Inov8
Trailtalon Max
A cushioned, protective trail shoe for big days on rugged, rocky and rooty ground, with nitrogen-infused foam, a Boomerang footbed and 6 mm graphene lugs. It showed no wear after 120 miles.
About the Trailtalon Max
For long runs, ultras and longer trail races on soft, boggy or wintry ground, Inov8 offers the Trailtalon Max, the highly cushioned member of the Trailtalon family. It builds on the standard Trailtalon with a taller midsole of FLYSPEED PRO, a nitrogen-infused foam, in place of that shoe's POWERFLOW PRO. Its hard-ground counterpart is the Trailfly Max V2, which uses the same foam with shallower 4 mm lugs.
Underfoot, graphene-infused rubber is moulded into 6 mm multi-directional lugs, and an ADAPTER-FLEX groove adds flexibility. A BOOMERANG footbed sits on top of the midsole, and Inov8 claims maximum shock absorption with enough ground feel for technical terrain. The air mesh upper adds durable overlays at the midfoot and heel for hold and rock protection, while the MET-CRADLE system tightens around the heel and midfoot as the laces are pulled. The drop is 6 mm.
Specs and features from startfitness.co.uk and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
What the critics say
88/100 review score
- Road Trail Run 9.1/10
The reviews in briefAfter 120 miles in the White Mountains, Road Trail Run's Nick Higgins found the Inov8 Trailtalon Max stable, protective and grippy, with lively foam that kept his legs fresh and a roomy toe box with a secure midfoot. He found it a touch heavy, though, and less sure-footed on wet, slimy rock slabs.
- Positive: Natural, foot-shaped fit with a wide toe box
- Positive: Cushioning that keeps legs fresh over long distances
- Positive: Very durable, with superb rock protection
- Mixed: A little heavy
- Negative: Grip is less sure on wet, slimy rock
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Trail
- Type
- 274 g
- Weight
- 37 mm
- Heel stack
- 6 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Inherently stable
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Roomy, foot-shaped toe box with a secure midfoot and excellent lacing; a wide version is available.
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On TikTok
Trailtalon Max on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Trailtalon Max
RRP around £150. Tap through for today's price.
Inov8 Trailtalon Max
In short
A strong choice for long, rugged trail days and ultras where you want cushioning, toe room and grip in one durable shoe. On wet, slimy rock the grip is less sure.
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