Inov-8

Inov-8 ranks 7th on the list of the largest running shoe brands by revenue. Inov-8 is best known for its lightweight, high-grip shoes, which cater to rugged fell runners in the UK's muddy, wet highlands. Established in 2003 in the Lake District, it has now expanded into trail, ultra, cross-fit, and road running shoes and has most recently teamed with the University of Manchester to bring graphene to the shoe arena, making its shoes more grippy and durable than before.

The ultra-gripping MudRoc 290 was the first Inov-8 shoe, brought to fame in 2003 by Melissa Moon of New Zealand, who won the women's World Mountain Running Trophy in Alaska with a pair borrowed just before the event. The MudClaw shoes have to be some of the most gripping shoes on the market; the RocLites are an excellent classic multi-terrain shoe; and the X-Talons fit the ultra-running slot for long-distance bog-hoppers. Inov-8 ambassador athletes include double Bob Graham record holder Nicky Spinks, Pennine Way and South West Coast Path record holder Damian Hall, and Jasmin Paris, the outright champion of the 268-mile winter Spine Race until recently.

Founded: 2001
Headquarters: Staveley, UK

Official website: https://www.inov-8.com/