Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 11

obstaclemudrunner.co.uk 38 ForEliteAtheletes toFunRunners FOOTWEAR : REVIEW when the going gets tough The new MUDCLAW G 260 is the first-ever shoe in this category to utilise graphene – the planet’s strongest material. 200 times stronger than steel, graphene has been infused into the rubber outsoles, making the studs stronger, more elastic and harder wearing. inov-8 Product & Marketing Director Michael Price said: “The rubber studs look more like claws or fangs. Through extensive testing we have found that these new shaped studs give the best possible traction when running or obstacle racing over muddy terrain and, unlike racing spikes, also provide underfoot comfort on harder ground. “By adding wonder-material graphene to the rubber it makes the studs 50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% harder wearing – statistics scientifically proven by graphene experts at The University of Manchester, whom we have collaborated with on this project. “Since 2003 we have carved out a worldwide reputation for designing off-road running shoes with the best grip. Now, by pooling all our expertise and learnings from those last 16 years, we have taken it to a new level, delivering footwear with the world’s toughest grip.” The revolutionary shoes, which will benefit both trail and fell runners as well as obstacle course racers, orienteers and cross-country athletes, all whom regularly run or compete in muddy conditions, are on sale now priced at £140 from www.inov-8.com and selected retailers. Amongst the athletes to have rigorously tested the MUDCLAW G 260 is international Great Britain mountain runner Ben Mounsey. The 37-year-old has been wearing a prototype pair of the shoes for several months and has clocked up more than 1,100 miles in them. During that time inov-8 have also worked to further improve other elements of the shoe, including the durability of the upper materials. Mounsey, an inov-8 ambassador, said: “I’ve been blown away by these shoes. I’ve never got such good mileage out of a pair of running shoes. The grip when running over soft and muddy ground is the best I’ve ever known.” inov-8 first used graphene in their TERRAULTRA G 260 shoe – an award-winning product launched last summer for runners who train and race over hard ground trails. The brand also sells graphene grip footwear specific for hikers and crossfitters. Graphene is produced from graphite, which was first mined in the Lake District fells of Northern England more than 450 years ago. inov-8 too was forged in the same fells, with the brand now trading in 68 countries worldwide. The mud running shoe with the world’s toughest grip British-born brand inov-8 have launched the ultimate shoe for running through mud. MUD CLAW ™ G 260 T e world’s toughest shoe for the world’s toughest muddy mountain runs and obstacle course races. Revoluti nary graphene-enhanced rubber and fearsome 8mm studs deliver the world’s toughest grip over soft and wet ground. upspecced durable upper materials give high levels of durability and breathability to a shoe weighing just 260g. The MUD CLAW G 260 - Designed to make light work of all tough mud. UNDERFOOT PROTECTION: Next-generation META-PLATE – A 4MM DROP Midsole stack height 8.5mm heel / 4.5mm forefoot 4mm drop promotes a better natural form for the athlete with a medium range of motion in the ankle joint, reducing tension on the achilles and calf. ADDITIONAL PROTECTION: Attach the gaiter (included) to keep stones and all debris out of shoes. DURABLE LIGHTWEIGHT UPPER: A super-tough, breathable mesh with for increased durability. EXTRA PROPULSION: New EXTEROFLOW midsole absorbs, stores and then releases energy to propel you through the gait cycle.