Whether your looking for your next trail runner or the perfect shoe for a Spartan Race, Inov-8 has become a force to reckon with in the trail running industry. Gaining ground on popular trail running shoe brands like Salomon and Reebok, Inov-8 has built a reputation for high quality comfortable shoes at a reasonable price point.
My first experience with Inov-8 was with the now extinct Terra Claw 250. After a year of running in Salomon Speedcross 4’s I made the switch and never looked back. I went from sore feet and blisters to running 20 miles and waiting the hour drive home before taking my shoes off. For me, the biggest difference was the low drop, wide toe box, and light weight. All things I now take into high regard when picking a running shoe.
Enter the X-Claw 275.
Inov-8 X-Claw 275 Specs
Fit: Standard
Product Weight: 275g / 9.7oz
Drop: 8mm
Footbed: 6mm
Lug Depth: 8mm
Midsole Stack Heel 16mm / Forefoot 8mm
First Impressions of the Inov-8 X-Claw 275
After putting 100’s of race miles on two pairs of my old Inov-8’s (2 pairs) I knew any new shoe was going to be a change. My X-claw 275s arrived through Amazon… black and red, size 10. They looked to have a good amount of padding while only weighing 275 grams and they didn’t skimp on the toe guard. Something I like to have for longer races in rough terrain when my feet lazy. Overall I was excited to get these things on the trails.
Inov-8 X-Claw 275 On the Trail
They feel good. A little looser fit than I expected but for long races (inevitable swelling) these baby’s fit perfect. Inov-8’s “standard fit” (wide toe box) let’s your toes have the freedom they need to flex/spread when running. For me this important especially for elevation. The design is breathable and lets water out for OCR and stream crossings. On slick rock and obstacles the grip on the X-Claw’s is amazing! I lasted in one pair for 24 hours at Worlds Toughest Mudder 2018 and the footing never gave out. Even when the ground turned to a skating rink.
The Negative
I’d love to see this shoe with a little less of a drop, maybe 6mm compared to the 8mm drop it has now. The extra padding is nice but you can feel the weight compared to Inov-8’s older lighter shoes. That said if you’re comng from Salomon it will still be much lighter to you.
Conclusion
I love the Inov-8 X-Claws. ended up ordering a second and third pair, and will be running in the X-Claws 275’s at the Enduro OCR world Championship in 2019. If that isn’t enough of an endorsement I don’t know what is!