Details
Brand
Inov-13
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Race Ultra 290 GTX
Terrain
Trail
Key Features
• Comfortable mesh upper that keeps debris out of your shoes• Multiple colors combinations and styles• GORE-TEX waterproof membrane• Gaiter attachment option• X-Static XT2 technology• Removable foam footbed• Injected EVA midsole
Upper
Some people comment that because the mesh doesn’t have holes in it, they like it because dirt and debris won’t get in their shoes from the trail. It’s ideal to come home after a good run with clean socks.
Midsole
The comfortable injected meta-shank midsole is durable and doesn’t wear or flake. Some reviews stated that the midsole was too thin, and not cushiony enough. The midsole is said to be flexible but stable enough to keep a good balance and durability.
Outsole
The outer rubber sole is durable and will grip to the ground on most terrains, especially trails, which is exactly what runners need. The trail sneaker is told to have a waterproof membrane, but, according to most runners who have used the sneaker, this statement is not correct. Some customers have left complaints that mud had soaked through the sneaker, thus not living up to being waterproof. Most reviews comment that the sneaker has an excellent grip and is perfect for trails.
Breathability
The mesh upper provides great breathability, even without the holes most running shoes have. Runners love the upper mesh because without holes no debris gets in, but it is still breathable – the perfect combination.
Comfort
All of the reviews seem to mention the word “comfort” or “comfortable.” The fit is stated to be snug but not so tight that it’s painful. The mesh upper is so comfortable it is practically another sock, and the inner sole is soft and cushiony.
Style
The logo is on the outside of the shoe, making a trendy and stylish design. They come in neon and primary colors that blend nicely and could fit anyone’s sense of style. The fashionable lace system blends with the pattern on the side of the sneaker and matches the color combination.
Durability
The durability of the shoe is excellent. The rubber sole won’t flake, and the mesh won’t rip or tear. This is a running shoe that will last through years of trails and pavement.
Protection
Protection is the strong suit of the product. The waterproof sneakers have no holes in the mesh, protecting your feet and socks from dirt, pebbles, and anything else that might otherwise make its way into your sneaker. The sole is thick and will keep any moisture on the ground from traveling up into the sneaker.
Responsiveness
The shoe is told to have a bounce when your foot hits the ground, giving energy back and soaking up yours instead of most sneakers which feel dead and all your energy is going into the ground. Runners say that when they are using the Inov-8 Race Ultra running sneaker they have a minimal strain, therefore running the longest they have been able to. This is also a major strong suit.
Support
According to people who have used the sneaker, it has minimal arch support which means that it could cause strain on people with flat feet, but this issue can be easily solved with a shoe insole with a high arch. Most of the problems with support in this shoe are around the midfoot area, people left complaints about their feet sliding when stepping on rocks, and it wasn’t as snug of a fit.
Terrain
There are many deep ridges inside the sneaker, which poke out even more in the heel area. This design is excellent since most people lose balance when running on less technical things like rocks and logs. The bottom of the shoe is stiff, so it does take a while to break into it, but it is helpful for more aggressive terrains. That seems to be the only problem, but it’s very minor when you see it’s for better traction.
Price
The Inov-8 Race Ultra 290 Running Shoe runs from 30-130 dollars on Amazon, but the most average price is 130. This is a competitive price for the high quality of the shoe.
Drop
The drop of a sneaker is sometimes considered the length of a “ramp” from heel to toe, how much in ascends. This sneaker has a 10mm drop, which isn’t enough to make your heel hit the ground first, which is ideal when running.
Stability
The sneaker is pretty stiff, and there’s a lot of traction on the sole which is ideal for stability. The upper and sole aren’t that different in weight, meaning there won’t be any imbalances. The shoe is great for really intense terrains with the amount of traction in the rubber sole.
Flexibility
Flexibility is where the sneaker lacks in quality. Reviewers that used the sneaker on tracks liked the stiffness in the shoe, whereas runners on more technical terrains like roads did not because it was so stiff. They felt like there was a strain and took a long time to break into, where people that run trails like how they could grip onto big rocks because it was stiff.
Traction
Some tractions on the sole of these sneakers are amazing. The lugs on the sole are thick and wide towards the toes and get longer for the heels, which is optimal for balance. The outer lugs are wider and thinner, while the middle ones are thicker. The lugs on the end of the heel are long and thick, and the rest of the heel is like the remainder of the sneaker. This part of the sneaker is perfect for any type of running, anywhere.
Bottom Line
The Inov-8 Race Ultra 290 Running Shoe is ideal for most terrains and has an excellent tread. It comes in many colors which can suit your personal style, with the logo that blends with the pattern. It has incredible balance and fits comfortably.
