Peter Macfarlane awards the INOV8 TrailTalon Zero runners his best in test – plus they’re the lightest shoes he took out.
The INOV8 TrailTalon Zero is the lightest shoe I tested and is also the only shoe with a zero-drop, which means that your heel is at the same height as your forefoot.
Peter Macfarlane’s Best in Test
The TrailTalons proved dexterous and nimble, grippy and comfortable across any terrain outside of tarmac where the soles will wear more quickly.- light and nimble
- grippy on soft ground
- price
- acclimatisation needed for some
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | £150 (available from INOV8) |
| Weight | 568g (UK9, pair) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0mm |
| Lug depth | 6mm |
| Materials | graphene rubber outsole, foam insole, synthetic knit upper, plastic molded overlays |
| Features | zero-drop sole construction, rock plate underfoot protection, Boomerang footbed, standard and wide fit available, aggressive lug pattern |
| Waterproof | no |
| Sizes | 7-12UK inc half sizes, 40.5-47EU |
| Men’s version | Yes |
| inov8.com |
This changes your gait slightly, promoting a more natural cycle of movement and footfall. It’s only a few millimetres difference and although subtle, I find it feels more direct – my feet feel like they’re more tangibly on the ground, not above it. The Trail Talons are still well padded and a rock plate in the midsole adds protection, so zero-drop shouldn’t be seen as an uncomfortable option.
The outsole is a grippy rubber, molded with aggressive 6mm lugs which bite into softer and wet terrain very well. This traction brings confidence which you need when running on rough ground and on my local trails, I only found the Trail Talons’ grip breaking away on the very steep muddy descents. The upper is a mix of mesh and plastic overlays which holds the shoe’s shape and protects several of the usual wear points at flex areas. A thicker overlay runs from the heel to the second-top lace slots to minimise stretch on the upper when laced and helps keep the shoe snug.
Despite so much overlay, the TrailTalon still drains well when wet. The insole is shaped and padded with a pebbled upper surface which is very comfortable. This takes up some volume in an already neat fitting shoe but I had no problems even when wearing thin running socks. The tongue is light mesh with a plastic centre which is positioned under the lace knot to reduce pressure.
The initial feeling of exposure in such minimalist shoes passed quickly and the TrailTalons proved dexterous and nimble, grippy and comfortable across any terrain outside of tarmac where the soles will wear more quickly.
How we tested
Peter has a favourite 22km running loop starting from his door through Kilpatrick Hills where testing miles were accrued over the winter and early spring. He has a narrow heel and wide forefoot. Weights were taken from his own digital scales. This review was first published in the June 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. You can compare it to other in our guide to the best trail running shoes.
