Launched in December 2021, the X-TALON ULTRA 260 V2 is the perfect shoe for running long distances over soft and muddy terrain.
An evolution of the successful V1, the new shoe offers an improved fit and more locked-in feel. This owes much to a redesign of the durable upper, which also now includes a slimmed-down tongue.
With 8mm long STICKYGRIP rubber studs that are hungry for mud, a POWERFLOW MAX cushioned foam that softens and springs, and a wider-fit in the toe-box, the X-TALON ULTRA 260 V2 serves up mile after mile of long-distance confidence and comfort, be that on or off trail.
But don’t just take our word for it, check out what reviewers are saying about the shoe following their own independent testing.
Reviews
“I hate reading reviews that don’t say anything negative, but I genuinely can’t find anything bad to say about the INOV8 X-TALON ULTRA 260 V2. It’s a superb shoe - comfortable, light, durable and with an aggressive sole that makes running through mud and soft ground a breeze. I would be equally happy wearing them for a fast 10-miler or an ultra, on terrain that’s soft and/or muddy” – Ultrarunner Magazine
“For whatever your muddy season might be, confidently embrace it with the INOV8 X-TALON ULTRA 260 V2” - iRunFar
“An ideal shoe for longer runs or races on soft, muddy terrain such as The Spine. They would also be a good choice for a very long run on wet or soft terrain; the Bob Graham Round for example” – Fellrunning Guide
“The lugs tightened our grip on excessively muddy portions of trail, providing enough confidence to climb and descend without slipping uncontrollably” – UltraRunning USA (issue May 2022)
“The best off-road runners we’ve come across to tackle wet, muddy terrain. 90%” – 220 Triathlon
“For such a solid feeling shoe, it’s surprisingly cushioned and the grip is amazing. We liked the way the shoe held your foot in place on tricky descents” – Trail Running Magazine (issue Feb/March 2022)
"The mud monster is here!" - Seth de Moor
“Right now, this is probably the best shoe around for deep, aggressive grip and long-run comfort” – Athletics Weekly (issue February 3rd, 2022)
“The whole package makes for an absolute trail ripper” - Believe In The Run
“If the trail is soft and technical, INOV8 X-talon Ultra 260 V2 is a terrific choice” - RunningXpert
“Will give you lots of confidence underfoot on a big mix of terrain, no matter how extreme the weather conditions get… and is further benefitted by adding inov-8’s brilliant BOOMERANG footbed” - Run4Adventure(who scored it 24 out of 30)
“If you’re in the market for one trail shoe that does everything well, while also looking the part, then there’s plenty to recommend here” – Runner’s World
“Often a grippy and cushioned shoe can be a heavy shoe but new X-TALON ULTRA 260 V2 shows you don’t have to compromise – you can have traction and not “eat it” while busting through the slippy stuff” –American Trail Running Association
Customer Reviews
The shoe is scoring high in reviews by customers left on our website, with women currently scoring it the full 5 out of 5 and them men scoring it 4.8.
"A great shoe that performed well straight out the box!"
"An incredible shoe for traction on soft muddy trails."
"To be honest, the only problem with them is that they're so good in mud that I don't avoid it any more...which means they need a proper wash when I get back and take a couple of days to fully dry naturally! Maybe I need to buy a second pair."
"These new Talons are fantastic. The roomy toe box is very comfortable, and the ankle fits well even when stuck in mud. I've been trying these shoes out over short- medium distances in thick mud and peaty bogs and the grip is excellent. Thanks inov-8- I'm loving them!"
Available to buy now: