Inov8 - Roclite G 290

I've previously had Roclite 290s, and wanted another pair but they have been discontinued, I emailed them and they said the closest thing they did now was the TrailTalon - this has a much thicker sole and more drop, (and are twice the price I paid for my Roclites) but I bought them and I'm pretty happy with them, my only real complaint is the heel part of the shoe isn't tall enough, so it feels like I may lose a shoe in a bog (but haven't yet!) I've done just over 100 miles in them, so can't comment on durability yet...

Hiya, (this is my 1st Reddit comment ever, and I'm talking running shoes, what's wrong with me!). Been a very good client of Inov8's for years (Mudtalons, Traiflys 270 1 and 2, Roclites 290, 275 1 and 2, 280 Ultra...), I'm also concerned. My favourite overall for my terrain (Irish hills and mountains) is the Roclite 275, I've bought the Trailtalons (standard), and find them terrible, heavy, tall, unstable. I was thinking giving a chance to the Trailtalon Speed, but have you tried it? How do they compare to the Roclites? Thanks!

Hello - I would say that the Prodigio Pro will feel a bit too squishy for general walking around. I walk the dogs in a pair of Salomon GTX Thundercross. They’re stable enough, comfy, and waterproof. The Ultraglide are also a good option. I’ve also had numerous Inov8 Roclite, Trailfly which are also good for hiking if you like zero drop. Hoka are also comfy if you stay clear of the racing shoes - Challenger ATR or Speedgoat. I also like the ASICS Fujilite for walking. I’d suggest avoiding the S/Lab Genesis, Tecton X3, Mafate 5, Prodigio Pro, Nike Trail Ultra, or anything with a PEBA Foam or really pronounced rocker. They will be too squishy, unstable and wobbly underfoot.

I’ve hiked a lot on Innov8 Roclites. They are designed for trail / fell running. Have been great for walking in Snowdonia. Handle wet mud, gravel rock. You can get them for about 90 quid. I like the aesthetic but obviously that’s totally subjective.

I find my Inov8 Roclites have very good grip on wet rock and slippery terrain in general. Although I haven't seen them in that many outdoor shops I'm afraid. Some Go Outdoors do stock them, but it doesn't seem to be all of them.

Innov8 Roclite all the way for me. (Used to use Salomon speed cross)

Provided it's not too cold (below 6-7 Celsius), I would still choose trail runners in most situations regardless of the bog factor. Definitely agree with /u/pedrobobkat77, highly recommend inov8 roclites if they fit your foot shape.

I feel the 'new' range is just uninspiring and feels old fashioned. I tried the Trailfly Speed which was heavy with a dull foam. Standard Trailfly was heavier with more dull foam! They just aren't competitive with other shoes out there. La Sportiva Prodigio shows how a modern all round trail shoe should be (and it's been a massive success). It's a shameas they used to be one of my favourite shoe brands, I went through 4 pairs of the G270's loved that shoe. Numerous Roclite, Mudclaw, X-Talon. I just don't consider them as an option any more. I live in the Lake District and not many of my friends wear them either any more. Mudclaws used to be the go to. See a lot of VJ, Terrex, Nnormal, La Sportiva and Hoka now.

I used to be a big fan of inov-8, but now I rarely consider them when getting new shoes. The reason is that their changes in lineups and specific models are rarely for the better. Many of their old models were very good and very different from other brands and they would work well even to this day. The grip, fit and durability of for example original Roclites or Trailrocs was extremely good. The new models are just not as good.

Yeah, I LOVED the Roclite and haven’t found the newer models to be a suitable replacement. Though the G 270 felt pretty similar. It is interesting to hear people say the grip has not been as good, because I’ve been pretty pleased. But I also haven’t run too much in really wet conditions.