the Inov-8 sizing thread

my 330s came in a size up. I take 10.5 (UK) EE terroc 330 in 11.5 fit great!

In non inov-8 shoes I typically wear either a US10.5/EU44 or a US11/EU45 depending on the make and style of the shoe. Typically I get my shoes in a narrow width.

Inov-8 shoes I have worn:

295 (size 11)… perfect fit
310 (size 11)… perfect fit
330 (size 11 was the closest, but never felt completely right)
390 (size 12.5… but it has room for extra thick socks. My normal socks size 12 would have been the best size)

Most others required between 1/2 – 1 size larger… typically because my toes felt pinched. The rest of the shoe was typically fine for me at the correct size… hence why the flyroc has been my standard shoe.

–Mark

My street size 13 feet are perfect in a size 14 Inov-8 305.

Running shoes are a 9.5 4E (2E would probably be ok though).

295 – 10.5 fit great
310 – 9.5 too tight at heel and in toe box – probably need a 10 or 10.5

I wear either US10.5/EU44 or a US11/EU45. I default to a US11 if I order online because I have a slightly wide and higher volume foot.

Inov-8's –

240 (Size 11) – Largest volume & width Inov-8 I have worn. I would prefer a 10.5 in these, but the fit is just large enough that I will use these with thicker socks such as sealskinz. I will buy these again but size down to 10.5.
295 (Size 10.5) – FAR too tight for me. So tight I never even tried a size 11.
310 (Size 11) – Excellent fit straight out of the box. I can get on trail with a brand new pair with no worry of fit.
330 (Size 11) – Excellent fit. Very similar to the 310, but the heal seems not to be as narrow. Also the toe box and fore foot seem to be wider.

This is a great idea, but:
1) Things like this soon get lost in the vast gearcloset that is the BPL forums. It's just the kind of thing that the BPL Wiki would handle well … IF we made gave it a bit more life.

2) I'm pretty sure that Inov-8 uses a couple different lasts so pls also report the "model name" (RocLite, Terroc, etc) with this info … different lasts can fit a given foot differently.

Inov8 shoes are built on either the Endurance or Performance last.
The Performance last gives i tighter fit for racing, and the Endurance last gives a wider, more comfortable fit for longer training runs.

I’ve created a page on Inov-8 at the BPL wiki. It has a link to this discussion and some general info about the company. Feel free to contribute to that page.

Mike, which last tends to be better for lightweight backpacking?

My wife and I currently use an older version of the Salomon Solaris for dry N California conditions and are looking for other shoe options including inov-8, Montrail, etc.

Half size up just as the company website suggests.

"which last tends to be better for lightweight backpacking? "

I don't think one answer would suit everyone. The Performance last is meant to be a snug fit so there is no movement in the shoe at all. The foot is held solid even when traversing steep hill sides at speed. They are meant for actual racing, when you can put up with a bit of discomfort for a few hours. I have a pair of Mudclaws that are superb over steep, muddy terrain, but they start to hurt after 5 or 6 hours.
The Endurance last is roomier (by Inov8's standards) so i can wear my Roclite 295's all day.
I have a wide forefoot, so what suits me might not suit anyone else.
Shoes using the Endurance last should be more comfortable for most folk, if using them all day. Just my opinion.

I'm using a pair of Mizuno Wave Harriers at the moment, and find they suit my feet. Worth checking out if you have a broad forefoot.

I typically wear a 9d.

310: 9.5 is perfect
318: 10 is perfect. The toe box was to small on the 9.5

I think the Gore-tex liner on the 318 my cause it to to be slightly smaller then the rest of the line. I'm not sure if they use different lasts for different models.

On the Inov8 USA website they recently posted their "Size Adjustment for 2009 Models", basically a list of each model and how they fit. I think it's fairly accurate as to the variation in each of shoe model's fit. here's a link:

http://inov-8.com/News-Detail.asp?NL=27&L=27&NID=289

and here's the info:

We receive a lot of calls and emails asking how the shoes fit. Below is the list of 2009 shoe styles, evaluated by the team, of how the different models run.

x-talon 212- True
f-lite 230- True
mudclaw 270- True
Mudroc 280- True
Roclite 282- True
Roclite 285- Order half a size up
Mudroc 290- True
Roclite 295- True/order half a size down
f-lite 300- Order half size up
f-lite 301 PK- Order half size up
Roclite 305- Order half size up
f-lite 305 PK- Order half size up
Terroc 308- True
Flyroc 310- True
Roclite 312 GTX- Order half size up
Roclite 315- Order half size up
Roclite 318 GTX- Order half size up
Roclite 320- Order half size up
Roclite 320 PK- Order half size up
Terroc 330- True
Mudclaw 330 O- True
f-lite 335- Order full size up
Flyroc 345 GTX- Order full size up
Roclite 370- True/Order half size down
Roclite 390 GTX- True/Order half size down

I don't know where they came up with that chart but from all of the experiences I've read on here it's very off. I have to wonder if they don't use testers whose feet they model the lasts after.

I ordered mine a half size up to 11 and they are just right. I have a wide foot and am not comfy in medium widths. The extra half made these fit very well, if a teeny bit long.

"I ordered mine a half size up"

This matches my experience, from 9.5 to 10 in my case. Lots roomier in the toe box that way. Great shoes when you get 'em to fit.

BTW, the Roclite 370 is being discontinued, so get 'em while they last. Go figure.

I need to make sure I understand the guidance on sizing.

When I purchase "running shoes" for hiking, I always go 1/2 size up. So my street shoe size is 12 and my New Balance shoes used for hiking are size 12.5

When the posters talk about going 1/2 size up from their "normal" size for Inov-8, are you referring to going up from street shoe size (12 to 12.5) or 1/2 size up from other hiking shoes (street shoe 12, hiker 12.5, Inov-8 sz 13)?

This info helps because I need to purchase Inov-8 online & can't try them on before ordering.

Thanks!