Inov-8 Race Ultra 290 Review

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Inov-8 just came out with a shoe designed specifically for ultras! They are interesting in that they incorporate many Inov-8 features, while at the same time dabbling in traditional shoe features.

These shoes are quite good-looking (not that looks should matter). They are very comfortable! I must say, they felt quite a bit like the Gel Kayanos that I regularly train in (I know many Inov-8 wearers probably just cringed).

 

These have a nice wide toebox, which is a great Inov-8 feature that many shoes, especially trail shoes, lack.

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The shoes have a 26mm heel and a 17mm forefoot โ€“ a 9mm drop. This is pretty unusual for an Inov-8 pair of shoes and it may throw off some of their longstanding wearers. With that being said, it may draw in others who like the feel of a more traditional shoe.

My biggest issue with the shoe is the weight. The menโ€™s size 10 was 11.6 ounces on my scale. Not only that, when I put them on, they feel 100% like a trainer, not a racer. Now, I understand that this shoe is designed for ultras. Nevertheless, I really think these were on the heavy side. In fact, after a creek crossing or a muddy stretch, I think these would feel a bit clunky. With that being said, they feel very well-made and I think they would definitely hold up to the rigors of just about any ultra!

I also think these shoes would make a kick-ass training shoe. In fact, these would make the perfect trainer for use on trails and/or roads.

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These shoes have the classic Inov-8 tread โ€“ itโ€™s awesome! They also have an on-shoe attachment system for a debris gaiter.

These shoes generally retail for $130 to $140. They are available at Running Warehouse, Zappos and Amazon (you can access these sites by clicking the pictures in this post).

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Pros:
โ€“ good looking
โ€“ good quality
โ€“ nice tread
โ€“ traditional heel/toe drop
โ€“ debris gaiter compatible

Cons:
โ€“ weight