Inov8 - Trailfly G 270 V2

I bought the Altra Outroad 2 for this niche last year, does the job well but I always felt the foam was a bit cheap feeling and almost squeaky. The Outroad 3 has just come out though. The other shoe that I used for mixed surface runs was the Inov8 Trailfly 270 - another 0mm dtop shoe, but I would say a much superior one. Better ground feel, lower stack, better build quality and overall just a great fit and forget shoe for a bit of everything. I think they still make it but have maybe renamed the model. It's not really advertised as a road to trail, its advertised as an ultra shoe. Another shoe that might fit the bill but i haven't tried is the Merrell Long Sky 2 - they are really cheap roght now so trmpted to pick up a pair. Again, they are advertised as long distance trail but they aren't crazy aggressive lugs, low stack and 4mm drop, supposedly some of the best groubd feel. Might order some they are like £60 on sportsshoes.com

I would look at Inov-8s range - I haven't tried everything obviously but they are UK designed in the lakes and tend to cope well with the mud here. I like the Trailfly 270 because its a good all rounder that copes with most, not a mud specialist but good on mixed surfaces without being overkill for road sections. I find anything mud specialist will slide on wet tarmac. The new Trail Talon Speed looks good. Very low stack and decent but not excessively long lugs for softer ground. Probably my next trail shoe basec on reviews

I would look at Inov8's range - there are various models with varying drop and characteristics, but they do tend to be very low stack - which is the main thing that I find helps ankles. I like the old Inov8 trailfly 270s - I think that they have stopped naking them but they are still available online - these are zero drop and low stack, but were designed to cover long distance on various terrain. They are definitely nimble. Some of their new 'Speed' racier models have like 4mm drop and less than 20mm stack so could be worth looking at.

My Inov-8 TrailFly are amazing for anything Iwant them to do (running up to 50km in the Alps, speed hiking), very durable with a fantastic grip - including on wet rocks.

I have very wide feet and my inov8 trail fly G 270’s are very comfortable. I love vivo barefoot in the gym but too thin for outdoors for me.

They still/again have zero drop trail runners? Trailfly zero, mudtalon zero. Trailfly speed is 4mm drop. So I'm not sure if you're looking in the right place?

Topo mtn racer has better grip. Inov8 has better grip also; Trailfly for hard trails and Mudfly for wet/mud.

Road: Saucony Endorphin Speed, Inov-8 RoadFly, Altra Torin Trail: Inov-8 TerraUltra G270, Hoka Challenger 7 Mud: Inov-8 X-Claw 275

I was / am a fan boy of Inov8 trail shoes but it seems like they rebrand everything in the Trailfly line up at the same time. Why can we not ever just go back and get the same model again. I do have 3 pairs of the trailfly 270 in the boxes left and they are my favorite. But it seems the 280 and the 300 are gone? I had been using all 3 and would get a couple more 300's if they were available.

For most UK hiking trail runners are great, I made the switch to Inov8 G 270 from a pair of Scarpa boots and don't regret it. I have a pair of slightly larger boots for when its really minging out but as someone else who also runs hot, trust me your feet will thank you.

Inov8 Trailfly G 270 has way more durability and is also a zero drop shoe.

0 drop with double the stack of the previous pair, so a completely different shoe.

I’d have to check but the ones I saw definitely had far more stack. As for the mudtalons, the issue has never been the drop but the total lack of precision and durability compared to the mudclaws and xtalons they were supposed to be replacing. It’s rearranging the deck chairs in the titanic.

Going to try and stock up on as many pairs of G270 and X-Talon Ultras as possible before they all go. Not a fan of the new line of shoes at all. Where could I go for low drop, low stack and wide fit trail shoes? The VJ iRock+ look good but only 5.5mm lugs.

Inov8s. Terraultra/Trailfly G270 feel like natural extension of my foot; no restrictions + ground feel which does get painful at times (idk sharp rocks can be felt, and after 8+h feet do take some beating). The graphene-whatever sole doesn’t slip much. Worth noting: I own 2 pairs, ran 1200 and 940 kms in them - they show some normal signs of use, but no holes and tears. Lost some springiness but still fine ride.  Next pair I’ll get is sure the newest edition of Trailflys :) 

These new Trailflys come in regular and wide (which is something new in inov8 I guess, because their shoes used to be narrow AF with even narrower "precise fit" versions that I couldn't even put my foot in - so some mud specific models were totally out of my reach and we get some muddy type of fun races around here). Shipping sucks, not a thing to discuss; when it comes to sizing however - I wear 40.5 in Altras and 40 in inov8. More: the boomerang insole from my size 40 inov8s fits in 40.5 Timp 5 (and is a nice upgrade, btw, these insoles are absolutely awesome).

When it comes to preventing ankle sprains for me, the stack height made the biggest difference. Currently my set is inov8 trailfly 270, altra superior and saucony peregrine.  But that's the other side of the spectrum to super shoes 

My first ever trail runners were altra lone's (6?) because I wanted to see what a wide toe box was like, and I fell in love with how large the toe box was, but the shoe durability and shoe fit (apart from the toes) weren't the greatest (I don't have wide feet). Got the inov8 trailfly G 270 about a month ago and the wide toebox isn't as wide as altra and coming from the altra my toes do feel a little bit more "trapped" (it isn't actually trapped, it just feels trapped). My only true gripe with the shoe is the tongue at the top. I don't like the tiny sliver rather than a normal tongue with padding which is much more comfortable

Most running shoes last around 400 mi / 650km.  Best for me have been Inov-8 Trailfly 270 G (on 3nd pair.. first two survive more than 1500 mi / 2400 km). About the same from Vivobarefoot Gobi II (whose top is still good.. resole them). Xero has a 5000 mile sole warranty… but they hurt my feet so I have no personal experience with longevity.  I get more than 2000 mi / 3200 km using the thicker soled sandals from Luna.  Boots and approach shoes can do better than typical trail runner but not order of magnitude.  See long term (13 pairs) review https://www.frankrevelo.com/hiking/gear_footwear_belleville.htm

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!

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!

Inov-8 Trailfly2 is super grippy if they're slippery rocks. No rock plate tho. Topo terraventure 3 is almost as grippy with a rock plate. More aggressive lugs though so not ad much contact on rocks if they're big.

The only Inno8 I have tried is the Trailfly G 270, and found them to be plenty big in the toe box.

The Trailfly G-270's have become my go to all rounder. Loads of room in the toebox. Zero drop took a little adjustment but didn't rush it so no issues.

Pretty much anything other than Speedgoat 5's (they're shit) will do. Of that list I only own the Inov8's - and they're my favourite trail shoe. Nice wide toe box, light enough, cushioned enough, pretty responsive but don't batter your feet on roads, and enough grip to cope with far more technical ground than the NDW. I'm a big fan. Just in case you're not aware they're a zero drop shoe. They were my first zero drops and there was an adjustment, your calves do feel it. Well worth it though.

I turned my G270s into fell shoes via the key cobbler in Kendal. Got the Vibram peak lugs put on and they were fab! (Shoes already had 300+ miles on and I put on another 300 after the re-sole before they died).

Just chiming in to second the Trailfly G270. I've run an ultra in Lone Peaks recently and it worked very well as it wasn't a very technical one, but I definitely get the sloppiness you're talking about. I think it's mainly the very loose upper paired with a kind of wide platform. Mega comfortable for long runs on easy terrain, but as soon as it gets technical I go for the Trailflys and they work really well for me, excellent grip and control but still enough room for wide feet. Topos are fine too, but the fit doesn't quite work for my feet except for the Runventure 4 which unfortunately is a bit too minimal for ultras for me, but they're all great shoes as well.

Inov8 Trailfly G270v2. Have stocked up since they've been discontinued! Unbeatable combination of fit, comfort, versatility and build quality for me. Great on anything except really sloppy mud. Expected that Inov8 will announce a replacement shortly, but I don't know how they'll better it, plus I've heard bad things about their build quality of anything released in the past year.

Inov8 trail fly would be my choice for this.

Trailfly works for me on trails and tarmac.

I got the Trailfly Zero, I'm sold it's a really solid shoe but holy cow the boomerang footbed does NOT work for me. Feels like I'm chewing a bit of fat with my feet, not as stable as I'd like and doesn't feel as efficient at all. Swapped the insole to a vivobarefoot one and all is right again👍 I can say the midsole is real nice now I can actually feel the responsiveness.

Just viewed the latest Run4Adventure video. The Inov8 booth showed the upcoming zero drop and max stack (for Inov8) shoes. Have a pair of the v1 270's laying around. Theses two with the new midsoles are intereting

i found the inov8s to be far too thin, do they take some breaking in?

Everyone is piling on the Topo recommendations and I agree they're a great option. Just for some variety I'll suggest Inov8 though because I prefer my Topos for hiking and my Inov8s for running. The Trailfly comes in standard or wide, has a foot shaped platform just like Topo and Altra and is 6mm drop. It also comes in 4mm drop (Trailfly Speed) and will be available in 0 drop (Trailfly Zero) this season. Either Inov8 or Topo will blow Altra out of the water for durability in my experience.

Thanks - i run 30-40km a week so i burn through a pair of shoes in 3 months unless i rotate and change them about. Mafate vs TrailFly - totally different. The trailfly is firmer and more ground feel, with low drop, and a roomy, but rugged upper. The Mafate is comfy, soft under foot, with great grip for really long runs. they're kind of a go anywhere, jack of all trades shoe - the trailfly is more suited to soft ground only, but the lugs and grip are surprisingly good. I use the trailfly to help build up my ankle/calf strength, which is worth knowing - if you've not run low/zero drop, then you need to take it easy an acclimatise.

This is a good suggestion, although I think the latest Speedgoats are now a clear step below the Mafate Speed 4, which are better in every way. They also both come in a wide option. For a more technical shoe with better lugs, look at Inov8 - the TrailFly is good for longer, faster paths, and the TrailTalon for deeper, muddier or more difficult terrain. They come in Max, Speed and Zero Drop options, and they have an anatomical toe box shape like Topo.

As a wide footer... Try an Ellis Brigham or Up& Running for some Inov8 Trailfly, they're pretty wide apparently but weren't wide enough for me. After that try Altra, but they're zero drop. I didn't really get on with them on the treadmill. I'd recommend Topo MTN Racer 3. They've got a wide forefront and are the best fitting running shoe I've had for my feet.

Salomon Genesis work as good road to trails, deal with mud well and i've used up to marathon with no issues as they're well cushioned. Saucony ultra or peregrines - ultras are more cushioned and great road to trail but peregrines are find for short road sections and have a slightly deeper lug and deal with mud and wet grass really well. Peregrines are also my choice of mountain shoe so work well, did a 100k in them and only had some foot pain from minimal cushioning at 50ish miles in! Just got the Nike Zegama 2 and they are fab so far! Managed well in mud, snow, slush and are really cushioned. Need to try them out on more technical terrain but all good so far. They have the react foam so they give a lot of bounce on packed trail and road. Inov8 trailfly i find good on rock and grass, less so on mud, and a bit firm on road, but not terrible.

Inov8 trailfly and nike Zegama are pretty wide comfy fit

Altra and Topo are traditionally what people suggest for a wide toe box. Unfortunately in my experience, the grippy ones only come in zero drop which is probably not what you want. Inov8 have a wide toe box and also wide fit in most sizes. The trailfly are likely your best bet.

Inov8 trailfly. Durable, simple design and can find for good deal on ebay.

I was a terra ultra and now trail fly user.. I never noticed any difference

Idk but the Trailflys I got gave me IT Band issues for the first time in my entire life. Been running my whole life.

Inov8 with graphene has very good grip. Nike trail have no grip at all

Only Inov-8 and VJ are going to be mega-grippy in the Adirondacks, followed by footwear with Vibram, then everything else. That said, I'll still throw on a pair of Sauconys for the Great Range and just keep the footwork quick and light. At least the ADK granite isn't as slippery as Vermont schist!

Have you found an alternative with similar feel but better grip and more robust outsole? I like my 13s for grassy Scottish trails, but they do not feel secure on wet rocks and the outsole wears out too quickly. Inov8s are too narrow for me..

I ran Lofoten for a few months in autumn/winter and i'm from the UK and Inov8 are probably the best call here for ground conditions, both very similar.

If you want grip on rock I cannot recommend the Decathlon TR2 and MT3 enough. Uppers will last you 1400km-2000km, i've had 6 pairs so i know. Inov8 do some great trainers but i've had 2 pairs both fall apart in less than 400km on the same trails i run with the Decathlons and i've worked with some athletes on FKT and races and their trainers fell apart quicker than we would have liked too.

Too narrow for me. Gave me bunions

I just ordered Inov8, they have anatomic shaped toebox options and wide options, and also zero drop models. I love zero drop and I've been wearing it exclusively for year and a half, but for racing trail I think I might benefit from some drop. I think my calves might also love 6mm drop, but we'll see. Anyway, there are some great YT reviews for new Trailfly and Trailtalon, check it out. Also, I had a pair of Inov8 years ago and they were indestructible, which I cannot say for Altras. LP7 is better made than other pairs I own, though... Torin and Outroad uppers are so poorly made.. I still loveand wear them, but such a shame.

Been in inov8s for decades. Great trail shoe. Full on off roaders are the mudclaw or xtalon. Then there's the intermediate ones. Give them a go.

Inov8 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.

Inov8 has been good for me.

I’ve had this with all my trail shoes. Altras, inov8 and Salomon. They’ve all split around the sides all within a year of owning.

Inov8 have become my favourites

I had a pair of Inov8s which were the best, again from around this time period. And then they changed everything but kept the names the same, my next pair tore my feet up - you can't win!

La Sportiva. I've owned Altra (terrible) and Inov8s. Sportivas are so comfortable, tough, and they are actually available with decent lug depths.

It has taken me so long, and cost a lot of money, for me to get the right shoes. I like near the Peaks and walk there all year round but am also ticking off my Wainwrights in the Lakes. I found that leather boots just weren’t flexible enough for longer hikes. My feet would kill and, although sturdy, I really suffered after big days in the Lakes. I tried Danner and Meindl boots, both setting me back a fair amount of cash! I then tried Merrell, Salomon and Inov8 trail runners. They were much more comfy and I could do multiple hiking days with less hassle from my feet. Finally settled with Altra. No blisters, feet feel fresh after big hikes and my feet stay dry in the gore tex ones. I’d recommend the Altra Timp Hiker GTX. Best boot I’ve had and have a similar shape to the Hokas (bit wider at the front). They feel light like the trail runners but have the support and are waterproof like a proper pair of boots. Hoka also do hiking boots too if you get on well with them!

I swear by inov8 trainers since I bought some last year for hiking the highlands. Very lightweight, decently wide fitting and super comfortable, waterproof too (obviously to a certain extent).