INOV8 have been improving and refining their trail running shoes for twenty years now, and their latest release is set to be a culmination of everything the brand has learned in that time. Presenting INOV8's definitive trail running shoe: the TRAILFLY.
Fans of the Lake District-based brand might find this name rather familiar. We've seen iteration upon iteration of the TRAILFLY model, from the mega cushioned and rugged TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max to the speedy zero drop TrailFly G 270 V2. With so many numbers, letters, and versions, the series was getting a little tough to keep track of – but everything has been simplified by the TRAILFLY.
It's fast, it's light, it's designed for any distance. The new TRAILFLY aims to be your daily driver, with a new foot-shaped fit that provides unmatched comfort, plus the brand's latest innovations in grip and protection. Let's take a closer look...
The INOV8 TRAILFLY's new fit
Here's perhaps the biggest change for INOV8's trail running shoes. The TRAILFLY is sporting a revolutionary foot-shaped fit, crafted to embrace the natural contours of you entire foot while allowing your toes to flex and function naturally. The fit is highly secure, which allows for better-than-ever performance without any constrictive tightness.
If you're wondering whether a precise foot-mapped shape would only work for certain people, rest assured that the TRAILFLY is available in both Standard and Wide Fit, with the latter featuring IINOV8's widest platform in the toe-box and heel, so all runners can feel the stability and security of the TRAILFLY.
The Upper
The upper is crafted from a single piece of air-mesh material, which offers excellent breathability and comfort. Inov-8 used feedback from their athletes to ensure no irritation to the feet over super long distances.
As well as being comfy, the upper provides a secure, locked-in feel by using thick MET-CRADLE strips to connect the midfoot to the heel. This ensures stability with every step. Plus, with a gusseted tongue, you don't need to worry about any little rocks or twigs infiltrating your shoes.
The Midsole
INOV8's new superlight POWERFLOW PRO foam midsole provides the ultimate blend of comfort and performance. The ride is highly responsive, maintaining that essential ground-feel to keep you sharp as you move fast across rocky or technical terrain.
You'll also get a huge boost of propulsion courtesy of the redesigned BOOMERANG footbed. Now lighter and more dynamic, the footbed features hundreds of expanded TPU beads that compress and bounce back with every step. This serves a dual purpose, giving the shoe better energy transfer and increasing the cushioned feel. For even more comfort, the footbed also features more perforations for faster water evaporation.
The Outsole
The outsole is tougher than ever, having been engineered for maximum durability and unparalleled grip. Infused with Graphene, the world's strongest material, the hard-wearing rubber outsole is now even stickier, ensuring superior traction on both dry and wet surfaces. The lugs are 4mm, and their rugged construction bites excellently into loose trails.
In fact, the lugs have been carefully placed at the rear of the outsole to provide increased ankle breaking, which aids downhill running. Meanwhile, the positioning at the front works with underfoot flex grooves, including a new vertical groove beside the big toe, adds loads of spring during tough uphills. Plus, reinforced lugs in high-wear areas extend the outsole's lifespan.
Underfoot, you'll also find a flexible META-SHANK rock plate. This plate is highly protective, ensuring that jagged edges on technical trails won't get in the way of a great run. There's also a toe guard for extra protection at the front. While many rock plates create an overly stiff feel, INOV8's remains light and flexy enough to feel agile on the trail.
The INOV8 TRAILFLY at a glance
Price: £130
Weight: 280g (average weight across all sizes and fits)
For: Any distance, long or short
Total stack heights: 29mm heel / 23mm forefoot
Drop: 6mm
Midsole depth: 18mm heel / 12mm forefoot
Lug depth: 4mm
Fit options: Available in Standard Fit & Wide Fit
Key features: META-SHANK rock plate for extra protection, new foot-shaped fit, ultra durable graphene-infused outsole, breathable single-piece mesh upper
Your chance to win
INOV8, in celebration of their crowning achievement of a shoe, are giving away a FREE pair of TRAILFLYs. To find out more, check out the competition here