If you’re looking for trail running shoes that offer a combination of lightness, grip, and uncompromising ground feel, Inov-8 is likely already on your radar. This British brand has been making shoes for years for runners who aren’t afraid of mud, steep descents, and technical trails. Inov-8 is synonymous with minimalism, but you’ll also find “max” options here. In this shoe guide, I review the most interesting classic and new models in the Inov-8 lineup.
Inov-8 running shoe lineup
Inov-8 running shoes are distinguished by their technical style and the logical, clear structure of their product line. The brand categorizes its models in two basic ways. First, they are classified by terrain and intended use. There are shoes designed specifically for mud, soft trails, hard terrain, rocky terrain, and hard surfaces. These four categories correspond to different conditions and types of runners, from mountain ultra runners to forest segment runners to urban mileage runners.
The second classification system overlaps with the first and consists of four design versions available within almost each of these groups. The Standard version is the classic model in a line of shoes. The Max variant is a model with maximum cushioning, usually intended for long distances, prioritizing comfort above all else. The lighter, more dynamic Speed model is ideal for runners focused on pace and competition. The Zero is an option for minimalist running enthusiasts with zero drop and full ground feel. This layout allows you to match the model precisely to the conditions and your own biomechanical preferences.
| MUD | SOFT TRAIL | HARD TRAIL | ROAD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max |  Trailfly Max |  Roadfly Max | ||
| Standard |  Mudtalon |  Trailtalon |  Trailfly |  Roadfly |
| Speed |  Mudtalon Speed |  Trailtalon Speed |  Trailfly Speed | |
| Zero |  Mudtalon Zero |  Trailfly Zero |  Roadfly Zero |
Running shoes for mud
Inov-8 Mudtalon
The Mudtalon is the beast of the Inov-8 lineup. Its 8mm StickyGrip spikes dig into mud like a predator digging into its prey. Its Powerflow Pro foam midsole is 26 mm thick in the heel and 22 mm in the forefoot, providing an excellent balance of ground feel and cushioning with a 4 mm drop. The entire shoe weighs only 265 grams in a size 9, making it light as a feather yet a true predator in the field. Like all Mudtalons, this shoe is designed for intermediate to advanced runners.
- Stack height: 33.5/27.5mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 265g
- Lug depth: 6mm
- Regular price: 140 EUR
Inov-8 Mudtalon Speed
The Inov-8 Mudtalon Speed is a refined version of the classic Mudtalon. Designed for extreme trail conditions, it can handle deep mud, soft grass, and technical descents. Its 8 mm studs provide unmatched traction. Add to that its very low weight and resilient Powerflow Pro foam, which provide excellent dynamics. However, there is not much foam, so the cushioning, as is typical for a mud shoe, is minimal. A lightweight nylon upper completes the design. This shoe is ideal for those who aren’t afraid of getting dirty and want maximum control.
- Stack height: 28.5/22.5mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 260g
- Lug depth: 8mm
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Inov-8 Mudtalon Zero
The Inov-8 Mudtalon Zero is the most minimalist shoe in the series, with zero drop and maximum ground feel. Built with the same aggressive midsole and 8 mm StickyGrip studs as the other Mudtalons, these shoes provide phenomenal traction in mud, on soft trails, and on technical routes. With zero height difference between the heel and toe, they allow for a natural, low-profile stride. The lightweight, quick-drying upper provides good support for the foot, and the entire shoe weighs only about 230 grams. It’s the perfect choice for runners looking for maximum proprioception and ground feel.
- Stack height: 24.5/18.5mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 255g
- Lug depth: 8mm
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Running shoes for soft trail
Inov-8 Trailtalon
The Inov-8 TrailTalon is a versatile trail shoe designed for long distances and varied terrain. With a moderate outsole, it performs well on dry trails, forest paths, and hard surfaces. Its Powerflow foam midsole provides superior cushioning and a smooth ride, and its wide toe box allows your toes to spread out naturally. It’s an excellent choice for everyday trail running and, for more advanced runners, ultra distances.
- Stack height: 31.5/25.5mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 310g
- Lug depth: 6mm
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Inov-8 Trailtalon Speed
The Inov-8 TrailTalon Speed is a lighter, more dynamic version of the classic TrailTalon, designed for fast running on mixed terrain. Its more aggressive StickyGrip outsole provides better grip on wet rocks and roots. Powerflow Pro foam provides balanced, springy cushioning without being excessive. Additionally, the 4 mm drop and low weight promote a fast, natural stride. It’s the perfect shoe for those who want to run fast and confidently on technical trails.
- Stack height: 33.5/27.5mm
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 270g
- Lug depth: 6mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Running shoes for hard trail
Inov-8 Trailfly Max
The Inov-8 Trailfly Max is the most cushioned trail shoe in the brand’s collection. Designed for ultrarunners and long-distance runners on varied terrain, this model offers excellent cushioning thanks to its FLYSPEED foam midsole. Its graphene-reinforced midsole with 4 mm studs provides excellent traction on hard and rocky surfaces. The Trailfly Max ensures you stay comfortable and have good traction, even during very long runs. It’s the perfect choice for runners looking for cushioning, grip, and durability in demanding terrain.
- Stack height: 35.5/29.5mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 300g
- Lug depth: 4mm
- Regular price: 170 EUR
Inov-8 Trailfly
The Inov-8 Trailfly is a versatile trail shoe designed for long-distance runners on hard and rocky surfaces. This model offers good cushioning with Powerflow Pro foam, excellent grip with a graphene outsole, and optimal comfort. These features make the Trailfly suitable for both technical trails and hard surfaces. The Trailfly is the perfect “middle ground” in the Inov-8 running shoe lineup.
- Stack height: 29.5/23.5mm
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 280g
- Lug depth: 4mm
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Inov-8 Trailfly Speed
The Inov-8 Trailfly Speed is a fast, lightweight version of the classic Trailfly designed for quick runs on rocky terrain. Thanks to Powerflow Pro foam, the shoe provides responsive, yet moderate, cushioning while maintaining a low weight and good stability. The G-Grip outsole provides confidence-inspiring traction on roots, rocks, and hard surfaces. The 4mm drop and flexible construction allow your foot to move naturally. It’s an excellent choice for runners seeking a balance between cushioning and ground feel.
- Stack height: 22.5/15.5mm
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 270g
- Lug depth: 4mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Inov-8 Trailfly Zero
The Inov-8 Trailfly Zero is the most minimalist shoe in the Trailfly series. Designed with zero drop, it is ideal for runners who prefer a natural running style. It retains all the series’ key features: an aggressive G-Grip outsole with grippy tread, a flexible construction, and lightly cushioned Powerflow Pro foam. The Trailfly Zero is the perfect choice for those who want maximum ground feel without sacrificing essential protection.
- Stack height: 23.5/23.5mm
- Drop: 0mm
- Weight: 290g
- Lug depth: 4mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Running shoes for road
Inov-8 Roadfly Max
Roadfly Max is Inov-8’s best cushioned hard surface running shoe. The Flyspeed foam provides softness and bounce, which translates into comfort during longer runs. The level of cushioning is high, but this is not a shoe that can compete with the most cushioned and softest shoes on the market. In addition, the 6 mm drop supports natural landing and smooth foot roll. The Roadfly Max is an excellent choice for runners looking for shoes that combine cushioning and comfort. It is also a good option for fans of the Inov-8 brand who do not always run on difficult terrain and sometimes choose comfortable flat roads.
- Stack height: 31.5/25.5mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 275g
- Lug depth: 1.8mm
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Inov-8 Roadfly
The Inov-8 Roadfly is a hard-surface running shoe with good cushioning, though not as much as the Roadfly Max. With a reduced 6 mm drop and moderate Powerflow Pro foam, it strikes a balance between protection and responsiveness. The outsole is designed for asphalt, but its 2mm texture also performs well off-road. The Roadfly is Inov-8’s everyday training shoe for hard surfaces.
- Stack height: 27.5/21.5mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 265g
- Lug depth: 1.8mm
- Regular price: 130 EUR
Inov-8 Roadfly Zero
The Inov-8 Roadfly Zero is a minimalist shoe designed for hard surfaces. It is ideal for runners who prefer a natural running style. Its zero drop and low cushioning provide a direct feel and promote natural foot movement. Its anatomical forefoot shape allows the toes to spread freely for increased comfort on longer runs. The Roadfly Zero is the perfect choice for advanced runners seeking simplicity, lightness, and a close connection to the ground during daily hard surface training.
- Stack height: 19.8/19.8mm
- Drop: 0mm
- Weight: 260g
- Lug depth: 1.8mm
- Regular price: 140 EUR
