In-depth INOV8 Mudtalon V2 review. Is this the perfect autumn/winter shoe — even for those of us who’ve never ran up (or down) a fell in our lives?

Table of Contents

INOV8 Mudtalon V2 Technical Specifications

Total Stack Height: 33/27 mm 
Midsole Stack (Heel/Toe): 18/12 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Midsole: POWERFLOW PRO
Outsole: STICKYGRIP
Lug Depth: 8 mm
Weight: 268g

How the Mudtalon V2 Landed in my Rotation

Recently, I published my review of the INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2. It was the first fell-specific shoe I’d run in — and it couldn’t have come at a better time. As you may have guessed, I’m not a fell runner. But as the seasons turned, the torrential rain turning parts of the trail into what I can only assume was the inspiration for Tough Mudder, I started to understand the appeal of an 8 mm-lugged shoe.

The Mudtalon Speed V2 is undeniably brilliant at what it’s designed for. But because I’m not bounding across open fells — and the trails I run tend to include at least some firmer ground — I quickly found myself limited. At the toe, there’s a mere 7 mm of midsole foam. In other words, there’s more depth to the lugs. Perfect for chugging up steep, soft grounded fells, but little margin for longer or more varied outings.

The Mudtalon range is designed for outings on the fells, so that isn’t a criticism. But after finding a special place in my heart for the wizardry of INOV8’s STICKYGRIP outsole — its aggressive 8 mm lugs delivering confidence in all manner of conditions — I started to wonder whether the standard Mudtalon V2, with its comparatively “max-cushioned” 18/12 mm stack, could soften the boundary between fell and trail shoe and offer the best of both worlds.

Fit & Sizing

Like the Speeds, the INOV8 Mudtalon V2 is available in both Precision and Wide. And, just like the Speeds, I’m rocking the Mudtalon V2 in Precision. There’s no denying they’re a narrow shoe, but that’s like saying water’s wet. Honestly, if you have “normal” width feet, I’d punt for the wide option. Narrow feet? Well, the world’s your oyster.

INOV8 POWERFLOW PRO Midsole

Like the Mudtalon Speed V2, the midsole of the standard version is made up of a tweaked version of POWERFLOW PRO. It’s an EVA foam which INOV8 has slightly firmed up in an effort to increase durability. It’s not something you’re likely to feel, though, particularly if running on their intended, soft terrain.

I’ve taken them out of their wheelhouse for this review. Approximately 1/3 of my routes are on soft, muddy, boggy ground, a further 1/3 is somewhere in-between, and the final 1/3 is hard or rocky. While it’s a tad more comfortable when I do switch over to a less aggressive shoe, especially on those harder segments, the slightly firmer POWERFLOW PRO certainly doesn’t stray anywhere near uncomfortable territory.

On the contrary, I actually really enjoy the ride of them — even on paved connectors. And that’s coming from someone who, for over a year, had fallen prey to the obsession with softer and squidgier midsoles. There’s enough protection, enough comfort, and even sufficient rebound to enjoy the Mudtalon V2 on longer outings, even when 2/3rds of those routes could be deemed ‘outside’ of the Mudtalon V2’s realm.

STICKYGRIP Outsole: Well-named

STICKYGRIP is, as the name suggests, INOV8’s stickiest rubber. Reserved for their fell-specific range — the Mudtalon, Mudclaw, and X-Talon — it’s designed for off-trail and muddy, unpredictable terrain.

While the lug shape and size remain identical to V1, INOV8 have tweaked the outsole to improve its wet-slip resistance. A 36% improvement, according to their data.

While I can’t comment on the differences, what I can say is: the bar has been set high. In other words: they’re bloody good. 

They’re the most confidence-inspiring trail (fell) running shoes I’ve ever worn. The 8 mm 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, with a straight face I might add, to “absolutely avoid falling.” 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 just do it 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.

Gritty Verdict

With the previously reviewed Mudtalon Speed V2 being the nippier, more nimble version of the Mudtalon V2, the two shoes naturally share much of the same DNA. To avoid repetition, I’ve kept this a little shorter. If you’re after a more in-depth look at those shared features, I’d recommend checking out the earlier review. Instead, the focus here is on answering the question posed in the introduction: what’s the Mudtalon V2 like as an autumn/winter mixed terrain trail/fell shoe?

I’m actually surprised there aren’t more trail running shoes targeting this murky space. INOV8 —being British and all too aware of the conditions — already do so with their Trailtalon range. NNormal, with the Kjerag Brut, hit the mark too. These are 6 mm- and 6.5 mm-lugged shoes, respectively: more aggressive than the usual suspects, who seem to tap out around the 5 mm mark, but obviously less so than the Mudtalons.

I’m sure I’m missing a few contenders — and please do comment with any I should know about — but for the most part, running through the wetter, muddier months on mixed terrain inevitably comes with a trade-off.

Shallower lugs might mean a more pleasant ride on hard terrain, but they can also be the difference between running and walking the slippier sections. For me, grip is everything. I’ve already had one spinal cord injury (not from running), and, with degenerative disc disease lurking in the background, I need to be careful. Being able to trust a shoe’s outsole in any circumstance is more than worth the loss in rebound or comfort.

And so far, I’ve been able to trust the grip of the Mudtalon V2 in almost every situation — which is surprising. Typically, you’d expect a shoe designed for deep mud to be pretty terrible on slick hard surfaces. But this was one of the goals when INOV8 updated STICKYGRIP: to improve performance on wet rock. So far, so good.

The only terrain I’ve found to defeat the outsole is a short section of cobbles on one of my regular routes. The lugs, being reasonably long and pointy, aren’t quite able to bridge the gaps in the same way flatter, smaller-lugged trail shoes can. That said, as it’s a steep section, I’m usually grateful for the brief respite.

All in all, I think the Mudtalon V2 is far more versatile than its fell label suggests, working brilliantly as a mixed terrain autumn/winter trail shoe. Its ability to handle almost everything with confidence is the primary reason it’s been the shoe I’ve reached for most often. But is there any reason to pick it over the tool that’s basically designed for this job — the Trailtalon?

Honestly? Yes and no. Personally, my reason for choosing the Mudtalon over the Trailtalon comes down to rubber. I prefer the STICKYGRIP compound on the Mudtalon to the G-GRIP compound used on the Trailtalon. Both are very capable, but STICKYGRIP narrowly edges it. My understanding — and correct me if I’m wrong, INOV8 — is that G-GRIP is chosen because it’s harder and more durable. And given that INOV8 expect the Trailtalon to see more mixed-terrain use, durability is understandably a key consideration. you’ll be running over more mixed terrain in the Trailtalon, durability is understandably an important consideration. Makes sense, right?

Well… yes. But isn’t softer rubber more grippy on rocky terrain — especially when it’s wet? Also yes. I’m sure INOV8 have tested this extensively and have their reasons, but I’d love to see the mountain-goat-inspired lug pattern of the Trailtalon paired with STICKYGRIP.

On the flip side, even though there’s only a couple of millimetres in it, that extra depth — along with the lug shape — does make the Mudtalon a slightly harsher ride than the Trailtalon. It’s not uncomfortable on hard terrain, but there’s no denying the Trailtalon is more pleasant. The other obvious downside is durability. While I haven’t noticed any lug wear yet, it’s inevitable that using the Mudtalon this way will shorten its lifespan compared to pure fell use.

The biggest takeaway, though, is just how good the Mudtalon V2 really is. It’s a seriously capable shoe, delivering exceptional grip across all manner of surfaces. You feel as confident splashing through fields of mud as you do bounding over boulders, and there’s just enough midsole foam to carry you comfortably on long runs over terrain it was never really designed for.

If I were running exclusively on fells, I’d opt for the Speed V2s. While not much lighter on paper, they feel it in practice thanks to the closer connection with the ground. But if you’re running mixed terrain — or want one shoe that can genuinely handle both fell and trail — pick the standard Mudtalon V2s.

So… how about it, INOV8? Trailtalons with STICKYGRIP?

Mudtalon Speed V2 vs Mudtalon V2 Spec Comparison Sheet

INOV8 Mudtalon Speed V2

• 4 mm drop
• Stack height (midsole only): 11/7 mm
• 8 mm STICKYGRIP outsole
• 6 mm Boomerang TPU insole
• Available in Precision and Wide
• ~266g
  
  INOV8 Mudtalon V2
• 6 mm drop
• Stack height (midsole only): 18/12 mm
• 8 mm STICKYGRIP outsole
• 6 mm Boomerang TPU insole
• Available in Precision and Wide
• ~268g

Where Next?

• Read our review of the Mudtalon V2’s nippier sibling, the Speed V2
• Check out our trail running shoe release calendar
• Strengthen your legs for your next challenge with our review of the Yoback
• Check out our favourite trail running shoes of 2025, featuring the Mudtalon V2