Inov-8 Roclite 315
Inov-8 is the latest addition to the trail shoe market here in the United States. This British company's target audience is strictly for the off-road, lets get sweaty, dirty and muddy kind of guy and gal. After all that is what you did as a kid, why stop
We had a review several month’s ago where I said, “Running in the “shoe name” is like driving a Cadillac …”. It was a heavy and it was slow. Well the Roclite 315 is just the opposite with its light weight nimble feel. Holding the 315 is something that you would expect to see in a lightweight training shoe or a little heavier racing flat. All their shoes are based on Inov-8's barefoot design philosophy. The idea is for the foot to function as it would naturally without being restricted and controlled by the shoe.
While most other shoe companies design their trail shoes to protect the runner from the environment with thick midsoles and beefy toe shields, Inov-8 takes a completely opposite view in their designs. The Inov-8 philosophy is to design the shoe around the natural function of the foot, allowing the foot to function as naturally as possible and offering protection from "the harsh external environment experienced by off road runners.
The 315
Now before we go to far … we always have to say that everyone’s foot is a little different. Fit for the 315 was overall good, a nice snug heel and mid-foot what I personally thought was a slightly wider than normal forefoot. I could feel a little movement when descending but nothing that would ever cause a blister. I wear a thinner sock, so I am sure that if you wear a double layer sock or thicker one that would solve that issue.
Besides the lightweight of the 315 my other favorite “trait” of this shoe was the cushioning. Most trail shoes tend to be firmer given the softer surfaces they are run on are softer. Still, the Inov-8 provides plenty of cushioning regardless of surface. On the trails it feels wonderful and on the road it “will do”.
Inov-8 achieves their fit through combining the key elements such as the last and the lacing system. They have developed several lasts modeled around the actual shape of a foot, ensuring a secure heel hold while allowing the forefoot to assume a natural unrestricted position throughout the complete running cycle.
When running in this shoe is feels natural and really don't have to worry about it, the 315 performs much better than I had ever dreamed. Flexibility, support, cushioning and responsiveness are all there. This is a trail shoe you can race or train in.
The 315 is a "neutral shoe" so of course we had no issues with the arch support nor did it even cross our mind. If you do need a shoe with a little more in the mid section. The Flyroc 310, Roclite 320 which have a "posting" for medial and lateral support. Motion control in general goes against inov-8's barefoot design philosophy. The idea is for the foot to function as it would naturally without being restricted and controlled by the shoe.
- Performance Uppers: Quick drying mesh uppers give high breathability. Met-Cradle™ webbing secures 1st & 5th met in natural position firmly holding forefoot in place while maintaining natural met alignment.
- Direct Underfoot Comfort: Standard 6mm or 3mm interchangeable footbed with rebound inserts for fine tuning and comfort.
- Optimum Cushion: Molded cupped MidShoc™ midsole provides the best balance between comfort and underfoot sensitivity.
- Meta-shank™ patent pending: Molded stiffener with META-FLEX™ grooves allows metatarsals to take their natural alignment when contouring.
- Ultimate Grip:Our specially designed outsoles use both our endurance compound and our unique inov-8™ sticky rubber compound for extra performance and grip on race day.
Best of all about this shoe is that it retails for $89.95 which is great price for this shoe.
