I've had issues with various Inov-8 uppers having premature ends, and the lighter the shoe, together with wetter terrain, the quicker they go. That said, I've had the same problem with most other lightweight trail and fell shoes, so its not just an Inov 8 thing!

Funnily enough, my long run today was in a pair of Mudclaw 300s - the red and black one with the flatter sole profied and 8mm lugs - and they are still going strong after close to 600 miles with the uppers still looking good. I've also had some of the old Roclite 295s last just as long, but also had some fall apart after a couple of hundred miles!!!

To pick up on GB's point though, my all time favourite Inov-8 shoes remains the original brown Mudroc 290, first bought in early 2004!