Brooks Caldera 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Brooks Caldera 8

€150

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

$150

Quick verdict

Brooks Caldera 8

€150

The better pick if you want:

More cushioning (38.5 vs 11 mm heel stack)

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

$150

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (85 vs 78)
A lighter option (46 g less)
A lower drop (4 vs 6 mm)
Deeper lugs for grip (8 vs 4 mm)

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Brooks Caldera 8· leads in 1

Cushioning

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
11 mm
Lightness
312 g
266 gTop 22%
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
8 mmTop 1%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Brooks Caldera 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (14)

Essentials

€150

$150

2025

October 2025

312 g

266 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

rugged trails, mountainous terrain, dirt paths

Muddy & soft technical trails

Technical trail running, long distance trail runs, mountain races

Faster paced trail training and short technical races in muddy conditions

Cushioning

6 mm

4 mm

38.5 mm

11 mm

32.5 mm

7 mm

DNA Loft v2 cushioning for plush but responsive ride

POWERFLOW PRO lightweight responsive foam

Plush, responsive cushioning for long runs

—

Grip & protection

TrailTack Green Rubber with high-traction lugs

STICKYGRIP™ rubber with aggressive 8mm lugs

Ballistic Rock Shield underfoot for rock and debris protection

—

Aggressive lugs for technical grip on varied surfaces

—

Upper & fit

Breathable engineered mesh with reinforced overlays

—

6 mm BOOMERANG footbed

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Brooks Caldera 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
Brooks Caldera 8							53
INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2							71

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

Brooks Caldera 872

Cushioning37/40
Lightness10/35
Smooth roll25/25

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V243

Cushioning20/40
Lightness23/35
Smooth roll0/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 10 video reviews

Brooks Caldera 8

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Brooks Caldera 8 and INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Brooks Caldera 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2?

For value comparison: The Brooks Caldera 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 ($150). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Brooks Caldera 8 or the INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2?

Both came out in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Brooks Caldera 8?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka

$150Score 93+15

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (93 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)
More cushioning (44 vs 38.5 mm heel stack)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90+12

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86+8

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 78)
A lighter option (26 g less)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Popular Comparisons

Compare Brooks Caldera 8 or INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Brooks, INOV-8 and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Brooks Caldera 8· leads in 1

Cushioning

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
11 mm
Lightness
312 g
266 gTop 22%
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
8 mmTop 1%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Pick a ground

Average

Brooks Caldera 8

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Brooks Caldera 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Brooks Caldera 8

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Quick verdict

Spec profile