Inov-8 TrailRoc 245

Comments about Inov-8 TrailRoc 245 Trail Running Shoe:

I switched to these shoes from the Asic Gel Kayano 19s after Hyannis Marathon in February. The Kayanos have been great, but I got 4 black toenails post marathon because of how tight the new Kayanos were. They are smaller than the 18s.

I was planning on switching to the Inov8 Trail Rocs post marathon anyway, as I wanted to start running minimalist. These have proven to be a great option. I originally got them to do some of the Spartan Obstacle Races...and they were wonderful with that. They've been great on my long slow distance runs as well. I assume they will be great come tri-season. I can't wait to try them out for IM Lake Placid and IM Timberman 70.3. Much more roomy in the toe and breathable. No support...so beware...do not heel strike!!!

Comments about Inov-8 TrailRoc 245 Trail Running Shoe:

I wanted to follow up on my initial review on the Inov-8 Trailroc 245's.

These are Great trail shoes. After about 300 miles in them I removed the insole and have not used it since, this provides a little ample room in the toe-box.

I now have about 865-miles logged in these shoes, entirely on technical single-track.

The tread design provides solid and predictable grip. The upper breaths well and drys quickly after crossing a river or during a rain storm.

I fully anticipate getting over 1,000mi out of these shoes! Highly recommended!

Comments about Inov-8 TrailRoc 245 Trail Running Shoe:

After 13 hard trail miles in these shoes out of the box I think this is the best all around trail shoe I have ever worn. They are light, protective, flexible. There are no pressure points or seams inside the shoe. They do not constrict my toes even though I have a semi wide forefoot. They feel like a NB MT110 only much better construction and far superior sole. I would for sure race a 50 miler in this shoe. I have never left a comment on this site but these shoes deserve the praise.

Comments about Inov-8 TrailRoc 245 Trail Running Shoe:

I was looking for a shoe with a low drop, would fit my wide feet and that could handle a little road running as well as trails. The TrailRoc 245 was exactly what I was looking for.

The first couple times I ran in them I thought they were just ok. It felt like the heel was slipping a bit. It didn't cause any problems, but just didn't fit quite right. Then I took out the insole and my foot dropped down into the shoe, heel problem was solved and it felt more responsive. I always wear socks and they were very comfortable without the insoles.

I don't run very technical trails, but can say these feel great on everything I've tried so far: mud, soft ground, hard dirt and roads. They don't feel like "trail shoes" when on the road, so that was a big plus for me.

Overall very happy with these shoes. I only have about 30 miles on them so far, but soles look like I just took them out of the box, so expecting to be able to put a lot of miles on them.

Comments about Inov-8 TrailRoc 245 Trail Running Shoe:

Having recently read 'Born to Run', I have begun to understand why I like my super worn out Asics the best; they were best AFTER 400miles were logged..

The 245's have served as a great transitional shoe into a 'barefoot' or 'minimalist' style shoe. The low differential (3mm) helps reinforce the changes in my gait I have worked towards.

Out of the box, the fit was great. Secure around my heel and loosening up towards the forefoot to allow for your toes to relax and spread out. The simplistic design includes aggressive tread 'lugs' to provide a dependable grip on most any surface.

Ran 4 miles the night I got them in the NC mountains; followed by a 36mi trail run the next day.

These are now my only training shoe. Logging 6-10mi daily on technical trails. Up to ~250mi about on the pair. The tread shows minor wear from footstrike, otherwise they are mostly in great shape.

There are minor signs of the shoes coming apart at the front tip; the black patch of material at the end has peeled back a bit. This is nothing a little glue cannot fix.

Overall, GREAT shoe. I will run in these until they fall apart. I plan to aquire a pair of 235's for racing (0mm differential).