Which shoes?

I wore my new Mudtalons for the first time today. I went for the wide fit, and also wore both Injinji toe socks and Dexshell waterproof socks. The wide fit is perfect for me - I did not need to skip the bottom 4 lace holes as I usually do. There were no problems with grip, though the route I did is not particularly challenging in that respect. After about 5 miles there was a hint that one of my heels was being rubbed, but this went away when I tightened the laces. Overall they felt similar to the X-Talon 260 V2s, but just that little bit wider. I need to try them on a tricky descent, such as that from Wansfell Pike. Very pleased with them so far

New Mudtalons run 2: yesterday's possible early heel rubbing has not turned in to anything. They coped well with all the frozen terrain, and remain very comfortable. My new favourite shoe.

A lot are wearing Adidas Terrex 225 now.

I had the Terrex fell shoes. They were very comfortable and lightweight, grippy. However the upper didn't last more than half a dozen fell races for me.

I'm willing to sacrifice longevity for superb grip to an extent (hence my current love of the graphene x-talons)

But barely lasting half a season of racing isn't justifiable to me.

How do the mudtalons compare to the mudclaws (classic)?

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

How do the mudtalons compare to the mudclaws (classic)?

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It is a long time since there was a mud claw that suited my feet, but I would say the grip is much the same.

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Originally Posted by Mike T

It is a long time since there was a mud claw that suited my feet, but I would say the grip is much the same.

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Thanks Mike. Luckily I seem to be able to cram my toes into most size 11s, without too much bother!
However, I've just ordered some Inov8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max at half-price from Sportshoes, for summer running on harder ground, so maybe I'm tempting fate saying that!!

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

Thanks Mike. Luckily I seem to be able to cram my toes into most size 11s, without too much bother!
However, I've just ordered some Inov8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max at half-price from Sportshoes, for summer running on harder ground, so maybe I'm tempting fate saying that!!

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They are a very comfortable shoe for tarmac or off road where traction is not a particular issue. So a trail shoe rather than a fell shoe.

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Originally Posted by Mike T

They are a very comfortable shoe for tarmac or off road where traction is not a particular issue. So a trail shoe rather than a fell shoe.

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Yes, that's what I was hoping. I think you've mentioned that before. I've been avoiding certain routes, such as the 9 Standards at Kirkby Stephen, which have a lot of tarmac, or gravel sections, because of ankle issues I sometimes get. Running in Hampshire, albeit cross country, early last summer also chewed my calves with the xtalons I wore at the time, so I'm hoping these will be kinder to my legs.

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Originally Posted by Llani Boy

I have received an e-mail from the CEO this morning stating that they will replace the shoes.

I have also received an e-mail from a member of his Customer Services team who have requested that I send a few photos, which I have done.

Very impressive so far.

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A new replacement pair of X-Talon Ultra 260 V2's arrived via DPD this morning.

Thank you Inov8.

A bit of shoo gloo should ensure that I get a few more training and XC miles out of my substandard pair!

My Inov8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max have arrived. Size 11 fit a treat. Ummm....they do have a remarkable resemblance and feel to my old Saucony Grid road running trainers I owned in the mid 1980s, albeit with a slightly stickier outsole... :)

I read an article today about Harry Bolton and the new Ron Hill fell shoe he has designed. Apparently it is being launched in March. Might be worth having a look at it.

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

My Inov8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max have arrived. Size 11 fit a treat. Ummm....they do have a remarkable resemblance and feel to my old Saucony Grid road running trainers I owned in the mid 1980s, albeit with a slightly stickier outsole... :)

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I unboxed the trailflys a couple of weeks ago, as the weather dried up. Unfortunately all is not well. The first outing was around the Orton area, which is largely hard limestone track, and the final couple of miles of a 10 mile route proved painful. Ditto, subsequent runs over the last few weeks, to the extent that I've reverted to the mudclaws on occasions for some relief. I've tried various lacing options. but to little improvement. The problem is a marked burning pain underneath my toes on both feet. I'm wondering if it's the result of my largely forefoot striking, coupled with the 30 mm heel stack and too much (for me) cushioning. I very rarely have any issues with footwear, so this is a bit annoying, and I may, sadly, have to relegate them to 'casuals'.

Anyone else experience similar issues with this model?

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

I unboxed the trailflys a couple of weeks ago, as the weather dried up. Unfortunately all is not well. The first outing was around the Orton area, which is largely hard limestone track, and the final couple of miles of a 10 mile route proved painful. Ditto, subsequent runs over the last few weeks, to the extent that I've reverted to the mudclaws on occasions for some relief. I've tried various lacing options. but to little improvement. The problem is a marked burning pain underneath my toes on both feet. I'm wondering if it's the result of my largely forefoot striking, coupled with the 30 mm heel stack and too much (for me) cushioning. I very rarely have any issues with footwear, so this is a bit annoying, and I may, sadly, have to relegate them to 'casuals'.

Anyone else experience similar issues with this model?

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I love these, but only on bitumen or gentle trail as grip is not brilliant - certainly no toe discomfort. Is it your socks? Injinji toe socks keep my toes happy, with Dexshells or Drymax or wool socks over them.

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Originally Posted by Mike T

I love these, but only on bitumen or gentle trail as grip is not brilliant - certainly no toe discomfort. Is it your socks? Injinji toe socks keep my toes happy, with Dexshells or Drymax or wool socks over them.

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Thanks Mike. Yes, I've tried a few socks options. I will try them without the insoles in too. I think you're right also that I'll restrict them to runs where it's primarily roads and hard track. These were to replace my old x-talons 212s which I thought were great, albeit not suited for running on the flinty tracks of the South Downs last year, as my calves vouched for!

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

Thanks Mike. Yes, I've tried a few socks options. I will try them without the insoles in too. I think you're right also that I'll restrict them to runs where it's primarily roads and hard track. These were to replace my old x-talons 212s which I thought were great, albeit not suited for running on the flinty tracks of the South Downs last year, as my calves vouched for!

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Doing so many miles a week on the fells means I need to try to take great care of my feet. I have in the past had tender areas under some of my toes and on the outer side of my fifth toes - I therefore use Bodyglide on these areas as well as wearing the sock combinations mentioned above. And I body glide the socks over the potentially tender areas as well - so three layers of Bodyglide - skin, inner sock, outer sock!