I have been testing three pairs of inov-8 Roclite trail running shoes during the winter and spring months.
- inov-8 Roclite Ultra G 320 trail running shoes
- inov-8 Roclite G 315 V2 trail running shoes
- inov-8 Roclite G 275 trail running shoes
I thought it would be good to compare the three trail running shoes and to tell you when I choose to wear them. There are a few differences, including weight, depth of sole and mid-sole and price. One pair has a Gore-Tex liner.
Remember that the weight – in the name of the shoe – is for an average shoe size of about UK8 and the shoes will be lighter or heavier depending on your foot length. The width for all is “3” medium.
Note: I receive a small commission for sales through this website.
inov-8 Roclite Ultra G 320 trail running shoes
Features of inov-8 Roclite Ultra G 320 trail running shoes include:
- 6mm rubber lugs
- Graphene G Grip
- G-FLY graphene foam midsole for “underfoot cushioning and energy return”
- 8mm heel-to-toe drop
- Mid-sole stack: 20mm to 12mm
- Flexible rockplate
- Reinforced front-end bumper
- “Adapter-fit” technology for a supportive cradle between the heel and arch
- Tough mesh upper material
- Weight: 320g
- Price: £170
- Buy: Men’s and women’s
- Also buy from Sportshoes.com
My thoughts: inov-8 Roclite Ultra G 320 trail running shoe
This is a well fitting and supportive trail shoe that works well on both hard-packed trails and off-path on steeper ground that is wet and muddy.
I choose the inov-8 Roclite Ultra G 320 trail running shoe when I am running lots of miles on harder packed trails. This Roclite has more cushioning and a larger mid-sole stack. The heel-to-toe drop is the same but the height of the sole is greater.
The shoes do not have a Gore-Tex lining so I use them on drier days, or when I don’t mind if my feet get wet. They are a good choice when you know the route will be on trails and not so much off paths.
For running off path I am likely to choose a shoe with a lower heel stack because I find that a bigger heel stack can cause me to roll my ankle.
There is also more cushioning and comfort around the ankle area.
These shoes are good for lots of running miles – hence the “ultra” name – and for a mix of terrain.
inov-8 Roclite G 315 V2 trail running shoes
Features of inov-8 Roclite G 315 V2 trail running shoes include:
- 6mm rubber lugs
- Graphene G Grip soles
- Gore-Tex liner for waterproofing
- 8mm heel-to-toe drop
- Mid-sole stack: 16mm to 8mm
- Powerflow Max foam mid-sole
- META PLATE rockplate
- “Locked-in” fit
- Protection from rocks underfoot and at toe bumper
- Tough upper material
- Weight: 315g
- Price: £155
- Buy men’s G 315 and women’s G 315.
- Also buy from Sportshoes.com
My thoughts: inov-8 Roclite G 315 V2 trail running shoes
The fit is similar to all the Roclites on test. It is a slightly heavier shoe than the 275 but not noticeably so. The support feels good at the ankle and thanks to the lacing.
There is more flex in the sole compared to the Ultra G version. The sole is also thinner and this means I choose this shoe when on rougher terrain. I prefer a more flexible shoe and a lower sole stack because it makes running on rough terrain more comfortable and there is less chance of rolling my ankle.
The lugs are the same depth across all three shoes and that makes them great for grip on steeps, wet ground and in mud.
The Gore-Tex liner is a useful extra for times when I know it will be wet underfoot or raining. Of course, the water can still get in around the ankle (unless you wear gaiters) but the Gore-Tex does keep out a lot of damp and wet.
I have been wearing these shoes with Dexshell waterproof socks. The inov-8 Roclite G 315 V2 trail running shoes are my top choice for running in wet and cold conditions. In warmer weather, I find they make my feet sweat a bit.
The uppers have proved to be durable and they are still in good condition after many miles of rough and off-road running. The lugs on the soles are starting to wear a bit but they are still grippy on pretty much all types of terrain.
inov-8 Roclite G 275 trail running shoes
Features of inov-8 Roclite G 275 trail running shoes include:
- 6mm rubber lugs
- Graphene G Grip soles
- 8mm heel-to-toe drop
- Mid-sole stack: 16mm to 8mm
- Powerflow Max foam mid-sole
- META PLATE rockplate
- Weight: 275g
- Price: £135 (currently discounted to £81)
- Buy men’s G 275 and women’s G 275
- Also buy from sportshoes.
My thoughts: inov-8 Roclite G 275 trail running shoes
This is the lightest of the trail running shoes on test. It is a very similar shoe to the Roclite G 315 but without the Gore-Tex. There is generally a little less support, while the shoe has the most sole flex.
I choose this shoe when I don’t have the need for waterproofing and for routes that feature a lot of off-path terrain. There is less cushioning and a thinner sole when compared to the slightly heavier Ultra G 320 shoe, which I like on rougher terrain. The soles have good lug depth and the grip is great.
I do find that the tongue gets a bit wrinkly on top of my foot and the laces are thinner. The lace loops are also made of fabric rather then being eyelets in the upper and I worry these will break with wear and use.