Author: Jordan – Trail Runner & Product Tester at Crib Goch Outdoor
Published: 10/09/2025
When the weather turns grim and the ground turns to bog, you need trail running shoes you can trust. The Inov-8 Mudtalon Speed v2 is a lightweight, aggressive shoe with 8 mm lugs and rapid drainage, built for fell races and mountain marathons in the worst of British weather.
I put them through their paces on the Nantlle Ridge, Snowdonia, in classic Welsh conditions: sideways rain, wind, and endless mud. Here’s how they performed.
Is the Inov-8 Mudtalon Speed v2 good for mud and grass?
Absolutely. With deep 8 mm lugs, the grip is phenomenal. Even on steep, wet descents, I never once felt the shoe slip. This is where the Mudtalon shines — it lets you attack downhills with confidence rather than tiptoeing.
👉 If your winter runs involve bog, moorland, or grassy mountain slopes, this shoe is hard to beat.
Can you use the Mudtalon Speed v2 on rocky terrain?
Not comfortably. Despite a rock plate, sharp stones are still noticeable underfoot, and the minimal cushioning makes longer rocky ridgelines punishing. This isn’t a versatile “all-rounder” — it’s a specialist weapon for soft ground.
For mixed terrain, I’d look to the Inov-8 X-Talon range instead.
How does the fit feel in these trail running shoes?
Initially, I had some heel lift, but a quick lacing adjustment fixed it. Once dialled in, the fit was secure and race-ready. The Mudtalon Speed v2 comes in both Precision Fit (narrower, locked-in) and Wide Fit (roomier forefoot), so you can choose what works best for your foot shape.
Does it drain well in wet weather?
Yes. After repeated soakings, the uppers drained quickly and never felt heavy. At just 230g per shoe, they feel nimble and never bogged down, even when waterlogged.
Inov-8 Mudtalon Speed v2 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unbeatable grip on mud and grass
- Lightweight and nimble — great for racing
- Fast-draining uppers in wet conditions
- Two fit options (Precision/Wide)
- Durable for winter events like the OMM
⚠️ Cons
- Unforgiving on rocks
- Minimal cushioning on long runs
- Heel lift until laced right
- Harsh on hard-packed trails
🏃 Jordan’s Trail Running Shoes Verdict
“The Inov-8 Mudtalon Speed v2 is a razor-sharp tool for soft ground. The grip is unmatched, the fit locks in once adjusted, and it stays light no matter how bad the weather. Not at home on rocky terrain, but for UK mud, grass, and winter racing, it’s my go-to. I’ll be racing in these at the OMM this October.”
If you’re interested in Eryri (Snowdonia) trail running and finding the perfect shoe, this blog post may be of interest The Best Trail Running Shoes for Eryri (Snowdonia) in 2025
