EVOLUTION OF THE ICONIC X-TALON RUNNING SHOE

Think of INOV8 and more often than not you think of the X-TALON. Since its inception, this iconic off-road running shoe has become a global success story. Run on soft ground trails in the UK, the USA or anywhere else in the world and you will no doubt see the distinctive stud pattern of the X-TALON, left behind by the runner ahead of you.

With its lightweight, flexible upper and aggressive rubber studs, the X-TALON has propelled mountain runners, fell runners, trail runners, orienteers and obstacle course racers to multiple world championship wins and course records over the last 12 years. But where did the X-TALON story start? For that you need to go back to 2008 and discussions held between INOV8 founder Wayne Edy and the brand’s first-ever retailer, Pete Bland Sports, based out of Kendal, Lake District (UK).

At that time INOV8 was five years old and, thanks to the success of innovative shoes like the MUDCLAW and ROCLITE, was making a big name for itself in the world of off-road running. Realizing that there was a need amongst elite runners – particularly those competing over fells and mountains – for a super lightweight, aggressively-soled shoe that could go ‘cross country’ (meaning it could tackle multiple terrains, and not just mud) Wayne and design manager, Graham Jordison, got to work.

The evolution of the X-TALON shoe. SHOP X-TALON trail running shoes

GRIP LIKE THE CLAWS ON A BIRD OF PREY

With the help of the knowledgeable team at Pete Bland Sports, they designed the original X-TALON 212, weighing just 212g. The X in the name represented the word ‘cross’ and is still pronounced as such (although many people say ‘ex’), while the word ‘talon’ was chosen to define the grip – like that of a talon, the claw on a bird of prey.

The shoe, with a 6mm drop (heel to toe differential), precise fit and EVA midsole, felt insanely fast and agile, while the soft sticky rubber outsole featuring 8mm deep studs propelled inov-8’s reputation as grip-masters to the next level.

Early magazine adverts for both the X-TALON 212 and X-TALON 190.

Graham recalls: “The X-TALON 212 has always embodied the very DNA of the brand – the function, the lightness, the low profile sole unit and the fully randed upper that provides durability and protection. We worked really hard on the X-TALON 212, listening to feedback and addressing issues raised on previous shoes to take things to the next level. It has been a big success story.”

Multiple industry and running press awards stacked up alongside the high-profile race wins, before Wayne and Graham decided to build on the success of the X-TALON by designing an even lighter version. And so the X-TALON 190 was born, hitting retail shelves worldwide in 2010.

The 190 weighed just 190g and had a 3mm drop, bringing the foot closer to the ground for an even faster feel, while offering underfoot comfort courtesy of an injected EVA midsole.

Featuring the same outstanding soft sticky rubber outsole as the 212, the 190 was an out-and-out race shoe and quickly became a firm favourite amongst elite runners seeking a minimalist option. Not only did it prove a winner over the soft ground of the UK fells, it also helped athletes smash records over hard-packed mountains and trails across the world. As the sport of obstacle course racing began to blossom, many of the elite also adopted this as their shoe of choice.

THE BIG X-TALON REDESIGN

Those two original shoes remained in the range until 2013 when the X-TALON underwent a redesign. If there had been a flaw in the originals it was in the durability of the shoe upper, particularly the 190. This was addressed in the new X-TALON 212 and 190 shoes, which utilized stronger, more resilient upper materials, while retaining the same stud pattern on the outsole.

The new-look 212, now with an injected EVA midsole, and a more protective feel than the original, quickly pulled in several stellar reviews. Just a year later it was on the feet of the first runner across the line at the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships.

The iconic X-TALON grip, as shown here on the X-TALON 212.

And it was because of that success in what was now the booming sport of obstacle course racing that the decision was made to design a new X-TALON that would meet the needs – although not exclusively – of OCR competitors. The X-TALON 200 again featured the same X-TALON stud pattern but was a wider-fitting shoe that allowed the toes extra room and comfort. It also included toe bumper protection to help on obstacles and an upper material that allowed water to escape the shoe faster. At the same time INOV8 also offered the 212 in a wider fit.

The X-TALON 200 has since undergone design changes and now, in its current guise (as the X-TALON 255), has a proven durable upper combined with a 3mm drop and soft sticky rubber outsole. It is one of two wider-fitting X-TALON options in the family (the other being the X-TALON ULTRA 260) and is popular with off-road runners as well as those tackling obstacles.

Helping athletes push their limits over extreme terrain – the X-TALON, in this example it’s the 200 version.

In 2016, the new X-TALON 225 joined the X-TALON franchise and spiced things up for two years. It was the first time INOV8 designers had changed the rubber outsole on an X-TALON shoe, using a DUAL-C compound (a mix of medium and hard sticky rubbers instead of soft sticky rubber). This gave the 225 extra bites in mud and softer ground (similar to the MUDCLAW) but also a firmer ride.

THE INTRODUCTION OF STICKYGRIP

And so to 2018 where there were four options in the Spring/Summer 2018 X-TALON range. The X-TALON 212 (V2 version now available) and X-TALON 200 (as already mentioned above), plus the X-TALON 230 and X-TALON 210, both of which were new. The 230 and 210 were the first running shoes to feature new STICKYGRIP rubber technology on the outsoles, which otherwise remain the same as the original X-TALON 212 from 10 years ago.

The 230 included a flexible rock plate for increased protection underfoot and POWERFLOW+ midsole technology, which not only acts to soften your landing but retains vital energy that it then uses to help spring you forward into your next running stride. This shoe has been popular with those seeking an even better grip on all types of off-road terrain and a little more protection.

The 210 is 20g lighter than the 230 and feels very much like the original X-TALON 190 – and by that, we mean very fast, very flexible and, of course, very grippy. It has been a huge success amongst the speedsters and was recently worn by Joe Dugdale when winning the Junior Men’s title at the World Mountain Running Championships in Patagonia (see report here).

Steve Birkinshaw breaking the Wainwrights Record in 2014 | Photo: Steve Birkinshaw

THE NEW REVOLUTIONARY GRAPHENE-GRIP

In December 2019 we launched the first-ever X-TALON shoes to include our revolutionary Graphene-Grip outsoles. You can find out all the details here. The X-TALON G 235 is joined by the X-TALON G 210 (V2 version now available) as the new Graphene-Grip products in the range.

200 times stronger than steel, graphene is a Nobel prize-winning material that is changing the face of technology. Collaborating with graphene experts at The University of Manchester, INOV8 has been able to infuse it into rubber outsoles, which deliver a pioneering, no-compromise combination of insane stickiness and increased durability.

Michael Price, COO said: “Graphene is extracted from graphite rock, which was first mined in the fells and mountains of the English Lake District 450 years ago. INOV8 and the X-TALON were forged in the same fells, albeit much more recently.

“What we’ve been able to do is bring all this history and heritage together, turn rock into rubber, and design the ultimate X-TALON shoe with the world’s toughest grip.

“With fierce 8mm studs that will retain their length for longer, a protective and lightly cushioned midsole, plus a seamless, one-piece upper that is both flexible and durable, the X-TALON G shoes will give users unparalleled confidence to run fast overall soft ground and extreme terrain.”

ANOTHER UPGRADE FOR THE CLASSIC 212

In May 2020, the classic X-TALON 212 – the shoe that kicked it all off – undergoes another change with the release of a V2 that features STICKYGRIP rubber on the outsole. The rest of the shoe remains the same with a fit loved by runners for many years, but the grip will be improved and super-sticky.

 

Related links: Find The Perfect Fitting Shoe | 10 Things You Never knew About inov-8