar to the Mudtalon Precision but with a narrower toe box. The big toe line is straight which allows for a nice positive push off. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scarpa-spin-st-review/
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