Inov8
Mudtalon Speed V2
Inov8's lightest Mudtalon is a low, flexible fell and cross-country shoe with 8 mm StickyGrip lugs and a 6 mm BOOMERANG footbed. Testers found it superb in mud and on wet grass, and best for shorter, faster outings.
What's new: The forefoot rock plate is gone for more flex, with a new upper for better midfoot and heel hold, drainage holes, stickier rubber on the 8 mm lugs and about 6 g more weight.
About the Mudtalon Speed V2
Off-trail running on mud, ice and soft ground, at faster paces in training and racing, is what Inov8 designs the Mudtalon Speed V2 for. Within the Mudtalon series it is the lower option next to the more cushioned Mudtalon V2, with a 4 mm drop instead of 6 mm, while the Mudtalon Zero V2 removes the drop entirely.
Its 8 mm cuboid lugs are made of STICKYGRIP rubber, which Inov8 says gives 36% more wet slip resistance than the first-generation Mudtalon series, and the brand designs them for grip on steep climbs, descents and boggy ground. The midsole is POWERFLOW PRO, a compression-moulded EVA foam that the brand says is firmer than before to extend its lifespan, under a 6 mm footbed. A RipStop nylon mesh upper with 3D-printed overlays and a speed tongue completes the shoe. The listed weight is 266 g.
Specs and features from inov-8.ca and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
Watch Inov8 Mudtalon Speed V2 reviewsOpens YouTubeWhat the critics say
The reviews in briefNorthern Runner found the Inov8 Mudtalon Speed V2 a nimble racer for fell, cross country and muddy trails, with a more flexible forefoot, deep lugs that shed mud better than before and a snugger hold. It did warn that feet get cold on wet winter days and the long lugs can clog in clay.
- Positive: Excellent grip in mud, on wet grass and soft ground
- Positive: Very flexible, nimble and low to the ground
- Positive: Drains quickly and sheds mud better than before
- Mixed: One tester noticed no extra grip on wet rock despite the claimed gain
- Mixed: Stripped-back tongue is less comfortable than before
- Negative: Thin upper leaves feet cold on wet winter days
- Negative: Clogs up in clay
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Trail
- Type
- 266 g
- Weight
- 17 mm
- Heel stack
- 4 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Inherently stable
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. New model: figures are early and get re-checked every month.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Testers found it snugger than the original with a rounded toe box; Northern Runner suggests half a size up if you usually wear Brooks, Saucony, Topo or Altra.
What Reddit runners say
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On TikTok
Mudtalon Speed V2 on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Mudtalon Speed V2
RRP around £130. Tap through for today's price.
Inov8 Mudtalon Speed V2
In short
The one to pick if you race fells, cross country or muddy trails and want maximum grip in a light, flexible shoe. For long or wintry days, testers suggest the standard Mudtalon instead.
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