Kit Review - Inov-8 X-Talon 190 8/10 Lightweight, designed as a minimal racing shoe with only 3mm drop, the X-Talon 190 fits the bill and is incredibly comfortable to boot. Great shoe for the grass, though slightly slippery on the firm/rocky trail. The sole pattern works very well, with the rubber slightly more flexible than some of the others in the Inov-8 range. Although I had concerns this could affect foot placement on corners, its not the case and they respond well without needing to take your foot off the gas. In normal Inov-8 style, the stud design is excellent too in ensuring you maintain grip in the mud or grass, but without a build-up of crud which makes your feet weigh 3x as much! There is a downside to the rubber compound though, because it feels slightly slippery when used on rocky/ hard packed surfaces. Studs are hard pressed in such conditions and these remain very comfortable with none of the sole jabbing itself in to the foot. The slipperiness was noticeable though and gave a slightly strange feeling, although did not seem to degrade drive/ toe off. The upper is again of the traditional high Inov-8 quality, with a high and seemingly durable rand performing well in wet conditions - my feet stay surprisingly dry. A well designed lacing structure holds the foot snugly in place, and I have had no blisters throughout their use. Overall a shoe which is finding increasingly more use, both in training and racing because of its versatility, comfort, and being light enough for an effective racer.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 13:10:45 +0000
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