* Note- After skimming some threads, I see somebody mentioned the 288s model once in passing a week ago. Oh well, anyway... so there is also the model 240 "boot" now which is even lighter than its Gore Tex 288 cousin.
I saw the video on this about a year ago on YouTube, and have been going stir crazy waiting for it to come out. I kept checking their web site from time to time in eager anticipation.
Well, it is a full year later since I saw the video, and I guess they are finally released now. But not just one model, but two lightweight models:
Video showing the Roclite 288 GTX
X-Talon 240 trail boot - [weight 240 grams / 8.46 ounces]
Roclite 288 GTX [Gore Tex model) trail boot - [weight 288 grams / 10.16 ounces]
Billed as the worlds lightest boot and worlds lightest waterproof boot respectively, coming from Inov-8, one might be inclined to scoff and say that this barely qualifies as a boot at all, and is more like a high cut minimalist trail running sneaker. Probably true enough. Nonetheless, I want to try them out.
[mindless ramble of no consequence to follow:] I was originally hoping that the mid cut boots might slightly minimize my persistent ankle roll-over problem, but in retrospect now, they look a little too low-cut to help in that department. As a trail runner who has incurred many ankle sprains over the years, my ankles are pretty well shot. I was kind of hoping such a shoe might mitigate (if only somewhat) future sprained ankles, whether I be trail running or simply hiking. I'm tired of having to run around with an Ace-Bandage on for support, everytime I head out on a rocky trail. The Ace-Bandage is really uncomfortable and digs into me, and is impossible to wrap up consistently each time I do it (sometimes it digs into me more than others, depending on how I wrapped it).
Anyway, I doubt such mid-top "boots" will do much for ankle roll-overs. If nothing else, I guess its mid-top cut will be good for keeping mud, splashed water, and grit out of your shoes while on the trail.