Introduction
I’m an INOV8 fan and always have been. I had no doubts that the fit of these shoes would be snug in all the right places, as I’ve come to expect from the brand. That wide fit might not be to everyone’s taste, but my first impressions were extremely positive and there is a standard width available too. The TRAILFLY series looks great, with a range of bold colour options available – even for women, which isn’t always a given in the trail running market, but sadly the TRAILFLY ZERO only comes in grey.
Marketed as the ideal shoe for hard-packed and rocky trails, the TRAILFLY ZERO V2 features a zero-drop design intended to promote the natural movement of the foot. But of course, the real test is always in the running. Before trying them, I’d read that they were comparable to the original TRAILFLY ZERO, a shoe I’ve owned and loved several times over the years. The question was whether INOV8 had managed to retain the best features of that much-loved model while addressing some of its shortcomings.
Features:
- Zero drop to promote a natural running experience
- 247g shoe
- 6mm BOOMERANG Footbed
- 4mm Lugdepth
- 12mm stack height at the heel and forefoot (Based on women’s shoes)
- G-GRIP Graphene Rubber Outsole: To enhance grip and durability
- FLYSPEED PRO Midsole: Nitrogen infused EVA foam for a responsive rise (helping to propel you forwards)
- The upper allows for a better fit and drainage in wet conditions
- Mesh designed to ensure the shoes are lightweight and breathable
- RRP £150
The Test
The shoes are undoubtedly comfortable and, as someone with arthritic toe joints, it was a real relief to experience such a generous toe box – a feature I’ve always appreciated about INOV8 shoes.
On my first short run over loose stones and grassy terrain, I was impressed by the level of shock absorption. They packed a real punch, especially considering how lightweight and streamlined the shoes look. Not only are they light on paper, but they genuinely feel light on the foot too.
As with any zero-drop shoe, I’m always slightly nervous that my feet will take the severe brunt of the impact but I felt stable, in control and, most importantly, comfortable throughout the run.
The TRAILFLY ZERO V2 features a FlySpeed Pro midsole, a supercritical nitrogen-infused EVA foam designed to provide long-lasting support and cushioning. As the midsole is often considered the heart of a running shoe, this was an area I was keen to test, and my feet settled into the shoes remarkably quickly – and they are usually very fussy feet!
My second test run took me into the hills, where the shoes were put through their paces on both grip and endurance- oh and lots of mud! Despite the challenging terrain, I experienced very little slipping, and the shoes handled the rocky sections confidently. The upper got quite messy quickly, but that can’t be helped unless you live next to perfectly sandy trails.
Pros:
Comfortable, lightweight and close to the ground for great contact– those are the three standout qualities of these shoes from the off.
For me, the rubber outsole provides excellent grip, particularly when descending steep, rocky trails. It gave me plenty of confidence when moving quickly downhill, helping me stay in control even on challenging terrain.
Somehow, the tongue stays much more stable than the previous version and stays firmly in place throughout a run. Anyone who has owned the original TRAILFLY ZEROs will probably know exactly what I mean – the tongue had a tendency to move around and it can be really frustrating. Thankfully, I feel this has been improved in the V2 and it seems to feel more cushioned too.
The shoes perform well in wet conditions, which is more than I can say for many similar trail shoes on the market. So far, they have also proved to be reasonably breathable, keeping my feet comfortable during longer efforts but I can’t speak for the stink factor…yet.
A final bonus is that these shoes are available in a wide-fit option, making them an excellent choice for runners like me, who prefer a little more room in the forefoot.
Cons
The tongue is perhaps still not as stable as I like personally, but it’s an improvement to the previous model. Other cons include the price of these shoes, which are retailed at £150 – pushing towards the higher end of the trail running market scale. The zero drop feature isn’t going to be for everyone either but let’s face it, that’s personal choice. The only other improvement that could be made is the heel cup – it’s not the best I’ve felt based on comfort, but that’s being really picky as it doesn’t feel unsecure, it’s just not the best fit for my skinny heels.
Conclusion
The INOV8 experts have listened to the minor changes needed for the original TRAILFLY ZERO, which were excellent in the first place. The new improved Version 2’s are a great all-rounder for all those willing to settle into a Zero drop shoe. They are robust, comfortable and feel secure without squeezing the living daylights out of any pressure points. A trustworthy pair of shoes for the trails, whatever the weather.
About the author: Emma Harrison is an ultra runner at heart, and likes nothing more than running up mountains, dancing on ridge lines and awkwardly runs her way down to the pub with her dodgy ankles!
Have you tried INOV8 TRAILFLY ZERO V2? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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