Inov-8 Roclite 290 trail running shoes are boosted with some really high quality features for dashing in rocky terrain! We took a look at them from a closer perspective and ran them through some 50 miles. In mud, over limestones, glassy stairs and on just simple rainy forest paths. My feeling is that, in general, the whole test went really well. 🙂 That being said, there are some points that you should be aware of before purchasing this model and that might influence your decision in the end.
Inov-8 Roclite 290 can boast with an inserted graphene grip. Graphene carbon compound is famous for being solid and lightweight at the same. This model, thus, only weighs around 300 grams (my version 292 grams) and makes it easy to go through difficult rocky terrain. As graphene is a form of carbon compound, it also lasts very long. I took the shoes on some sharper rocks here and there and I must say that the shoes remained even after 50 miles pretty much the same.
As the shoes are solid and light, they are perfect for faster runs and in more difficult terrain, surely they won’t disappoint you. Where I would be very hesitant for praising these shoes though, is the sizing. The overall shape looks very rounded, but the truth is that these shoes are quite narrow. Especially in the toe box. As a woman, I have developed halluxes (bunions) on my both feet. So that when getting the female version of these shoes, I would take at least half a size up.
Roclite outsole rubber is a real must-go for trail running shoes. The technology is said to provide an awesome traction and I can say that it really does! The 6mm deep shoe lugs combined with the lightweight long-lasting, solid graphene will take you easily through mud and won’t let you slip anywhere. I was only afraid a bit when testing them on really slippery cobblestones in the city. But that being said, the shoes are for a trail run in the end, so I wouldn’t even consider it as a real downside of this model. It is made for hard terrain, not a city run.
All in all, I consider Inov-8 Roclite 290 as a top-quality trail running shoe. Openly saying, I haven’t used many trail running shoes in my life. But even though I normally run in the city and on an easy terrain, I can confirm that Inov-8 Roclite 290 feel comfortable, light and lasted in my case for over 40 miles without a significant change. Just be careful of the sizing. Go half a size/ whole size up and you are gonna enjoy them anywhere where you take them! They are definitely worth the investment.
Inov-8 Roclite 290
Pros
- High resistancy
- Great traction on rocks and mud
- Stylish design
- Very light for a trail model
Cons
- A bit slippery on cobblestones
- Quite narrow profile