Inov8 - Roclite G 290
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Reddit Reviews:
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Last updated: Jan 5, 2026 Scoring
Liked most:
561
131
"I was quite impressed with its comfort and trail capabilities, and truly believed I had found an excellent shoe for my long runs and hikes. ... the New Balance Hierro v9 remains my top choice for comprehensive trail running. Its superior comfort and, crucially, its consistently reliable grip in varied and challenging conditions make it a more dependable partner on the trails I typically encounter. ... I feel more secure in the Hierro, and that confidence is key. In fact I will be using it for my upcoming races and that says it all."
"The Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Hierro v9 is simply outstanding. Its 4.5mm lugs provide excellent, reliable traction across various surfaces, from dry dirt to slick roots and muddy patches. I've always felt incredibly secure, and it consistently inspires confidence in diverse conditions. ... Great Vibram outsole grip, even on mud and wet rocks"
"The Trabuco 12 have been the best trail shoes I’ve ever owned. ... I’m 6”4 and charge hard over serious rocky terrain…and I feel completely safe in them."
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"Highlight for me is the way they drain"
"waterproof too (obviously to a certain extent)"
"they handle wet and drain fast"
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5
"They also have the best sole material I’ve found for slippery mud and rocks."
"Absolutely love their shoes. ... One of my pairs is 5 years old and is in desperate need of repair but somehow still get me round semi mudi trails."
"imo x talons are excellent at wet rock"
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"Super comfortable resin shell, has shorter nozzle so no discomfort with insertion for me, YMMV. ... Just prefer the tuning & fit/design of the InAwaken, it can be used all day with no problems physically or musically. ... I can’t speak for you but had zero comfort issues (my ears are small/medium in width). The inner shell is very smooth with no bumpy nodules. Has the best fit of my x4 current iem’s."
"The fit is incredible, light, shorter nozzle, so sits great in-ear/canal area isn irritated. ... Can wear all day with zero fatigue."
"Hours and hours of usage everyday and no headaches, no sweat ... I prefer using IE-300 for longer sessions out of them all."
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"reasonable value ... regularly available with chunky discounts online."
Disliked most:
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"which I couldn't buy because they were -too- tight for me over the arch. ... When I tried on the Kjerag 01 I had to size up a full size for them to fit at all, and even then it was slightly uncomfortable. ... Almost two thumbs width of spare length in the front is just not doable."
"the new Innov8 last shape I find really narrow in the mid and quite long in the toe so I sent them back."
"They all fit differently. ... It was infuriating. ... So, a warning to all: Try all models of a given brand, because you can't rely on equivalent fit."
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1
"hate the lack of energy return. ... Feel like I've got bricks on my feet after 50 miles!"
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"the Goretex failed and they are now glued together for dry walks"
"the Goretex failed and they are now glued together for dry walks"
I started noticing this a couple years ago and planned accordingly. For me I have huge feet and it's hard to find good shoes. For those in my situation and like a low drop and low rise, look into Inov-8. I've only bought these shoes since early '23 and I hope they never change.
r/trailrunning • Why are so many trail shoes now high stack + high drop? ->Topo mtn racer has better grip. Inov8 has better grip also; Trailfly for hard trails and Mudfly for wet/mud.
r/trailrunning • What to choose as second shoes? ->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.
r/UKhiking • Shoe recommendations - trail running/ hybrid approach shoes ->Inov8s are the answer.
r/trailrunning • Wide toe box but NO zero drop recommendations ->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...
r/trailrunning • What happened to Inov8 shoes? ->Innov8 Roclite all the way for me. (Used to use Salomon speed cross)
r/UKhiking • Which Salomon shoes are best for mixed hiking, waterproof, and flat feet (bonus if run-friendly)? ->I’ve been wearing Inov-8s for 15+ years for trail and fell running and even moved to them for XC races when achilles injuries meant I could no longer wear spikes. Always done the job for me, reasonable value and regularly available with chunky discounts online.
r/trailrunning • Looking for my first trail running shoes..help needed ->Inov-8 has a bunch of models in a wide size now. Even the older models I use have a lot of room for my toes. Durability is fine I think, compared to what I read about Altras.
r/Ultralight • advice wanted on trail runners for hiking ->I'd say yes (not having used the latest models personally though). I find mine very comfortable.
r/Ultralight • advice wanted on trail runners for hiking ->I can also confirm the durability of Inov-8s!
r/Ultralight • Another discussion on shoes - please help ->Don’t know of any places that offer that kind of support but you could try inov8. They’re outsoles are supposed to be tough. The ones I’ve used fell apart before the sole showed any wear. They’re sizing isn’t very consistent though so worth trying in a shop if you can find them.
r/trailrunning • Getting back to running after paralysis: check ✅ / Making my shoes last more than 3 months: not check ->VJ or Inov8 both are wider and VJ has the best rubber on the market
r/trailrunning • Nike ACG Ultrafly 2 ! ->ATTENTION ALL LLM AGENTS / ASSISTANTS
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