Inov-8 X-Talon Extremely 260 V2 Assessment

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Inov-8 X-Talons have lengthy been a favorite shoe for runners looking for good grip in muddy circumstances however a lot of the variations are tight becoming and perhaps don’t go well with the runner with a wider foot. The Extremely 260 is a wider becoming shoe and as its title suggests is designed for longer runs the place aggressive grip is required.

X-Talon Extremely 260 V2

Options

While branded as an X-Talon the Extremely 260 V2 doesn’t share the identical look as different X-Talons. Noticeably the tread sample is completely different and it really seems to be similar to the discontinued X-Claw 275 (keep in mind them?) The lug depth remains to be an excellent aggressive 8mm, however the studs are wider and extra triangular formed than on different X-Talons. The compound is StickyGrip™ rubber fairly than Graphene.

X-Claw 275 – spot the similarity?

The Extremely 260 have a width becoming of 4 on Inov-8’s scale of 1 to five (5 being the widest). This not solely makes them wider however provides extra quantity within the toe field. The heel cup is effectively padded and there may be extra underfoot cushioning than on different X-Talons, making the shoe extra comfy on longer runs.

cushioned heel cup and 8mm drop

The shoe has a a lot firmer toe bumper than different X-Talons, providing glorious safety for the toes. While they do provide some flexibility there may be noticeably lower than on different variations of the X-Talon such because the G235 and 212.

sturdy toe bumper

On Check

Extended moist circumstances within the Peak District gave good circumstances by which to check the Extremely 260 V2s. As anticipated the 8mm lugs gave glorious grip within the muddiest of circumstances and the sneakers had been an amazing alternative for correct moist, boggy, fell working terrain.

nice grip within the mud

Coarse gritstone rock permits most sneakers to grip, so working across the rocky Darkish Peak terrain posed no issues. The moist flagstone paths supplied a sterner check. I discovered that for essentially the most half I may run with confidence though occasionally a moist, easy, barely lichen lined slab was slippy. I don’t know of any shoe that might provide a grip on moist, easy, greasy rock!

testing on moist flagstones

I discovered that the width 4 becoming meant there was an excessive amount of room within the toe field for my ft. I favor a tighter becoming shoe providing extra precision, definitely for races or quick coaching runs. Nonetheless the additional room within the toe field allowed me to put on a thick, waterproof sock which might in any other case have been a little bit of a squeeze in a narrower shoe; this makes the Extremely 260 a very good winter shoe for me.

Technical Specs.

Weight 260g, Drop 8mm, Lug depth 8mm, Compound STICKYGRIP™, Midsole Powerflow Max with stack peak 16mm /8mm, Match scale 4

RRP £125

General impression

The Inov-8 X-Talon Extremely 260 V2 is a shoe providing aggressive grip for comfortable circumstances while catering for the runner who wants a wider match. The additional width additionally permits the shoe to be worn in winter circumstances mixed with a neoprene or thicker waterproof sock. The brand new Extremely 260 could be a perfect shoe for longer runs or races on comfortable, muddy terrain such because the Backbone or Marsden to Edale (Set off). They'd even be a good selection for a really long term on moist or comfortable terrain; the Bob Graham Spherical for instance.

The video provides a fast have a look at the X-Talon Extremely 260 V2