Review: INOV-8
Based in "England’s last Wilderness", the North Pennines, inov-8™ is a British company that’s passionate about specialist off-road running and extreme sports products. They aree committed to providing you with functional, lightweight products that will enhance your performance and enjoyment.
Their whole design development process centers on optimizing the end user’s performance. The uppers are extremely functional with mesh in the forepart and tongues for maximum breathability. This creates a foot climate that helps you run at your best. When you run through water and the shoe gets soaked, it creates a pumping action that expels the water from the shoe allowing it to dry quickly.
The lace webbing is positioned allowing a secure foothold without altering the natural alignment of the metatarsals. The back of our shoes are cleanly cut which allows your achilles tendon to experience high levels of comfort and minimum restriction - particularly when running down hill.
INOV-8 was one of the first companies to introduce the idea of “minimalism” and “barefoot running” into both their off-road and road running shoes. “Natural running is a style that involves landing on your forefoot rather than your heel, while also shifting your center of gravity by leaning forward.” This technique reduces the likelihood of injury and encourages a more efficient running style. Every inov-8 shoe is lightweight, flexible, and features little or no height difference between the heel and forefoot.
They have now taken this philosophy beyond the running shoe into a pre and post race shoe. Just because the run is over doesn’t mean we stop taking care of your feet. Based on the anatomical shape of the foot, it has the most natural fit with more room in the toe box and allows the toes to spread- which is exactly what they want to do after an invigorating run! The Meta-Flex midsole is a groove in the forefoot that provides a natural flex point in the shoe, allowing the forefoot to function naturally with each step.
With a single pull lace and stopper putting the shoe on and adjusting it is incredibly easy and doesn’t require a lot of dexterity. The last thing you want after exerting yourself is to have to struggle with getting your comfort shoes on.
Not only are these great pre and post race shoes, they are great for road walking and perfect for city exploring and adventure. Super comfortable, ventilated and supportive!
Inov-8 continues to impress with this go anywhere, do anything shoe! Whether trail running, walking, hiking, travelling, the Roclite 295 provides high levels of comfort, breathability and performance.
The outdoor industry has discovered the benefits of the natural foot and Inov-8 has adapted this technology into their shoes. New 5 finger meta-shank aligns with each individual metatarsal for greater flexibility when contouring while retaining underfoot impact protection.
The patent pending Fascia-band aids propulsion efficiency of the running cycle. This technology also gives the arch more support and protection from over extension.
These shoes are a level 3 giving the good underfoot cushioning making them ideal for hard surface tracks and trails, while highly functional on softer, grass like terrains as well.
I took these shoes out on the trail, both running and hiking, and they were so comfortable right from the get go. They provided great ankle support and stability as well as grip. In fact, I used them bouldering and as my approach shoe while rock climbing and I was quite surprised in their performance in such an area. Perfect for the approach that requires a hike in and some light climbing!
I find that these shoes have become my go-to whether running, walking, travelling, shopping- they do it all!
Rocklite 400GXT lightweight bootOne of the biggest discussions with hikers is whether to go with a running shoe because it weighs less, or a hiking boot because it gives more support. Inov-8 has taken care of this problem!
The Roclite™ 400 GTX® is stated to be the ‘worlds lightest leather Gore-Tex® walking boot. It is a modern interpretation of the walking boot, combining the durability and comfort of Nubuck leather, a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex® liner and inov-8s expertise at reducing weight. The result is a fantastic walking boot that now sets the standard that all other boots are measured by. The boot is mid-cut and features lateral and medial posting to provide torsional support.’
Besides wearing hardly anything, we loved how we were able to put them on, get great support and have no break in time. We wore them all day the first day. It is wonderful to find a company that is committed to listening to what the public wants and needs.
...Fiftysense Product Review Panel