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The good:-A fairly flat foot position with minimal heel rise.
-Sole thickness is a good balance of protection and ground feel for longer distances over rough terrain.
-Reinforced mesh body to the seam of the sole, ought to offer good drainage
-Two layer toe cap to protect from wear and bumps
The meh:
-Toe box is wider than most Inov-8 models, but still pretty narrow by minimalist standards. Not much room to move the piggies around.
The bad:
-Runs about a half to full size small (in the larger sizes at least). Compared my Trailroc 235 size 15 to three other brands and it is up to 1/2" shorter. Going to have to return them.
Sum:
If you don't mind a moderate toe box, this could be a good distance trail running shoe, but be aware you may have to try a few different sizes.
Best Deals on Inov-8 Trailroc 235 Trail Running Shoe
I've worn this shoe for ~500miles now, it's my current go to trail shoe. I run fairly technical, often muddy trails around Chapel Hill, NC; lots of roots, some rocks big and small, a few hills, and mud. These shoes replaced a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves, but probably compare more closely with my secondary shoes, Merrell Mix Master II (see my review: Merrell Mix Master 2 Minimalist Running Shoe Men's), though without the drop and better grip.I completely wore out a pair of Trail Gloves, the shoes fit my feet and needs well, but have very little grip. I really wanted a pair of Trail Gloves with an aggressive sole. The 235s have great tread and are 0-drop, but let me down otherwise.
The sole is hard and durable, starting to show wear. But hard is less flexible. The harder sole and moderate cushion combined with the upper construction feel like a big piece of rubber strapped to my foot. The shoe and sole never really move with my feet.
The grip is really where these things shine. They are average on wet rock and wood, but do great in mud or a wet forest floor. The midsoles allow you to feel the rocks and ground underneath, but are thick enough to handle sharp rocky descents without problem.
The upper is fairly well made. The toe cover only protects the upper, and quickly pulls up but remains in place. Last week I noticed a tear in the side of the upper along the plastic overlays. This is somewhat common. Still, the shoe is 500 miles of technical trail old, and not harmed by the small tear.
I must wear socks with these shoes, and kept the thin insert. Without those, the opening rubs against my ankle bone and causes a blister. The little extra height provided by the sock and insert completely resolve the issue.
The shoe drains well in the water; I've forded a number of creeks. The shoes gain only a bit of weight, and do not slosh.
4 STARS. It's a good shoe. It's minimal, but not overly. It has a great tread, especially for being minimal. The hard sole wears well. I will not buy a second pair; I want something more minimal and that fits and moves with my foot far better. And the grippy 235 sole!
Honest reviews on Inov-8 Trailroc 235 Trail Running Shoe
Good traction, very comfortable, wide enough, and doesn't dig into the ankles or achilles... However, the black portion covering the toe isn't glued down well and a small portion has started to separate from the shoe (on both feet, same place). Regardless, I don't think it will even come close to falling apart, so it's not a major problem. I would buy again.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Inov-8 Trailroc 235 Trail Running Shoe
Excellent traction and feel on a variety of trail surfaces from mud to loose stuff. Great on technical trails.Zero drop takes a bit to adjust to. Would be excellent on a short trail race.
Drainage is also good. I've been using it in winter in NZ and impressed by how quickly it feels dry after getting wet.
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