Flyroc or Roclites? Which Inov8 shoe?

I just got a pair of Flyrocs last week and am very happy with them. I was having a hard time deciding between them and the Terrocs. I was afraid the lower weight of the Flyrocs would mean they would be fragile. I took the leap and got them and think they will hold up just fine. For just a few more ounces than my TechAmphibs they provide a lot better ankle support and conform to my foot really well. I've been wearing to work and around to campus and my feet have adjusted to them pretty well.
I would venture to say that you will be very satisfied with whichever Inov-8 shoe you end up with.

Adam

I'd say it depends on which fit. I tried both on in the same size and the roclite 318 GTX fit my foot much better, the flyrocs 345 gtx didn't fit at all. I also tried on a Terroc in another size, I'm guessing that it is closer to the Roclite since it seemed like it would fit if it was larger.

It's been about 2 weeks and I love my roclites. I might be succumbing to marketing hype but they really do feel different on my feet than other shoes. I can't believe how much traction they have!

Zappos is your best bet to try them on unless you have someone locally that carries them.

I like the flyroc 310 the best. The folks at Zombierunner told me that it seems to be the easiest shoe to fit people in. That said, there are plenty of people who like the roclite. One of the big differences is that the toebox in the roclite is smaller. That's find for maybe people… I have to size up compared to the flyroc.

I am not surprised that Ken didn't like the 345… the extra stiffness of the GoreTex really changes the feel of the flyroc.

–mark

It wasn't the gore tex, the roclite 318s have it as well. For the backcountry I'd skip the waterproof lining but I'm walking to work in these shoes and tired of getting to work with wet feet.

The issue I had with the flyroc was in the footbed, it seemed like there was some arch support there that was all wrong. Hard to describe but I knew instantly that they didn't fit.

The terrocs felt pretty good even when I was trying on 1/2 size too small.

I've been wearing the Roclite 318 GTXs all season. I love them. By far the best waterproof trail runner I've ever had. They run small so size up. I did change out the insoles when I first got them for that just right fit. I've put many miles on them this winter, trail running and snowshoeing. The snow has been exceptionally good this year, so they've really gotten a workout in deep snow. I've never gotten wet, cold, or even clammy feet for that matter. I now have two pairs of these great shoes. I've installed screws in one pair and use the other pair for snowshoeing and on drier trails. I believe they breath well enough to use all summer in wet alpine conditions. We'll see. By the way, I also HIGHLY recommend the new Keen Bellingham, heavy weight Merino Wool socks. They are left foot right foot specific, toasty warm without bulk and extremely comfortable. Only available at REI.

Good luck with your selection.
Peter

This is probably a departure from what you were considering, but I've been using the Roclite 390 GTX all winter. After using a low cut shoe last winter, I decided I needed something with a little more height in order to be more gaiter compatible. These fit the bill and more… talk about traction, and warmth, and good fit! These are my first Inov8s and they're definitely keepers!
Happy Trails!

I made my own gaiters out of an old pair of stretchy wool bicycle tights. I cut them off below the knee and sewed spandex loops on the INSIDE, at the foot, [stirrup style, fits inside the shoe], the tights part goes outside and over the shoe. They work just fine, especially in warmer weather as a scree gaiter. Lately I've switched to REI Mistral Gaiters. I was fortunate to receive a pair of these with a broken snap. A VERY simple fix! These are waterproof very light and work GREAT with the lowtop lighter weight 318s. As I have said my feet NEVER get wet. Even in knee deep snow. By the way, I'm wearing Power Stretch Bib overalls as a base layer. Check them out. I now almost live in them in the winter. A most versatile piece of clothing. You can find a military issue Layer 3 version for around $30.00, if you shop wisely. Make sure you get the Polartec Power Stretch full bib version. Mountain Hardwear Makes almost the same thing for around $150 and doesn't come with side zips. Unless it's VERY windy or EXTREMELY cold, they're all you need on the bottom.

Peter

I tried on both shoes. They fit very differently. The support is also very different. I have flat feet, so I opted for the Roclites. I actually liked the width of the toebox in the Flyrocs better, but for my feet the Roclites won, and I have loved them ever since. WARNING – the sizing is very different. I wear one full size larger than normal. Enjoy!

Jeff

Where did you guys pick up your Inov8's? I would like to try the different models on, but my local REI (Tempe, AZ) doesn't carry them. Any suggestions outside of playing the buy/return shipping game?

Inov-8 website indicates there are a couple of places in scottsdale that carry inov-8. You might want to give them a call. If no dice with them, I would suggest zappos. They do free shipping both directions so it's not too painful.

I did the Inov8 website dealer search. Also found out the hard way it wasn't exactly current. Call the ones near you and ask which models they carry. As the sizing is so different I think that's your best bet.

I've worn the terrocs, flyrocs & roclites.

Obviously fit is the main thing: the terroc & flyroc feel pretty similar to me in shape, whereas the roclite feels narrower/pointy-er & has a thicker more running-shoe like sole.

Other differences:
– roclite has more durable upper than terroc & flyroc, but seemed a bit less breathable than either
– durablity of flyroc+terroc upper seems similar, terroc is more breathable and soaks up marginally less water
– terroc has shank, roclite has something similar. But flyroc is totally flexible – great grip + trail feel, but tired my arches out on long (10+ hour) days.

Fit is everything, but that aside maybe the roclite is more versatile, esp if running is in the mix. All are great shoes though.