Image Credit www.inov-8.com
Lakeland based inov-8 have been utilising graphene enhanced outsoles for the past couple of years. The majority core range of shoes have a graphene option, for those looking for greater durability and grip. Having recently tested the Roclite G 275, within a week of launching the reviewing, Lee from inov-8 dropped me a line to say they were about to launch a graphene version of their Trailroc, the brands long distance, hard packed terrain option.
Image Credit www.inov-8.com
First launched in the summer of 2018, inov-8 was the first shoe brand to utilise graphene and has since spread its patent-pending technology into shoes for hiking and fitness, as well as running. The popularity of the new compound at times, makes the G shoes harder to get your hands on then their non G counterparts and I suspect, has lead to the adoption across an ever increasing range of shoes across inov-8’s categories.
Image Credit www.inov-8.com
The new TRAILROC G 280, designed for off-road runners tackling long distances on hard-packed trails, which could be a contender for Lakeland 100/50, South Downs Way, UTMB and many other harder trail and mountain races.
Image Credit www.inov-8.com
inov-8 COO Michael Price said: “Graphene is the future, mark my words. It has limitless potential and we feel proud to be leading the way in a sports footwear revolution.
“By utilising graphene we have solved a long-standing problem for end users who had to choose between a softer rubber outsole that grips in all conditions and a harder rubber outsole that is more durable. Now they can get it all in one rubber outsole boasting the ‘world’s toughest grip.’”
He added: “Sales of our graphene-enhanced products have been incredibly strong and by 2020 they will account for more than half of all inov-8 footwear sales.
“The TRAILROC G 280 is our latest highly-anticipated addition and we won’t be stopping there. We have a number of very exciting graphene innovations in the pipeline.”
Image Credit www.inov-8.com
As well as a Graphene-Grip outsole, the TRAILROC G 280 also features inov-8’s most cushioned underfoot ride to date, combined with a new flexible rock plate that both protects and gives a kick of spring-back energy with every stride.
Weighing 280g, the super-comfortable shoes were worn straight from the box by Hallvard Schjolberg when winning the 85km Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun earlier this year
TRAILROC G 280 SPECIFICATIONS
*Weight: 280g
*Stack height: 20mm at the rear and 12mm at the front (8mm drop)
*Fit on inov-8 scale (1 narrow, 5 wide): 3
*Outsole cleat depth: 4mm
*Midsole: POWERFLOW+ (10% better shock absorption and 25% better energy return)
Now, I’ve put my name down for a pair to test over the coming months, so keep an eye on my instagram if you want to see what I get up to in them before the review is made live.
For more information on inov-8’s new TRAILROC G 280 click HERE
James Mackeddie 