Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 10

obstaclemudrunner.co.uk ForEliteAtheletes toFunRunners 34 FOOTWEAR : REVIEW world championship training Inov-8 have always been my first choice in footwear, two of the biggest reasons being how light and flexible they are. Our editor weighed hers to check the weight and sure enough they were exactly 235g as they state in the specifications on the website. I struggle with thick soles on the terrain I normally run on which is where the flexibility of inov-8 come in handy, in particular when I’m trying to foot lock a rope. These have the ideal grip for me and with a 4mm drop suit my running style perfectly. For the majority of my World Championships training I’ve pretty much either worn these Trailtalon’s or my X-Talons. It depends upon the route I decide to take and the weather that day. After the summer we’ve had, I’m looking forward to getting back in the mud and bringing the X-Talons back out for the last few big races of the year as the season draws to an end. Nevertheless, these Tried & Tested Trailtalons have served me brilliantly throughout the slightly less muddy months and the miles and miles of trails that I’ve ventured along has accompanied some breath taking scenery along the way, I’m pleased these trail shoes have carried me to so many places. I particularly like the added feature of the toe bumper at the front. As a newly qualified running coach I’ve come to appreciate features like this which protect my toes from sharp stones without jeopardising my speed. Trust me, when you’re blowing as fast as you can, trying to keep your lead, any extra traction is appreciated. I chose vibrant teal colour and I was not disappointed. Ok, so they didn’t hold their colour as brightly after being exposed to the conditions that I run in but they are looking pretty good I must say and they have literally been dragged through the dirt repeatedly. The laces hold really well, they don’t seem to come undone and I’m a real stickler for constantly checking mine. Overall I think these have worn really well and they’ve been put through their paces that’s for sure, there’s still plenty of life left in them and I’d highly recommend them for trail running. Still not sure, check out their website www.inov-8.com you’re sure to find a shoe that’s right for you. I’m off to prep, apparently there’s a big race coming up! Andrea #berquezocrwcinov_8 and the inov-8 Trailtalon 235 Fit Scale 4* Drop 4mm  Footbed 6mm POWER FOOTBED  Lug Depth 4mm  Midsole POWERFLOW  Midsole Stack 11mm / 7mm  Shank DFB  Sole Compound TRI-C STICKY  Product Weight 235g / 8.225oz *See OMRM issue 9 for explanation of inov-8 Fit Scale Andrea Berquez (in case you weren’t sure, that’s BERK-WEZ) AKA – Squirrel