inov-8 ROCLITE ULTRA G 320 Initial Review | Best Roclite yet? | Run4Adventure

[@DerekWalker-jv6zj]

Having watched the review video and read the comments 2 days after buying a pair of these, I set out for my first run in them today with a degree of trepidation. I'm a big fan of Inov8 shoes, but the previous super cushioned ultra models have either been too wide or have too small a heel-toe drop for me. Having had 3 pairs of Roclite 275s, I was attracted by the combination of the fit, 8mm drop and extra cushioning. To be honest I was pretty impressed - the fit is great, the ride is much better on hard surfaces than the 275s, and I think they'll be great shoes for long, slow, multi-surface runs where pace isn't important. I wouldn't use them for a 9k muddy XC (Trail Talons are perfect for that), nor for shorter road runs. Many years ago I used the Salomon XC Pro trail shoe for long trail runs, as did many other people - it was heavier (400g) and had less cushioning. This is a TON better. So overall I'm quite impressed.

[@trooperwolfie]

It's good to see inov-8 have used proper eyelets on this version of the roclite, I have gone through 2 pairs of roclite 315 G shoes where the thin ribbon holding the cord that the laces thread through has torn/worn through, it's a really bad design flaw. This looks far more reliable. Great review, thanks.

[@michaelbennett6778]

Hi Loyd glad you’re recovering from our Hurtwood day out! I ran Hurtwood in Inov8 G300 max’s and they were great and only criticism is that I always find the inner stitching on my right foot is rough and causes a blister but overcome it and wear a compeed plaster to protect . My Hoka Speedgoat 4s are my favourites 👍 Great vlog and you’re right the Rocklite used to be a very good light and grippy trail shoe for shorter distances so they are confusing things a bit now!

[@mk_ultrarunner]

Ok. So I'm a SG wearer and they are my fav. I just bought a two pair of Salomon Glide Max TR and to my dismay the welded on plastic support that keeps the midsole fabric stiff is doing the same on the inside of my arch, but only on my right foot. I'm returned the unused pair but keeping the worn ones. I've tried thick socks, but still doesn't solve the issues. I just purchased a pair of the G 300 Max and now you have me concerned about the same issue. What do I do? What is this "compeed plaster" you speak of? I'm really trying to find other brands beside Hokas as they have gotten expensive and don't like the new ones. Just doesn't seem like I will. :(

[@grahamstenson8571]

Hey Lloyd, another great video. I agree with the confusion of Inov8 shoes. I want a shoe that can handle the muddy trails and fields here in the UK at the moment, but also be able to reach them on the road/path. I have literally no idea which shoe to get from their range, they have too many! Trailfly, Roclite or X-Talon?? I want to support them, but they need to reduce all these different niche models.

[@jimjamthebananaman1]

Parkclaw or trail fly would be fine but if it’s fell running then you’ll need x talon

[@joseconcha5118]

@graham the Roclite range is a multiterrain shoe; the Roclite Ultra g320 specially has enough cushion to be used on the road comfortably enough. The Trailfly range is all great for the road bit as they are soft with a lot of cushion, however the trailflys have less grip (4mm) so they won't perform as well as the roclites in mud and wet rock, grass etc. In conclusion, I use the Roclite in the autumn, winter and early spring to get to wet trails and the trailflys in the summer to get to hard packed trails if that makes sense? If you only have money for one shoe the Trailfly is okay but if you can afford a shoe rotation for the different seasons that is optimal

[@dazdarren9926]

I had a roclite gtx a couple years ago that I wore in winter here in the northern US and found the 6 mm lugs to be really effective on snow and ice although lock down was an issue and I don’t think I’d use them on technical trails

[@anguskay6177]

Far too heavy and far, far too expensive - just get the Roclite G275 (about £80 in sales) for the same outsole and stick a Boomerang insole inside

[@NoxiousNoodles]

I'm nervous about this one. This getting miles and miles away from what the roclite has been (in running shoe form). Happy if they keep the 275 in the line, but would be livid if they all went higher stack and softer.

[@ROSER6410]

Same, 275 is my go to trail shoe, hope the keep it.

[@danielmilton2634]

Too lardy for me which is a shame as I have been waiting for an aggressive soled inov8 with decent levels of cush for ultra.
As to the line up I remember when Inov8 were young pups, the line up consisted of a couple of Fell shoes and a couple of aggressive trail shoes, things have definitely become very confused since then especially in their "trail' shoe line up.

[@petraalma29]

Agree. I am a huge inov8 fan but it feels as if they are losing their way a bit. Weight of the shoe (i.e. the less of it the better) is key for me.

[@michaelbennett6778]

Compeed blister plasters . Just protect the rough seam on the arch of your foot . They stick nicely

[@gow2ilove]

I was really excited about the idea of this shoe, however execution is way off the mark. It always felt like there was a gap to be filled by combining the Roclite sole with the upper of the terraultra, which was a really comfortable lightweight shoe and could have given this a lighter overall weight.
In terms of where inov-8 are going, it seems like they've moved well away from being a proper fell running brand and instead are trying to cater to people who think trail running is just running along the side of a canal. For me the graphene grip is very poor compared to their sticky grip and doesn't add much longevity either. They still produce some good shoes now and then but they're charging too much for them as well and creating too many similar shoes.

[@sdemosi]

The prices are high for products that wear out quickly. If they're going to outprice Salomon then they need to last longer or perform much better.

[@thomasheckel7499]

For me, the “old” Trailfly 300 is still the best shoe from inov8. The first time I bought a shoe for the second time was after the first pair had expired

[@manuel_877]

Good evenning Run4adventure and all the runners. Thanks for this information about Inov8. Here is my like, Loyd. A nice Monday for everyone. ⛰🏃‍♂️🌦

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Manuel 👍
Really glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your support 🙏

[@kirbster1977]

I have owned loads of Inov8s but must admit I generally buy elsewhere now as their shoes are now way over hyped and expensive. My Trailfly Ultra 300s weighed 402g in UK11. Hoka Speedgoat 5 in same size only 325g and is much better and cheaper shoe IMO. Also a big fan of the Asics Fujilite 3 for a nice nimble light trail racer. That being said the Trailfly G 270s and Xtalons are still great shoes by Inov8.

[@rolls1392]

Right pair clunkers there!
I find my G300's really nice to run in, except for wet granite.
Will be interested how the review progresses.
Cheers Loyd

[@brianogrady9883]

Great review as ever Loyd

[@robsbeenrunning]

Inov8 shoes just seem to be lagging a bit behind other brands in my opinion, and the price is very off putting. Another great review mate.

[@reinmansmith]

As you know from previous comments I am a bit of a Inov-8 fan boy with a ‘stable’ of shoes from lightweight summer through to deep lug winter , but I do wonder if they’re just trying to fill every tiny gap and are going in at too high a price. They are great shoes but, maybe reduce the range, the prices and sell more shoes? 🤔

[@goingtheextramile]

Feels like these are just the Roclite 315 GTX V2 from their hiking line up, with a different foam, and the name Ultra added to their name, which seems to be their 'thing' at the moment. When I first saw them I thought they'd make a great fastpacking shoe, but I'm not sure I'd want to run in them. It feels a bit like Inov8's cushioned (G-FLY) and bouncy (Flyspeed) foams just aren't quite up to the standards of other brands at the moment. It is a shame as I have other shoes from them (X-Talon Ultra 260 V2 and X-Talon G235) which are amazing for their particular uses.

[@christhomas8256]

I’m looking at getting these for trail ultras, my only experience with trail shoes has been the UA charged bandit which left me disappointed! Hopefully these will do the trick.

[@jansommerlund5497]

Totally agree with you here Loyd. What direction is Inov8 taking? Its pretty confusing right now. Im glad to hear the tongue is more soft and thick. The thin tongue on f.ex. 260 V2 is so uncomfortable. Thanks for another great review and what a beautiful place you live!
Any plans on reviewing the new trail fly 250?

[@stevenmeldrum1944]

I love the 320. I bought 2.

[@patcarroll280]

Looks are subjective but...... still a bit "clogh" like to my eye :) top vid as always Loyd.

[@gogolaklazlo]

inov8 having problems with their line-up, names, weights, foams, shoe names, wish them a happy new year

[@johnmurphy6162]

I find inov8 shoes just lack a little cushion.

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

Weight is a shame ! Otherwise it looks like a very interesting shoe...but as you pointed out, weight is high, just not competitive these days !

[@stevenmeldrum1944]

I like a stiff sole as it helps my plantar fasciitis

[@garthhume]

Hiking shoes?

[@Run4Adventure]

I think it would work well as a hiking shoe Garth 👍
Thanks for watching 🙏

[@DartmoorPaul]

Thank you Loyd for this review but oh no Inov8, what has happened to you since you sold out all those years ago 😢 You used to be the master of fell shoes, MudClaws and RocLites and now you have become what seems the master of none by trying to create a shoe with every possible mix of grip, mid and outsoles. Sad to see a company that looks to have lost it’s true north.

[@danielmilton2634]

Watch out in the coming years. I suspect a change of direction now that the original founder has bought the company back

[@paulgal]

I wonder if anyone can help me. I need trainers for hiking munros in Scotland. They have to be waterproof . I really don’t want to wear boots anymore they’re just not comfortable for me. Can anyone recommend any .

[@Run4Adventure]

The new ROCLITE ULTRA G 320 would definitely do that roll Paul. I would also recommend having a look at some of Hokas and Salomon's trail running shoes 👍
Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏

[@paulgal]

@@Run4Adventure thanks I like the Hokas what ones would you suggest ? I have Solomon boots I do like them just looking for something lighter. I forgot to mention they need to be wtaterproof as I stay in Scotland 😂

[@Run4Adventure]

@@paulgal I'd have a look at the Hoka Speedgoat 5,which comes on a waterproof option. Hoka also do some lightweight, very cushioned walking boots as well 👍

[@paulgal]

@@Run4Adventure legend thanks so much . I’ve subbed to the channel. I’ll check these out.

[@Run4Adventure]

@@paulgal Thanks gor the sub Paul, it's really appreciated 🙏😊

[@frankjacobsen6848]

Hi😊someone who have a discount code for Saysky? Have a nice and sporty week👍😎