Inov-8 trail shoes give heel blisters

I've some Inov-8 trail shoes that feel good to run x-country except that after about 5k they start to rub at the top of both heels. The fabric there seems quite unyielding and uncushioned in that place. I've used them about ten times.

Any suggestions on how to stretch or otherwise modify the shoes? Or is there an alternative I should look at?

BTW I normally wear Saucony MC5s Motion Control with an orthotic sole but need something more suited to muddy x-country.

thanks, Simonides

I have some innov8 (girl's ones though!) and have found the heels to be looser than my old road shoes. I haven't had any blisters yet, but plan to try 2 pairs of thin socks tomorrow when I go for a run. I often use 2 pairs of socks when walking (I did 3 peaks challenge) and this stops blisters. Will keep you posted on how it goes!

I modify shoes where they rub around the heel cup by just cutting away the offending areas.

Yes I'd thought about cutting away the section.  Seems a bit drastic but perhaps worthwhile. I might try Canary's tip first though!

Any suggestions for  a new pair of trail shoes? Not sure if it's relevant but I generally take a wide fitting. thanks!

vaseline... and loads of it... AND decent quality socks.

You could try steaming the heel cup.

That should soften it and then put the shoe on, walk around until its cool. Should then fit your foot better.

Twin skin socks will also help....

Yes, try the steam trick, I've not needed to but know several people it's worked for.

Been running in F-lite 195s the past year all on trails. Heel has been fine, but have been using the Bridgedale CoolFusion socks and feel great.

An ultra runner mate of mine recommended Drymax Trail lite socks - he did the Hardrock 100 in them and said they are phenomenal and really come into their own in the wet areas.

Just bought a couple of pairs from the ultramarathonrunning.com shop and tried them out for circuit training this evening and they felt great.

I tried Inov8s but they just don't fit my feet. I found them not very comfy and liable to give me heel blisters. I have a friend who is the same, and he's tried 4 different models. If they don't fit your feet, they don't fit your feet and that's that! Not the fault of the shoe, loads of people swear by them and love them, but if you don't find them comfy, don't waste any more of your time trying to wear them in, cause it's unlikely to happen!

P. S. If you know Sauconys fit your feet, buy a pair of Saucony trail shoes and wear them with your orthotics. And yes, if you're doing XC then a pair of spikes might be more sensible.

I tried several pairs of Inov8 shoes and all of them gave me heel problems.  I tried remoulding the heel cup which helped, but they still game me problems, especially uphill.  I then discovered La Sportiva Wildcats and everything became better.  Different shoes work for different people.  Inov8s don't work for me.  La Sportiva do.

I'm on my third pair of inov-8 Mudroc 290s and, although they've needed replacing due to wearing out rather than anything else, I have had problems with the tops of the heels rubbing until the shoes were worn in properly.  This webpage talks about how to steam and mould the heels of inov-8 shoes to get a better fit http://www.inov-8.co.nz/shoe-fitting-guide.html and I'm going to give this a try with my latest pair (which I've not worn too many times).

I have wide feet too and I really recommend Mizuno Wave Harriers.  They are what I usually wear and are great off road.