So I've hit 300 miles in my first pair of Inov-8 X-Talon 212's, the new lightweight trail running shoe, and I'm a big fan! They are my new go-to shoe for training runs. I thought I would blog a bit about them in case you're looking for superlight trail shoes.
Of course, you do have to take my feedback into perspective since I've been an Inov-8 fan for years (and run for their team). But I also have Montrails, New Balance, Teva, Brooks, North Face, Avia, etc., and tend to try out a lot of shoes as I log the miles in different climates and terrain. In general I look for soft, lightweight shoes for short course and training runs, but run a sturdier shoe for the rocky terrain, loose rocks, or anything 50 miles or beyond.
The X-Talon 212's are easily the lightest trail running shoe I have ever tried (for those who don't know, the numbering of Inov-8 shoes is their weight in grams, so 212 is 212 grams). They are slim, low to the ground, and wrap your feet like racing flats. I have a narrow foot, so the Inov-8 line fits me pretty well (if you don't have a narrow foot, I usually suggest the RocLite 295's). What was surprising to me is that the soles are actually quite soft and flexible. I'm not sure why I thought they would be the "hard as pavement" feel of a road racing flat, but it's not the case. The feel of the sole is similar to the popular RocLite 295's, just a lower profile and stiffer upper construction to hold your foot in place. The flexibility allows your foot to feel a lot of the trail with every step, but you can still pound the downhills. The trademark sticky Inov-8 lugs are there, so you can go nuts in the dirt and grass.
Does it have enough to go 50k? Given the right runner and trail, I think it does. I know they are designed for mountain/fell running, but the soft feel gives it more distance power than say, the MudRoc 290. If the 50k race is fireroads, nice single track, and you're the kind of runner that like that barefoot feeling, there is ample padding for a fast and comfortable run. I've done a marathon in the x212's on the single track around my house and they felt great. But if the trail was more technical, jumping from rock to rock, I would probably want a stiffer sole to offer more support. You will probably see me in the RocLite 315's and RocLite 320's for those.
If you've tried the x212's, let me know what you think! The sizing seems right on - I am a size 11, and the 11 fits perfectly. Available at ZombieRunner.
- SD
So I've hit 300 miles in my first pair of Inov-8 X-Talon 212's, the new lightweight trail running shoe, and I'm a big fan! They are my new go-to shoe for training runs. I thought I would blog a bit about them in case you're looking for superlight trail shoes.
