I purchased these shoes specifically for my first Spartan Race in Atlanta, 2013.  I already had a pair of  the F-Light 195 for Kettle Bell/Crossfit type training.  They are awesome too.  I wanted a light shoe that would drain water well and not hold it.  Also, wanted a aggressive tread.  Thee F-light 195 required not break in and the X-talons fit just a little narrower.  However, the were still awesome overall and I ran past people on muddy steep banks that were slipping everywhere.  I scaled muddy obstacles like nothing.  I felt like spiderman in these shoes and they are awesome for any kind of adventure race.  I though I had destroyed them and and hosed them off thoroughly and they still look great.  Going to practice with them and use them again next year.  The entire Inov-8 line awesome and I strongly recommend their products.  Very minimalist but constructed well and tough!!!