10 Best Inov-8 Running Shoes Reviewed & Fully Compared
Brian Price
Sarah Coryell
Take a look below to see our list of the best Inov-8 running shoes!
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Great traction
Several color option
Durable
Meant for long distance
Comfortable
Breathable
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Road Claw 275 -
Trail Talon 290
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Parkclaw 275
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Trailroc 285
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Terraclaw 220
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X-Talon 212
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Roclite 290
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F-Lite 195
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Race Ultra 270
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Terraultra 260
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
10 Best Inov-8 Running Shoes
1. Road Claw 275
Shock absorbent
Traction
Stability
Comfortable
Durable
Breathable
Wide toe box
Sizes may run small
May feel heavy
The Inov-8 Road Claw 275 is a comfortable running shoe that can handle rough roads while absorbing shock and providing traction. This shoe is a step up in performance while keeping a lot of features from the previous Inov 8, which itself enjoyed many years of popularity.
Read moreComfort
This is a comfortable and stable running shoe because it has some holes in the material to allow your feet to breathe more easily. It has a midsole underfoot protection that is designed to absorb shock when your foot hits the ground. This running shoe is built to withstand all road conditions.
Durability
This is a quality durable shoe. There have been no reviews of wear and tear. It allows you to have a good grip on the road with its claw-cleat lug design gives you ultimate traction. A durable outsole through the inclusion of TRI-C which provides solid grip/traction as we move through our gait cycles, as our body motions generate energy, this is transferred to the surface through this innovative outsole.
Cost and Value
These running shoes can be a bit more on the pricey side but are worth the money spent. The materials used in the shoe construction are durable and I like the secure hold onto the foot provided by the thoughtfully designed weave of the fabric in the upper for the mid-foot area.
2. Trail Talon 290
Great traction
Several color option
Durable
Meant for long distance
Comfortable
Breathable
break in period
The Trail talon 290 running shoe by Inov-8 is one of their more affordable options that looks great and isn't bulky. If you need a great trail running shoes that is affordable then you will find these may be the right pair of shoes for you.
Read moreComfort
These are really comfortable and breathable thanks to their mesh upper. They are great for long-distance running and will keep you comfortable for many miles.
Durability
These are really durable and their durable soles are built to last
Cost and Value
These are more affordable than other options on our list and they come in several color options to choose from.
3. Parkclaw 275
Breathable
Comfortable
Durable
Flexible
Lightly cushioned
Shock absorbent
Lightweight
Pricier if you want a specific color
Sizes may vary
The Parkclaw 275 shoes come in lots of colors and are also pretty affordable They provide great grip and they will keep you comfortable during all of your runs.
Read moreComfort
These shoes are really comfortable on both the road and the trails--so they are really versatile and can be taken anywhere. Runners will finde these shoes are really breathable thanks to their mesh upper and the provide excellent shock absorption. They are pretty lightweight and allow for natural movement.
Durability
Their rubber outsoles make the shoes extremely durable and built to last.
Cost and Value
Thes running shoes come at a pretty good price depending on which color you go with.
4. Trailroc 285
Affordable
Breathable
Great for long distance
great traction and grip
Well-cushioned
Sizes may run small
Whether you want to run your next mud run or next your ultra marathon then these might be the right shoes for you!
Read moreComfort
As far as comfort these are it. They are well-cushioned and responsive as well as provide stability and support. They are lightweight and protective and provide great stability and support.
Durability
These are really durable shoes thanks to their sticky rubber outsoles. They are designed for long distance hardcore running--so they will last.
Cost and Value
These are one of the more affordable options yet also one of the more durable options that won't tear easily.
5. Terraclaw 220
EVA injected foam
Good drainage
Durable synthetic upper, good breathability
Impressive surface grip
Neutral arch
Nice energy return
Limited choice of color options
This is a running shoe that assures comfort blended with protective versatility while also being lightweight. This shoe gives a nice level of grip for racing due to the outsole being a sticky rubber feature and it's also good for use while running technical trails.
Read moreComfort
The shoe has a designed in a diagonal tongue which serves as protection against the entry of debris and small stones. Available in standard sizings for ladies and men, with upgraded drainage capability for the upper this means your feet will feel more comfortable.
Durability
The shoes are durable enough for using competitively and for trail running but its best to avoid extreme trail surfaces which require a more heavy duty shoe. Durability for this shoe is very good when it is used in the right context which the designers intended. The materials are good quality and give fair durability.
Cost and Value
This product is designed with EVA injected foam efficient for absorbing shock while giving an impressive return of energy. This helps to aid runners with their stride and causes an impressive toe-off every time. Functionality and performance are delivered through the built-in dynamic-fascia-band which runs from the heel through to the forefoot. Unfortunately, the pricing of the shoe is somewhat higher than similar products from other brands as a result of these impressive features.
6. X-Talon 212
Lightweight - 212g
Precision fit
Traction - 8mm lugs
Comfortable - injected EVA sole
Flexible
A small rise in the heel - 6mm
Sticky outsole
More suited for persons with narrow feet
The X-Talon 212 is a popular racing and training shoe with excellent grip on loose terrain. It is designed from quality material and boasts of a stylish look.
Read moreWeight
Weighing only 212 grams, this shoe is extremely lightweight. This lack of weight allows runners to be faster and quicker in their movements. Contributing to this lightweight is the thinner sole. At 22mm in the heel and 16mm in the sole, runners can be close to the ground while still being protected by the 8mm lugs.
Durability
The renowned lugs create ample stability on the roughest terrains. These shoes hold up on trails, rocks, and even extreme obstacle courses. Even after getting caked in mud, these shoes wash clean for many more races.
Cost and Value
While these shoes might cost over $100, the positive reviews seem to say they're worth the money. The X-Talon 212 is a flexible and protective running shoe for athletes that love to run off-trail.
7. Roclite 290
Really lightweight
Breathable
Lots of color options to choose from
Responsive
Flexible
Sizing is off
If you want an affordable pair of shoes that look great and help you perform then you might find the rocklite 290 shoes may work for you. They come in lotd of color options and are both comfortable and breathable for all runners.
Read moreComfort
These are really comfortable thanks to how lightweight they are and their 4mm drop. They are both flexible and responsive and give you the energy return you need during your runs.
Durability
These shoes use 3 sticky rubber compounds to ensure these shoes are highly durable and built to last.
Cost and Value
These are really affordable and definitely worth the cost given how durable and stylish they are.
8. F-Lite 195
Lightweight
Heel-to-toe 3mm drop
Reinforced sides
Traction
Comfortable
Durable
Flexible
Footbed may lack cushioning as it aims for a more minimalist approach
The Inov-8 F-Lite 195 is designed in such a way that it is a comfortable running shoe for runners who are trying to develop a natural running style.
Read moreComfort
This is a comfortable and stable running shoe. It is lightweight with a 3mm heel-to-toe drop. It is intended to be used for runners that are trying to develop a natural running style. It has reinforcements on the sides of the shoes that can protect your feet from terrain or ropes (if you're in an obstacle race). It comes with a mesh material to allow air to flow through more easily and let your feet breathe.
Durability
This is a durable and quality running shoe. There have been no reported issues with wear and tear by reviewers. You'll get a good grip and stability while you run. While not waterproof, these shoes will work well in wet weather and drain well when wet.
Cost and Value
The cost of these running shoes can be quite pricey but worth every penny. Not only are they comfortable; they're also durable.
9. Race Ultra 270
Breathable
Long distance running
Comfortable
Durable
Padded tongue & collar
Lightweight
Flexible
The toe box may run narrow
This shoe is designed for runners looking for a lightweight shoe which can allow for putting on the speed while maintaining stability, comfort, durability, protection all blended into a stylish looking running shoe.
Read moreComfort
This is a comfortable and stable running shoe. It's best for running on trails or long distances. They aren't waterproof but have been tested by reviewers in wet conditions and drain well. They have a mesh fabric on top of the show to allow air to flow more easily so your feet can breathe.
Durability
This is a durable and quality running shoe. There have been no reports of wear and tear from reviewers. The forefoot of the shoe has rock protection, while the outsole has sticky-rubber tread to allow for traction.
Cost and Value
The cost of these running shoes is quite average for a good pair of running shoes. Built into the shoe is the Gen111 Meta Shank which lines up with the metatarsals in the foot, this innovative system enables energy while continuing to maintain protection during foot impact on hard surfaces.
10. Terraultra 260
Zero drop
Lots of color options
Breathable
Lightweight
Great traction and grip
Flexible
Great shock absorption
Expensive
If you are a long-distance runner then the terraultra 260 long-distance running shoes by Inov-8. They are really comfortable, breathable, and flexible--check these out.
Read moreComfort
These shoes have great traction and provide excellent grip. The encourage you natural stride and have a zero drop--for a more minimalistic shoe. They are flexible, breathable, and provide excellent shock absorption. Their underfoot cushioning provide additional comfort and are perfect for for those of you have extra sweaty feet.
Durability
Thesre are durable and are designed for long distance runners.
Cost and Value
These are pricier than other options on our list but worth it if you want a more stylish shoe.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Shoes need to be comfortable or you are not going to want to wear them. And if you do wear uncomfortable shoes chances are you will get blisters and bruises and sore spots, which is never a good thing! Thankfully with these Invo-8 running shoes, you will be good to go with a comfortable and reliable pair of running shoes that will serve you well for a long time to come.
We looked at comfort & Stability and this criterion is broad, we wanted to know the following:
- Does the sole provide any shockproof qualities, comfort and stabilizing assertive tech and if so we wanted to know, how?
- Does the midsole have tech which promotes comfort and assists stability?
- Is there any tech designed into the shoe to provide comfort and stability for the foot arch?
- In terms of providing stability and comfort, how flexible ( or rigid) is the sole and the overall shoe structure?
- Does the shoe toe-box allow toe flexing for stability and comfort and the overall shoe design allow for foot swelling?
- Which tech is engineered into the shoe for comfortable stable good cushion effect?
- Is the shoe designed with materials which enable comfort through air breathability and wick-ability?
- Is the shoe height and the heel system conducive towards stability & comfort?
Durability
Shoes are meant to protect your feet while you are out and about on your runs. Whether you are at the gym, on the sidewalk or traversing mountain trails, you rely on your shoes to be durable and to protect your feet. Invo-8 running shoes are made to be tough and will protect you against wear and tear and will holdup against rough terrains and environments too!
Durability is an important aspect that evaluates the quality of the shoe based on the material and design that is used in making it. When evaluating the durability aspect, the below questions were considered:
- Are the materials in the shoe durable?
- Can they withstand and last through the challenges met while running tough often rugged terrains in all types of weather condition?
Materials
Good material choices can also come into play when it comes to how well a pair of running shoes perform. Invo-8 running shoes use quality materials that are durable yet also breathable so your feet stay protected and comfortable even on the longest of runs. These shoes are designed to feel good no matter what you face, making them a good choice for beginning runners as well as seasoned pros!
This was an interesting creteria to look at because there are some manufacturers that can make a product look very good but in reality, they choose low-quality materials in the construction, low quality for trail running shoes can result in injury and at the very least, disappointment. The shoes don’t live up to the challenge and fall apart, you invest only to find that within a very short time you have to go out and spend money again.
For quality, our overriding indicator in the review was to look for the use of quality materials which provide longevity, protection and serve towards the factors of stability, durability, and comfort. We can conclusively say that we found all these factors present when we reviewed Inov 8 running shoes.
Style
Invo-8 running shoes are available in a range of styles so finding something that works with your current running gear or that flows with your unique style and flare should be easy! We made sure to include several style choices so you should have no trouble at all getting a quality pair of running shoes that will serve you well no matter when or where you do your running.
Style is an important aspect when designing modern shoes and most companies value the outlook of the final product when compared to previous decades. In order to properly market a pair, style goes a long way to ensure consumers buy your product. This creteria was used to evaluate Inov shoe brands because the company makes some of beautifully designed shoes that comes in various shapes and sizes.
Outsole
One of the most obvious yet under appreciated parts of a running shoe is the outsoles. This is the bottom sole that is in contact with the ground when you are running or working out. This is where the tread of the shoe is and it is a very important part of running shoes overall design though most people fail to consider the soles carefully enough when choosing their shoes!
You will want to check the tread of any shoe you are looking at to make sure it will meet your wants and needs. A good running shoe has ample tread that will give you good grip and traction.
This is especially true if you do a lot of outdoor and trail running in uneven rough terrain. But it is also important for gym running to ensure you do not slip and lose your footing while on the treadmills!
The outsoles also support your feet and provide cushioning, support, and shock absorption so they are not something to gloss over and ignore during your search.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Comfort Style Durability Materials Outsole 
For anyone who is curious about trail running, it's important to keep in mind that the sport has the potential to be extremely dangerous. Because of the isolated location in which many runners engage in this activity, it can be difficult for emergency services technicians to reach you if you sustain a life-threatening injury. Remember to be very cautious when trail running!
If you would like to start trail running but don't have much experience with regular running, there's an easy way to ensure that you manage to avoid most minor to moderate running injuries: orthotic insoles. Although most of the trail running shoes listed here are sturdy and provide excellent underfoot protection, it never hurts to get a bit more!
Before starting any sort of workout routine, it is important to make sure you discus your plans with your doctor. This is particularly true is you have any chronic health conditions or health concerns that will need to be addressed. Back injuries, muscle and joint problems, chronic illnesses and such will affect what you can and cannot safely do. Your doctor can work with you to design a workout regiment that will help you reach your fitness goals without putting you at risk for injury and without the risk or worsening your medical condition!
Other Factors to Consider
Value
It is vital to consider pricing when evaluating a brand because this would determine its value in the market. Considering all the features of a pair, the price comes last after coming to the conclusion that a shoe is valuable. You would buy an expensive durable, stylish shoe because you would be well-informed of its quality as compared to buying a cheap one with poor features. Pricing also informs the consumer just how good a product is.
Drop
Another important feature for running shoes that is worth considering is the amount of heel drop there is. Not all running shoes are the same and if you are concerned about the rate of drop you may want to look for a pair of shows with a low drop rate. Some of the shoes on our list here are lower drop than others so you should be able to find something that will meet your wants and needs.
Shock Absorption
With every step that you take, your feet- particularly your heels- are subjected to shock impact. Many of the Invo-8 running shoes we have featured on our list here are designed with supportive soles and heel support that reduced shock impact. This will reduce the chance of injury or foot pain and fatigue after your runs. It is worth considering if you suffer from foot pain and want a shoe that can help with that!
Stability
The final factor worth considering when you are in need of new running shoes is how much stability they can provide. This is especially important if you do a lot of trail running or if you are prone to weak ankles. A good running shoe will help you stay stable and will help you keep your balance so you do not injury yourself. These Invo-8 running shoes are all great when it comes to providing stability!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Which is the best season for trail running?
Like the song says, some like it hot, some like it cold and some like it in the middle. The seasons come in variations, it depends on what you want, dry dusty trials, firm surfaces or wet mud, snow etc. Read a review about trail running.
q: Which size lugs are best for trail running?
Durable lugs are designed for different surfaces and come in different shapes and sizes. You need to consider which surface and then read Runnerclick reviews.
q: Are minimalist running shoes the best choice?
This really depends on what individualistic runners are looking for; there isn't a set answer.
Sources
- , ATI, Blog Post
- , I Run Far, Article
- , US Trail Running Conference, Article
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