Women's Inov-8 Trail Talon 290

Product detailed description

The Inov-8 Trail Talon 290 is the most comfortable, cushioned, and versatile shoe in the current collection. The previous model proved itself very well and is clearly our most popular. After all, we’ve already walked and run quite a few miles in the previous Trail Talon 250 models. Vašek alone has already worn out about his fourth pair...

Versatile sole

The sole is key—just like in other models, it’s made from various compounds that provide good abrasion resistance in high-stress areas and excellent grip at the toe during push-off. The tread pattern is also different—the lugs are low and wide, and those around the sole’s perimeter extend nearly 2 mm outward and 1 mm downward, creating a sort of “claw” pattern around the entire shoe. The shoe therefore has a flatter tread pattern, suitable even for harder surfaces like paved paths and trails in the park, but the claws provide the necessary grip in mud or snow. They probably won’t last forever, but the wide lugs will be there for a long time, and in my own experience, the Inov-8 sole is the best for trail use—it grips great on smooth rocks even when wet, on grass, in mud…

High comfort

The shoe is pleasantly cushioned upon landing, but it’s not “chewy.” A comfortable shoe for high mileage. This is ensured by the two-part Powerflow+ midsole; the lower section is slightly firmer, has excellent shape memory, and provides very decent dynamics. The upper part of the midsole is slightly softer, designed to offer comfort during long runs. Between these layers is a DFB polymer reinforcement that mimics the shape of the plantar fascia and enhances the shoe’s torsional stability. The midsole thickness is 19/11 mm (heel/toe).

A wide shoe with excellent breathability

Despite its bulky appearance, the shoe is lightweight and breathable.  When wet, it dries quickly. The soft heel counter hugs the Achilles tendon like a sock. In recent years, Inov-8 has made many of its shoes narrower, but this year a few models are returning to a wider fit. In this collection, the Trail Talons are among the widest shoes available, making them a great choice for our needs, where long walks cause the feet to swell and the toes and transverse arch need room. Excellent breathability also helps prevent blisters.

The removable EVA foam insole is also fantastic—where other insoles get compressed to the thickness of paper after a few hundred kilometers, this one still retains a solid 4mm even when the shoe is worn down to shreds. Very comfortable:-)

Great for transitioning from hiking boots

Who is this shoe for?  Thanks to its superior cushioning, it’s suitable for long distances and heavier individuals. If you’re using running shoes for trekking, you’ll definitely need a light backpack and some training. You’ll be rewarded with a good feel for the terrain, feet in good condition, and—if you choose the right socks—no blisters.

We at NALEHKO have already put Inov-8 shoes to the test on thousands of kilometers of trails, paths, and roads (Appalachian Trail, Via Dinarica, Around Czechoslovakia, GR20, (Blue) Ridge Trail). You can read more about using running shoes on treks here.

Choosing the Right Size

When choosing running shoes, we recommend selecting a size at least one size larger than your usual shoe size. This will help you avoid blisters, pressure sores, and other discomforts. If you’re looking for shoes primarily for long-distance treks, a larger size is an absolute must—we often recommend choosing shoes up to a size and a half larger. Prolonged exertion in challenging terrain puts significant strain on your feet, causing them to swell quickly. What feels comfortable during a short training session or a weekend hike is often insufficient for a multi-day trek.

When choosing a larger size, however, it is absolutely essential that your heel stays secure in the shoe. If your heel “slides around,” tightening the laces usually won’t solve the problem—in that case, we recommend choosing a different type or model of shoe. A properly fitting shoe is the foundation of comfort and the prevention of pressure sores and blisters.

Inov-8 Trail Talon 290:

• Weight:  290 g (size 8).
• Standard last width 4.
• Heel-to-toe drop 8 mm.
• Tread depth  4 mm + lugs.
• POWER FLOW+ midsole made of two compounds with different stiffnesses.
• Outsole composed of three types of compounds (hard, contact, wear-resistant; a medium compound in other high-stress areas; and the softest black compound for incredible grip during push-off.
• Integrated “pockets” on the sides of the shoe below the ankle for attaching Inov-8 gaiters.
• Reinforced toe cap for toe protection.
• Recommended use: 50% trail, 50% road.