INOV8 Trailfly – Test & Review
INOV8 has installed a Meta-Shank rock plate in the sole of its trail shoes, protecting you from painful, sharp rocks and tree roots underfoot.
The Trailflys are Inov8’s answer to exceptional trail footwear this summer. Released earlier this year, the Trailfly and Trailfly Speed form part of a radical new 2024 footwear collection that headlines INOV8’s first-ever rebrand.
The new innovative footwear specialises in hard ground trails, following on from the Mudtalon shoe they released for muddier and boggier trails.
I was excited to try this new range, as I had heard many great things about their shoes, having been worn by athletes like Jack Scott, Nicky Spinks, and Damian Hall.
My first thought when wearing them was how relaxed my foot felt wearing them. I have found with other brands of trail shoes that they angle inwards towards the toe and can compress the foot, even when fitted properly. However, my toes were relaxed and straight, allowing maximum comfort.
I quickly found that I forgot about them! I think that is what you want best in a trail shoe. I was running through hard but wet trails and found the cushioning was suitable. When going through mud, I was confident of my footfall and didn’t feel like I would slip and fall.
The studs/lugs are 4mm, and I found them really good for gripping slippery rock and powering on packed trails.
Click Here >> TRAILFLY WOMENS
The shoe has a 6mm drop and 36mm stack, which means the foot sits higher from the ground but is protected underfoot. The cushioning has around a 65% energy return, with a soft and light feeling to it.
I think this will be an excellent shoe for ultra-distance running: “The TRAILFLY has a thicker wedge of foam cushioning when compared to its speedier cousin, the TRAILFLY SPEED. This extra cushioning allows you to run further and feel fresher for longer while preserving the ground feel you need when running on technical terrain.”
However, with a mesh topper, it’s important to recognise that this is a summer trail shoe, and your feet will get slightly damp if you travel through wet terrain. On the flip side, this mesh allows for breathability.
I am currently training towards a 100-mile race in September, and the INOV8 Trailfly will be a great shoe for training and race day, having become so comfortable within the first few wears.
INOV8 has installed a Meta-Shank rock plate in the sole of its trail shoes, protecting you from painful, sharp rocks and tree roots underfoot. I found this comforting, as I could travel in them and not worry about the shoe breaking down underneath.
Strangely, there was no ‘break-in’ period; I felt these shoes fit around my foot’s contours. They do have a wide fit option if you need it or fancy some extra wiggle room. The wider section around the toes also ensured me that if I were to run with these for longer distances when my toes would inevitably swell, I would have space to take this without the shoe becoming unwearable.
Click Here >> TRAILFLY WOMENS
The women’s fit comes in Dusty Pink, Blue Grey and Ivory, in sizes 3 to 8.5, and the men’s in Red Black, Blue Grey and Ivory, in sizes 6 to 14. I would love to see a larger colour range for women, as I liked the red ones but they weren’t in my size.
Overall, I recommend this shoe to those looking for a trail shoe with longevity, comfortability and stability. The Trailfly is a great option for a hard-packed trail and is designed to take you for miles and miles while maintaining comfort.
Founded in 2003, INOV8 is an ambitious sportswear pioneer whose products keep athletes within the flow. It designs and manufactures footwear, clothing and equipment that works with the body, not against it. INOV8’s website can be found at www.inov-8.com
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