Details
Brand
Inov-2
Heel To Toe Drop
0mm
Breathability
7.7/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Racing
Key Features
• Synthetic mesh integrated with TPU overlays to increase durability and breathability of the shoe.• Injected EVA in the midsole to offer support while catering for minimalistic runners.• Comparable lightweight material that makes the shoe lighter than its predecessors.• Zero heels to toe drop coupled with a low platform to appeal to minimalistic runners.• Integration of Meta Flex grooves on the outsole to increase traction and flexibility of the shoe on hard packed surfaces.• Mixed compound outsole that enhances durability, flexibility, and versatility of the overall shoe.• Advanced Met Cradle lacing technique to offer a secure fit.• Narrow toe box to create an anatomical fit.• Extremely versatile and can be used on both trails and hard surfaces like concrete pavements.• Minimalist features
Upper
The Inov-8 Trail Roc 235 upper unit is made of synthetic fabric with TPU that increases the durability of the shoe. This synthetic mesh is extremely porous and delivers optimum aeration and breathability of the shoe. The upper mesh is designed in an 1800 curve rendition that provides the anatomic fit that the shoe is famous for. The TPU overlays are fitted to support the overall lacing structure of the shoe and they enhance the fit and durability on the terrain.;These overlays also provide structure for the overall shoe and ensure that the feet are properly supported during hard climbs and runs. The flexibility of the midsole coupled with the durable and supportive upper mesh provide for a minimalist, versatile shoe that is practically good on all hard surfaces. There are some concerns about lowered protection because of the breathable upper mesh which may let thorns and shrubs injure the foot. However, these concerns have been abated with a reinforced interior lining that protects the foot from any incoming debris that may injure it.
Midsole
The midsole is designed with a 6mm injected EVA compound that is responsible for the cushioning and support of the shoe. This compound makes the shoe more flexible and comfortable. The midsole doesn’t have a rock plate and this makes it lighter and more responsive than its predecessors. The elimination of this rock plate also makes the shoe more flexible on the terrain. The midsoles make the overall stack height of the shoe 13mm at the toe and heel. This infers that, on hard packed trails, the shoe is sufficiently equipped to protect the wearer’s feet from sharp objects.
Outsole
The Inov-8 Trail Roc 235 outsole is composed of upgraded Inov-8’s new Tri-C technology. This infers that the outsole is made of three different rubber injections in different impact areas. This feature ensures that the wearer experiences a maximum grip and an enhanced wear rate. Under the arch segment of the outsole, is composed of softer rubber compounds to provide support and maximum responsiveness.;The surrounding larger areas are composed of a tougher endurance rubber lug, because of its impact during running. The rubber density of these areas is the same. Additionally, these rubber lugs are considerably smaller and closely packed together as compared to the preceding versions in this collection. This feature is to ensure that the wearer has maximum support while running. The outsole also has Integrated Meta-Flex groves that provide optimum solid traction and grip that is evenly flat to support comfortable running on rough and hard surfaces. The average stack height of this shoe is 13mm in both the toe and the heel.
Breathability
The upper mesh of the shoe is designed with porous material that ensures that the foot is properly aerated thereby increasing its overall breathability. This is a very attractive quality of the shoe because it is commonly used on hard packed surfaces over long distances which increase the chance of sweaty feet.
Comfort
The Inov-8 Trail Roc 235 is exceptionally comfortable. The inner lining is made of a plush and soft material that cushions the feet and makes for a comfortable fit. The exterior toe cap on the upper mesh provides sufficient protection from incoming debris making running over hard surfaces more comfortable. The sufficient stack height provides enough wiggle room for the toes which ensures proper support that contributes to the overall comfortability of the shoe.;The elimination of the rock plate at the bottom of the shoe creates a smoother and responsive ride that also contributes to the overall comfortability of the shoe. I could go on listing various features that have been seamlessly integrated into this shoe to ensure maximum comfortability is achieved, but you get the idea. If you are looking for a minimalist shoe, that is comfortable, provides an exact fit and protects them from external debris, then this is the shoe for you.
Style
The Inov-8 Trail Roc 235 has two additional colors from the previous versions. The colors incorporated in this shoe are vibrant, dynamic and stylish that provide for the runner who wants to look stylish and achieve maximum traction and support simultaneously. The outsole of the shoe is seamlessly matched with the upper part and is designed in the same colors. This mix-and-match pattern is stylish and makes the shoe perform both as a lifestyle and running choice.
Durability
This shoe has an upgraded synthetic mesh that enhances its overall durability while providing structural support simultaneously. The mixed compound outsole has an assortment of various rubber lugs, some hard, some soft, to adapt to terrain and take on different amounts of wear. The toe features a molded durable plastic cape to protect the forefoot area on the track.
Protection
For trail runners, maximum protection of their feet is of utmost importance. This shoe does not disappoint in this category as there are numerous incorporated features that complement each other to create optimum protection. The toe cap at the forefront blocks any incoming impact from rocks and loose soil that may injure the toes. The sufficient wiggle room at the forefront ensures that the toes can easily retract when the runner hits something hard. The mixed-compound outsole offers sufficient support and protection from sharp objects that may pierce the shoe because of the zero heels to toe drop.
Responsiveness
The midsole is composed of injected EVA material that offers sufficient retractable responsiveness to the runner’s feet. The inner lining of the shoe is made of double layered fabric that is plush to the touch. This lining cushions the feet and is responsive to any outward force or impact. As compared to its predecessor, the shoe is less responsive, but this is substituted by its lightweight and minimalistic features.
Support
A running shoe that has zero support is like running with open-toed slippers. This shoe has highly advanced features that provide both mechanical and structural support to the runner. The mixed-compound sole provides conversion of energy to more advantageous propulsion that boosts the runner’s strides.
Terrain
The Inov-8 Trail Roc 235 is composed of mixed rubber lugs that have flex grooves that offer maximum traction and support on any terrain. This shoe is built for hard packed and rough surfaces.
Price
The shoe is slightly expensive than its predecessor. However, this increase in price is a result of an integration of advanced technology that make the shoe a better fit for trail runners.
Drop
The heel-to-toe drop on the Inov-8 Trail Roc 235 is at 0 mm. This offset between the heel and the toe ensures a fluid and solid transition between running and walking.
Stability
The mix compound outsole offers a solid ride that enhances the overall stability of this shoe. The rubber lugs are seamlessly designed to offer the optimum surface area that increases the stability contingent on the wearer’s stride.
Flexibility
The elimination of the rock plate on the midsole of the shoe makes it more flexible than its predecessors. Additionally, the incorporation of TPU overlays on the upper part compliment the outsole to enhance flexibility.
Traction
What can be said about the traction of this shoe that hasn’t already been mentioned? The unique outsole, coupled with the upgraded midsole offer maximum traction on hard packed surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Inov-8 Trail Roc 235 is a minimalist shoe that offers advanced features that complement each other to offer a supportive and extremely comfortable shoe. The shoe has an exceptional compromise between protection and flexibility. If you are a minimalist trail runner that is looking for a shoe that can support you, provide maximum traction and protect your feet during your sessions then without a doubt, this shoe is for you.;The upper mesh is connected to a minimal toe cap that ensures that the impact of the shoe on rough surfaces is reduced thereby protecting it from the incoming force. This cap is made of flexible but tough plastic that offers protection and durability simultaneously. The upper part also has a thick tongue and generous padding that increases the comfortability and responsiveness of the shoe. Additionally, the stack height offers a deep forefront that provides sufficient space to enable the wearer to have flexible movements of the toe. This design makes the shoe comparable to wearing house slipper and is an appealing quality.
