Inov-8 shoes and boots

If I can threadbutt…anyone know where the 370's can be got?

From inov-8.com

http://inov-8.com/Find-Retailers.asp?C=27&L=27&RegionID=%25&P=5050973024

The telephone number of the distributor.

Consider the 390s, with goretex lining. Worth the extra 40g IMO; I like mine.

I have the Roclite's and I love 'em. If you do step on the sharp point of a rock you'll know it. Last time I used them my pack weighed 17lbs. As long as I can keep my weight less than 20lbs, I will continue to wear them unless I knew I was going on a very sharp rocky trail. But to be honest, if I know the trail has lots of slanted sharp rocks, I might rethink using trail runners all together, and at least go for something with more ankle protection.

I guess it depends a lot on personal preference. I've used my Inov-8's already a few times on very rough and rocky trails and while I certainly felt the rocks and pebbles, it was bearable. I consider the advantages of the shoes big enough to overcome that issue. But that's just me.

I have a pair of Terroc 330's and just bought a pair of Roclite 315's. So far, I've only used them for trail running and walking, but I think I'm going to love them. I'm giving up the heavy boots. Planning a Wind Rivers walk the last week of June in them.

Both have been bought from Zappos. Fast, cheap shipping and great customer service. Ordered a pair Memorial Day afternoon. Shipping was free, and I received them the next afternoon. Not bad.

Personally, I would recommend going with the shoes rather than the boots. Save the weight. I have written up a flyroc 310 review. I am on my twelve pair, so you can guess I like them. They don’t have a lot of cushion, but I have never bruised the soles of my feet. 10kg would be fine. The flyroc and terraroc fit true to size. The roclite line typically needs to be sized up 1/2 to a full size.

I have the Roclite 320's. Went 1/2 size larger. So far, I love them. I'll be giving them a workout soon next week on a 200-miler, 12-15 lb pack.

Hi Christopher! I have a pair of Inov8s, the 390, and love 'em; however, I've mostly used them winter hiking and when at lower elevation on the snow-free trail I did notice I could feel the rocks underfoot. Not enough to be painful or cause bruises though. If you'd like a sturdier shoe, check out the Montrail Namche on sale at Mountaingear.com for $75. It has a much thicker sole, the same mesh upper construction, and is only about 50 g heavier. Since sprianing my ankle a while back, I'm an advocate of mid height shoes and put up with the extra weight. This is my summer shoe as it is not goretex and breaths great. Happy trails!

Thanks for your great advice. I think I'll have to try on the Montrail Namche. :)

ZombieRunner now has the new roclite 370 available.

http://www.zombierunner.com/store/product1728.html

I'm interested in a Roclite 390 (GTX version) only IF it comes in a wide model. Does it?

This cheapo habit that some manufacturers have of making only "regular" width is tiresome. That's why I end up buying Danner boots.

Eric

Just done a multi day walk in the Scottish Highlands in a pair of Roclite 318GTX and they were perfect. The paths up there are poor and often I walked across country on no paths, yet my feet never felt so good.

I want to give the Inov8's a try, first just for trail running, then maybe for backpacking. My question is how in the world am I supposed to know which model is best suited for what uses? Their website has a very nice interface that is supposed to sort all of this out for you, but I can't make since of it. What do you ya'll suggest for 1)hilly trail running on hard pack single track with occasional roots/rocks and occasional loose surface – usually dry, but sometimes wet after rain or at times in winter, and 2)lightweight backpacking on trails in the southern appalachians.

p.s. Someone explain this to me: Inov8's website describes "mountain running" as "also known as fell running" and "fell running" as "also known as mountain running", and yet they suggest entirely different shoes for these two apparently very similar activities. What?

My flyrocs give me bad blisters at the heel. Perhaps I need to size up?

Christopher:

My experience is that sizing up rarely prevents heel blisters. Typically heel blisters are due to the heel not holding properly. Toes are were sizing up typically helps with blisters.

Malcom:

My memory is that the different (by inov-8 classification) between mountain and fell running, is that fell running tends to be over much more mixed (crummy) terrain, where mountain running is a bit more like trail running with large elevation changes. Sending mail to inov-8 customer service or giving the folks at zombierunners would be the best way to clear this up. There are lots of factors such as foot shape that effects what would be the best shoe. Best to talk with people who really know the product line.

–mark

Inov8's line confuses me too, and their website doesn't help before my brain melts from all the possibilities. So if someone good at understanding Inov8 could suggest a shoe for me, many blessings upon you.

I'd heard somewhere on this site that flyroc 310's have a wider toebox – based on the ones I've tried I think I need that. (I think it was roclite 295's that seemed too narrow in the toe). I tried a pair but 1/2 size up wasn't enough. I'm thinking of trying 1 size up. Are all flyroc's wider in the toebox?

Other than that, I'm mostly looking to minimize weight, for backpacking (hiking, not running) mostly in the Sierras, often on trails, sometimes off.

I don't particularly care about durability; I'll gladly trade it away for weight. (Could I get away with an Xtalon 212?)

Fell running is very British (English?) term. The hills are smaller, the ground is wetter so shoes are designed for this in mind, ie extremely good grip.
Mountain running is global, and everybody else had big mountains and a bigger variety of terrain, as well s longer routes. So that is reflected in the design, the same grip or a little less + possible more underfoot cushiioning.
That;s very much a sweeping generalisation, but it's a good starting point!

The 390s have a stiffer ankle cuff then the 370s, the 370s fit me much better. I'd try both on if anybody is wanting a pair.
The lsts on the other shoes are very different, but in theory they should all fit you if one does as the whole range is based around the fot shape of one designer.

Heel cups; a weak point. If you don't have a pefect fit either your heel or the hel cup will come apart very quickly. Heat the heal cups, strap the shoes on and run round the block. They should mold to your shape a little.

They're designed to be worn with thin socks as well, don't size up; wear a thinner sock when you try them on in the store.

Call their customer service and tell them what you want the shoes for. They are really helpful.

I think you are on to something Bill. Might as well go to the source, right?