Inov-8 Trailroc Review

The Following is from the Inov-8 Press Release presented at the Outdoor Retailers Winter Market.

Natural running company, inov-8, introduces Trailroc™, a new range of trail running shoes designed specifically for running on loose, rugged and eroded trails. With three different options of varying cushioning, protection and differential, there is a new Trailroc™ shoe for every trail runner’s need.

Designed To fit
The Trailroc™ is designed so that any runner can run in total confidence and comfort. The anatomic fit
allows the runner’s foot to spread and grip the ground, promoting a natural running style and providing
protection for long days out on the trails. The Met-Cradle™ lacing system ensures that the foot is held
securely while ascending, descending and contouring.


Designed To Protect
inov-8 shoes offer a range of cushioning and differential (the difference in height between the heel and
forefoot) named Shoc-Zone™ so that runners can choose the shoe most appropriate to their style and
transition down the Shoc-Zone™ to a more natural style of running.

There are three shoes in the Trailroc™ range, each with varying levels of cushioning and differential. So
whether its a 5k sprint trail race or the Leadville 100, whether the user has a natural running style, or
prefers more protection, there is a Trailroc™ for every trail runner.

Trailroc™ 255 – Shoc-Zone™ 2 – 6mm differential
Trailroc™ 245 - Shoc-Zone™ 1 – 3mm differential
Trailroc™ 235 - Shoc-Zone™ ZERO - 0mm differential


Designed To Grip
The Trailroc™ sole has been optimised for the loose, rugged and eroded terrain of the trails. It has been
divided into three areas with different compounds and cleat sizes depending on how each section is
used when running.

Endurance rubber and larger cleats are used in the highest wear areas. A hard, sticky rubber compound
and large cleats are used on the outer sections, the areas used for grip and stability. The toe and inner
arch are made up of soft sticky rubber and smaller cleats to bite through the top terrain into the hard
base below.

Inov-8 EvoSkin Review

The EvoSkin uses patent pending technology to create a glove-like fit of silicon around the foot and individual toes. This medical grade silicon second skin flexes in a unique and dynamic way, which allows the wearer to literally connect with the earth and experience the freedom reserved for barefoot purists.



You'll be hard pressed to find a shoe that will get you closer to the ground or more barefoot than the EvoSkin, and I'm a big Vibram Five Finger fan but the EvoSkin even beats them for ground feedback This is a zero drop skin, weighs 5.6 ounces, and has a skin thickness of 2.4 mm, that's crazy!

For me, the Evoskins really did fit like a glove and didn’t restrict the movement of my toes. There was a tighter feeling, but I could comfortably wiggle my piggies. Plus, the silicon material really hugged my foot all round for a very natural fit.



Vibram Five Fingers look cool. There’s no question about that. However, the Evoskins fit better and you also get a better feeling underfoot. They’re also very easy to clean by simply rinsing them under a tap. And they fold up very easily to fit into small pockets!

When your looking at grip, the EvoSkins will do the job but the newer model Vibram Five Fingers have the edge there. And if your wondering about protection, simply due to the thicker soles on the Vibram Five fingers, they win but then lose on ground feedback



Inov-8 recommends integrating the Evoskins into a training regimen to aid in strengthening the feet. The company further promises “gecko-like grip” when the silicone skins are used during water sports. The Evoskins are on sale (February, 201) for about $65 per pair.

I give them 4 toes up!

Inov-8 Bare-X Lite 150

Inov8 is coming to market with three minimalist road shoes all with a suggested retail price of $110. The three shoes will compose a line of “X” minimalist road shoes that will expand to five in Fall 2011. The initial three shoe offering will address runners of various needs who are seeking to transition from normal 12mm heel-toe drop running shoes to lower drop shoes. A 9mm drop, 6mm drop and 3mm drop model are scheduled to be available at first release.

Inov8 say that the xlite 150 is their lightest, most radical, minimalist racer. Featuring a ZERO Arrow Shoc-Zone™ the 150 has a uniform 7mm midsole with no difference between heel and forefoot height. By allowing the foot to be in its natural position and by utilising the same anatomical last as the road-x™ shoes, the bare-x lite™ 150 enables your biomechanics to function optimally. The 3D Air Mesh, one piece upper has a tongue less construction but features a stretchy material on the top of the foot to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. The Fusion Sole™ consists of synthetic rubber and EVA foam that is specially blended into a unique compound before being injection moulded. Because the 150’s are an ultimate lightweight performance product anticipated durability is limited to 300 miles.

The Road-X Lite 155 is the most minimal of this initial offering. It has a 3mm heel-toe drop and a simple upper with welded TPU overlays. By eliminating the use of a traditional outsole, Inov8 uses a Fusion midsole/outsole combination, the shoe should come in around 6.0 oz.

The technique they use to make the sole does not produce the most durable shoe, it has proven to hold up to daily use and provides a great feel for the road while still delivering some protection from ground reaction forces.

The other two shoes that will join the Road-X Lite 155 in the Fall of 2011 are the Road-X 233 and Road-X 255 and these shoes will incorporate very thin rubber outsoles that provide a bit more durability but still retain a minimalist approach. The Road-X 233 should come in under 8.3 oz and will have a heel-toe drop of 6mm and the Road-X 255 should come in around 9.0 oz with a heel-toe drop of 9mm. So the idea here is to start with the 255 and progress to the 233 and then finally get into the 155. By the time you are ready to progress to a zero drop shoe, Inov8 should have you covered with the Bare-X Lite 150 and Bare-X 200..