Category
Summary
Average Weight: 270g
Heel-to-toe drop: Zero
Amazing all-terrain shoes for zero-drop lovers! If you’re experienced in minimal running footwear, this is perfect for short or slightly longer distance. Also, if your feet are wide, they offer a fantastic spacious toe box.
Features
- Upper:
- New, updated Adapterfit technology in the upper with improved flexibility for advanced fit
- Enhanced comfort, hold and durability, with wider fit toe-box and racer tongue.
- Midsole:
- New Plush Cushioning foam that delivers more energy return and bounciness
- New Boomerang innersole offers 40% higher energy return than its predecessor.
- Outersole:
- Improved use of Inov-8's pioneering super durable Graphene-Grip rubber
- 4mm lugs with water dispersion channels for traction in the wet
- Flex grooves in forefoot for agility and mould-like grip on rocks.
Pros
- 0mm drop – it’s not easy find good zero-drop trail shoes!
- Wide toe box
- Durable and deep grip – lasts 1000+ miles
- Secured fit around the ankle – no sliding
- Versatile shoe for any type of terrain
Cons
- Surprisingly… 0mm drop again! Not many runners are able to run in completely flat shoes, so it’s an option only for those who are familiar with minimal shoes.
- For midfoot landing runner only
In Testing
I’ve been running in Inov-8 shoes for many years. Actually, my very first pair of trail running shoes were Inov-8. It’s lovely to observe how this brand has developed over the years. Testing the newest TerraUltra G270 model was an amazing experience and has shown me how the brand has improved and set a new standard for other outdoor companies.
The main surprise is the fit. Usually with a wide toe box the entire shoe feels quite roomy. It has happened to me with the previous Inov-8 shoes: X Talon Ultra 280. The space on the front was amazing for longer distance. I never had any black toenails, etc and I was running ultra-distances. However, the entire shoe felt quite roomy and not as secure around my narrow and high arches. But this time Inov-8 got it right. Even though you have an excellent amount of space around your toes, the TerraUltra G270 sits securely around your heel, wrapping your arch nicely. No sliding around, no up & down shifting of your heel. Amazing fit!
I used to run in Vibram FiveFingers, so I have experience with 0-drop shoes. However, you can really feel that the TerraUltra G270 is flat. It immediately made me feel aware of my technique and encouraged me to shorten my stride and land on the midfoot. I cannot imagine landing on my heels with this shoe. So be aware of that if you’re planning to buy, especially for a longer distance. No mercy for heel-striking here.
Another feature of this shoe that I love is the cushioning. I always consider Inov-8 shoes as a technical, quite firm and flexible option for challenging terrain. This new Powerflox Max cushioning feels very soft and responsive, compared to the other Inov-8 shoes.
And last but not least – fantastic 4 mm deep lugs made with ultra-durable Graphene material. I mean, there’s no way you can damage this shoe. It’s designed to last 1000+ miles on the hardest surface you can imagine… the nice thing is that the grip doesn’t feel very aggressive. It’s absolutely perfect for tackling mud on a steep terrain but when you hit the flat & hard sections, it still does the job! It’s definitely a versatile shoe for all kinds of terrain.
Verdict
Only very well tested and trusted footwear can hold a ‘Trail Running Shoe of the year 2020’ title. We all know that 2020 was tough enough ;-) This winner of 4 major trail running shoe of the year awards quickly conquered the hearts of trail runners in UK. I’m definitely one of them, although I wouldn’t use it for my 50+ km races. Simply put, I’m not experienced enough to use zero-drop shoes for such long distances. However, it’s a great option for my shorter and faster runs. So, choose wisely and accordingly to your experience.
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