Let me start out by saying that I don't have a local retailer who carries Inov-8 shoes.

I have a slightly wide foot and am looking for a minimalist trail running to use when hiking. I want to get away from wearing boots. My normal size is a 10.

I've read a ton of articles and currently in information overload. Some of these articles here on BPL date back a number of years.

With that said, what models of Inov-8 shoes do you currently wear hiking/trekking and how true to size are these shoes as compared to a normal everyday shoe?

I'm most interested in the Roclite 295's but am open to opinions on which Inov-8 shoes people own, wear, enjoy and would buy again. I understand the soles wear out due to the soft tread on some of the models.

I'm looking for a good all-around minimalist hiking shoe that will serve me well on all types of trails that I can get a couple of seasons out of. Not only hiking, but backwoods travel, hiking, camping, fishing, etc.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Dan

My feet are little wider than normal. The innov-8 shoes I have worn have always been a little on the narrow is side. For hiking I have enjoyed brooks shoes. This summer NewBalance will be bringing out a new shoe which looks to be a nice mix between minimal and functional and I think it will come in a wide version for those who need it, I don't think any other minimal shoes come in wide. http://www.irunfar.com/2011/12/new-balance-minimus-amp-mt1010-preview.html

Eric

Dan I think that the 295s are probably the best place to start. I've worn 212, 285, and recently got some 295s. The 295s have a nice and roomy toebox if you have wider feet and would probably be a better stepdown from boots than some of the more minimal models. I love the 212s but a lot of people find them too narrow and on dawn-dusk hiking days, especially in rocky areas, I found them a little thin. I really liked the 285s but the toe box was way too pointy. The 295s are a pretty well-balanced shoe; enough structure for long days on the trail but don't feel overbuilt. The only thing I'd change about them is lowering the heel-toe drop, which still isn't much compared to most shoes (9mm). After wearing flat shoes for everyday wear plus a couple years of lower drop shoes I do notice the drop but you probably wont if you've been wearing boots. I find they fit pretty true to size; the 295s feel a little bigger than most models I've tried but I think it's just the roomy toebox. If you order from running warehouse they have free shipping both ways so you could order a couple sizes and just send the others back.

Thanks for the link. Cheaper than Zappos with the same free return shipping. Looks like a good place to order from.

I'll look for more opinions and pick up some shoes next week.

NB Minimus Amp. Need to purchase before July and I don't know if I want to sport radioactive looking shoes with those bright colors. They need to make some earthtone models or grey or black.

If you click through the link at runblogger.com you can get an additional 10% off. There're some 15% off coupons floating around as well.

If moving from boots, 295 may be a bit thin also. You might try the 309, which has longer lasting rubber as does the 315, which is what I use.

I hadn't noticed the 309. Their site mentions them being a wider model. I've tried on 315s and the toebox felt narrower than the 295s.

295s are a pretty good all around. They have more than enough cushion for me. The inov8 site has pretty good info on the differences in their shoes. The 295s have 3-zone cushion, which is moderately high. They also list two types of lasts: performance and comfort. The performance last is a bit narrow and the comfort is wider.

I've used the 295's for a while and just got another pair to replace the pair that wore out. I went from Vasque lightweight boots to the Inov8's and I think it was one of the best gear changes that I have made. Much more enjoyable hiking in those than boots (for me at least).

They fit me really well and when new they have a nice, grippy tread.

My old 295's feel so good that I still wear them pretty much every day even though the tread is almost completely gone.

The 315's are worth a look also if you get free return shipping.

295s work for me.

--B.G.--

You might want to look at the new roclites coming out this summer. The theme is wider toe box, less weight, more mesh, more durable rubber, not as big of lugs. I'm interested. Comes in 3 different weights and drops.


http://www.irunfar.com/2012/02/best-trail-running-shoes-of-outdoor-retailer-winter-market-2012.html

+1 on 295s.

Wish the heel was a little narrower though. Normal shoe is a 10, Inov-8 10s fit well depending on my socks. If I wear hiking/thicker socks, fits perfect. With running/cycling socks it fits a little loose, and a 9.5 would be better.

I have terroc 330's

I would describe the fit as similar to New Balance. A moderately narrow heel for a secure fit, and moderately wide forefoot with room. I find it true to size basically.

Not much cushioning under the forefoot, but only notice when walking on hard surface like roads, etc. On the trail, dont even notice.

I've been using Roclite 295s for the last several years. I use them for backpacking, trail running, walking, and general casual wear. They are light, comfortable, and have worked well for me on all types of surfaces. Since the soles are relatively thin and flexible compared to hiking boots you have to learn to walk more gracefully rather than simply stomping down the trail, stepping over or between sharp rocks insted of on top of them. The mesh keeps your feet cool but also lets in a lot of dirt.

My only real complaint is that the lacing loops seem to be prone to breaking. This has been the failure point of every pair of 295s I've owned.

I have also used the Terroc 330s. Frankly, I find very little difference between them. The 330s may feel a touch wider in the toe box and seem to have a slightly stiffer/harder sole.

I wear an 11 in street shoes, 295s, and 330s.

Terroc 330s for hiking / backpacking

Roclites 285s for trail running

Awesome shoes, but not long lasting. Fair trade off.

I use a pair of F-lite 230s during the dry season, Roclite 285s the rest of the time, and Roclite 288 boots when bushwhacking is involved. I love 'em all.

My only real complaint is that sizing varies quite a bit from product to product. I'm a 10 with most brands, but my F-lites are 10.5, and my 285s are 11. Both are sized for thin or no socks. My 288s are also 11, but they're sized for mountaineering socks.

I agree with others that the 295 are one of the best all around Inov-8 shoes, especially when transitioning. It's the shoe that on my foot whenever I am not in the back country. I still prefer the older Flyroc 310 when backpacking. It has a bit less cushion, but I found it haven't better grip and I find myself getting less tired.

--mark

Those trailrocs look promising. I like the idea of the different rubber densities and more lugs. The uppers look super comfy.

The Inov-8 X-Talon 212 are my all time favorite trail shoe. Well over 750 miles with them in 2011. Not recommended for your first trail shoe though. I went from boot to Brooks Cascadia 5 to the Inov-8 X-Talon 212.

I ordered the roclite 295's with a 15% off coupon from rw for $75. Well give em a try when the weather warms up. I'm going with my normal size of a 10. My feet shrunk to almost a normal width when I dropped 30+ pounds this winter down to 175. Didn't realize I was walking around with puffy sausages for feet.

Thanks for the feedback.

Have fun!

None of them fit me at all - I can take several of them off via the heel even when fully laced! Doesn't stop me admiring the mudclaw sole unit :) Especially after slipping on some steep, super wet downhill. It really is something else.

Have a look at the Mizuno Wave Harriers, Martin. Very good sole, and a better fit for me than most Inov8's.

Nice looking things but iirc don't quite fit either. Between Saucony and Montrail I'm not at all badly off now mind. (or even some Salamon etc.).

In fact I've actually got a pair of Walshes which fit too, although I'm terrified of using those on any walk involving a section of road :) (Frequent.).

The attitude behind mudclaws really is nice though.

I heard so much about INOV-8 and decided to try them. I bought three models. The 318 GTX, the 295 and the X-Talon 212. A lot will depend on your feet and the terrain you will be using it in.

I like the 318 and 295, a lot, but I absolutely love the X-Talon 212. It is the best shoe I've ever worn. At first, it felt too snug and I called INOV-8. They told me it would loosen up. It did and now it feels at those it was made for my feet. It envelopes your fott similar to how it would feel if you dunked your feet in a vat of wax.

I wear a 9.5 and the 10 fit me perfectly.

The X-Talon never blisters my feet and they are very light, great on rocks when I hike and will keep you from sliding around in wet conditions.

It's not for everybody, that's for sure. There is no other shoe I've found like it.

Good luck with your search.

Edited by wiiawiwb on 02/18/2012 05:17:06 MST.

I'm a little late to this party... but I wish Inov-8 also made some wides! I've got a 2E foot. I ordered- and returned- the Roclite 295 and Terroc 330 over the last 6 months. Roomy toebox, but a narrow midfoot and a very narrow heel. Heel sole was so narrow that my heel spilled over the sides- an ankle injury waiting to happen. Which is a bummer, since they seemed very nice otherwise.

I'm really liking the 295's. I upsized 1/2 from my normal 10.5 to 11. They're new, but on dayhikes so far, I've been able wear everything from a thin wool sock to a thick wool sock with liner and GoreTex sock. I think it's the way the small nylon strap supports on top connect from the sole to the laces, allowing me to really clamp down on the width, or relax it for thicker socks.

My foot isn't very wide at the heel or mid though.

Edited by AndyF on 02/24/2012 09:41:59 MST.