In-depth review of the INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2, INOV8’s latest speed-focused fell running (and muddy trail) shoe. This review focuses on how the shoe performs in real UK conditions — from muddy Peak District trails to proper fell-running ground — and how it compares to the regular Mudtalon V2.
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INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2 Technical Specifications

Total Stack Height: 26/22mm
Midsole Stack (Heel/Toe): 11/7mm
Drop: 4mm
Midsole: POWERFLOW PRO
Outsole: STICKYGRIP
Lug Depth: 8mm

Who the INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2 Is For

When INOV8 asked if I wanted to test a shoe from their newly updated Mudtalon range, I didn’t immediately jump at the opportunity. Not because I had anything against the Mudtalon — I just didn’t think they were necessary for the trails I frequent. I wasn’t confident I’d be able to get enough miles in to even write a review.

That’s because the Mudtalon range — with its aggressive 8mm-lugged outsole — falls under INOV8’s fell-running department. I’m not a fell runner. In fact, at the time, I’m not entirely sure I even knew what fell running really entailed, other than the obvious.

A quick Google and Wikipedia search tells you that fell running — also known as hill running in Scotland — is “the sport of running and racing off-road, over upland country where the gradient climbed is a significant component of the difficulty.” That sounds, at least to my ears, every bit like trail running. But in this context, ‘off-road’ also means ‘off-trail.’ Rather than the relatively easy-to-follow paths of trail, fell running expects participants to possess mountain navigational skills and carry adequate survival equipment. There are no waypoints or aid stations, and “self-navigation should be done without the assistance of technologies such as GPS.” As someone who relies on my Suunto Race S for navigation, that’s a troubling prerequisite.

While researching the sport, I came across a brilliant (and very British) description from Peter Knott, Chairman of The Fell Runners Association (1979–1982), which I think perfectly summarises what’s involved:

“Fell running is a unique activity, requiring athletic ability and mountain craft. It enables fell runners to enjoy some of the wildest and most remote places in the country.”

Essentially, fell running is like playing trail running in hardcore mode.

Do I Really Need 8mm Lugs?

As enthralling as that all sounds, that’s not me. At least, not yet. So what use do I really have for a fell-running shoe — an 8mm-lugged tool that reminds me more of the boots I wore as a youngster playing Sunday League football than a pair of running shoes?

Not one to pass up an opportunity, a few ideas came to mind. First, some of the trails I regularly run probably share more in common with fell terrain than with the well-groomed trails typical of many races in the US or mainland Europe. The Peak District — especially the Dark Peak — gets very wet and very boggy, very quickly. What’s more, the freeing nature of running ranks highly in the reasons I love the sport. The Mudtalon V2s will surely open up routes I likely wouldn’t entertain in lesser-lugged shoes, opening the door to more exploration.

I also thought having a pair would provide the perfect excuse to nip up to the Lake District — the home of fell running (and INOV8) — to sample this slightly whacky sport. Maybe I could even join a race. I found it admirable that fell running is classed as a ‘non-commercial sport’, meaning events should be run on a not-for-profit basis. Entry fees are typically reasonable and accessible — a complete contrast to the boom of trail running, where prices only seem to increase. That spirit was perfectly summed up in an invitation I received on Threads from Ian, one of my readers, to join him for a race over in Dartmoor:

“Come do one of our fell races next spring. Great community and less than a tenner entry usually. Beer if you win!”

Fell runners seem like my kind of people.

All in all, there were plenty of reasons to add an 8mm-lugged shoe to the collection. Testing the Mudtalon Speed V2s also meant I could provide a different perspective from other reviewers. Do you really need to be a fell-hardened runner to benefit from the deep lugs and updated STICKYGRIP outsole, or can the average trail runner grinding through the UK’s bleak autumn and winter conditions still make full use of them?

INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2: Fit & Sizing

Like most of INOV8’s fell-focused shoes, the Speed V2 comes in either Precision or Wide. I went with the Precision version — or more accurately, that’s what INOV8 sent across.

The Precision fit is perfect for those with narrower-than-average feet, or runners with average-width feet looking to shave weight and dial in a race-focused fit. If you fall on the wider end of the spectrum, I’d steer clear of Precision.

For anyone researching INOV8 Mudtalon sizing, I sized up half a size from street (8.5 from 8), something I do with most running shoes. The length is perfect — around ¾ to 1 thumb-width of space up top. That would be my recommendation, though YMMV. I’ve previously gone up a full size in INOV8 (they were on sale — and I’m from Yorkshire) and there was too much room. Fine for gentle trails but not what you want on steep descents.

STICKYGRIP Outsole – 8mm Lugs Explained

As the name suggests, STICKYGRIP is INOV8’s stickiest rubber. It’s reserved for their fell-specific range, which includes the Mudtalon, Mudclaw, and X-Talon. It’s designed for off-trail and muddy, unpredictable terrain.

It’s where the Mudtalon Speed V2 earns its keep. It’s why you buy a pair. I haven’t sampled V1, but INOV8 say the outsole compound has been tweaked, resulting in a 36% improvement in wet-slip-resistance. The lug shape and size remain the same as V1, but the compound provides more grip — particularly on wet rock.

While I can’t comment on V1, the bar has been set high — perhaps too high — for future improvements. In other words: they’re bloody good.

They’re the most confidence-inspiring trail (fell) running shoes I’ve ever worn. The 8mm lugs penetrate deep into mud, allowing you to throw caution to the wind in ways lesser-lugged shoes simply can’t. Just as importantly, they shed mud extremely well. I was slightly concerned that the more direct lines I’d inevitably take in the Mudtalons would leave me vulnerable when moving onto rocky patches, but the lug shape means mud doesn’t hang around — leaving rubber to meet the next obstacle.

Naturally, I’m not going to choose the Mudtalon Speed V2s for rocky, technical terrain. But so far — to my surprise — they’ve been just as reliable there as in the mud. I’ve even used them (not intentionally) on frozen ground. They wouldn’t be my first choice in that scenario — the ride was a little rough — but the traction never failed.

To put my confidence in the outsole into perspective: two years ago, I had spinal fusion surgery after a climbing fall caused a prolapsed disc to compress my spinal cord. I also found out I have degenerative disc disease. A consultant once told me to “absolutely avoid falling” — with a straight face. While that’s impossible to guarantee, one way to reduce the odds is to avoid running in treacherously slippery conditions. Or, as I’ve discovered, to run in the Mudtalons. That’s how good the grip is.

If you’re looking for the best shoes for muddy trails in the UK, the Mudtalon Speed V2 sets the benchmark — especially for runners transitioning toward fell terrain.

INOV8 POWERFLOW PRO Midsole – Ground Feel & Comfort

Let’s be honest: there’s not much to the Mudtalon Speed V2’s midsole. There’s actually more lug up front than midsole foam (8mm versus 7mm). For the terrain they’re designed for, that makes sense. Soft ground provides most of the cushioning. You wouldn’t want a max-cushion monster here — not if you value your ankles.

On softer terrain, I’d happily spend hours in the Speed V2s. They’re light, and what little midsole foam there is feels comfortable. But what about mixed terrain? While it might be a niche question, I doubt I’m the only one using these shoes outside pure fell environments.

I’ve taken the Speeds as far as 12km. With the tarmac connectors and firm sections typical of my routes, that’s about my limit. It’s not that they’re uncomfortable, or that there isn’t enough midsole to go further. INOV8 make Speed versions of their shallower-lugged shoes and plenty of runners use those for ultras (or so the bloke in the INOV8 shop tells me). But thin midsole + hard terrain + deep lugs isn’t the best combination. It’s less than ideal — and clearly not what they’re designed for.

But with the outsole being as good as it is — and the weather being as miserable as it is here in the UK — I know I won’t be alone in wanting to take these on longer adventures. Thankfully, the non-Speed version, the Mudtalon V2, solves this. More on that in the final verdict.

As for the compound, it’s an updated version of INOV8’s trusty EVA foam, POWERFLOW PRO. This is my first experience with it, having previously only tried FLYSPEED PRO. I’m told POWERFLOW PRO has been firmed up slightly to improve longevity — not something you’ll notice on soft terrain.

Interestingly, despite officially being firmer, the Mudtalon V2 range actually feels softer than INOV8 shoes with FLYSPEED PRO. I’m sure that’s partly due to the softer lines I’ve been taking, but I also think the outsole plays a part. My assumption is that the softer STICKYGRIP compound — especially this improved version — softens the ride relative to G-GRIP.

Overall, I’m really enjoying running in POWERFLOW PRO. It’s actually my favourite of INOV8’s foams. Naturally, in the Speed version, there’s excellent ground feel — but it’s well balanced with comfort. To my surprise, they also feel more responsive than shoes with FLYSPEED PRO. INOV8 may disagree — it may simply be down to the lower stack — but whatever the reason, it’s a big thumbs up for POWERFLOW PRO.

Final Verdict – Should You Buy the INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2?

Alexander Usyk — Heavyweight Champion of the World — is a man of few words. In post-fight interviews, when asked how he’s feeling after yet another victory, he typically responds with a simple “I feel.” It’s blunt, ambiguous, but somehow it lands. He feels… something. And that’s enough.

I know, I know — it’s probably the strangest analogy ever shoehorned into a running shoe review. But for whatever reason, I … ahem … feel it’s the best way of describing how the Mudtalon Speed V2s make you feel.

Usually, when you like something about a running shoe, it’s obvious why. There’s a snappy midsole, or the upper just fits — something tangible. And sure, with the Mudtalon Speed V2, that thing is the beefy STICKYGRIP outsole. But the real effect goes beyond that.

The grip gives you a strange sense of ease on terrain that usually demands tension. You no longer need to tiptoe through gnarly, slippery sections. It’s a shoe that genuinely puts a smile on your face. How could it not, when you’re bombing downhill past the Mudtalon-less runners and walkers who are just trying to stay upright? And that — the ability to move quickly across challenging terrain in awful conditions without overthinking every step — brings out a faint, child-like nostalgia. A reminder of a time when running through muck felt simple, not something to be cautious about.

As I mentioned earlier, I was hesitant to take the Mudtalons on. I didn’t think I’d get enough mileage in to justify a review. Now I’m not sure what I’d do without them in my rotation. This autumn has been particularly miserable — the kind where the ground gives up and turns to soup. Shoes like the INOV8 Trailtalon Zero can handle most of it, but the Mudtalons go a step further. It’s that STICKYGRIP outsole that changes everything. It doesn’t just help you cope with the conditions — it makes you actually want to run in them. Where miserable weather once made me think twice about heading out, now it feels like an opportunity — the perfect excuse to go out and tear through the dirt.

If you’re looking for the best shoes for muddy trails in the UK, the Mudtalon Speed V2 easily makes the shortlist — especially in a proper British downpour. When your kit actually suits the conditions — and the Mudtalon Speed V2s do — even the foulest weather feels surprisingly runnable.

INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2 versus Mudtalon V2 – Key Differences

In the introduction, I said I wanted to find out whether the average trail runner battling the UK’s bleak, wet, miserable conditions would benefit from the Mudtalon Speed V2 — or whether they should stay firmly in the hands of fell runners.

After just a couple of runs in the Speeds, I knew INOV8 had something special. I didn’t need to be sprinting up fells to appreciate an 8mm-lugged STICKYGRIP outsole. They’ve been the perfect weapon for tackling the Peak District’s terrain as the heavens continue to open. But I also felt — literally and figuratively — that the midsole stack was insufficient for longer runs on mixed terrain. And while that’s understandable — these being shoes designed for running off-trail and racing up and down fells — I couldn’t help thinking that a little extra stack would make them far more versatile. Enough to appeal to runners like me, who only have a smidgen of interest in true fell running but still want all the grip.

So, I reached out to INOV8 to get my hands on the Speed’s bigger brother — the Mudtalon V2.

As expected, the extra cushioning of the regular Mudtalon V2 increases their versatility. If I’m heading out for a long run on mixed terrain — where I know I’ll benefit from the deep lugs but will also hit rocky ground and maybe some tarmac — I don’t have to choose between grip and comfort. Both shoes are brilliant, but the regular Mudtalon V2 is easily my favourite pair of trail running shoes. Quite the contrast from my initial “will I even wear them enough to write a review?” concern. I do expect the outsole to wear more quickly with this sort of use, particularly with the softer STICKYGRIP, but so far, so good. It’s a small price to pay for the assurance they provide.

If you’re regularly racing up and down fells, spending only brief amounts of time on hard ground, or you prefer a low, responsive feel and keep your runs short, go for the Mudtalon Speed V2. If you want something capable of tackling the thickest mud while still feeling comfortable on longer, mixed-terrain runs, I highly recommend the Mudtalon V2.

INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2

• 4mm drop
• Stack height (midsole only): 11/7mm
• 8mm STICKYGRIP outsole
• 6mm Boomerang TPU insole
• Available in Precision and Wide
• ~266g
  
  INOV8 Mudtalon V2
  
• 6mm drop
• Stack height: 18/11mm
• Same outsole
• Same insole
• Available in Precision and Wide
• ~268g

INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2 Price: Let’s Talk Dough

The INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2 retails for £130, whereas the regular Mudtalon V2 retails for £120. I’m not entirely sure why the Speed costs £10 more. They share the same outsole and midsole compounds, yet you get less midsole in the Speed. Shrinkflation? I wondered whether the upper drained more efficiently — maybe that explains it. It may simply be the association with speed and racing. Those shoes always cost more, right?

Odd pricing aside, both versions are excellent value for money. In an age where daily trainers often require remortgaging the gaff, INOV8’s prices have held steady. This is a specialist tool — one that expertly executes what it was designed for — and it represents unreal value.

Further Reading

See which trail running shoes made our best trail running shoes (2025) list and whether the Mudtalon Speed V2 is one of them.