Inov8 - TRAILFLY MAX

Inov8 trailfly max are wide and cushioned. They're more a summer trail shoe. The new trail talon max would be the more aggressive lugged alternative if you were to run in mud

I’ve just gotten the Trailfly Max, taken them for two runs, 43km total. Even in wide the toe box is not as wide as my standard width Topos which will probably help them appeal to more people. The grip on the outsole is absolutely fantastic. The supercritical midsole feels fantastic, but I do hope they take that foam to their lower-stack Trailfly because the high stack of the Max is definitely not the smartest choice for the horribly uneven terrain I was on yesterday. However, for OP, they may not be the right fit since it seems they are looking for stronger arch support and the Inov8 has very little and the whole shoe is purposely very flexible to allow for “natural” foot movement to “strengthen” the muscles in the foot.

Thanks so much. Really useful, some good options to look into. I actually tried on a trailfly max recently in wide, and felt very snug in midfoot also - abit too snug for me to be confident using without issues. Perhaps worth trying a size up as they did feel like i would otherwise get on with them very well

For flat feet, stay away from Topo - they have super high arch support that caused me major issues even with just low arches. I've been having good luck with Inov8 lately and have also heard really good things about Norda. Altra Experience Wilds were also nice. Hokas in a wide didn't work for me because they only widen the midfoot, but still have a pointy little toebox. Xodus Ultras were also a bit too narrow in the toebox for me for anything over 50k.

I'm loving the Roadfly Max right now. I'm using it for door to trail on mild dry trails right now. Going to be ordering a pair of Trailfly Maxes as soon as I wear out the Altra Experience Wilds I'm using for wet and technical trail right now.

Normal width, large toe box See altra, topo, inov8. I’ve actually found Hoka challenger 8 (wide) to be a little bit snugger than inov8 trailfly max (wide).

mmmm...they have rather a robust outsole. To my opinion not suited for roads. Fits best in non technical terrain and mud. Check my review: [https://www.roadtrailrun.com/2025/05/inov-8-trailfly-max-review-long-haul.html](https://www.roadtrailrun.com/2025/05/inov-8-trailfly-max-review-long-haul.html)

How frustrating! Inov8 shoes in wide fit might work, then. I found the Trailfly Max wide throughout but my heel slipped as my heel is narrow. There are other models in wide as well. Their return system works well. Good luck!

The new Trailfly Max in available on the Inov8 website for 150£ or 170€. Spec wise its fairly similar to the current Trailfy with an increased midsole stack of 24/18mm, comparing that to the Trailfly, the total stack should be around 36/30mm. The interesting part however seems to be the new nitrogen infused EVA midsole, which is claimed and should be lighter and bouncier, since I didn't find any reviews of yet, it remains to be seen. The weight is not listed on the official website. It should be great shoe for long distances, especially who likes the wide forefoot with some drop, at the moment only a wide option is available. https://preview.redd.it/0zf4m50mgfoe1.jpg?width=493&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f4a333e7005f2b29e5cab0b8fda7264c1f77660

Appreciate the feedback, allready read it yesterday morning 😁. From the newer Inov-8 line up I only have the Mudtalon and I can relate to the heel lockdown you mentioned. The ankle collar is shallow, the heel cup height looks adequate but it feels like it's barely touching my heel, so secure lockdown in the heel is an issue. The shoe is totaly runable, it's just something to keep in mind if you are heading for some technical terrain. Otherwise I was surprised by the fit of the shoe, which felt a bit shallow in volume and a bit rigid in the forefoot, but with some breaking in it's realy comfortable, with good lockdown in the midfoot and no slipping in the forefoot. Regarding the Trailfly Max, it looks like a potential replacement for the Zegama 2 I'm curently using for more runnable terrain. My only problem with the Zegamas is the toebox is really shallow, I'm always feeliing a bit of numbness if the socks are not super thin. For me the Zegamas didn't feel too soft and mushy like some described it, the balance between cushion and ground feel is something I appreciate, which seems to be the case in the Trailfly Max as you described.

I just switched from speedgoats (wide size) to the inov8 trailfly max (wide) and love it. Switched as the speedgoat toe box got norrower in the version 6

I have 2E, high instep, high-med arch and med heel. Have always hard trouble finding the right shoes. Loved the old NB Leadvilles. Had been using the Speedgoats v5-6 the past few years, but found the v6 a bit narrower and causing some pain and blistering on both the inside and outside edges. Am now using the Inov8 Trailfly Max and loving it. I did need to go a half US/EU size up from what I used in the speedgoat due to different toe box shape. The NB Hierro and Hoka Challengers are similar in feel to me. The Hierro was a great fit, but too soft and unstable in the heel on technical terrain but I may still use it for more tame conditions. The Challenger is similar in ground feel to the Hierro, but the outside edge of the toe box curves in too early for my feet putting pressure on the small toe. Both the Trailfly Max and the Hierro required some playing with the lacing to get right. While the Trailfly Max is amazing on my feet, it is slightly snug in the midfoot, though I have higher than normal wide volume there.

- Had used the speedgoat 5, but the 6 was too narrow. - Tried the NB hierro this summer and was great but felt unstable on technical stuff. - Inov8 trailfly max has been awesome and my new favorite (needs to be 1/2 size up from Hoka size)

inov8 Trailfly. You've got the Trailfly Speed, Trailfly Max, Trailfly Zero or standard Trailfly all with either a standard or wide variant. I'd also add that their last is as wide as the old Vivobarefoots and wider than the newer Vivos. Comparable to the Altras that I have in a similar size. I measured these by overlaying the insoles on top of each other.

inov8 Trailfly. You've got the Trailfly Speed, Trailfly Max, Trailfly Zero or standard Trailfly all with either a standard or wide variant. I'd also add that their last is as wide as the old Vivobarefoots and wider than the newer Vivos. Comparable to the Altras that I have in a similar size. I measured these by overlaying the insoles on top of each other.

Inov8 Trailfly 300G max, fell in love with this shoe. Currently on my second pair, and got a spare in the closet when these wear out

I’ve only ever gone with separate shoe/ gaiter combos rather than inbuilt so can’t comment here unfortunately. I have the Trailfly Max for long distance stuff and they are super comfortable but do have a lot of lateral movement in the heel. Brilliant for long stretches of bridleway, they eat up easy miles for fun. In your position, I’d go with something more stable as you navigate tricky coastal paths through the night (standard Trailfly?) and perhaps the Trailfly Max or similar for the next day when you have better visibility and need more comfort. I had a pair of Speedgoat 5’s and they were good for 50ks but I found the toe box quite narrow. I didn’t enjoy the grip on the Xodus. Ultra Glide 2 is another good option which has comfort/good lockdown if you don’t mind the Salomon lacing system.

I am in the same boat with wide flat feet and about 200lbs. I have found the best success with the Altra Lone Peak (although I know you said you didn't want zero drop). The other shoe that has worked for me is the Inov8 Trailfly in wide. They also just released the Trailfly Max if you want a bit more cushion. Both are 6mm drop.

I have not run in the 9s yet as I still have a pair of the 7s that have some miles left in them. I did try on the 9s at an REI and the 9 in a wide felt substantially wider than the 7 in a wide that I have.

I just got the new trailfly and love them. However, I still have a stash of the older trail talon, which fit me well (even though they don't have that foot shape toe box) and were in major sales in anticipation of the new models. They describe the new models quite nicely here https://www.inov8.com/eu/blog/post/explaining-the-new-2024-inov8-shoe-shape-and-fits

i have wide feet and i run in inov8 wide fit (i think the model is called trailfly?). not sure if they’re good for flat feet, but in my daily life i wear a pair of custom insoles that maybe could fit in trail shoes too? i personally don’t wear those when I run though

I've put 200km on my Inov8 TrailFly and they barely show any sign of wear. They're an awesome shoe: ample toebox, low stack, low drop, solid grip.

Inov-8 TrailFly are my current wide-fitting trail shoe.

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.

If you’re looking for a trailshoe I’d go for a road-2-trail type. Personally I use a pair of inov-8 trailfly as everyday shoe.

I used to do a race where there were waist deep river crossings. I used a pair of inov8 trainers which drained well, they also had insoles with holes in them that helped. Probably more importantly I used to cover feet in vaseline which helped protect the skin from becoming prematurely "soak softened"

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).

Long reply here but I understand this quite niche problem all too well. I have a bunion in the same place on left foot but actually have skinny midfoot so always struggle to get a lockdown in 'wide' shoes. The Inov8 Trailfly and their new range works well here. I'd actually go for the standard fit over wide as the toe box is already foot shaped. The width I think is in the midfoot. For example, I have a pair of precision fit Mudtalons and get a super snug midfoot lockdown but the toebox still lets my foot spread. The problem you actually have is that a lot of 'wide toe box' shoes still carry that super straight line on the inside of the foot which obviously doesn't work. Even the Prodigio Pro mentioned is quite accommodating but suffers from this to a degree as the bunion pushes the mesh out and can become uncomfortable by forcing your foot or all toes away to the side. Salomon shoes are quite bad for this, even though I suck it up and wear them as the midfoot just suits my feet. The Trailfy is the comfiest shoe I've worn in years, and I've even cleaned mine up and now wear them for walking around daily and the gym. They do a Trailtalon too if you need more softground grip, plus a road shoe. Edit to add: if anything like me, mine is just on the one foot so if I buy wide shoes, the other is super sloppy. This is why a better shape toe box works better than a wide fitting shoe in my opinion.

I've been using Inov8 TrailFlys and love them. Probably easier to get where you are. If you can find the Ultra 300 G (discontinued) in your size, that's my favorite for racking up miles in the Sierra.

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.

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.

So mid stack / mid cushion lol. Altra Lone Peaks, Topo Terraventure, Inov8 Trailfly (or Trailfly Max, but that's possibly too high stack). These are all shoes I've liked which have enough cush and balance for long rocky runs but aren't stacked high.

If you don't have a very wide heel/midfoot you could also try the Inov8 Trailfly or Trailton wide models. Foot shaped, wide at the front and with a durable graphene sole. Both available in zero drop versions. I went from the Lone Peaks to these models and couldn't be happier, they better hold the midfoot in place on oneven trails if you don't have a beefy midfoot.

I wear Inov8 trailflys when I travel. Recently got back from a hiking/city break holiday in Catalonia and they were perfect! They’re also my normal trail running shoes and are incredibly comfy. Highly recommend.

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

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

I find the Inov8 trailflys are very comfortable to run on the road as well as trails

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 trail fly would be my choice for this.

Afaik, they're not zero drop, but I would still recommend them for great toebox and reasonable cushioning. I have Trailfly model and love them. But IMO they won't fit high volume feet.

Thanks for the info. Its been a while since I got mine and I think Zeros weren't available back then (Im in EU) but I see that now they are. I wanted some drop anyway and my feet are low volume and Trailfly's fit is perfect for me.

Inov8 Trail Fly do a wide fit for what is already a wide fit shoe. They are the only thing I have found that is wide enough comparabley to an Altra.

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

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

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.

VJ or Inov8 both are wider and VJ has the best rubber on the market

You should give the Inov8 shoes a try. I remember the older Merrell Moab shoes to last pretty long for most people, though no idea on the quality of their current shoes. How much do you weigh?

I’ve gotten great longevity out of Inov8 trail runners. 800-ish Appalachian Trail miles on a pair.

Yeah I’ve used both Altra and Inov8 on long distance hikes and Inov8s are far more durable. Altras will give you 500 miles *maybe*. My current pair of Inov8s have 700 miles on them and they’re still going. They also have the best sole material I’ve found for slippery mud and rocks.

Never needed support shoes when running trails. Road I use Gel-Kayanos or GT1000s. Off road I run in Inov8, model depends on terrain. I've had some Salomons but they went AWOL.

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.

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.

Find a reputable gear store with lots of choice, get your shoes fitted and walk around the store, wear the socks you intend to hike in and make sure your feet are warm before you start. If you can borrow a pack off the shelf with some weight in it (if you don’t have your own) walk around the store and up/down steps if you can. Buy the ones that fit best at the price you can afford. If you have weak ankles boots might be better but training walks in shoes can make your ankles stronger. Better grip is more important that being waterproof. I bought a pair of Inov8 shoes off the back of many recomendations, they were the worst shoes ever (for me). I stick with what works for me - Merrell Moab.

You need to try them on. I tried Merrell, La Sportiva and inov8 when I bought some trail shoes recently. I thought I'd like the inov8 but the La Sportiva fitted better because they are available in half sizes. I have 2 pairs of scarpa boots and would endorse those too. go outdoors is good if you're near one.

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.

I’ve been really impressed with the peregrines. Used them a fair bit over the lake and some steep rocky downhills and they’ve been fab. Far better than my previous pair of inov8s which I think had involvement from Torville and/or Dean in the design

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!

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.

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.

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.

I'd say yes (not having used the latest models personally though). I find mine very comfortable.

I can also confirm the durability of Inov-8s!

Love the inov8 fit and grip - hate the lack of energy return. Feel like I've got bricks on my feet after 50 miles! Looking for an alternative, gonna be trying the Topo MTN racer for my next winter shoe

Always always always Inov-8 shoes. Still love my Nathan running vest for hydration for longer trail runs.

I got some ino8? I don't know how to spell them. They had a good toe box and heal support and before I destroyed them, I went back to the store to find they had been upgraded. I paid a lot for the upgrade to find they were awful. But if you find one you like buy several and use them on rotation

Altras or topos....stable, but not sure they are "affordable". Agreed with others, no such thing as ankle support, but stability for sure. I had a pair of Saucony that felt great, but were ankle sprainers beyond a doubt. Running in Topos and Inov-8s now.