To stronger align our ultra running footwear range we have decided to change the name of the TERRAULTRA G 270. As of March 1st, 2022, it will be called the TRAILFLY G 270.
The multi award-winning shoe remains the same throughout its entire design, except for the name.
To celebrate, we’re launching the TRAILFLY G 270 in three brand new colourways – blue/nectar, pine/mint and red/burgundy/orange.
Changing the name allows us to create one, easy-to-understand TRAILFLY franchise. It will contain our two ultra running shoes that are designed specifically for hard-packed trails – the TRAILFLY G 270 and TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX.
And while they will now share the TRAILFLY name, the 270 and 300 will continue to offer trail runners two very different long-distance options.
TRAILFLY G 270 – For speed-focused long runs, with an optimally cushioned foam and snappy, responsive ride.
TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX – For endurance-focused long runs, with a deep cushioned foam and propulsive ride.
Both shoes feature our pioneering G-GRIP rubber outsoles for the world’s toughest traction. The 300 also boasts our latest innovations – G-FLY foam for longer-lasting energy return and a clever ADAPTER-FLEX groove that enhances underfoot agility.
The rubber and foam are both enhanced with Graphene, the world’s strongest material, and one which following its discovery led scientists at The University of Manchester to win the Nobel Prize in Physics. We worked with the same university to develop both these world-first technologies.
The TERRAULTRA G 270 was launched in July 2020. Weeks later they were on the feet of ultra runner Damian Hall to set a then record time for the 268-mile Pennine Way trail along the backbone of England. The shoe went on to win four ‘Trail Running Shoe of the Year’ awards in 2020 – two from the UK (Runner’s World & Women’s Running) and two from the US (Believe In The Run and Road Trail Run).
The TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX was launched in March last year. It too has won many awards, for 2021, including ‘Trail Running Shoe of the Year’ from Runner’s World UK and ‘Innovation of the Year’ from Trail Running.
Other differences between the two shoes include a bigger drop (heel to toe differential) and greater stack height in the 300 to give more underfoot comfort. The 270 is lighter at 270g (vs 300g), while both have our widest toe box offering, 4mm deep outsole lugs and a spring-loaded BOOMERANG footbed. The 270’s cushioned foam is our bouncy POWERFLOW MAX.
Remaining shoes bearing the name TERRAULTRA G 270 will continue to be on sale for a short time while stocks last.
Launched in March 2021, the TRAILFLY™ ULTRA G 300 is the world’s first running shoe to use a Graphene-enhanced foam, called G-FLY™. It delivers 25% greater energy return that lasts for longer. This helps runners maintain a faster speed over greater distances, aids their feet in feeling fresher for longer, and prolongs the life of their footwear.
Not only that, the TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX is also the first deeply cushioned trail shoe that, thanks to new ADAPTER-FLEX™ technology, adapts and reacts to uneven terrain. The clever 10mm underfoot groove frees up the midsole and works in harmony with the foot, so runners feel connected to the trail.
The making of this game-changing shoe was a huge team effort that involved leading footwear industry veteran Doug Sheridan and Graphene experts at The University of Manchester. Our Senior Footwear Designer Luke McConnie was part of the team and gives us the full lowdown on how we did it.
When did you start designing the TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX and what was the objective?
It actually began life several years ago through our discussions with athlete ambassadors, retail partners and the running community. We recognised that there was a growing trend towards highly stacked cushioned shoes, especially when used over longer distances and ultramarathons. It would have been all too easy to bring to market another maximal cushioned shoe, so our mindset and objective was all about how we innovate in this area by staying true to our DNA and pioneering a new way forward.
What key learnings did you take into the design process?
Through our research, we learnt that whilst highly cushioned shoes can be effective on smooth surfaces, that doesn’t often translate when used on uneven off-road terrain. This is because most cushioned shoes provide a smooth comfortable ride at the expense of being agile and retaining that close-to the-ground feel. On that basis, there was a great opportunity to develop a product that not only provided comfort over long distances but could also allow the foot to perform naturally by adapting, reacting and gripping to the terrain like no other.
It’s our first max cushioned shoe. How does the design retain our original DNA of light, fast, natural?
The product retains a lot of our DNA through our patent-pending ADAPTER-FLEX technology. This allows the midsole to move symbiotically with the foot’s midtarsal joint, by decoupling the heel from the forefoot, thus promoting increased mobility and adaptability over uneven terrain. This is combined with longitudinal grooves in the forefoot, which work in tandem with the foot’s metatarsals. They allow the toes to move more independently, aiding grip and a close-to-the-ground feel.
Where or whom did you take inspiration from for the design?
Inspiration usually comes from many different places. Nature, for example, is often a constant source of wonder. In the case of the TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX, the hexagonal shapes on the midsole were inspired by Graphene’s molecular honeycomb structure, which can only be seen when viewed under a microscope.
Talk to us more about the G-FLY Graphene foam, how does it benefit the ultra runner?
Part of the benefit of Graphene in the midsole is its ability to enhance the partnering polymers within the foam. Not only does this enhance energy return and cushioning but it also increases the longevity of the midsole so it retains its performance characteristics for far longer.
The outsole is different to any other shoe. What’s the thinking behind that design?
The outsole is defined in part by the design of the midsole. For example, the 4mm deep Graphene-Grip™ cleats are orientated around the longitudinal grooves and the rubber is split between the forefoot and heel to accommodate the ADAPTER-FLEX groove. We meticulously shaped and positioned all the multi-directional cleats (there are 35 on each shoe) to improve both propulsion at the front and braking at the rear. We also drew upon the already very capable TERRAULTRA G 270 cleat which also has the properties of the Graphene-enhanced rubber and evolved that design to the next level.
The upper – how do you balance making the shoe look appealing while at the same time ensuring the ultimate in performance and durability?
Functionality defines much of the characteristics of the product. Once the performance features are set in place, we have the framework to start defining the shoes aesthetics and fleshing out the overall look of the product. This can be an exciting part of the process because it’s an opportunity for the designer to bring to life their vision of the product.
What are the key differences in this design vs the TERRAULTRA G 270, ensuring both have an integral part in an ultra-runners shoe arsenal?
The main differences between the two shoes are determined by the midsole stack height and heel to toe differential. The much-loved TERRAULTRA G 270 features a zero drop with a midsole-only stack height of 12mm at both heel and forefoot. The TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX has a 6mm drop and offers more cushioning with midsole-only stack heights of 25mm in the heel and 19mm in the forefoot. When coupled with the outsole, this makes the full stack heights for the new shoe to be 30mm in the heel and 24 mm in the forefoot.
How much did the design change over the period you were working on it?
The design changed several times throughout the process, which can often be the case. We encountered many twists and turns along the way. With every iteration there was something new to learn and something new to improve, and through this process we kept pushing the boundaries. The end result is an ultra running shoe truly unique to the market place and something we are all immensely proud of.
]]>By Cornelius van Niekerk (@mountainbarista)
Huge, rugged and remote. That is how I would describe the Hex. Spreading out between Worcester and De Doorns these mountains form the second highest range in the Western Cape and offer a high level of exploration to those that venture into their depths.
After looking over countless contour lines on our maps myself and Henko headed for the mountains with the goal of exploring as many wild peaks as possible.
In such a harsh environment you must ensure you are protected from the sun, cold and wind. Inov8 Base Elite Long Sleeve ticks all the boxes. It is super light, offers protection from the cold wind, while being highly breathable. Since we would be hiking with heavy packs, and working hard this turned out to be an incredible piece of gear.
Day one; we walked up to Milner Vlakte and set up camp. After a relaxing cup of coffee we decided to head up to Milner Peak. A spectacular summit moment with mist and clouds playing around us as we gazed down the huge drop of the amphitheatre.
After good night’s rest we started out our traverse. First summiting Milner Ridge Peak then the Shale Peaks and soon after Buffelshoekpiek standing at 2059m.
We had been moving over loose rocky terrain with the sun blazing down on us but at the same time a chilly wind blew over the ridge, (there was still snow lying in shaded areas). Having a breathable long sleeve made all the difference. I could move comfortably without being burnt by the sun and at the same time I did not have the icy wind directly on my skin. This is exactly what the Base Elite is made for.
Day three involved summiting the impressive Sentinel Peak and Mount Brodie. Sitting on the Sentinel with a cup of coffee in hand will always remain one of my fondest memories of this trip. At sunrise the next day we headed out for the traverse from Perry Refuge to Pells Hut. Along the way taking a detour to summit Sybasberg and a little bit of reception. Only to receive weather warnings of high winds in two days’ time. Thus we decided on one big day to round off the trip.
We made it to Waaihoek summit for sunrise and low clouds. What a sight. Peaks bathed in golden light, valleys hidden by the white mist. Amazing. But the day ahead was still long. Dropping down we headed for the impressive Mosterthoek Twins. Interesting route finding and some bushy scrambling soon followed. Lunch was enjoyed on the South Summit and then we scrambled to the North Summit. What followed after that was the longest descent I have done.. 1600m of it in fact and over loose rocks. It is a bit like walking on big marbles which are hidden under dry grass on a steep slope… Finally we made it to Michells Pass.
Going for so long in one go meant that any gear or apparel that is not well designed quickly show their flaws. I can say with full confidence that the Base Elite performed outstanding. I always felt super comfortable and never once experienced any irritation while wearing it. Which I did for the full 5 days.
A couple of other plus points was that it is odour resistant and dries very quickly after washing it out. Furthermore I really liked that my one is red and makes you highly visible in the case of emergency. Plus it looks very cool in photos. It is now a indispensable part of my gear whether I go for a scramble on Table Mountain or for a multi-day venture into remote mountains.
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In alphabetical order:
ADAPTERFIT: Built around the natural anatomic structure of the foot, the next generation met-cradle adapts to the natural movement and swelling of the foot on longer runs.
Arrow System: inov-8 launched the Arrow System to make navigating the range easy. As a rule 1 Arrow shoes have a 4mm heel to toe drop. 2 Arrow shoes have a 8mm drop. Can you name some exceptions? ;)
Cleat Depth: inov-8 was born in the fells of the Lake District in England. Running in the Soft and Muddy conditions that the fells are famous for require cleats to grip to the muddy terrain. We pride ourselves on grip so we realise that each application requires a different cleat depth for optimal performance.
DFB (Dynamic Facia Band): Delivers a kick of energy with every step.
Gaiter Attachment Point: Many models in the range feature an easy way of connecting our All Terrain Gaiter to the shoes.
G-Grip: (Graphene Grip) in 2018 we launched the first ever shoes using Graphene delivering the world's toughest grip. G-Series shoes are 50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% harder wearing than standard outer soles. 2021 sees the launch of G-Fly (Graphene infused midsole foam) for longer lasting and more comfortable cushioning.
META-FLEX: A groove in the forefoot provides the forefoot flexibility needed to spring forward with speed and power.
META-PLATE: TPU rock plate gives underfoot protection and delivers a kick of energy with each step. Depending on what terrain the shoes are designed for it determines what type of META-PLATE is used.
Outsole Rubber: Grip is not something runners think about until a foot slips and we bite the dirt. We at inov-8 pride ourselves in making the most grippy shoes for the application. see G-Grip.
Sustainability: We live by our philosophy of an athletes’ interaction with the environment is the single most important factor when designing products. Longer lasting materials and products mean less environmental impact. By using recycled materials we reduce our impact. By supporting sustainable lifestyles we can all do our part. To read more follow this link.
Weight: We use the average weight of a size range of that model in the name. Obviously weight will vary with different sized shoes.
Width Scale: Every foot is shaped differently. Also different applications require different width shoes. inov-8 uses a Width Scale of 1 (narrow) to 5 (wide) to differentiate.
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Secondly we suggest that you go with the most comfortable shoe for you considering the terrain that you want to explore. If all your friends wear model X but it does not suit your foot (or your intended purpose) then you should consider something else.
Once you have considered the above then the below info will help you navigate the inov-8 range.
Trail Shoes:
inov-8 models are specifically engineered for different applications and terrain.
ROCLITE™ classic, multi-terrain weapon. Great on rocky and technical trails, good META-PLATE underfoot protection. A firm favourite for trail runners and walkers for on and off trail use. Also available in the Gore-Tex waterproof hiking boot options. Graphene sole unit. 3/5 (medium) width, Drop: 1 arrow (4mm) or 2 arrow (8mm) Highly recommended for: Multi-Terrain
TRAILROC™ is designed for hard and rocky ground and long distances. The highest level of META-PLATE underfoot protection and graphene grip combines to make a shoe ideal for our tough conditions. 3/5 (medium) width, Drop: 2 arrow (8mm) Highly recommended for: Hard and Rocky
TRAILTALON™ delivers perfect fit and comfort. Next generation ADAPTERFIT™ technology sees the fit of the shoe adapt as the foot swells on longer distance runs. Dynamic Fascia Band assists in the natural motion of your foot. 4/5 (wide) width, Drop: 2 arrow (8mm) or 1 arrow (4mm) Highly recommended for: Path and Trails
TERRAULTRA™ High levels of shock absorption without compromising ground feel. Perfect balance between superior comfort and flexible responsiveness. Zero drop, wide toe box, Graphene grip sole unit make this the ultra distance shoe of choice. 5/5 (wide) width, Zero drop, Graphene sole unit, Dynamic Fascia Band. Highly recommended for: Path and Trails
X-TALON™ is the birthplace of the brand. Super technical lightweight shoes for those that require the highest level of performance. Equally at home on technical terrain and boggy fells. 2/5 (precision) width, Graphene Grip, one piece upper, 2 arrow (8mm) drop, META-PLATE Highly recommended for: Soft and Muddy
Fitness:
F-LITE™ the first specifically designed fitness shoe introduced in 2009 in the F-lite 195. It is reintroduced with a Graphene sole in the F-LITE G 230. We range the 245 and 235 models. Lightweight, versatile, grippy and breathable. Perfect for gym use. 3 - 5/5 (medium to wide) width, 1 arrow (3/4mm drop)
BARE-XF™ super lightweight, close to the ground design. Perfect for a wide range of functional movements, bare-foot walking/running, yoga and more. 4/5 (wide) width, Zero drop, ROPE-TEC
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Probably my hydration pack purely because I can carry everything I need where ever I choose to run. Like running home from a car service.
How diverse the inov-8 shoes and technical apparel are. The details in the shoes like gator hooks, the arrows indicating the heel to toe drop and all the details in the apparel that you only really appreciate when they are put to the test in tough conditions. Comfort it key and every detail helps.
I played cricket and soccer back in my school days. I was really serious (so I thought) about cricket until my love for running took over.
I grew up watching my parents race Comrades on TV so I was always exposed to running and the lifestyle. I started cross country and athletics in primary school. I did my first social OCR event in 2014.
Can you remember your first race?
My first cross country race I just remembering suffering and wondering how on earth the other boys ran so fast… then I started training.
Mondays set up my week. 5am wake up with a nice cup of black coffee while the house is calm and quiet. This is the time I get to myself and gather my thoughts before I head out for an easy run.
Running first thing in the morning aligns my thoughts for the day and boosts my overall focus and energy for the day. Quick shower and have breakfast with the family before I take my little boy to school on my way to work.
Nut butter.
When people have dirty shoes (except for when on the trails).
Chantel is a trail running ambassador for inov-8 and has been living in mountain town Stellenbosch for the past seven years.
I don’t only have one: My Merino base layer and the my 3-in-1 gloves/waterproof mittens are an absolute lifesaver!
I don’t think that many people realise Inov-8 caters for a broad variety of athletes/runners.
The fact that you have options of a zero drop to a 9mil drop (according to the arrows markers on the heel) and the option of: standard, to a “precision fit” toe box; not to mention the selection of lugs/tread that will cater for your training grounds.
You can therefore, specifically find the shoe that “is made for you”.
At the age of 32, I had never run more than 10 km's. The CEO of the company that I worked at entered us into the Two Oceans half Marathon in 2005.
2007, was when I actually “got into running” - for the 5 days Cape Odyssey trail race. 250km from Hermanus to Stellenbosch.
I competed in OCR for about four years, from 2013-2017. I stopped completing after a serious injury during a OCR in Jhb.
Jan 2011 - this was the first race where I had to step up to the plate and WIN.
It was a 15km trail run in The Crags (close to Plettenberg Bay). I just about killed myself, as this girl lying second wouldn’t let up- I later found out it was Landie Greyling.
Of all days to ask about... my alarm goes off at 3:15am (to ensure I’m up by 3:30 latest).
Meet my first client at 5:10am for a training session - thereafter go, go, go - fitting in six sessions before midday. (Traveling between clients due to Covid, adds a new dynamic re time management).
Where did you grow up?
I Was born in Pretoria, grew up in Johannesburg and moved to George just before my son was born (22years ago).Our short wheel base Landrover Defender Tdi (she has taken us all over the country).
Cheese or Avo.
Nicolette is a trail running ambassador for inov-8 and is living her best life as a Drakensberg nomad.
Magic happens when Graphene meets rock. Or at least that is what it felt like each time my Rocklite 275’s gripped protrusions in the sandstone rock while I methodically searched for holds on our steep scramble up Du Toits Peak.
When you embark on a mission to tackle big peaks and long trails, one of the most important things to consider is your feet. They are your first contact surface with the mountain. You need to be stable and agile on them. Thus your choice of footwear becomes of paramount importance to the success and experience you will have in the mountain. Even more so when your route involves some scrambling to reach greater heights.
Initially our route had consisted of a relentlessly steep hike up a slope. Only 6am but we could already feel it was going to be a hot day in the hills. After a long slog we stop for a cup of coffee in the neck between the Pinnacle and the mountain we endeavour to climb. Slowly we sip on freshly brewed coffee while taking in impressive views lying below us in the valley.
I knew the day was going to be long and we had to move fast. So I chose to wear my pair of Roclite 275 shoes. Their soles are made from the incredibly tough material Graphene, (200× stronger than steel) which makes the 6mm cleats that are designed to grip the rock while scrambling amazingly durable. This gives you excellent grip on technical moves, as well as a better lifespan on the grip, since they wear down slower. After a couple of months on Table Mountain and the surrounds the grip pattern on the lugs is still present and show no sign of deterioration. Like the name suggests a pair weighs in at 275gr. Which makes it ideal for our goal to reach the summit in a respectable time.
Ahead lies the steeper scrambling. This is Nic and my first time tackling this route, so route finding becomes part of the fun. As soon as I can start using my hands a route becomes highly enjoyable to me. There is something about holding on to the mountain that solidifies the connection.
To scramble more efficiently and stand on small features on a rock you need good flexibility on your shoe paired with the grip in the front of the shoe. INOV-8 Roclite 275 do exactly that with their Meta-Flex technology, and I find myself standing confidently on small ridges on the rock while my free hand searches for the next hold.
Gaining the ridgeline above we get rewarded with spectacular views of the hills around us. Already we are higher than a couple of the peaks. However from my research we still have a long way to go. Low growing Proteas catching the last of the golden sunrise make for spectacular hiking as we skirt a higher part of the ridge before descending to some rockier terrain.
While these shoes are comfortably light you still need good foot protection when moving on rough terrain. A flexible Rockplate aligns with each metatarsal in your foot to protect against impact from underneath. While you get this protective feature the shoe still allows amazing mobility and a tactile response that I have not experienced before. The logic behind this design is that instead of having a hard rigid sole which can throw you off balance in mountainous terrain. You have a sole which can mould to the terrain, allowing better balance and grip while you still get the benefit of the Meta-Plate for underfoot protection.
Ahead lies a long uphill. I can already see we have another slog ahead of us. So we stop to refuel and appreciate the distance already covered. Green fynbos and grasses surround us as I munch on a Futurelife Protein bar. The views keep on impressing, and we know getting higher up is going to be well worth it. With our legs feeling refreshed we climb on up, keeping a steady pace to reserve some energy which we will need later.
When it comes to the midsole of the Roclite 275 there is a 8mm drop and a energy return feature. This allows some of the energy input from your previous step to initiate the next step. Moving on long trails or steep terrain this is a valuable feature to maximise the effort you put into gaining on that summit.
After a good 30min of flowing with the mountain we reach some flat ground and are rewarded with ample views of towering rock. Our path skirts this steep rock, and we are pointed in the direction of a ledge by a couple of cairns. One has to appreciate the great drop off to your left even though the ledge is nice and wide. Up we go again. So far, the route has been pretty relentless in that regard. But it was expected as the mountain classifies as one of the only two Ultra-Prominent Peaks in South Africa, (a summit with a topographic prominence of over 1500meters). It is getting hot, but we are almost on the summit, so we push on.
In the heat I was extremely grateful for the breathable mesh on the upper part of the shoe. Honestly, it feels like your feet have their own aircon system when a slight breeze blows, or you move your foot through the air.
A few more scrambly moves and suddenly the trig beacon jumps into sight. 1600m of elevation gain later. Wow. Vistas of blue mountains all lying below our elevation congratulating us on an epic moment. This is what we came for, an experience we will not forget. Definitely time to make a celebratory coffee and say cheers to the mountains.
Author: Bradley Claase, OCR and trail running athlete
The year of the FKT’s. This specific challenge has been on my mind for over a year now. Giving the year we have had and all races being shut down it seemed like the perfect time to set the date and train for it.
On the 16th December 2020 myself and Nikki Caromba will be taking on the gruelling Magaliesburg Major Traverse FKT. The FKT is an unsupported run/traverse starting on the Hartebeesport Dam wall and ends at the Olifantsnek Dam Wall. There is no set route however there are 15 Trig Beacons along the Magaliesburg Mountain range that need to be tagged. The traverse is approximately 77km with +/-2500m elevation gain.
We have been scouting the route in sections to get an understanding of the terrain and search for the fresh mountain water in the surrounding streams and kloofs. This is a unsupported FKT so we will need to start with all our nutrition and find additional water on route.
After months of training, preparing and planning it’s almost time. The record is 13hours and 31minutes. We are purely going on this for the adventure and challenge but anyone that knows me knows that I will have my eye on the clock.
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