Inov8 Trailtalon Speed Review

I’ve been out testing the Inov8 Trailtalon Speed, minimal trail racing shoes designed for technical terrain, soft ground, and high-tempo trail runs.

Its firm, low stack ride reminds me a little of the Brooks Catamount 3, but with more aggressive lugs underfoot, and a bit more bite due to a softer-ground focus (firmer ride).

If you’re seeking a fast, lightweight, and nimble trail running shoe that performs well when conditions are damp or muddy, this one’s worth considering. Here’s how they performed for me.

Key specifications

• Price: $160 at Inov8.com / £140 at Sportsshoes.com (UK)
• Drop: 4mm (heel: 11mm / forefoot: 7mm) – That’s a low stack height.
• Weight: 9.4oz / 266g (men’s US 9)
• Outsole: Graphene-infused G-GRIP rubber with a lug depth of 6mm
• Midsole: Responsive POWERFLOW PRO foam + BOOMERANG footbed
• Fit: Standard to wide; anatomical shape with a roomy toe box
• Best use: Faster-paced trail runs, trail racing up to half marathon distance, Skyrunning, and soft terrain running

How they fit and feel

These shoes fit true to size with a medium to wide fit. I noticed the wide toe box right away, which is helpful for toe splay and optimal power output during climbs.

There’s a secure heel lock that keeps my feet in place, stopping any potential heel slip during climbs, and while the midsole gives a very firm ride, it’s responsive and fast.

The low 4mm drop feels natural but may take time to adjust if you’re used to higher-stack running shoes. To understand what different drops and stack heights mean for you and your run, read my Running Shoe Drops And Stack Height Explainer, next.

What’s good

I’m impressed by the Graphene-infused G-GRIP rubber on the outsole. Even on wet, root-laden paths or slick rocks, I get the grip I need to confidently push the pace on the downhills.

The 6mm lug depth, shaped similarly to a mountain goat’s hoof, digs into softer surfaces and then releases as soon as I drive forward, so I’m not bogged down in dirt. The Trailtalon Speed’s lugs (complimented by the firm ride) are really well suited to soggy ground.

Another highlight is the POWERFLOW PRO midsole paired with Inov8’s BOOMERANG footbed. This combo delivers a surprising amount of energy return considering how firm the shoe feels overall.

The foam beads in the insole add a little spring in each stride, which helps me maintain momentum during fast stretches. On shorter distance trail runs or races, they give just enough cushion to keep my legs from feeling battered, but still retain a close-to-the-ground sense of control on uneven terrain.

The single-piece air mesh upper does a good job of venting out heat, preventing that stuffy sensation I sometimes experience with more heavily padded trail shoes – having a wider toe box helps to keep temperatures cooler inside the shoe too.

Despite the airy feel, the midfoot and heel overlays stabilize my foot and help me maintain a locked-in fit, especially when I’m bounding over more technical sections or running uphill – the heel lock is very impressive.

I appreciate how the toe box has enough width for my toes to splay on climbs too as it give me optimal push-off power, but I don’t feel sloppy or loose in the forefoot.

Lastly, the weight is light for a shoe that offers this kind of traction and protection although there are lighter trail racing shoes out there. At 9.4oz (266g) for a US men’s 9, the Trailtalon Speed manages to keep me nimble on muddy singletrack or steep scrambles without sacrificing grip or durability.

All of that makes them an especially solid pick for shorter races or fast-paced efforts where I want a locked-in, confident ride – and I love how well they handle a wide variety of terrain along the way.

What’s not so good

Because the ride is firm and the BOOMERANG insole is quite flat, offering very little in the way of arch support, I’d be hesitant to use the Trailtalon Speed for anything beyond half marathon efforts.

It works best for short races and speed sessions, and may feel harsh on hard-packed trails or extended rocky sections. If you’re someone who needs more underfoot cushion for marathon-distance or ultra running events, you’ll likely find these too minimal.

And my final comment here would be that the laces are a bit too long. They need to either be shortened or the upper needs an elastic loop added, in order to stop them flapping around.

This will reduce the risk of them coming undone or being tripped over / snagged on the trail, while running. That said, if you have very voluminous, and wider feet, you might use up quite a bit of this extra lacing that I have. And for reference, I have medium width feet.

My verdict

If you’re looking for a fast, minimal shoe that excels in wet or muddy conditions, the Inov8 Trailtalon Speed meets that need.

The midsole and lugs are both designed to perform optimally in softer terrain, so it grips well and maintains a level of agility that’s perfect for shorter-distance racing and tempo days.

The firm midsole provides great control when you’re navigating technical singletrack, but it might feel too firm / minimal for anyone who needs extra cushion or support over longer runs.

For those who value speed, ground-feel, and traction above all else, especially in soft, muddy environments, this shoe checks those boxes. The flat arch and minimal structure may not appeal to everyone, yet if you prefer a simpler design that’s all about nimble performance, the Trailtalon Speed does a solid job. If that sounds like you, they’re definitely worth a try.

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