Inov-8 Running Shoes

inov-8 was founded in 2003 out of the fells and mountains in the British Lake District. We stock inov-8 running shoes at Run4It because we know how well designed they are for the challenges of off-road running. While inov-8 running shoes are tested to their extreme in the real world, inov-8 also makes use of science. Their revolutionary use of the material graphene, the strongest material in the world, in midsoles and outsoles is testament to this. If you’re wondering why graphene is used in inov-8 running shoes, it’s mainly to enhance durability. Trail running shoes have to cope with a lot of harsh terrain. High levels of durability is at the top of the list of priorities when it comes to selecting trail running shoes. Every trail is unique and it’s important to wear the right trail running shoes for the terrain you’re covering. At Run4It, we stock a range of inov-8 running shoes that are designed for different types of terrain and gradients. If you’re looking for maximum grip on steep slopes, the inov-8 X-Talon 212 v2 is widely regarded as one of the best. Its low profile design and deep lugged outsole is amazing on technical slopes and hill runs. The inov-8 X-Talon 212 v2 attributes also make it a great option for cross-country races. When you need this level of grip, but are running longer distances, the X-Talon Ultra 260 v2 is our recommendation. The clue is in the name, this more padded version of its popular lower profile counterpart provides more protection for bigger distances. We don’t recommend using a deep lugged hill running shoe on compact trails, as the lugs can’t dig into the ground. This compromises grip and wears the lugs down faster. However, some runners cover a lot of terrain on their trail runs and need a versatile outsole that can cope with hard packed trails and some more technical ground. The inov-8 Roclite G 275 is a brilliant all-rounder and perfectly equipped for a wide array of surfaces and even some steeper slopes. Running on flatter trails requires a different type of grip. The lugs on trail running shoes are usually shallower and broader than hill running shoes. This maximises grip on flat wet rock and improves stability. The inov-8 Trailfly G 280 v2 is perfect for moving quickly over rolling trails. Its 4 mm lugs, with water dispersion channels, are amazing on flat wet rock. If you like to head out on the trails for a long time, or run ultras, the inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max is an excellent choice. These maximally cushioned trail running shoes are built to help you run further. They’re also extremely durable and grip on flat wet rock, dry surfaces and looser ground.