In the SF Chronicle article of Sunday, 3/9/08, WHICH Inov-8 Trail Runners do you recommend? Search yielded numerous types.
Thanks.
Mary Barlow
Mary: You're also right that they have many shoes to choose from!
![Surprised :o](./images/smilies/emoticon-0104-surprised.gif)
Inov-8's most innovative shoe is the MudClaw 340 O+.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/emoticon-0103-cool.gif)
They're great when you're expecting occasional ice. Their "dobs" are metal spikes that act as mini-crampons.
However, for more casual hiking, I suggest using the filter on their website which lets you slice their shoes in two ways:
* By Activity
* By Terrain
For example, when you look "By Activity," you can sort them by "Long Distance Walking," and you get this list.
This results in a selection of shoes that is good for standard trails that have good, smooth tread.
The higher the number, the more it weighs. Although I'm a fan of minimizing weight everywhere (including the shoes), the lightest Inov-8 shoes are also the most narrow, which is only appropriate if your shoes are narrow or if you're running less than one hour in the mountains. Otherwise, if you're hiking for many hours, then those narrow shoes may start to feel uncomfortable. Therefore, if you want to hike for several hours, then I recommend picking an Inov—8 shoe that has a number more than 300 in the name. :idea:
I've hiked over 500 miles with 9 different Inov-8 shoes in 2007, totaling nearly 6,000 miles. My favorite Inov-8 shoes: 300, 310, Roclite 320.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/emoticon-0103-cool.gif)
Obviously, it's best if you can try before you buy. Although these are my preferences, you gotta hike your own hike!
Their website also helps you decide where to buy.
You can probably find a great deal on eBay too.
Happy trails,