2012 has been the year of the off-road and trail run/obstacle race for me. I have run about 20 this year but it wasn't until recently that I realized that runners in the 'elite' heats of these races were all wearing Inov-8s, and now I see why.
I had been running in vibram 5 fingers for the past 5 years or so people called me the Vibram hipster but after running in these bad boys I'll save the vibrams for the mud runs and these puppies for the trail and obstacle runs.
Wary of anything bright and flashy or worn by cross fitters (ha, just joking) I had my reservations and took these guys out on a 12 mile trail run right off the bat. These shoes fit snugly and ate up the terrain without any problem I didn't expect to run more than a few miles in them but the comfort kept me going. These shoes are light weight, gripped the mixed trail (gravel, dirt, roots, wooden beams) and the road equally well.
I was worried when one of our group runners twisted an ankle and we had to take a road back the last 2 miles. I know some trail shoes or cleats will wreck your feet if you run on pavement these shoes, and my feet, held up just fine.
I plan on getting a heck of a lot of use out of these, so much in fact, that I purchased a second pair just in case I decide to fully replace my vibrams in the dirt and grime.
Inov-8 definitely got it right with these.
Happy Trails!
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I compare the 245 to my previous shoe of choice and one it resembles closely. The MT110 from New Balance. I have a normal arch and am a neutral runner.
My 245s arrived yesterday and I took them on a 14 mile training run over mostly hard packed, rocky terrain, here are my early impressions. I am impressed with the traction, comfort, and locked in fit. I already prefer them over the MT110s. The trailrocs fit my low volume feet perfectly, just like the Minimus last but a tad bit more room in the toe box. I purchased the same size I wear in Minimus Trail and the fit was spot on.
Traction was nice all around from the hardpack, loose gravel, mud, and soft pine needled track I have no complaints. The upper was 'breezy' and after a small stream crossing they drained and dried pretty well. I do like the mesh upper more than the also nice synthetic 110 upper. I did not have any debris catch or snag the mesh on my run. Also, I did not notice any debris getting through the thin mesh yet or any hotspots. I absolutely love the outsole on this shoe! I just hope it's durable enough to justify the high price tag. I believe it will put the 110 to shame in this category.
In regard to weight, I didn't really notice a difference between these and the 110s. The lower 1mm drop of the trailrocs was not noticeable to me either. I did notice a difference with lack of soreness after my usual run which I attribute to the additional cushioning of the trailroc. Or maybe it's just because the EVA foam of the 110 was crushed after the first 30 miles on mine.
Complaints the laces. I guess NB has just spoiled me. Those thick laces just don't come untied. I had to double knot the inov-8 ones. Toe bumper is pretty much not there, it could be beefier. I also wish the tongue was gusseted higher up, it doesn't want to stay put. Removable insole I'm not a fan, but a great feature for those that wear orthotics...but if you've got orthotics why do you believe in low drop anyway...?
Overall I am very satisfied with this purchase. The fit really is spot on, and that was one of my biggest concerns. Now if the durability is there this could be my all around go to trail running shoe. I'm excited to take them out on my long run Saturday.
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Love the minimal feel, though you will feel a lot. These are too aggressive a tread to really transfer between trail and pavement. On the trails, where they are intended tho, their performance is unmatched. They have a little more sole than I have become accustomed to, but the transition was easy, comfortable and the toe drop is still minimal. If you are used to regular running shoes, and are yet unfamiliar with minimal running shoe, you will DEFINITELY WANT TO EASE into these.
Honest reviews on Inov-8 Trailroc 245 Trail Running Shoe
Fits true to size no real complaints at all very light weight shoe and good support. Good for most surfaces
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Have used NB minimus, but these are far superior in build quality.
only issue keeping the rating from five stars is they are too narrow in the toe box.
