Inov8 Mudclaw 300 | A mud monster

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Price comparison on Inov8 Mudclaw 300

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		299 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		685 DKK	Til butik
	4-5 dage		893 DKK	Til butik

What you should note about the Inov8 Mudclaw 300

Inov8 is a brand in Denmark that is known for producing running products for the discerning trail runner. The Inov8 Mudclaw 300 does not stand out from this assessment. We are dealing with another “monster” in its class. The Inov8 Mudclaw 300 is a trail running shoe with fantastic properties in terms of creating stable grip in a demanding surface.

When you look at the Mudclaw 300 from Inov8, it doesn’t seem terribly special – compared to so many other running shoes. And maybe it isn’t. But in our opinion, it is unique in its field. The Inov8 Mudclaw 300 is a trail running shoe for him or her who is looking for an insanely stable running shoe with an ultra-good grip when we’re talking muddy and really demanding terrain. If you know a little about trail running shoes, one of the first things you’ll probably notice is the distinctive rubber studs on the outsole. The almost 1cm long, or more precisely 8mm, rubber studs ensure a solid grip on the muddy or otherwise wet and challenging surface..
You will also notice very quickly that we are dealing with an extremely durable running shoe. The upper is made extra resistant for the same reason as above. The shoe is made for difficult and challenging trails. And those kinds of trails can easily make some difficult demands on your shoe’s wear properties. But here you will quickly discover that this is not a parameter that you should think more about with the Inov8 Mudclaw 300. It is made to take a “beating” in the terrain.

If you pull and tug a little on the Inov8 Mudclaw 300, you will also discover that you get a really flexible running shoe that your feet will love to get into. It fits perfectly around the foot, and even better, it follows the movements of your feet as you speed off in the challenging terrain.

What have others said about Mudclaw 300?

Below you will find a small selection of what others have thought and said about the Inov8 Mudclaw 300.

Signe Jensen, It just has the best grip

Bo Outzen, Good but too narrow for me

Povl Andreasen, It’s nice that it’s so low

Cool facts about the shoe

The first trail ride in the Inov8 Mudclaw 300

When you’re a fan of trail running, you’re SO excited. When you’re a big fan of trail running in muddy terrain, you’re SO excited for a running shoe like the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 to drop through the letterbox. Or at least land in the nearest parcel box. The Inov8 Mudclaw has been called the best trail running shoe for muddy challenges by others, and that alone helps to raise the expectations of a running nerd like me.
And let’s just say right away, the first running experience fully lived up to the inflated expectations.

When I unpacked the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 and got my hands on it for the first time, I could immediately tell that it would be a good combination. The shoe oozes quality from afar, and you can both see and feel very quickly that the Mudclaw 300 was designed by trail runners for trail runners. I must admit that the relatively low weight in particular surprised me a lot. Because when you just look at the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 at first glance, it may look a bit “bastard”. But when you hold the shoe in your hand, you’ll have a completely different opinion. It weighs incredibly little compared to its robustness.

My first run in the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 was on a route I like to run many times during a season, and which is perfect for testing just the kind of trail running shoes that can handle a bit of a beating. It’s 7.5 kilometers around the local Nor, and there’s both forest, water’s edge, fields, gravel, etc. There’s a bit of everything. But let’s just look back at before the run. Because another thing that surprised me a lot was the fit of the shoe itself. I’ve had a bit of a challenge running in “Precision Fit” shoes from Inov8 before. And just to clarify, the Imov8 Mudclaw 300 is made in 2 different last widths. A “Precision” and a “Standard”. In fact, it was a bit of a mistake that I bought the narrow version, as their standard fit fits me much better. But back to the fact that this shoe actually fit quite sublimely the first time I stepped into it, and that was even though it was a Precision width. So the starting point was really good..
The weather was on my side. And here I think that on this first run there was plenty of opportunity to get out and play in the elements. It had rained on and off in the days leading up to, and it drizzled on the day itself. That guarantees mud passages on my route. And that’s exactly what I want when I’m going to stress-test a shoe of this caliber. Because then we test running shoes in their true element.

The Inov8 Mudclaw 300 made it through the first trip to UG. I wasn’t even in a passage where I thought the shoe would give way. Honestly, I think you can easily feel the 8mm long rubber studs on the outsole wedge themselves into the surface. Quite simply, a fantastic feeling.

Several trips in the Mudclaw 300 gave more good experiences

Actually, there is not much unique to say about the subsequent trips. Because they were or are, because I still run in Mudclaw 300 from Inov8, a fantastic running shoe for someone who loves to get out and run in the muddy and damp areas. There is not much to say about the distances. And that is not because I have not done the big distance runs with Mudclaw 300. I run trail runs between 6 and 10 kilometers. Rarely less, and even more rarely more. But it is my clear belief that it can easily handle the longer runs too.
If I had to highlight one small thing as not being so good, but it’s not even certain that it’s the shoe’s fault, it’s that I think it got a little narrower on subsequent runs. They were of course washed after the run, and have been left to dry naturally, and although it shouldn’t be possible with the material, it seemed as if it had shrunk a tiny bit.

The fact that the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 is still in my running shoes is usually a really good sign of the shoe’s ability. I test and try a lot of different running shoes, and when a shoe is allowed to stay, it’s a sign that it can do something unique. Right now it’s with Salomon S-lab Speed my absolute favorite trail running shoe for difficult conditions.

Size selection

You have to be a little careful about the size. If you normally “just” shop for your normal Danish (EU) size, then you have to be careful with Inov8. Their sizes are large. In the vast majority of other running shoes, I can trust that my size is either 43 or 43½. In Inov8, I am in a size 42½. So my advice to you is to be a little prepared. Look at the other running shoes you have and look at the centimeter measurement. Then you won’t go completely wrong. But as a starting point, you should at least go down half a size.
You are also very welcome to use ourstørrelsesguide

Advantages and disadvantages

Analysis Part 1: Who can run in the Inov8 Mudclaw 300

In this analysis part, we will discuss who can and should run in the Inov8 Mudclaw 300. Our recommendations for what and what things you should pay attention to in relation to the physical construction of the Inov8 Mudclaw 300.

Which running style

As a rule of thumb, 95% of all trail running shoes are made as neutral running shoes. It doesn’t make sense to put any kind of pronation support in such shoes, since your feet are out in many different positions. So you won’t achieve any kind of effect by getting support on, for example, the inside of the shoe. Inov8 Mudclaw is also a neutral running shoe. It is important to point out that even if you are normally a pronation runner on the road, this running shoe can easily be used. Because when we talk about running in the terrain, all these “rules” become a bit out of force.

Fit

Inov8 Mudclaw 300 is actually available in several widths, so you can almost decide the fit yourself. There is a “Standard fit” and a “Precision fit”. Standard is the widest of the 2 options. So if you don’t have a narrow foot, I would recommend that you initially go for normal width via Standard Fit. In general, the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 is made to fit tightly around your foot, and it gives a super nice feeling of both the surface and the surroundings. With the many changes of direction that a trail run can offer, it’s great when the shoe sits firmly on the foot.

Surfaces and conditions

Hvis det er muligt så hold dig fra asfalt og andet hårdt underlag. Min testtur omkring det lokale Nor har en afslutningspassage på en cykelsti med asfalt, der holder jeg mig altid ude i græskanten for at skåne skoen. De 8mm bløde gummiknopper som giver det her perfekte greb i det bløde underlag er altså voldsomt udsat når vi kommer ud på hårdt underlag. Så husk at skåne dem så vidt det er muligt.
A trail running shoe is not just a trail running shoe. I don’t think the sole will break if you run the gentle form of trail running in the Inov8 Mudclaw 300. That is, the one where you run forest paths and tracks in the forest. But all in all, the Mudclaw, as the name suggests, is designed to move in mud and softer surfaces. That’s where it does best.

Price level

The price is always a great thing to talk about in relation to a trail running shoe. Some people run 6 trips during a season on the trail, and then you think anything over 1000,- is a lot. And that’s also completely fair. It’s boring to have paid “a lot” of money for a running shoe that you use so rarely.
Inov8 Mudclaw 300 has a suggested retail price of 1,200,- So basically it is above the magical 1,000,- which many see as the pain threshold. But if you are a dedicated trail runner and run many kilometers in the terrain, then you will not think 1,200,- is a lot of money. Because you really get a lot for your money. And maybe you are lucky like me to find Inov8 Mudclaw 300 online at a really reasonable price. It is usually available in a discontinued color or similar at a very favorable price.

Weight of Inov8 Mudclaw 300

This test is based on a size 42½, which corresponds to 27.5 centimeters. And this version weighs 260 grams. It is a light trail running shoe. At least the weight will not weigh you down in the terrain. It is a super cool feeling that your running shoes do not weigh so much, and of course this also applies to trail runners. Perhaps it is even more relevant for trail runners. There may be both jumps and quick turns, and then the weight should not be an issue.

Care and maintenance of the Mudclaw 300

It is always important to care for and “maintain” your running shoes. Trail running shoes are extra important to maintain. Trail running shoes for mud and rough terrain are ultra important to clean and maintain. They will, in the vast majority of cases, be covered in dirt and mud when you are finished running. And if you don’t get it off in time, it can ruin the shoe in several ways.
You can see our guide to washing and maintaining running shoes here. And if you think trail running shoes are expensive, it’s even more important to invest a little time in cleaning them – because they simply last longer and are also much more inviting to use.

Drop height

The Inov8 Mudclaw 300 has a drop height of 6mm. That’s what I would call a good middle ground between a regular drop and a minimalist drop. I think it’s important not to go too high in drop height when talking about trail running shoes. It’s healthy to get a little further forward on your foot in the terrain, and it gives you a much better feel for the surface. And that’s important.

Analysis Part 2: Comprehensive technical review of the Inov8 Mudclaw

Points with a more technical and detail-oriented approach to the construction of the Inov8 Mudclaw 300. We try to make it as palatable to everyone as possible, but there may well be some technical jargon in this analysis section.

The outsole

The Mudclaw outsole is the heart of this trail running shoe. The 8mm rubber studs on the outsole are the most aggressive trail sole Inov8 has ever made. They are positioned in a way that they have multiple directions, giving you the advantage of shedding mud as quickly as you deposit it, and that way you are not weighed down by it. The Mudclaw outsole gives you great freedom to challenge even the most challenging terrain. You can run away without having to doubt whether the sole is with you, because it is.

Midsole

Where on classic road running shoes you go very deep into the midsole, which is often the heart of the entire shoe. Then in trail running you are a little bit more generous with that area. That’s because you are given a lot of softness from the surroundings. When you run trail, the surface is much more yielding, so you don’t need to build significant extra cushioning into the shoe..
Still, I would like to highlight the midsole in the Inov8 Mudclaw 300. Because I actually think that, unlike many other trail running shoes I have tried, it gives a really cool feeling and sensation. You can also feel when you feel the shoe that there is some good softness in the midsole. You can feel it when you are out running.

Heel

The heel of a trail running shoe is important. When you have as many changes of direction as you can encounter, it is important that there is some support in the heel to keep your foot in place. And at the same time, a heel section on a trail running shoe must be built for the many changes of direction. There must be a clear distribution of foam and other materials. I would argue that you can also get a too soft heel cap on a trail running shoe.
In the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 I think the balance is fine. It’s not an area I have any problems with, and that’s usually the best sign. When we have to write something about the heel in our running shoe tests, it’s usually “something negative” because someone has noticed something. But when there’s nothing to write about, the heel is really just doing its job, right?

Shock absorption

This is incredibly consistent with the description of the midsole. There is no extra emphasis on shock absorption in trail running shoes because you get a lot of feedback from the surface you run on.

Forefoot

There’s not really much to write about the forefoot. A bit like the heel. If there’s anything to write about, it’s because there’s something negative. But I think the “flex” in the forefoot is exactly where it should be, so there’s no discomfort on top of the foot. The forefoot doesn’t feel stiff, even though the upper is extra durable, and efforts have been made in that direction. The outsole on the forefoot consists of different sized studs. It gives good grip, even when going uphill.

Upper part

If the outsole was the heart of the Inov8 Mudclaw 300, then the upper must be the brain or kidneys. In any case, here we have another of the prominent elements of the shoe. I think it is unique in the way they have managed to put together such a durable upper and AT THE SAME TIME keep the weight down. The outermost part of the upper is an extra protective line that runs all the way around the front 2/3 of the shoe. It provides protection against impacts from nature. The upper on top is a durable upper, from which you cannot easily pull threads or the like. At the same time, it is extremely resistant to mud and water. And an extra plus is that it is also easier to clean.
If you’ve seen our video review of the Inov8 Mudclaw 300, you’ll see what I mean by an upper built for “soft” and “hard” terrain within the trail. We compare the upper on the Mudclaw to the upper on the TrailTalon 250

Comparisons to Inov8 Mudclaw 300

There aren’t that many around the bid for this particular type of running shoe. There are many around the bid for the “regular trail running shoe” and Inov8 is also well represented. But on this “mud machine” there aren’t that many running shoes to compare.
Inov8 have made the X-talon and Roclite series themselves which might be a bit similar. So take a look at Inov8 X-talon 212 could maybe be nice.
Salomon also has a player in that market, and it has been reviewed earlier. Salomon S-lab Speed. It is a trail running shoe with somewhat the same requirements as the Inov8 Mudclaw 300.

Summary

If you have read our entire review of the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 then you are certainly in no doubt about what is going to be in this summary. At least you can’t be in doubt about the tone.
I’m excited about the shoe and think it has so many cool and delicious things to offer. I think Inov8’s whole approach to producing different trail running shoes that solve the tasks for the individual runner is unique. Inov8 does nothing but produce trail running shoes – you can easily feel it.

The Inov8 Mudclaw 300 gets a high recommendation from me. If you’re looking for a running shoe for more challenging terrain, it’s definitely worth a look. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Best price on Inov8 Mudclaw 300

Our automatic update constantly keeps an eye on the best prices for Inov8 Mudclaw 300 for you. Below you will find the best prices right now from our running shoe partners.

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		299 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		685 DKK	Til butik
	4-5 dage		893 DKK	Til butik

If you want to read more about the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 and maybe even more geek out about technologies and construction, you can read more on Inov8’s own website about Inov8 Mudclaw 300