Inov8 Mudclaw G260 Trail Running Shoes

The world's toughest shoe for the world's toughest muddy mountain runs and obstacle course races. Revolutionary graphene-enhanced rubber and fearsome 8mm studs deliver the world's toughest grip over soft and wet ground. The MUDCLAW G 260 - Designed to make light work of all tough mud.

Inov8 Shoe Fit Scale

For technical footwear, a good fit is essential to enhance your performance. Inov8's new Shoe Fit Scale makes it easier to find the perfect fitting shoe. All Inov8 shoes are designed with Met-Cradle technology to lock down the mid-foot for a stable hold, where they differ is in the toe box. The shoes are now graded from 1 to 5, Grade 1 representing their closest, most precise fit and Grade 5 representing the widest fitting toe box.

The lower the number on the scale, the narrower the fit, which ensures minimal internal movement of the foot when running fast on technical terrain. Shoes with the higher numbers on the scale will suit athletes with a wider foot and those wanting that extra comfort in the toe box. This wider toe box allows the toes to splay for increased stability when lifting heavy weights. It's also perfect for longer runs and races when toes begin to swell.

Inov8 have graded the Mudclaw G260 Trail Running Shoes as Grade 1.

Breathable, Durable Upper

Any sweat or water inside the shoes can escape via the flexible, breathable upper materials ensuring a lightweight, super-comfortable feel. The mesh allows air to fully permeate the entire shoes, providing a constant supply of fresh, cool air whilst simultaneously pushing out hot, muggy air. The durable overlays deliver a secure fit with increased durability. They work endlessly to ensure the midfoot section of the shoes locks the foot down in place to provide a more stable and comfortable ride, whilst preventing any slipping from occurring within the shoes. Completing the upper are gaiter attachments which can be used to keep stones and debris out of the shoe.

Exteroflow Midsole

Infused with exteroflow, the midsole provides high levels of underfoot cushioning without compromising on ground feel. The cushioning absorbs, stores and then releases energy to propel you through the gait cycle. By minimising shocks when your foot hits the ground, the midsole ensures a smooth, comfortable transition and reduces the risks of repetitive injury. A next-generation meta-plate provides ample underfoot protection. The lightweight, flexible rock plate align with the foot's metatarsals to provide lightweight stability, support, and protection on uneven rocky terrain.

Graphene Grip Outsole

Utilising the world strongest material, these G-series shoes use graphene-enhanced rubber which is 50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% more hardwearing to create an all-around trail running shoe. The durable nature of the tough rubber provides peace of mind when running on uneven, rocky terrain whilst the added elastic provides multi-directional flexibility ideal for trail running. 8mm studs claw through mud and stick to wet, rocky terrain ensure traction on a wide range of surfaces.

Shoe Review - January 2019

As a brand ambassador for Inov-8 I've been lucky enough to have been part of the testing and development process for the new Mudclaw G260. Initially, I tested a number of different prototypes of the shoe before receiving a version in June 2018 that looks exactly like the final production version.

What's in the 'G' - Graphene, the planet's strongest material, 200 times stronger than steel. Infused into the outsole it produces a stronger harder wearing rubber without losing any of the elasticity and grip required for fell running. Could this be the holy grail, unrivalled grip and durability in the same shoe?

The first thing I noticed about the new G260's is that they are super comfortable, I instantly knew that this was a shoe I could use for both training and racing. They feel very different to the legendary Mudclaw 300 but have the same fit and feel as the recent Mudclaw 275. The outsole is by far the most aggressive to I've ever seen and the best I've ever tested, the deep 8mm lugs which extend to the very edge of the outsole provide me with unbeatable grip in soft and muddy conditions, they literally claw their way through this kind of terrain. It's given me more confidence than ever before to attack any type of descent knowing I can trust my grip 100%. So to the durability...

I was keen to test the durability and lifespan of these shoes to see if they could cope with the rigorous demands of my sport and a high volume of mileage, I saw it as a personal challenge to use them to the point where they might actually wear out. Since June 2018 I have tested them on all types of terrain, the hard rocky slopes of the Italian Dolomites, the snowy peaks in the Swiss Alps, the loose and rough rock on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and of course the soft, muddy fells of the UK's Lake District, even choosing them for the 81 mile Dales Way from Ilkley in Yorkshire to Bowness in Cumbria.

Seven months in I have run over 1,100 miles in these shoes and I am still confident that there is more life in them yet, usually, I'm happy if I reach 300 miles in a pair ! As an Inov-8 ambassador people are used to hearing me rave about their products but in all honesty, the G260's are the best shoes I've ever worn, a bold claim but one I am completely confident in making. They are quite simply 'The Ultimate' off-road running shoe and the first and only pair I haven't been able to wear out and believe me I have tried.

7 months / 1123 miles / 8 countries / 15 races / 226 runs ' - Ben Mounsey | Inov-8 Ambassador | GB, England and Yorkshire Mountain Runner.