Offroad Footwear: Inov-8 Mudroc 290 in Maroon Bells, Part 2

Hiking the Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado needs footwear. Footwear that will let you carry everything you’ll need for three nights and enable you to haul it over four mountain passes. My choice …. Inov-8’s starling the Mudrock 290.

MudRoc 290

You may have figured it out by now, but I’m part marketing guy and get sucked into companies and brands that develop unique products with good branding. Inov-8 is one of those companies.

While I do not have any relationship with them (yet) I do love their products. I’ve got 3 different models, but this is all about the Mudroc 290.

Chillin’ in my Inov-8 Mudroc 290s

The Mudroc 290 was the shoe that some say put Inov-8 on the map. They released the Mudroc 290 back in 2003 as a trail running shoe. And at the time it took the lead in that category. Times have changed. Some that know me may wonder what’s wrong with me, choosing an old product.

But the Mudroc 290 is a lasting winner. While it may be lagging behind some leading trail running shoes, it still stands out as an incredible all-around off road shoe.

I needed something that would give me the traction of the X-Talon, but give me more protection, more support, more stability, while still being comfortable.

After searching long and hard, I settled on the Mudroc 290. Some have called the Mudroc 290 the Landrover for your feet.

They carried me through the Maroon Bells Four-Pass Loop – wonderfully.

But I didn’t want to write the review right away. I wanted to get some more miles on them. I wanted to see how I would use them for other things. While I still feel a bit off if I grab them for a trek to the store, they are just so comfortable I’ve done it. They are wonderful for any hiking we’ve done. When I head out trail running I know they’ll give me the traction and protection I’ll need.

They are like the X-Talons with a bit more protection. The X-Talons drain better, but that’s because the X-Talon’s upper is almost completely mesh. They wouldn’t have held up trekking through the sharp rocks of the Maroon Bells.

Inov-8 Mudroc 290 Video Review

Inov-8 Mudroc 290 – An Awesome Offroad Shoe

If you need some footwear that will let you got anywhere and keep you moving, check out the Inov-8 Mudroc 290. It may not be the leading trail running shoe, but it is versatile and reliable to keep you moving and enjoying the great outdoors. After all isn’t that the point?

Get out there and enjoy life; remember there is life outside the box.

About Troy Pesola

Troy is the founder of Cube.Dweller.Fitness. He's an innovation catalyst in several areas of life including business, marketing, and process improvement. Outside of work he's actively involved in fitness, health, and living vibrantly in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.