I would say the spartan ocr speeds I wore last season were way better with drainage (but also immediately let all the water in), but I thought these did a solid job. I could see water draining from the top mesh and tongue area with each stride. They didn't feel extra heavy after a few steps out of dunkwall or some of the other Jacksonville water crossings. Feet felt great. Planning on wearing these for the 2022 season.
Thanks for the review! I have the inov 8 x talon 190s that I used in my first 2 Spartan races a while back. That was a sprint and super in chicago. However they are very lightweight and I was worried about them for completing my first ever trifecta this year. Do you think these would be enough support for a beast?
I'm thinking the exact same ! I used salomon alpha cross for a beast and it hurt the toes because they were narrow. And seen these are wider so looking to see how they are
These would be perfect for a beast! As an “ultra” shoe they are rated for those longer runs. I’ve completed several beasts and like he said in the review, at the points where the shoes started to slip, everyone was slipping. These lugs make it perfect for the extra obstacles that Spartan will throw at you during a beast, and the cushion will work great for those extra miles.
I actually used the x-talon 255 at the vernon beast last year for the October race. They worked like a charm.. the sticky grip also helped on wet rock. I recommend
Not sure about the specific specs on those 190s, but I am currently planning on two trifectas in 2022 with one of those longer races being an ultra... hoping to do all the longer training runs and races in these. So far I'm super impressed with these after putting them to the test at Spartan Jacksonville. If the 190s are anything like these... you will do just fine banging out your trifecta! Good luck!
I had issues with the Salomon brand just being too narrow for my feet. These have a larger toebox, but not huge like the Altra brand. Have a sprint, super, and now a bunch of trail training runs at different distances and I have had no issues. Even a lacrosse game in these instead of cleats (which destroy my feet) and they were amazing.
@@OCRKings Absolutely. Doing the Ultra. If you don't mind --- do you guys have any recommendations on compression pants? I was thinking of trying them in Montana, but haven't found what people recommend for OCR races. They've got to shed water.....
Thanks! Lugs and traction are similar to the speedcross 4. Noticeably wider toebox. Inov8 was pushing these as more cushion for longer runs. I think they deliver there. Much nicer to the feet that Speedcross 4 IMO. Even the OCR Speeds we both wore last season.
@@OCRKings Thanks for the info. I will give them a try. I prefer a wide toe box. And I’m in need of more cushion for longer hauls for races like the Spartan Ultra. I wear size 10 in the Speedcross 4 so what do you think about size for me and these Talons?
Didn't get to wear them much except for the initial trail run right out of the box and a bit around the house. Was a bit worried about two days of races, but they really did feel great on the feet. No issues at all.
Great question! Last trifecta weekend we did... we left the shoes on the car in the sun while we hungout/relaxed and they were good to go. Would have been a different story if it was a rainy weekend!
Seems like most of the water came out of the mesh top and tongue. Shoes didn't feel heavy because they got filled with water. That Jacksonville mud was pretty impressive though and was sticking to everything until it dried and fell off. Looking forward to more miles and races in these this year!
@@OCRKings I live in Jacksonville FL. In fact will be doing the Tough Mudder this Saturday (after 2 days of rain apparently). I do have a foillow up question, what socks do you recommend, or does it make a difference?
glad to see actual feedback from use out in the field at a real race
Thanks!
Love you working in the post race review!!! Keep the great content coming
Thank you my friend!!
Gear review!!! Let's go go go
Yes sir!
checking these out right now
Cool, let us know how you do
Thanks for the review I need a new pair of race shoes. Maybe I missed it but how was the water drainage?
I would say the spartan ocr speeds I wore last season were way better with drainage (but also immediately let all the water in), but I thought these did a solid job. I could see water draining from the top mesh and tongue area with each stride. They didn't feel extra heavy after a few steps out of dunkwall or some of the other Jacksonville water crossings. Feet felt great. Planning on wearing these for the 2022 season.
Thanks for the review! I have the inov 8 x talon 190s that I used in my first 2 Spartan races a while back. That was a sprint and super in chicago. However they are very lightweight and I was worried about them for completing my first ever trifecta this year. Do you think these would be enough support for a beast?
I'm thinking the exact same ! I used salomon alpha cross for a beast and it hurt the toes because they were narrow. And seen these are wider so looking to see how they are
These would be perfect for a beast! As an “ultra” shoe they are rated for those longer runs. I’ve completed several beasts and like he said in the review, at the points where the shoes started to slip, everyone was slipping. These lugs make it perfect for the extra obstacles that Spartan will throw at you during a beast, and the cushion will work great for those extra miles.
I actually used the x-talon 255 at the vernon beast last year for the October race. They worked like a charm.. the sticky grip also helped on wet rock. I recommend
Not sure about the specific specs on those 190s, but I am currently planning on two trifectas in 2022 with one of those longer races being an ultra... hoping to do all the longer training runs and races in these. So far I'm super impressed with these after putting them to the test at Spartan Jacksonville. If the 190s are anything like these... you will do just fine banging out your trifecta! Good luck!
I had issues with the Salomon brand just being too narrow for my feet. These have a larger toebox, but not huge like the Altra brand. Have a sprint, super, and now a bunch of trail training runs at different distances and I have had no issues. Even a lacrosse game in these instead of cleats (which destroy my feet) and they were amazing.
Good review - thanks! You guys going to Montana?
Thank you! And not sure yet. You going??
@@OCRKings Absolutely. Doing the Ultra. If you don't mind --- do you guys have any recommendations on compression pants? I was thinking of trying them in Montana, but haven't found what people recommend for OCR races. They've got to shed water.....
How would you compare these shoes to Salomon Speedcross 4 in regards to cushion? Which one has more? Keep the videos coming.
Thanks! Lugs and traction are similar to the speedcross 4. Noticeably wider toebox. Inov8 was pushing these as more cushion for longer runs. I think they deliver there. Much nicer to the feet that Speedcross 4 IMO. Even the OCR Speeds we both wore last season.
@@OCRKings Thanks for the info. I will give them a try. I prefer a wide toe box. And I’m in need of more cushion for longer hauls for races like the Spartan Ultra. I wear size 10 in the Speedcross 4 so what do you think about size for me and these Talons?
Damer recommends half a size up from your true size. He is normally a 10 and feels the Talons are better for him at 10.5
@@OCRKings Thank you both! I will give them a try!
@@WpnX0351 Awesome, I hope they serve you well my friend!
Some tough looking shoes. Assuming you will wear them around before the run for break in? Thanks for sharing this with us.
Didn't get to wear them much except for the initial trail run right out of the box and a bit around the house. Was a bit worried about two days of races, but they really did feel great on the feet. No issues at all.
I have a pair coming in preps for my beast in NJ, but I’m curious what people do for a trifecta weekend? Do you dry your shoes or have two pairs?
Great question! Last trifecta weekend we did... we left the shoes on the car in the sun while we hungout/relaxed and they were good to go. Would have been a different story if it was a rainy weekend!
what's the best way to get these - Amazon? Right from the Inov8 site?
Amazon has a limited supply. If they don't have your size, go right to the Inov8 site.
You mentioned drainage holes in the beginning (or lack therof) but not in the after review. Did it make any difference? Thanks.
Seems like most of the water came out of the mesh top and tongue. Shoes didn't feel heavy because they got filled with water. That Jacksonville mud was pretty impressive though and was sticking to everything until it dried and fell off. Looking forward to more miles and races in these this year!
@@OCRKings I live in Jacksonville FL. In fact will be doing the Tough Mudder this Saturday (after 2 days of rain apparently). I do have a foillow up question, what socks do you recommend, or does it make a difference?
🤩
👍👍
How did they do so far as drainage
Surprisingly well. Water was pushed out the top mesh and tongue area. Didn't feel like I was carrying extra water weight at all
how are those on wet surfaces?
So far so good!
Giant lugs on these. Do they work?
They are pretty big and they bite into mud really well.
Did you notice any rubbing or hotspots, on your toes or heels?
Not at all. Heels stayed locked in. Two days of wet races and feet were perfect
Are they tight fitting? Do you recommend sizing up?
1/2 size up for sure in my case. Toe box has room and the heel locks in really nicely.
"Cross" talon though!
Inov-8 yes
I like the lugs on those, they look huge!
Yes sir! 8mm lugs. Did a great job in the mud and grippy on the obstacles.