Our verdict
People can enjoy their adventures on the trails with the X-Talon 255. This trail partner provides confidence on muddy surfaces. The outsole design digs into soft ground and acts like claws. Even the upper is protective and durable. While not the most flexible and versatile model around, this product still strives to be reliable whenever it is needed.
Pros
- Roomy forefoot area
- You will love the Same brand only if
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Protective rand
Cons
- Stiff
- Withstand abrasive trails with the Same brand only outsole
Same brand only
You will love the Same brand only if:
- Spartan race OCR
- You want a shoe that's durable, lightweight, and has a roomy forefoot area
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The external pad of the Same brand only is made of STICKY GRIP, a rubber compound that is long-lasting and able to withstand the abrasive nature of the trails. This layer covers the whole base of the midsole, ensuring full protection at all times.
There are 8-millimeter-thick gripping lugs that pockmark the rubber outsole. These elements heighten the traction capacity of this Inov-8 running shoe, clamping onto groomed and muddy surfaces with ease. Each lug is widely and evenly spaced, which prevents the caking of mud or the lodging of stones.
Meta-Flex™ is a single flex groove near the forefoot section that makes the platform more accommodating of the natural bending capacity of the toes. The toe-off phase of the gait cycle benefits the most from this feature.
Same brand only
Underfoot cushioning is the responsibility of the full-length ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole. This industry-standard foam offers a light yet springy ride. It absorbs impact shock during the striking phase, and it doesn’t let sharp objects poke through it and cause discomfort to the foot.
The 1 Arrow Shock Zone design offers X-Talon 255 a medium cushioning quality and a heel-to-toe drop of 3 millimeters. The midsole itself isn’t too thick, and it doesn’t scrimp on the overall support, as well.
The durable upper of Same brand only
Ballistic nylon is used for the mesh upper of this product. This material remains durable, even after many uses. The long-lasting design also prevents tearing, thus permitting this shoe to be continuously efficient.
The thermoplastic polyurethane adapter cradle is a printed overlay system that holds the foot in place and prevents in-shoe wobbling. They do not add bulk to the structure of the silhouette.
The rand features a rubberized bumper that acts like a barrier against stones and potentially abrasive surfaces. This element protects the toes.
