View Full Version : Anyone try Inov-8 Trail runners?
Fog Horn
03-14-2011, 14:45
http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?AID=35&PG=PG1&L=27&P=5050973046
http://www.inov-8.com/Images/Product-Large-Images/roclite-268.jpg
Has anyone tried these out? If the specs are correct, these weigh the same as my crocs do, at about 11 ounces.
I haven't tried the 268, but I do have the 370 and 315. I like them, but would like them a bunch more if the front were a little wider. I'll stick with Inov-8 for now, but there are a couple shoes that I'd like to try this year that are supposed to have generous toe boxes.
Inov-8 sizes smaller then many American shoes like New Balance so most people go with a 1/2size larger. I liked the Roclite 315's and used them for part of my PCT Hike, but yeah, the toe box is narrow for a good long distance hiking shoe and so I had to upsize them by an additional 1/2size on top of the previous upsizing. I've heard that the Terroc model shoes are wider in the toe box and many people praise them for hiking so that is what I'll try out this summer. I can't comment specifically on the model number of roclite that you are linking to since its a womans shoe.
I've had 3 different models of Inov-8 boots. Sadly, every boot they sell now has goretex in it - the 370 didn't and it has been discontinued.
So, that gave me the nudge I needed to try the trail running version of my running shoe and that's working great.
If you are interested in something more minimal:
In 2010, I wore the X-Talon 212 (http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&P=5050973028&L=27) on the PCT with excellent results. On my return, I bought a pair of the updated X-Talon 190 (http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&P=5050973118&L=27) for fall hiking in Ontario - great so far. I've also enjoyed the F-lite 195 (http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&P=5050973125&L=27) for running on the road and groomed trails. All the caveats that accompany minimalist footwear, of course. I look forward to experimenting with the NB Minimus (http://www.newbalance.com/products/MT10/) on the CDT this year.
I've previously written:
In general, I find the Inov8 shoes to be very durable as compared to the New Balance and La Sportiva shoes I've tried in the past. They have a slim slipper-like fit, with a narrow toe-box and a low profile. Feedback re: Inov8 from other hikers was positive, though hikers with wide feet preferred brands that came in varied widths. I'm told I pronate slightly, but I haven't found this to be an issue with my Inov8 shoes. Note that Inov8 assigns each shoe "arrows" that reflect midsole cushioning. The x-talon 212/190 shoes are 2/1 "arrow" shoes respectively. The [268] is a "3 arrow" shoe - it may wear differently than the models I've tried.
Inov-8 shoes are designed to do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OsL6brYV-I
and with some practice I had no problem adapting to difficult terrain.
http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?AID=35&PG=PG1&L=27&P=5050973046
Has anyone tried these out? If the specs are correct, these weigh the same as my crocs do, at about 11 ounces.
My Crocs weigh about 12 oz. per pair. Most running shoe manufacturers indicate the weight per shoe. Therefore, the above Inov-8s are approximately 19 oz. per pair (268g x 2). Very light. About 5 oz. lighter than my Asics Trail Attack 7s.
Fog Horn
03-14-2011, 19:27
I haven't tried the 268, but I do have the 370 and 315. I like them, but would like them a bunch more if the front were a little wider. I'll stick with Inov-8 for now, but there are a couple shoes that I'd like to try this year that are supposed to have generous toe boxes.
According to the reviews, almost all Inov-8 shoes have narrow toe boxes except this particular model, which is why I was originally looking at these ones.
Fog Horn
03-14-2011, 19:29
I've had 3 different models of Inov-8 boots. Sadly, every boot they sell now has goretex in it - the 370 didn't and it has been discontinued.
So, that gave me the nudge I needed to try the trail running version of my running shoe and that's working great.
I was looking at that earlier. They had a different trail runner that had Gor-Tex that all the reviews raved about because it kept their feet warm, but my experience with Gor-Tex lined combat boots leads me to believe that those reviewers were only out in the cold and wet for a short time. I hike with wool socks for warmth because even Gor-Tex won't protect against wet.
runfifty
03-14-2011, 23:13
I used the Roclite 288's on my 2010 thru-hike. They were excellent overall, although a bit light duty for the PA rocks. My feet were never too hot or cold and they gripped wet rocks very well. However, they were only good for 500 miles a pair, which ran into some money by the time I got to Maine.
I have a pair of Inov-8 Terrocs and like them quite a bit. I tend to have problems with most trail runners' toeboxes feeling too tight, but not these. Very light too. I use Montrail inserts in them. No problems.
Fog Horn
03-15-2011, 00:23
I used the Roclite 288's on my 2010 thru-hike. They were excellent overall, although a bit light duty for the PA rocks. My feet were never too hot or cold and they gripped wet rocks very well. However, they were only good for 500 miles a pair, which ran into some money by the time I got to Maine.
That's actually very helpful information. I was wondering how many pairs I would have to get to make it the whole trip. Looks like five is going to do it. Did you find them pretty easily at outfitters or did you buy them ahead of time and ship them to yourself?
DBRIGGS9
03-20-2011, 10:10
I have Inov-8 Roclite 295s that I love. I went a half size up as well. Very comfortable, roomy toe-box and very light. Can't comment on their longevity yet, though.
Camping Dave
03-20-2011, 14:43
I have 295's, and probably have 500-600 miles on them between trail running and hiking. They hold up well, grip is excellent, drain and dry easily. Not much padding. They are narrow but that's how they are supposed to be. Felt funny at first while I was walking around, but then felt pretty good once I started running. Do NOT go up a size or a half size; that just makes the toebox too long.