INOV-8 MUDCLAW G 260 First Impressions after 8500+ feet of Vertical Running

[@katterjim1]

I lived in England for 7 years for work. One of the best parts was running clubs. I was part of a running club, Yaxley Runners & Joggers. This club participated in something called the Frostbite series where we raced once per month from October through March 5 miles on cross country courses. 7 runners score for each team. I was typically the 7th runners and sometimes even outside of the top 7. One race, it had rained really hard, the course was muddy….real muddy…I had just bought some Inov-8 X-Talons. I decided to use them for that race. Typically, I conquered these courses in about 35 minutes while the front was under 30 minutes…on this super muddy day, I still ran my normal 35 minutes, but everyone else was 3-10 minutes slower..people that came in the normal road shoes were slipping and sliding and crying as the slipped down hills and had to make multiple attempts to get up them. I went up them like the ground was dry….I finished 2nd for the team that day and was in the top of overall for the first (and last) time ever. The Inov-8 made the difference. I brought them out again once returning to the US for an 8 hour Ultra in 12 inches of snow…once again…the Inov-8 allowed me to look better then I was…2nd place in my first ultra as I was one of the few people that could easily run up hills in the snow……the huge lugs make the difference.

[@johnknowles5595]

If you have never gone up this mountain, you really can't imagine how tough it is to run up this trail and to do it 4 times is pretty amazing. Nice work my friend!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Thanks John!

[@petermaksimow61]

Great run and great video, Seth! I'm glad they are working out and you are putting those lugs to the test. Cheers!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

SO MUCH FUN!!! Thank you again.

[@auniacrene1267]

Fantastic shoes. I have a pair too. Very happy with them walking in the Bush in Tahiti. Tropical weather humid and wet path.

[@Abes523]

Mudclaw! QD: When I pound pavement for hours on end and find new places in the community where I live the sense of freedom I feel is profound. The fact that my legs can carry me for these distances leaves me with a feeling of peace and gratitude. On Sunday, I broke a sub 2 hour half marathon and could barely contain my excitement and looking back at my splits doesn't seem like I was the one running. It was as if I was riding on someone else's legs, that gave me an amazing sense of freedom. Love those shoes, they look pretty narrow though.

[@thedolenorway]

Awesome, congratulations on your sub 2 Half Marathon! Guess you're more fit then you thought with that good feeling afterwards. I've yet to cover such a distance, but I see i have it in my program in a few weeks, and to be honest I feel a little intimidated about it. That run is scheduled at a pace that puts it at 2 hours 35 minutes with a middle part at a brisker pace then the rest of it. My longest run so far was an 18k trail race last fall.

[@kaleymientkiewicz5085]

Great song choice today! QD: I'm a post collegiate runner now, training for my second marathon, first Boston! (It's my hometown race and I can't even wait!) But when I heard this question I immediately thought back to one run in college. I had to do my workout alone that day because of class schedule, it was a 7 mile tempo run through the local trails to my school up in New Hampshire. I was cruising down a hill and distinctly remember the smile that came across my face and almost started laughing because I just was struck by how much fun I was having, completely alone, in the woods, no fancy GPS watch, no phone, no nothing but also while working my butt off. It's a run I'll never forget. Gotta keep chasing those special moments!

[@brettwestover1010]

The beginning of this got me through the end of my 5-mile treadmill run today!

[@paulbarton957]

The Lake District sure has its mud, but it’s also quite rocky in a lot of places. And it rains... a LOT. Last time I was there it was more like running through clear running streams - shoes came back clean. I live in the Peak District (another national park, less mountainous and a little further south) - I think we take the win for bog and mud. Great to see a review from a non-UK perspective by the way - thanks

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Great intel here Paul, thanks for the local insight!

[@ronanmcmahon-staggs7313]

Running gives me the most freedom I have felt ever in my life

[@thedolenorway]

I moved to the area I live in some three and a half year ago, and last summer when I started running it took me places I've never been before, exploring local trail options. Even though I was, and still are, quite endurance limited in my exploring, those first runs on unexplored trails sure gave a nice feeling of freedom and excitement. Trail runs in general give me a better feeling mentally and emotionally then running on the roads, but I'm not quite fit enough for very much vertical gains so I end up walking quite a bit when I do them. At least I did last summer, trails are covered in close to a meter(about 3 feet) of snow now, I hope my fitness will give me even greater freedom this season when the snow clears.

[@Jameswmin]

Walking is fairly common in trail running. I would just call it “power hiking” and not worry about it 😀

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

You'll have a great summer ahead, you're just getting started!

[@thedolenorway]

@@Jameswmin I usually let my heart rate guide me, if it is in approximately the right spot all is good regardless of the gait cycle in use.

[@thedolenorway]

@@SethJamesDeMoor Thanks! You have a great summer ahead yourself, with some new challenges for you as well. I'm sure you will crush those Marathons!

[@liamdennehy5736]

Running with my teammates on the roads and on the trials during practice is probably what I enjoy most during my day because running lets you forget about everything else in your life and you can just focus on the run

[@FLWaction]

I'm an eliteorienteer from Sweden. I really appricate your vlogs, shoe rewievs etc. QD, i'm feeling freedom i every orienteering training i do. Just get out there with att map in your hand and discover a new type of terrain is really cool.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Thank you so much for watching from Sweden!

[@lakeatonbuilder2096]

Hall ranch trail lyons co after a blizzard a little over 2 weeks ago. Was breathtakingly freeing being first one on trail that morning without a call or email to attend to. Just me and the deer and some cat tracks. Beauty, MUDCLAW!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

MUDCLAW indeed! Onward and UPward

[@angiestowe8220]

Mudclaw. Beautiful run!! The shoe companies should make shoes similar to that for rock climbers. Those shoes are awesome! God bless.

[@seniorgrandmasterrunnerdan]

When I run I get into a relax state that's hard to explain, almost like meditation is free is a great word. I feel so blessed to run. Run on

[@PedroGonzalez11111]

I hear ya. I have similar experiences. It doesn’t happen all the time but I sometimes feel like I’m floating and get an intense rush to the head. When I’m in that zone if feels like I blink and I’ve covered 10k without even trying .. it’s a special feeling

[@toddboucher3302]

freedom- for me it comes in running new trails. little while back I ran on these trails which are close to my house, but this was 1st time running them, plus I haven't hiked them in over 6 years. I loved it, the trail ended and I had to find where this old trail continued. I remember 1st time I ran a hardcore trail in Xero sandals it was a warm day the adventure felt great. Last freedom 1st run in 5-fingers felt so different. Now I run in all stack heights for shoes and not sure if that's good or bad for my form, but this will make an old run feel great. Running the rocks and roots of the South-east US sound crazy in barefoot shoe but always seeking adventure.

[@dgriffy04]

I have the Graphene 260 Mudclaws and also the TerraUltra 260 Graphene shoes. Both amazing. Very special!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Very special indeed!

[@Deadbuck73]

Good morning Seth!.... Oatmeal and coffee with a great runner in a beautiful local....

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Thanks for being here, good morning!

[@CampbellJM]

Bought these for one use only, super super wet 1ft deep mud and clay over a 20km race. These things got me a much better result than i would have otherwise, actually was able to run while others had to walk so often.

[@onigelvez4113]

Great run man..Way to go!

[@drtimoneill]

Inov-8 make great stuff. Am so glad you've found them. They make the best running caps too FWIW. Not sure about fluorescent yellow though? :) ... and yes, we call it the The Lakes District ...

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Awesome!! Thanks for clarifying the name of the region, The Lakes District.... what about "Fells"? Are "Fells" another name for "hills"?

[@drtimoneill]

@@SethJamesDeMoor Yeah, "fell" is from the Norse word for mountain (fjall). Similarly small valleys (typically with streams in them) are called "gills". Fell Running is quite a unique tradition and if you want the ultimate fell running challenge look up the Bob Graham Round. 100km and 8000m of ascent across 42 fells in under 24 hours. Kilian Jornet just did it in under 13 hours! Put it on your bucket list :)

[@BlondeHelen27]

Seth James DeMoor Hi Seth. I just got this info off the internet which best describes what the fells are: A fell (from Old Norse fell, fjall, "mountain") is a high and barren landscape feature, such as a mountain range or moor-covered hills. The term is most often employed in Fennoscandia, the Isle of Man, parts of Northern England, and Scotland. Lol. Hope that helps. Thanks for such great content. You and True Love are fabulous.

[@petermaksimow61]

@@SethJamesDeMoor Also, I was told by my friend Lee at inov-8 that they are called fells, and not mountains, because they do not breach the 1000 meter mark. I am not sure if that is an official reason or just a local tale.

[@mickjenner6697]

I love my talons , but find them narrow , and I need to try several pairs of same shoe to make sure I get a good fit or I get a spot that will rub at base of little toe , Need to get a pair of these

[@AuDHDRunner]

Definitely free feeling running. I disconnect. No phone, no music, no distractions. Just taking it all in. Mainly on trails or woods for max effect. Urban or burbs kind of get annoying with dogs, cars, people that dont shovel snow, etc.

[@robertblackborow8474]

At heart we are all hunter gatherers ,running is just an extension of that !

[@scottbaker8209]

Please hit us with us with those dance moves more often

[@mountaingoat1975]

Yes, more dancing! Can’t wait to try these shoes.

[@timbuchholzruns]

Yes Seth, more dancing please!

[@ronanmcmahon-staggs7313]

Hey Seth in your last video on your gym routine you showed us what u do in the gym for “lifting” at that phase in training but said u are adding some new things in March. Could u make a video or mention in a vlog about the new routines you added into your gym routine for those new block of training. Thanks!!!! Love your videos.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Will work on this!

[@martinleepan]

Great video!! Looking for a new pair of trail shoes, the Mudclaws look awesome. QD: I think running is directly associated with freedom, in fact movement is a form freedom. As humans, we do feel the need to satiate our "wild side" and I think running is one form of achieving that wild satisfaction. What was the name of the song in this video?

[@mejulesyap]

Mudclaw! QD: That feeling of freedom is one of the main reasons I run. Not only for the freedom of movement, but freedom from my messy, overthinking, worrying, anxious brain. When I reach a point in the run where my brain shuts up and just goes with the running rhythm, it’s just bliss.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Beautiful! Keep it up Jules, as you know the running will continue to help.

[@mejulesyap]

Thanks Seth! 🙌🏼 Will do! 🏃🏻‍♂️

[@eXaviar]

Yesterday, I ran my new X Talon for the secound time and since my MTB is still waiting for spare parts for 3 weeks now, I felt so free running in them through the woods here. Well I did try to run in normal running shoes, but it was sooooo slippery 😅 Where is the difference between the mudclaw and the X Talon?

[@MrRennieFrumpkin]

Mudclaw- innov8s are awesome👍 you need to come to the Lake District and do a fell race Seth!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

I'd love to! Hmmmmm.....

[@MrRennieFrumpkin]

@@SethJamesDeMoor might need to make a few tweaks to the training plan though...kzbin.info/www/bejne/en_Nq6OFerafl5o

[@robertskolimowski7049]

Thank u for your great review, got a very important question though - have u had a chance to see how they perform when u run over some occasional wet rocks/slabs? All the best🤝

[@deiman69]

Hi. Could u provide info how outsole perform on the wet rocks? Obviously they are not desing for these conditions but wondering if they can do better than Salomon slab speed or similar at least. Thank you😉.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

They did pretty well on wet rock today, not perfect, but I felt in control one some steep wet rock. More updates on this topic soon at the full review.

[@deiman69]

@@SethJamesDeMoor ok. Could you make a comparison to any Salomon shoes? Speedcross 5 for example? (still talking about wet rocks). Thank you and see you on the next video 🤗.

[@michaelnolan2837]

Seth did you do a full review of the g260s? Can’t find it. Looks like I’m about to get a pair and wanted to see what you thought. Thanks

[@oriel29]

had a go at the INOV8 Mudcluw 300.. it was grippy alright.. but too stiff - rushed back to my Hoka's..

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Mine felt stiff out of the box as well, but by the end of today's run they seemed to be loosening up.

[@suzannelaburt2641]

@@SethJamesDeMoor Seth, you can teach runners how to BREAK in a shoe ;)

[@baltsu]

QD: I feel free in summer time if I am in good shape and the weather is sunny and warm. It's nice to do longer runs along the coastline and enjoy the nice view and the sea breeze. Especially when there is no set pace for the run and I can decide myself when to pick up the pace and when to run more slowly. That is freedom for me.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

NOTHING like warm weather running! FREEDOM indeed. Thanks for chiming in.

[@alexmason5054]

Ive got the previous mudclaws the grip is great up the fells but my God they kill my feet sometimes

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Good to know, any area in particular that hurts your feet? Forefoot? Or just all over?

[@midway241]

Have you ever ran into Timothy A. Olson running in the mountains? I saw a video about his diet while training & running. Do you have a special diet routine? I like that his young son runs across the finish line with him sometimes. Deep Blue!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

That's so great that you know about Timothy. I have not seen him on the trails in Boulder, but I did race against him last year. I do not have a special diet routine. At some point I'll do a vlog about 'what I eat in a day.' Someday I'll have a the boys cross the finish line with me! All of 'em : )

[@midway241]

Seth James DeMoor I remember that run last year - brutal run but you gave it your all. I didn’t know about Timothy last year but that is cool you got to run against him. It would be super cool if you could interview him. I mean he is your neighbor....kind of.

[@gorane87]

mudclaws g260 over speedcross 5s for vertical race? i would like to hear this :) will you do full review for mudclaws? keep up the good work!

[@marinacorsico6486]

Running in the mountains the alps or around the hills of my town is freedom with any shoe

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Beautiful 👍🏻🏔

[@Weldinggoggles]

Really interested to see how you compare and choose between these and the Salomon Speedcross 5s :-)

[@erwinboerebach2417]

As soon as my legs start running my mind stops thinking, that’s my freedom.

[@johnkargol565]

Seth can you make a videos explaining recovering as High school Track and XC Runner, and video on the ideal recovery shoes? I'm currently running in a pretty aggressive shoe (Adidas Energy Boost og), which are nice for workout days but i think i need softy shoe for easier days. Does anyone else have any thoughts?

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Did you see last week's vlog about recovery? Go check it out, it is applicable to high schoolers as well. Consider the New Balance Beacon or Pegasus 35 from Nike for recovery days, maybe the Hoka Clifton as well if you like HOka.

[@suzannelaburt2641]

OHHHH The RED DIRT!!!!

[@Juniperskeleton]

Mudclaw! Freedom while running is pretty great but you have to allow it. I rarely set a course on easy days i jusr wear my watch and go explore. Lately I've found new places to run at a school ive been running around for 4 years, as you can go farther, you find new places. To me thats freedom

[@runnf204]

are those better than speedcross 5s?

[@cdigdawg]

Nice review Seth. How do you clean your shoes after a sloppy run? As for thoughts during running...its usually about how fortunate I am to be able to run and how I can't understand why so few people do it. I'm usually the only runner in my usual hilly park.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Maybe I'll make a second video today about how I clean my running shoes : ) Stay tuned

[@cdigdawg]

@@SethJamesDeMoor Thanks brother! I'm really enjoying your videos and I appreciate all the time that you put into your content. Peace and love.

[@callumharris2235]

crib goch is my weekend fell run in North wales pretty sketchy running

[@jackywu3679]

Whenever I'm running and feeling good, I'm free!!!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Amen!

[@suzannelaburt2641]

TRUTH!

[@OLIMWTY]

How do they compare to the Salomon Speedcross 5's?

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

more aggressive outsole and the ride of the Speedcross 5 is smoother and more enjoyable. I also like the upper comfort of the Speedcross 5 better. This shoe is just a straight up mud hog.

[@OLIMWTY]

@@SethJamesDeMoor many thanks for the reply, I run in NB Beacons for road and treadmill, size 9 I know you reviewed them, so would you say 1/2 size up for the Salomon Speedcross 5s?

[@coolnessmortezchannel9216]

How do they handle snow ?

[@runnershikers6806]

Hi Seth I'm considering getting this shoes but I'm not sure if I go for size 7.5 or 8 My feet is 7.5 from heel to toe measurements Should I go for exact size 7.5? Or should I go half size up to 8 Thanks 👍

[@Nickpaintbrush]

A friend of mine got some, he went a half size down!

[@hukad5299]

Are they the same size as the mudclaw 212?

[@anthonykuchera6743]

I like technology, but I love running for the FREEDOM from the phone, computer, etc. it’s time to be with just me or some running buddies.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Wooohooo! Me too.

[@okantichrist]

Rain and mud = spring autumn and winter in the UK 😀

[@artneue]

No 50 mile review??

[@oliverbentsen8290]

Still want the full review!!!

[@nicklas6973]

Better than speedcross 5?

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

We shall see, stay tuned.

[@pitchmeupscotty]

Mudclaw! QD: yes, freedom, freedom, freedom! All the time! Freedom to explore, go left, go right, just be curious. And the shoes are there to allow this "freedom" that's the reason why I love the brand inov-8. Inov-8 rules once you go "off-trail" is my impression, Salomon still rules "on-trail". Lake district can feel free like that, forrests in Europe can be like that, but...... property is being "claimed" more and more unfortunately and you have to stay on trails soo many times. Sadly, sometimes even to protect that piece of nature because people (even us runners) would just destroy nature...

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Europe does have something special with respect to forests and exploration, it's a little different than here in the US. Getting lost is the best!

[@n0xc0mment]

Those inovate mud claws are basically baseball cleats with that kind of lug depth 😂

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Pretty much! They do the trick.

[@ebdavies100]

Yes, I feel free when trail running, like the Free Bird by Llynyrd Skynyrd but with no woman to leave as I haven't got one :(. Not that I'd want to leave her completely just to feel free when wearing G 260s on a run, she could come too. Sorry, this isn't supposed to be a dating site.

[@ksteege]

Hey Seth - Great vlog today - lovin the running and mountain footage! Really enjoyed this one today! Wanted to give you a quick link as well from Claire Maxted a UK runner who reviewed the shoes and showed how to attach the Gaiters which I have heard can be tricky kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWS2fneYbNeYpa8 (its around 30 mins into the live stream) Freedom - Oh man what a great topic and the perfect word for running for me! Running is freedom from the everyday (although can I say that if I do it everyday? LOL) It allows me to get inside my own head and just experience life really - so many things I would not have had without it. A few examples - typically when I go to a new city I grab a tourist map and run through the areas early in the morning some really memorable ones were one time in Tokyo for work I got up early and purposely got lost in the side streets for a bit before figuring my way back home - it was just amazing to see the jumbled mass of humanity that is that city and all the little green spaces that are there that never would have been seen by me otherwise. In Boston I ran the Freedom Trail from start to finish through the steets of Boston and up Bunker (Breed's) Hill and finishing at the USS Constitution. And running the trails in Ireland along Old Kenmare Road just stunning views on a wintery day it was just amazing to feel the wind and weather out there I would say Freedom is just the best descriptor for how I feel about running period. Anyway that went long - guess you hit a nerve there. Keep up the great work I will also be sending over some shoes and love the scholarship idea as well so look out for some more from me soon.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

BEAUTIFUL stories here about FREEDOM Kurt, thanks for the storytelling and thanks for the link to the gaiter help.

[@seligseligabc123]

You’re the egg man;-)..

[@mikes1063]

Skip to like min 5

[@Jduchsnqkwiryrysbab]

For the love of god I hope that wasn’t a cucumber flavor Gatorade 🤢🤮🤢🤮. I never understood how that flavor is still everywhere.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

After 8000 feet of vert I'd drink a broccoli flavored gatorade : )

[@Jduchsnqkwiryrysbab]

Seth James DeMoor you have a good point I guess...😖😖

[@YosefElgart]

2:18 inov8 fail