Review: iov8 TERRACLAW250 The sense of unity between your feet and shoes is super comfortable! A pair of shoes to run through the mountains

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Written by Kohei Tsushima

As the name suggests, trail running shoes are designed for running on mountain trails. Shoes that combine elements of both running and mountain climbing are required, providing a firm grip on dirt and gravel and protecting your feet when you hit stones or tree roots. Lightness is especially important when it comes to running, and it doesn't just mean that the shoes are light; it also means that you get a sense of unity when you put your feet in, a sense of contact with the ground when you land, and a sense of security that lets you run freely even on slippery surfaces

The TERRACLAW250 we're reviewing today is a highly refined shoe designed specifically for mountain riding. We used it in this year's Hasetsune Race, and even on wet roads, we were able to ride safely all the way to the end. We'll review the TERRACLAW250 and compare it with its predecessor, the TRAILROC255

table of contents

Detailed review
Summary: I want to use it in these situations!

Detailed review

Item name

inov8 TERRACLAW250

TERRACLAW 250

inov8

17,280 yen

284g

Main Specifications and ratings

item	Specifications and ratings
weight	284g (one foot 26.0cm)
Upper fabric	Synthetic fiber/artificial leather/synthetic resin
Outsole	Rubber sole
Comfort	★★★★☆
weight	★★★☆☆
grip	★★★★★
protection	★★☆☆☆
Stability	★★★☆☆
Overall score	★★★★☆

This is amazing!

Grip strength worthy of the name CLAW

The sharp protrusions on the sole create a powerful grip, truly living up to their name, the CLAW. They grip the ground firmly, not only on scree and rocky terrain, but also on muddy roads after rain. They resist slipping not only vertically but also horizontally, allowing you to move your body forward steadily even when riding on single tracks that often slope on one side. This high level of grip is directly linked to braking force, giving you the confidence to brace yourself when slowing down

The number and depth of the protrusions are just right. If the number of protrusions were any greater, the width would be narrower and stones would be more likely to get caught in the gaps, while if the protrusions were any deeper, they would get caught on the ground. I think it's a well-designed tire that maximizes grip while not interfering with running

The sole of the previous model TRAILROC 255. The sole of the TERRACLOW 250 is sharper and deeper, providing several levels of improved grip

A flexible shank structure that was developed based on the spring structure of the plantar fascia

The flexible shank structure is excellent, providing natural support for running movements, just like road shoes. Personally, I particularly like the shoe's last (foot shape), with its roomy forefoot, which is perfect for the rice scoop-shaped feet common among Japanese people. I highly recommend these shoes to anyone who tried Salomon shoes but gave up because they were too narrow. The roomy forefoot allows you to spread your toes and brace yourself when landing or pushing off, allowing you to feel the soles of your feet more directly when they touch down. This feeling is useful, for example, when intentionally skidding to adjust your speed

Lightweight enough to provide the minimum protection

The sole is just the right thickness, measuring 8mm in the forefoot and 16mm in the heel. The TERRACLOW lineup comes in three sizes: 220, 250, and 280. The higher the number, the thicker the sole and the greater the protection, but the heavier the shoe. The 220 feels even more barefoot, but to wear such a light shoe, you'll need a certain amount of leg strength to withstand damage. The 250 has a 16mm heel, which provides just the right amount of cushioning when landing. At 284g (per shoe), it's also ideal for running

The sole of the previous model, TRAILLOCK255, was somewhat thin at 14mm

Additionally, the X-shaped tape on the upper sole firmly holds the forefoot, improving the fit between the foot and the shoe. However, the upper material is thin and soft, so it doesn't offer much protection. If you catch your foot on a tree root or hit a rock, it will likely take some damage

The perfect fit creates a sense of unity between the shoe and your foot (=comfort)

The thin, soft upper material fits snugly around the entire instep. Additionally, the moderately thick and resilient outer sole provides solid support from the moment you take off until you land. The sense of unity between your foot and the shoe is incredibly comfortable, allowing you to run freely and effortlessly, even on uneven terrain, as if you were on the road. There are few shoes that make running in the mountains as enjoyable as these

This is not good

Toe durability

The new toe structure is more enveloping, which may cause the toes to peel off for some people. I noticed that the tip of the shoe was slightly lifting after finishing Hasetsune (71km)

Summary: I want to use it in these situations!

The TERRACLOW250 is perfect for mountain riding, combining grip and lightness. It can be used on rough roads as well as muddy surfaces. It doesn't offer much protection, so it's best suited for intermediate to advanced riders. The pointed sole is great on trails, but on paved roads, the grip may feel a little weak due to the small contact area. I think this shoe really shines on courses with a high trail ratio

TERRACLAW 250

inov8

17,280 yen

284g