The Best Inov-8 Running Shoes
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Since launching in 2003, Inov-8 has become a go-to for runners who are allergic to pavement. The company’s fledgling model, the Mudroc 290, was built on a sticky rubber outsole inspired by climbing shoes and won converts for it flexibility, ruggedness, and grip. These qualities set the bar for Inov-8’s unique “ground-up” design philosophy—crafting each outsole for specific types of terrain—which still guides the brand’s shoes today. Both road and trail options are geared to be lightweight, to help you go fast, and to work with your natural stride.
Rough and Ready Trail Tech
All Inov-8 shoes use a Met-Cradle, a series of bands along the outside of the upper that attach to the laces. When the shoe is tied, these bands tighten around the midfoot for a secure fit that’s designed to naturally expand along with your foot as you run. A Dynamic Fascia Band (DFB) is found in many Inov-8 shoes, and it’s a midsole shank that creates tension and stiffens the shoe as you transition onto your forefoot during your stride. The DFB then acts like a stiff lever to launch you forward more efficiently at toe-off. Tri-C refers to a special outsole formulation of three different kinds of rubber: soft and sticky around the edges to grab onto rough ground, high-abrasion rubber at the heel for improved durability, and hard tacky rubber on the lugs to dig into softer terrain.
Inov-8’s kicks are known to be firm rather than cushy. You can tell just how firm of a ride to expect by the system of arrow markings on the heel of the shoe: fewer arrows mean lower drop and more minimal, more arrows mean more cushion. Inov-8’s standard cushioning is EVA-based Powerflow. Powerflow+ is infused with TPU for added energy return, and Powerflow Max, found in the TerraUltra G 270, has additional TPU for even more bounce and improved overall cushioning. In addition, Inov-8 uses a Boomerang footbed made from TPU beads to boost responsiveness and comfort in several of its shoes.
Gripping with Graphene
Working with researchers from the University of Manchester, Inov-8 developed graphene-infused rubber outsoles—called Graphene-Grip—for its debut of G-Series shoes in 2018. Graphene is a lightweight, flexible material that is 200 times stronger than steel, and when combined with rubber, it makes an incredibly durable compound. Inov-8 also uses graphene in its newest cushioning material called G-Fly. It debuted in 2021 on the TrailFly Ultra G 300 (the company’s most cushioned shoe to date) and combines EVA, TPU, and graphene to create a highly resilient foam. According to the brand’s internal testing data, G-Fly delivers more energy return and durability for an undiminished bouncy feeling—even after hundreds of miles of wear.
How We Tested and Selected These Shoes
To choose the shoes below, we spoke with Inov-8’s design team to learn more about the most important shoes in the company’s lineup, analyzed feedback from our wear-testers, and used our own knowledge of the running shoe market. We also analyze data from mechanical tests in our RW Shoe Lab, where we’ve checked and re-checked the energy return of Powerflow+ foam, measured the flexibility of protective rock plates, and assessed the durability of Inov-8’s graphene-enhanced outsoles. The shoes below represent the top ten performers in a variety of categories from the brand.
—BEST ROAD-TO-TRAIL SHOE—
Parkclaw 260 Knit
If your routes send you over a mix of pavement and trails, the Parkclaw is definitely worth considering. The 260 combines attributes of the Parkclaw 275 (our previous pick for the best road-to-trail shoe) with new tech in a lighter package. A Powerflow+ midsole and a Boomerang footbed create a firmly cushioned and responsive ride, while the breathable knit upper snuggly wraps the arch beneath more supportive overlays around the lacing. The 260’s Tri-C rubber outsole is studded with specially designed 4-mm lugs that bite into the dirt once you hit the trail, but still deliver a smooth ride on pavement.
—BEST ROAD SHOE—
Roadclaw 275 Knit
In Inov-8’s Roadclaw line of road shoes, the 275 is built for greater comfort through high mileage. Like the Roadclaw 240—its leaner, faster sibling—it comes with DFB in the midsole for a slightly more propulsive feeling at toe-off. But, the 275’s midsole has more Powerflow+ cushioning for good shock absorption and energy return and a steeper heel-toe drop (8mm). This latest version also sports a new knit upper that’s engineered for increased breathability and an improved fit. Expect a fairly firm and responsive ride that promotes a smooth, natural gait, and because you’re riding on a Tri-C outsole, you’ll get sure footing through all kinds of road conditions.
—BEST FOR SOFT, MUDDY TRAILS—
Mudclaw G 260 v2
As its name suggests, the Mudclaw is built to handle the sloppiest of trails in the muckiest conditions. The main highlight is the graphene-infused outsole—combined with the shoe’s aggressive triangular 8-mm lugs, it digs deep into soft terrain and has unparalleled durability. The latest version comes with a revised upper that offers increased protection around the forefoot, and although there’s not much cushioning, that shouldn’t be an issue on the soft ground the Mudclaw is designed for.
—MOST DURABLE—
TerraUltra G 270
The TerraUltra combines a new, softer cushioning foam with Inov-8’s excellent Graphene-Grip outsole, and it’s a great pick for long-distance trail running. The shoe comes with several improvements over its predecessor, the TerraUltra G 260: A new Powerflow Max midsole and a Boomerang footbed create a more forgiving ride with better energy return, and a wider toe box and improved mesh upper create a more comfortable fit. It’s now comfy enough for high-mileage training, where you can really take advantage of the outsole’s grip and durability. “This would be my shoe of choice for running on soft, slippery, and muddy terrain,” one tester said. “But, it also had a smooth ride on the pavement that felt more like a road shoe than a trail shoe.”
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—BEST CUSHIONED TRAIL SHOE—
TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max
The TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max represents the latest improvements in Inov-8’s lineup. It features the company’s all-new midsole foam, G-Fly, which is made with graphene for superb energy return and durability—in other words, the foam will retain its bounce longer. A Boomerang footbed adds to the peppy feel, and grooves in the sole help the shoe flex with your foot and adapt to uneven terrain. With its tall stack height, the shoe is a departure from Inov-8’s firm and fast ethos, but the long-lasting cushioning should be a great fit for high-mileage trail runners.
—BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TRAIL SHOE—
TrailTalon 235 v2
The TrailTalon 235 weighs in at just 8.3 ounces but still manages to deliver lockdown grip—perfect for picking up the tempo on your local trail system. The shoe’s thin layer of Powerflow cushioning and lugged rubber outsole combine to deliver a fast and grippy ride. In addition, the latest version features a redesigned upper with some key changes: A new external heel counter for extra support and new overlays and a toe bumper to keep your feet protected. There are built-in attachment points for gaiters, too. “The Trailtalon has everything I want in a trail shoe—fairly stiff, minimally cushioned to be able to feel the trail beneath my feet, and a snug-fitting upper to hug my foot without being too tight,” one tester said. You might find them most suitable for half-marathons and shorter, but lack the comfort needed for ultramarathon races.
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—BEST FOR TECHNICAL TERRAIN—
Roclite G 275
When you’re staring down a rock-strewn, overgrown trail, these are the shoes you’ll want on your feet. The fastest shoe in the Roclite series, the G 275 is lighter and grippier than the 290 and designed to keep your feet protected over technical terrain. To that end, it has a moderate level of Powerflow cushioning (softer in the forefoot, firmer in the heel) and a rock plate to guard against errant stones in your path. The graphene rubber outsole grabs onto rocks and dirt, even in wet weather, and provides exceptional durability. “The grip on these shoes is amazing—I ran in thick mud, water, snow, and rocks and felt confident to challenge myself because I wasn’t concerned about slipping and falling,” one tester said.
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—BEST FOR ROCKY TRAILS—
Trailroc G 280
The Trailroc G 280 is built to provide dependable grip, good protection, and enough cushioning to keep you going strong over hard, rocky trails. The outsole is made from Inov-8’s unique graphene-infused rubber for exceptional durability and bite, and the 4mm lugs are designed to dig through loose top cover for a firm grip. A flexible rock plate in the midsole and welded toe cap on the upper protect your feet from sharp edges, and added Powerflow+ cushioning dulls impact forces for a comfortable ride. “The traction and stability of the Trailroc were my favorite features; on sloppy terrain, your foot stays right where it lands,” one tester said. “The toe box could be just a bit wider. My pinky toes were close to rubbing, so I had wear a thinner sock with this shoe.”
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—BEST FOR WET WEATHER—
Roclite G 315 GTX
The Roclite 315 GTX uses Gore-Tex Invisible Fit technology, in which the waterproof membrane is bonded with the upper itself to keep out water, so this shoe is ready for some serious adventuring. The latest version comes with an improved mesh upper that’s softer and more durable than its predecessor, as well as a new graphene rubber outsole with 6mm lugs for excellent traction. It also has a rock plate in the midsole, and like the TrailTalon above, the Met-Cradle is tweaked to expand with your foot as it swells for added comfort over high mileage.
—BEST FOR CROSS TRAINING—
F-Lite G 300
The F-Lite was a flop when it originally launched in 2009—until weightlifters discovered it. It’s built to handle all kinds of workouts. With its EVA midsole and Boomerang footbed, it delivers a responsive feel underfoot, and grooves in the outsole help the shoe flex with your foot as you move. A section of graphene-infused foam (similar to G-Fly) cradles the heel for maximum stability when lifting weights, and the Graphene-Grip outsole offers outstanding durability and traction no matter what you get up to in the gym.
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