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.
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.
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My biggest issue with the shoe is the weight. The menโs 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!
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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.
These shoes have the classic Inov-8 tread โ itโs 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).
Pros:
โ good looking
โ good quality
โ nice tread
โ traditional heel/toe drop
โ debris gaiter compatible
Cons:
โ weight
