Details
Brand
Inov-17
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Multiple and carefully aligned tungsten carbide spikes ensuring perfect grip with snow and ice.• Sticky and durable TRI-C™/ICE-TEC™ outsole.• ProtecShank™ II midsole for foot’s metatarsals protection and additional cushioning.• Great durability, flexibility, and stability.• Unique optional on-the-shoe gaiters for additional protection from debris and elements.• X-Lock and Tongue Lock for better fitting.• Tight and rather narrow fit.
Upper
The Arctic Talon 275 upper is made of breathable, lightweight and durable synthetic mesh that lets the feet breath and at the same time keeps them warm. The tight-fitting design keeps the foot in place preventing excessive movements inside. X-Lock and Tongue Lock provide even better fit and prevent debris from entering the shoe. For better protection from the elements, one may use optional gaiters attached directly to the trainers.
Midsole
The midsole is made of lightweight compressed EVA that provides good cushioning and shock absorption. It is also equipped with flexible ProtecShank™ II polymer that aligns with spikes underneath. This construction guarantees a runner good protection and comfort, providing exceptional performance in the most challenging winter conditions.
Outsole
Inov-8 Arctic Talon 275 is equipped with sticky and durable TRI-C™/ICE-TEC™ outsole with more tungsten carbide spikes than ever before. The spikes are carefully aligned so that a runner can feel stable and secure while running fast even on the most slippery surfaces. All the features provide phenomenal grip over frozen terrains or other slippery conditions like wet, moss-covered rocks. The maximum grip and light weight allow for fast running while not caring much about which part of the foot strikes the ground.
Breathability
The synthetic mesh upper in the Arctic Talon 275 is breathable enough to keep the foot well ventilated and at the same time warm in cold winter temperatures.
Comfort
The Arctic Talon 275 has a precision fit that may be not very comfortable for runners with wider feet. The snug fitting encourages minimal internal foot movement that adds stability while running harsh terrains and encourages faster running. The shoe is equipped with X-Lock and Tongue Lock that add to the comfortable fit and make it more secure. According to the users’ reviews, the Arctic Talon 275 comes true to its size, and 1/2 size up should suffice most of the users.
Style
Most of the shoes by Inov-8 not only feel and sound but also look innovative and stylish, from the recognizable label to color schemes. The Arctic Talon 275 appearance follows the trend. First produced in one color scheme — Blue/Black/Silver/Yellow — now the shoes are available in 2 more color combinations.
Durability
Inov-8 made its name designing the athletic gear able to perform in difficult environments. Since the Arctic Talon 275 is created for severe winter conditions, the durability factor was one of the most important in the process of designing the shoes. The manufacturer managed to meet the challenge perfectly: all the parts of the shoe, from its outstanding spikes to the upper, are very durable and able to stand the conditions they are meant for.
Protection
The Arctic Talon 275 comes forward with a few levels of protection and comfort. The ProtecShank™ II polymer in its midsole protects foot’s metatarsals from the spikes underneath and the hits made while running harsh terrains — and at the same time it preserves the shoe’s flexibility. The unique optional gaiters attached directly to the trainers provide perfect protection for the upper.
Responsiveness
A thick sole and multiple tungsten carbide spikes do not make the shoes less responsive. With the shoes, a runner may feel the ground well enough while still feeling stable and secure on any surface, including ice or frozen ground. However, it’s not perfect on surfaces it’s not intended for, like concrete urban roads.
Support
The tight-fitting true to size design of the shoe makes it supportive enough for the challenging winter running it’s created for. The snug fit prevents the foot from moving inside and adds more stability to the run on slippery surfaces.
Terrain
Lightweight and secure, the Inov-8 Arctic Talon 275 may be the best winter racing show on the market right now. With its tungsten carbide spikes and other constructive solutions, it is ideal for running on frozen grounds and ice, or mud or wet granite or wet rocks covered with lichen. However, the shoes are not recommended for running of dry pavements, cobblestone roads or similar surfaces.
Price
With all the constructive solutions and innovations, the Arctic Talon 275 is still offered at affordable price starting from $75.
Drop
With their 4-millimeter drop, the Arctic Talon 275 are qualified as the lowest drop trainers in Inov-8 range. However, the number adds the shoes even more stability while running on the slippery surfaces.
Stability
The shoe has a tight-fitting design that securely snugs the foot leaving minimum extra place inside. This construction prevents shuffling and adds more stability to the run allowing to race faster and with more confidence even in the most severe winter conditions.
Flexibility
As other Inov-8 shoes created for off-road running where the characteristic is especially important, the Arctic Talon 275 is equipped with very durable and at the same flexible sole and upper. The flexibility of the foot is supported by the 4-finger ProtecShank™ II midsole that provides both protection and comfort while running.
Traction
The significant tungsten carbide studs integrated into the Arctic Talon 275 construction provide phenomenal grip with surfaces covered with snow and ice. Coupled with the light weight of these shoes, this perfect grip allows you to run in the winter faster than you ever did before. Throw these on and run at a quick speed with confidence even when everything is frozen over!
Bottom Line
Inov-8 has been specializing in making off-road running products since 2003rd, and the last year’s Arctic Talon 275 winter running shoes may be considered its success. Lightweight, flexible and durable, they are equipped with a few unique solutions that allow you to keep running even when the world is frozen over. Their well-measured and carefully placed tungsten carbide spikes provide excellent grip with the most severe of off-road terrains, excelling on snow and ice. The integrated gaiters option makes running with the Arctic Talon 275 even more protected.;What is important, the shoes make it possible not just run in winter but run really fast. All the features have already made the model popular among fans of winter activities. Some of them even call Inov-8 Arctic Talon 275 the best of the kind on the market. However, the tight fit of the shoe makes it not the best choice for runners with wider feet.
