Another Inov-8 thread

I usually use the 295s and like them. They dry relatively quickly. They also have a little wider toxbox apparently. They are built on a "comfort" last, not the "performance" last. I have a fairly narrow foot and they fit well, breathe well, and I have never really had any dirt get in them.

Apologies, Jesse, if this response is orthogonal to your core question, but I (and Mark Verber, and many others) are wedded to the FlyRoc 310's. I'm on my third pair. They're based on a narrow last but I buy my normal size and they fit my feet fine. Never a blister. They dry faster than any other shoe I've ever used. Your toes will get dirty from very fine dust coming through the mesh. I've hiked with them wearing 35- and 40-pound loads and they've been wonderous. The only time any other shoes reach my feet is if the terrain is too rough (extremely rare, which calls for boots) or if I'm snowshoeing (for which I use GTX sneaks). Just another data point for you to consider in your search. I doubt very much you'll go wrong with this brand…as long as your feet match the lasts around which the shoes are designed, and the shoes really do properly fit.

I just got a pair of Flyroc 303s. I haven't had them out yet, but the anatomical last actually fits my wide forefoot unlike every other Inov-8 model for what it's worth.

I wish Inov-8 would post a graphic that shows the differences in their lasts. Both the comfort and anatomical lasts say they have a wider toe box. Which is wider? Which has a blunter toe box? This vagueness is why I'd rather try other brands than other Inov-8 shoes.

I just sent a feedback email to Inov-8 to ask for this.

Eugene,
I was able to find this info on the New Zealand Inov-8 site:
http://www.inov-8.co.nz/shoe-technical-information/

Mike

Hi
Which you choose should depend on what your feet are like.
I have found that despite the narrow toe box, the light inov8s with a performance last are so soft that this is a non issue. However they comfort and anatomic lasts do have a wider toe box, if you like a wide toe box, but want one of the heavier built shoes, don't go for a performance last.
I have 195's and 190's with a performance last and find both fine despite having wide feet. I only use the 190s for running in v muddy conditions. I think the tread is too agressive for any form of backpacking. The 195's are great if it is not muddy, however if wet the tread is not aggressive enough.
280's have the same performance last but a grippier sole.
My problem is that I pronate, and have found that any built up shoe causes me issues (not just inov 8s) I have tied the >> 285s and the >>> terrocs, but found them too cushioned for me.
My current choice of shoe is the Vivo barefoot Neo trail, grippy, with a wide toe box and no cushioning.
I am however really looking forward to the upcoming release of the new inov 8 Trailroc, which has minimal cushioning, a wide toe box and a grippy sole!
James

"I have found that despite the narrow toe box, the light inov8s with a performance last are so soft that this is a non issue."

I agree with this

The soft upper models (I like the 230) still only work for me if I size up one full size. Between the increase in length (and width) and the soft overlay on the toe, they work ok. I just hate having to size up so much and the tread isn't really designed for trail.