Really a shame inov8 got rid of their old style, I can’t no matter how much I try like them, I just think they look so cheap ish and like something from a supermarket for a high price
So, I’ve run 200km in these so far, so sharing some thoughts too! (Sorry for the essay in advance 😂) I went for the wide fit, which was probably a mistake. Perfect for trails, but out in the lakes where I was in more steep terrain, I couldn’t get a sufficient lockdown (in comparison to the g270s which I’ve put 1000km+ in across a few pairs) so on steep descents, my foot was swimming round a bit and did slow me down. Trying to tighten laces was then bruising my foot on top. I would get the standard fit if I was purchasing again. I also have noticed the heel of the right outsole peeling away a little bit, but I can point that to a stile I climb over on hill reps - my heel caught in it a few times and so I suspect that is user error rather than quality, as the left one is fine! On a positive note, they are significantly comfier than the g270s and the rock plate is great for extra protection. Grippy, too - haven’t had an issue yet except in deep mud where you’d want talons anyway. The outsole is turning out to be very durable - no sign of wear at all after 200k, and that’s not something I can say for my g270s. Pretty impressed with that, I can see the midsole losing its bounce before the grips wear out (that’s road, mud, rock, all sorts. Pretty impressed.) To solve the fitting on steep terrain (100m per k type thing) I’ve just ordered some precision fit mudtalons, which I’ll be testing in the Howgills next week. Also - the price is pretty good I think! Cheers Loyd!
Another great view - thanks. Put over 200 hard miles on mine in the Lakes and the Dales and they’re still going strong. No issues at all (apart from deep mud, but they’re not designed for that). One of the best trail shoes I’ve had in years. Will be wearing them for the Lakeland 50.
I wouldn't bother using the cost as a factor here. Its a variable, and you can get them at discounts etc etc where as things like the durablility, fit and so forth are what they are. Where as if you can get a pair for whatever it cost it isnt really that big a deal. Also means the reviews are more timeless.
I’ve a wide fit pair of these new style Trailfly’s and have racked up 332km in them already. I’ve just run the Classic Quarter in them too. I completely agree with Loyd’s review, especially on the padded tongue, grip and durability. I think they are outstanding for the Cornish coastal path to the extent these have completely replaced my trusty Hoka Speedgoats. I love the new properly wide, properly foot-shaped fit and my feet are better for it. I also love that they got rid of the super thin unpadded tongues, which used to hurt, and give enough shoelace to do a proper runner’s lock. I say well done Innov8. Yes, the colour way could be more exciting, but overall this is a fantastic brave new direction and I think they’ve done a great job.
Looks like a great shoe, I'll certainly get a pair. I miss the 5mm lugs though from the Trailfly G270, 4mm lugs makes it a summer only shoe for here in the UK.
I picked up a pair and have also done 60 odd miles in them. Agree with all your thoughts on these shoes. Plenty room in the standard fit for me. They will be doing the bulk of the mileage on my Bob Graham in July.
Very positive review of the Trailfly. Can anyone compare the standard width on this shoe against the wide fit on the Mudtrail? The wide fit is actually a bit too wide for me and I might just try this one in the standard fit.
The Trailfly has a bit more cushioning in the midsole but the Long Sky is lighter and more responsive. Plus the Long Sky has a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole which is brilliant in wet conditions 👍
Inov8s brand manager should be looking for a new job, and the entire management should be worried about the new range. I’m sure technically the shoes will perform as we all expect, but the new logo is dull, and the actual shoes look terrible. The old logo was neat and fun, recognisable, everybody got it, and the range had some nice outdoorsy sharp contrasting colours. Apparently the new logo represents a birds talon, but it turn out to be a rams head. Anybody remember choco crispies?
I kind of have to agree! I think the changes they’ve made to their shoes have been great but I’m not a fan of the new branding or how the shoes look. I actually liked the old logo, like you mentioned it was super recognisable and outdoorsy. I think it was time for a logo/brand update but I’m not sure they got it right 🤷♂️
As a brand manager of c15 years myself I cannot believe that inov8 simultaneously decided to brilliantly update their shoe design to be anatomical and therefore really deepen the connection to their brand essence of free-natural running and then go and get rid of the foot logo which was not only unique and identifiable but perfectly represented said essence and then replaced it with a bird talon, what?! Simply bizarre. I’m going to get a pair of these simply because getting shoes to fit my (feet shaped!) feet seems to be so hard, but agree the new design is aesthetically lacking in anything to give it substance.
I disagree. I have a qualification in graphic design (flex!) and the older logo with the 8 shaped like a foot was poorly executed imo. We were always taught to not include two ideas in one visual 'trick'. The name inov8 is already one idea so adding another idea no matter how cute detracts from the one that really matters; the brand name! Sorry for the lecture but I thought I should stand up for the designer in this case!
Great review Lloyd. Bought a pair off the back of this. Loving the midsole and the bounce! For me the wide fit is only slightly wider when I compare the footbeds to my x talon ultras, so definitely still need a size up. First run wasn’t a huge test for them but I’ll need to wear them for a while before my jury settles on a judgement of their performance on wet wood or rock. I’m not yet convinced they’re any better than the previous graphene soles in that regard. Do you or anyone know whether the midsole for the mudtalon is identical to the Trailfly?
Really interested in trying these out! The foot shape and non-zero drop are a big pull for me. Just out of curiosity, if you had to put a max race distance on these based on the comfort what would you go with? Cheers!
Definitely suitable for marathon plus in terms of distance. I’ve got an upcoming 100 miler but I’ve not had them long enough to be confident they’ll be cushioned and comfortable enough for that. Going with Topo Ultraventure Pro which are just as wide, lighter and have a softer ride
@@neilbeacher17 great stuff! Thanks for the info, appreciate it. Finding it hard to get shoes that are wide enough in the forefoot. Most wides just add volume and end up all sloppy. Could be time for a shopping trip 👍
It’s a bit personal choice too, really. As the other comment says, not sure I’d wear them for a 100 miler, but I would wear them on a multi day if the days topped out at the 60/70k mark. Depends if you’d like a more contact feel or not, some people do the spine in g270s which are very connected and others need more cushion.
@@010MACS Very true. 60-70k mark would be about spot on for me but as you say, completely subjective. Funny things happen to feet and shoes past the 30k mark. It can sour a very comfy pair in a heartbeat!
Any suggestions of a shoe for an 80 miles ultra on dry, rocky trails (i.e. not in the UK!). Sounds like these could work. Also looking at the La Sportiva Prodigio. I don't need anything super wide.
I have the original terraultra g270 in the colourway you keep showing, it's one of my current favourite shoes, just wish it had a bit more padding. Might give these a try although i'm concerned the drop might be too much for me, don't tend to like much over 4mm
Previously i bought the Trailfly Ultra G 280 . I really enjoy the nitrogen infused mid sole foam . It is more responsive to run . The traction was okay but i still feel vibram outsole is much better. Tempted to buy this model.
I'm looking at these to replace my saucony exodus ultra 2's that have been the most comfortable shoe I've had yet, only thing stopping me buying another pair is the front point of logo has poked holes through the crease point, disappointed as I can't fault them anywhere else, anyone else used bith for a comparison?
I’ve run good miles in the Xodus Ultra 2 and the TRAILFLY now Neil. I’d say the biggest differences are the TRAILFLY has a lot more width in the toe box and the Xodus does have a more Cushioned midsole. I really like the level of Cushioning in the TRAILFLY but the Xodus midsole feels like it’s got more bounce. Hope this helps and thanks for watching 🙏🙂
@@Run4Adventure update.....contacted saucony, explained the issue, sent pics they asked for, they agreed & have refunded me, as a tester I used tweezers & a pair of nail scissors to peel the logo back 1cm & snip it off which stops the logo punching through the upper! Sportsshoes had them offer for £80 so another pair on the way and the logo will get the same treatment straight out of the box! Result in my eyes👌🤣
After reading the review on SportsShoes for this Trailfly, I decided to purchase the Saucony Xodus Ultra 2. My issue with the G300 Trailfly Ultra is despite firmly lacing them up, they tend to loosen, likely due to the fabric stretching and or wet conditions. Additionally, the unpadded tongue causes discomfort, as the laces dig into the top of my foot ( pain ) when tightened.
I had the same issue with my G300’s, the tongue was definitely too thin and under padded! The tongue on the new TRAILFLY is nicely padded and they’re running well for me 👍
@@Run4Adventure I bought two pairs of Xodus Ultras, and after 60 miles, the outer lug was completely worn. Not very durable so returned the second pair. The Trailfly G300 sole is the best I've had; after 180 miles, the lugs were just starting to wear. So, I bit the bullet and ordered the new Trailfly. They were a tighter fit, but after a hilly 10-mile trail run, they seem good. They could use more padding around the heel, though, as I felt it tightening on climbing steep hills. But happy with them!
If it’s a wet year it would struggle in all the mud! It’s only got a 4mm lug depth and that’s not really deep enough for a wet muddy Arc of Attrition 👍 Hope this helps Tom and thanks for watching 🙏
I’ve found the new Trailflys a little more comfortable than previous Inov8 models. I wouldn’t call them deeply cushioned like a Hoka Speedgoat but they feel good to run in Mat 👍
Really a shame inov8 got rid of their old style, I can’t no matter how much I try like them, I just think they look so cheap ish and like something from a supermarket for a high price
Yes they are extremely ugly. If I wasn't a runner I would assume these cost 15 quid and are from Lidl
Yeah.
So, I’ve run 200km in these so far, so sharing some thoughts too! (Sorry for the essay in advance 😂)
I went for the wide fit, which was probably a mistake. Perfect for trails, but out in the lakes where I was in more steep terrain, I couldn’t get a sufficient lockdown (in comparison to the g270s which I’ve put 1000km+ in across a few pairs) so on steep descents, my foot was swimming round a bit and did slow me down. Trying to tighten laces was then bruising my foot on top. I would get the standard fit if I was purchasing again.
I also have noticed the heel of the right outsole peeling away a little bit, but I can point that to a stile I climb over on hill reps - my heel caught in it a few times and so I suspect that is user error rather than quality, as the left one is fine!
On a positive note, they are significantly comfier than the g270s and the rock plate is great for extra protection. Grippy, too - haven’t had an issue yet except in deep mud where you’d want talons anyway.
The outsole is turning out to be very durable - no sign of wear at all after 200k, and that’s not something I can say for my g270s. Pretty impressed with that, I can see the midsole losing its bounce before the grips wear out (that’s road, mud, rock, all sorts. Pretty impressed.)
To solve the fitting on steep terrain (100m per k type thing) I’ve just ordered some precision fit mudtalons, which I’ll be testing in the Howgills next week.
Also - the price is pretty good I think! Cheers Loyd!
Another great view - thanks. Put over 200 hard miles on mine in the Lakes and the Dales and they’re still going strong. No issues at all (apart from deep mud, but they’re not designed for that). One of the best trail shoes I’ve had in years. Will be wearing them for the Lakeland 50.
Thanks for this description about inov-8 at 2024. Like to Run4adventure. Have a good day.
Cheers Manuel, thanks for watching 🙏
I wouldn't bother using the cost as a factor here.
Its a variable, and you can get them at discounts etc etc where as things like the durablility, fit and so forth are what they are. Where as if you can get a pair for whatever it cost it isnt really that big a deal. Also means the reviews are more timeless.
I’ve a wide fit pair of these new style Trailfly’s and have racked up 332km in them already. I’ve just run the Classic Quarter in them too. I completely agree with Loyd’s review, especially on the padded tongue, grip and durability. I think they are outstanding for the Cornish coastal path to the extent these have completely replaced my trusty Hoka Speedgoats. I love the new properly wide, properly foot-shaped fit and my feet are better for it. I also love that they got rid of the super thin unpadded tongues, which used to hurt, and give enough shoelace to do a proper runner’s lock. I say well done Innov8. Yes, the colour way could be more exciting, but overall this is a fantastic brave new direction and I think they’ve done a great job.
It’s a good shoe Matthew, I’m glad you’re enjoying yours! 👍😁
I miss the pockets for strapouts....
Looks like a great shoe, I'll certainly get a pair. I miss the 5mm lugs though from the Trailfly G270, 4mm lugs makes it a summer only shoe for here in the UK.
I’ve found them really grippy to be fair, in a range of conditions. But, you’re right - in bad stuff you’d want something else!
I picked up a pair and have also done 60 odd miles in them. Agree with all your thoughts on these shoes. Plenty room in the standard fit for me. They will be doing the bulk of the mileage on my Bob Graham in July.
Very positive review of the Trailfly. Can anyone compare the standard width on this shoe against the wide fit on the Mudtrail? The wide fit is actually a bit too wide for me and I might just try this one in the standard fit.
Could inov 8 shoes look more boring?
Do you run an ultra looking at your feet? 😂
@010MACS come on they are boring though aren't they!
@@greigseavill629 wouldn’t say boring but I have seen more interesting things lol
💯 if it doesn’t look good, it ain’t getting donned!
They do come in colours other than grey, but everything ends up mud coloured anyway!
How would they compare to Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx?
The Trailfly has a bit more cushioning in the midsole but the Long Sky is lighter and more responsive. Plus the Long Sky has a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole which is brilliant in wet conditions 👍
I love these shoes. 8.5/10 very good trail.
Glad you’re enjoying your Trailflys 😄
Inov8s brand manager should be looking for a new job, and the entire management should be worried about the new range. I’m sure technically the shoes will perform as we all expect, but the new logo is dull, and the actual shoes look terrible. The old logo was neat and fun, recognisable, everybody got it, and the range had some nice outdoorsy sharp contrasting colours. Apparently the new logo represents a birds talon, but it turn out to be a rams head. Anybody remember choco crispies?
I kind of have to agree! I think the changes they’ve made to their shoes have been great but I’m not a fan of the new branding or how the shoes look. I actually liked the old logo, like you mentioned it was super recognisable and outdoorsy. I think it was time for a logo/brand update but I’m not sure they got it right 🤷♂️
As a brand manager of c15 years myself I cannot believe that inov8 simultaneously decided to brilliantly update their shoe design to be anatomical and therefore really deepen the connection to their brand essence of free-natural running and then go and get rid of the foot logo which was not only unique and identifiable but perfectly represented said essence and then replaced it with a bird talon, what?! Simply bizarre.
I’m going to get a pair of these simply because getting shoes to fit my (feet shaped!) feet seems to be so hard, but agree the new design is aesthetically lacking in anything to give it substance.
@@christiansarginson780 The logo change does seem a bit strange, I’m not sure it was the smartest move 🤷♂️
I disagree. I have a qualification in graphic design (flex!) and the older logo with the 8 shaped like a foot was poorly executed imo. We were always taught to not include two ideas in one visual 'trick'. The name inov8 is already one idea so adding another idea no matter how cute detracts from the one that really matters; the brand name! Sorry for the lecture but I thought I should stand up for the designer in this case!
Great review Lloyd. Bought a pair off the back of this. Loving the midsole and the bounce! For me the wide fit is only slightly wider when I compare the footbeds to my x talon ultras, so definitely still need a size up. First run wasn’t a huge test for them but I’ll need to wear them for a while before my jury settles on a judgement of their performance on wet wood or rock. I’m not yet convinced they’re any better than the previous graphene soles in that regard. Do you or anyone know whether the midsole for the mudtalon is identical to the Trailfly?
Really interested in trying these out! The foot shape and non-zero drop are a big pull for me. Just out of curiosity, if you had to put a max race distance on these based on the comfort what would you go with? Cheers!
Definitely suitable for marathon plus in terms of distance. I’ve got an upcoming 100 miler but I’ve not had them long enough to be confident they’ll be cushioned and comfortable enough for that. Going with Topo Ultraventure Pro which are just as wide, lighter and have a softer ride
@@neilbeacher17 great stuff! Thanks for the info, appreciate it. Finding it hard to get shoes that are wide enough in the forefoot. Most wides just add volume and end up all sloppy. Could be time for a shopping trip 👍
It’s a bit personal choice too, really. As the other comment says, not sure I’d wear them for a 100 miler, but I would wear them on a multi day if the days topped out at the 60/70k mark.
Depends if you’d like a more contact feel or not, some people do the spine in g270s which are very connected and others need more cushion.
@@010MACS Very true. 60-70k mark would be about spot on for me but as you say, completely subjective. Funny things happen to feet and shoes past the 30k mark. It can sour a very comfy pair in a heartbeat!
@@paulj6637 totally! Give them a try in the shop and see what you think, all you can do 😊
Any suggestions of a shoe for an 80 miles ultra on dry, rocky trails (i.e. not in the UK!). Sounds like these could work. Also looking at the La Sportiva Prodigio. I don't need anything super wide.
Hey Loyd.
I really want to test these, after hearing amazing reviews but it's the colour that's stopping me. I do like bright colours 👊🏻
I have the original terraultra g270 in the colourway you keep showing, it's one of my current favourite shoes, just wish it had a bit more padding. Might give these a try although i'm concerned the drop might be too much for me, don't tend to like much over 4mm
Previously i bought the Trailfly Ultra G 280 . I really enjoy the nitrogen infused mid sole foam . It is more responsive to run . The traction was okay but i still feel vibram outsole is much better. Tempted to buy this model.
Sounds great..though I like a zero drop.
Those socks you wear with the Inov8s look cool. (Pale blue ones with fuzzy monsters) What brand are they?
The socks are from Stance but they’re a couple of years old now, I don’t think they make them anymore? 🤔
What do inovat have other than the g300 for long distance that isn't zero drop? Preferably for a wider foot?
Trailfy G280. Brilliant shoe
I'm looking at these to replace my saucony exodus ultra 2's that have been the most comfortable shoe I've had yet, only thing stopping me buying another pair is the front point of logo has poked holes through the crease point, disappointed as I can't fault them anywhere else, anyone else used bith for a comparison?
I’ve run good miles in the Xodus Ultra 2 and the TRAILFLY now Neil. I’d say the biggest differences are the TRAILFLY has a lot more width in the toe box and the Xodus does have a more Cushioned midsole. I really like the level of Cushioning in the TRAILFLY but the Xodus midsole feels like it’s got more bounce. Hope this helps and thanks for watching 🙏🙂
@@Run4Adventure update.....contacted saucony, explained the issue, sent pics they asked for, they agreed & have refunded me, as a tester I used tweezers & a pair of nail scissors to peel the logo back 1cm & snip it off which stops the logo punching through the upper! Sportsshoes had them offer for £80 so another pair on the way and the logo will get the same treatment straight out of the box! Result in my eyes👌🤣
After reading the review on SportsShoes for this Trailfly, I decided to purchase the Saucony Xodus Ultra 2. My issue with the G300 Trailfly Ultra is despite firmly lacing them up, they tend to loosen, likely due to the fabric stretching and or wet conditions. Additionally, the unpadded tongue causes discomfort, as the laces dig into the top of my foot ( pain ) when tightened.
I had the same issue with my G300’s, the tongue was definitely too thin and under padded! The tongue on the new TRAILFLY is nicely padded and they’re running well for me 👍
@@Run4Adventure I bought two pairs of Xodus Ultras, and after 60 miles, the outer lug was completely worn. Not very durable so returned the second pair. The Trailfly G300 sole is the best I've had; after 180 miles, the lugs were just starting to wear. So, I bit the bullet and ordered the new Trailfly. They were a tighter fit, but after a hilly 10-mile trail run, they seem good. They could use more padding around the heel, though, as I felt it tightening on climbing steep hills. But happy with them!
Would a shoe like this be suitable for the Arc of Attrition?
If it’s a wet year it would struggle in all the mud! It’s only got a 4mm lug depth and that’s not really deep enough for a wet muddy Arc of Attrition 👍
Hope this helps Tom and thanks for watching 🙏
Hi Loyd, are the soles plusher than former inov8 shoes which I thought were a touch thin?
I’ve found the new Trailflys a little more comfortable than previous Inov8 models. I wouldn’t call them deeply cushioned like a Hoka Speedgoat but they feel good to run in Mat 👍
@@Run4Adventure Great cheers, I’ve just tried Speedgoat wides but they give me numb toes after 3-5 miles so back to Inov8. I have hobbit wide feet
FACT: Lloyd Purvis attended the first school ever 😁😁😁
????🤷♂️
@@Run4Adventure I meant, the first school EVER. You kept saying how far back it was when you attended .
@@mistersmith3986 It was a long time ago but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the first ever school? I’m not that old 🤔
Hey Loyd, thank you for your video. Do you have the wide or standard version ?
I said a couple of times in the video that I’ve got the standard version? 🤷♂️
@@Run4Adventure it seem so wide that I can’t imagine the wide one ^^ ! Thank you for your answer !!
1 week after I’ve tested these Inov8 ! What a good surprise ! Thanks again Loyd !
i have a pair and I love them. Done 200 miles plus in mine with no problems.
How is the wear on the outsole after 200 miles?
@@mistersmith3986 I can just see a slight wear on the left heal. But it's very slight bearly 1-2 mill.
@@jonathannewby2720 Bwuaaaahaaa 😁. My right heel is the were spot for me.
Thanks for the reply 👍