inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 First Run & First Impressions | Best Trail Running Shoes | Run4Adventure

[@phantomwinger]

Would definitely be interested in a head to head between this and the Exodus Ultra

[@alexkhan2000]

Got mine yesterday and took it on a quick 6-mile run today and I love it. I sized up from my normal US 8 to 8.5 and it fits my feet perfectly - both length and width. For the 8.5 size, the weight is 9.9oz or exactly 280g but it feels lighter than that. It's not as light on the scale as the Tecton X, Speedgoat 5, Mafate Speed 4, Pulsar Trail Pro, and Endorphin Edge that are in my trail running rotation (along with heavier shoes like G 300 Max and Speedland SL:HSV), but it feels and rides lighter once you start running in them. It's also very comfortable. It felt great right out of the box on my first run, so I'm sure it'll get even better with more runs and miles. It's not the fastest, the lightest, the most robust, or the most nimble amongst my other trail running shoes, but it does pretty much everything really, really well. I think the midsole stack height and the cushioning is just fine and I like being lower to the ground than the higher midsole stacks of some of the aforementioned shoes. The trail I ran today didn't really have anything very technical but I'll take it to another trail next week with really steep inclines and descents and lots of abrupt twists and turns on rocky terrain, but I'm sure the G 280 will handle it just fine. I like to take the Mafate Speed 4 and Speedland on that trail but the G 280 may end up being even better based on the grip it provides. I understand you wanting a little more cushioning in the forefoot area but it really isn't an issue for me at all. Maybe that's because I'm small (5-6 or 168cm) and slim (125 lbs or 57 kg), so not much weight pressing down on the foam. The 8mm drop felt a little too much for a trail shoe initially but I got used to it quickly and, when running smooth hard-packed straight-ahead dirt trails, it felt like a speedy road running shoe and felt really good. I really like the ride of the G 280. It's still early, but I think this may end up being my favorite all-round trail shoe that'll get the most miles.

[@vagnsteen5130]

from the Inov8 website: The BOOMERANG footbed is in the 270 and 300 shoes, but we opted for a standard footbed in the 280 because the shoe already possesses high levels of comfort and bounce, thanks to the new FLYSPEED midsole. A runner seeking even more, could easily add the interchangeable - and slightly heavier - BOOMERANG footbed.

[@mdicello1823]

I think you may have turned into my fav YT shoe reviewer. Your attitude is so awesome and contagious 👌

[@Run4Adventure]

That's very kind Joe! Really glad you are enjoying the channel and thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@zaf2643]

In the past i was a big fan of Inov8 . Unfortunately their shoes are rather firm & lacks cushioning . Their shoes are rather narrow too. The graphene grip has decent grip but i do think they are overhyping the advantage of a graphene . I tend to stay away from the brand until recently when i was walking around in the shop that probably the only place to sell inov8 shoes in my country . I tried the trailfly ultra G 280 on my feet and i was really impress with the midsole . It felt more energise & you feel it has bit more bounce . I end up buying it . My first impression after doing a bit of trail run is that it does felt great and the shoe felt light and nimble. I was surprise that i felt less ankle pain compare using my speedgoat 5 which was supposed to be a more cushioned trail shoes

[@m3phist0]

I may never win a TDS but I'll take a first here. 🥇

[@Run4Adventure]

Well done Mohamed and thanks for watching 🙏😊

[@mthuthuzelimsobantu5546]

Proper 1st impression video, didn't know what to expect after 100km+ Xodus trail. 👍🏿

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! The Xodus Ultra is a great shoe 😊 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@ajmartinez1906]

Wow, another great first impression review of the Inov8 Trail running shoe. Looking forward to seeing a shoe battle with this shoe versus the Parkclaw 280.

[@greyrunnings9725]

Thanks Loyd, great to have you back in Blighty 👍🙏

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks very much 🙏😊

[@markthomasson5077]

Sounds good, but let’s wait for a long term review. I find that, with many, the cushioning on my heels soon packs down on the inside, well before the rest of the shoe is worn.

[@richardantrobus7186]

Thanks for getting this out

[@Run4Adventure]

No problem Richard, thanks for watching 🙏😊

[@richardantrobus7186]

@@Run4Adventure I'm very interested in how they compare to the G280 parkclaw, picked up a pair of those after your review and very happy with them, I have some terra ultra g270's too but as you say below they are a very different shoe

[@naimharb5305]

Thanks for the insights! Waiting for the full review. It is still very hard for that price to not look at other good rated shoes and go try new shoes. Also, personally, I hate different sizings for shoes of the same brand!!!

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm really not a fan when a brand can't be consistent in their sizing and Inov8's sizing is a bit all over the place Naim! 🤔 Hope you are well mate and thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙏😊

[@adamandlorraine]

Love the pro quality of your videos with the full descriptions and timestamps and all that jazz. Appreciate the effort and work there. I'm looking for the ultimate winter mud plugger with low/zero drop. These look like the soles might collect a lot of mud?

[@paulmillar6919]

Thanks for the review, thinking I will stick with the g270 based on what you have mentioned. Agree strange this doesn't come with the boomerang insole. Keep up the great work

[@ianl4518]

nice review Loyd. It occurred to me that I don't own a single piece of Innov8 gear. They don't hit my raday as well as the other well known brands. Not sure why.

[@manuel_877]

Good afternoon Run4adventure and all the runners. Interesting video and interesting inov8's shoes. Here is my like. A nice weekend for everyone. ☀️🏃‍♂️⛰

[@jonathanzincke367]

I really wanted to try these on in Chamonix but they didn't have any :-( thanks for the review!!!

[@010MACS]

Owning both the g270 and the g300 max, this is interesting! Wonder how it compares overall - may have to give them a go as I’ve got lots of miles in the others. I use the g270 for training and have used the g300 at a multi day event. This could be a fun addition!

[@reinmansmith]

Great review, love the look of these! …. Only problem…. How am going to justify adding another pair of shoes to my ‘Inov8’ stable lol 😆

[@richardbruce6156]

Great first review Lloyd, I tried the G300 but had to return them because they just felt too heavy, I have the G270 and really like them but they are a bit firm so I may give the Trailfly G280 a try. Any plans to try the Atreyu Base Trail, I have just received my pair and hoping to give them a try soon once I get over Covid.

[@seanxkelly]

Really interesting your comment on sizing, my hand is wavering over the preorder button as I'm not sure which size to order (and at £165 a pop, I don't want to "borrow" loads of different sizes for a couple of weeks! 😂). RunTrailRun's review said they found them true to size too which hasn't helped my confusion... However, really interested to get a pair and give them a go ... would be my first Inov-8s!

[@Run4Adventure]

To be honest Sean, I've never found any inov-8 shoes to be true to size! I've always gone up at least half a size to a uk9.5 and like I said in the video, I've got a uk10.5 in the Parkclaw and the Trailfly G 280's. I think if you went true to size you'd struggle to get them on your feet! Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏😊

[@seanxkelly]

@@Run4Adventure Thanks for the reply. It's a great channel, good honest down-to-earth reviews and advice :)

[@Run4Adventure]

@@seanxkelly Glad you think so Sean, thanks for the support 🙏😊

[@wildgingerruns]

Great review Loyd, about to get these too and interested in the nitrogen thang! Quick Q - how many running shoes do you have and how many miles do you run per week? I have about 30 now and keeping track on Strava but just by writing the shoe in the description as there are so many! :)

[@Run4Adventure]

Hi Claire Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Hope you enjoy the new Trailflys and their new midsole! I've probably got around 50 pairs but in my current rotation there's probably 10 to 15 pairs. If my body allows me to, I'll run around 45 to 50 miles a week. I do the same, I have most of my shoes logged on Strava, it's the only way I can keep up with the milage 😊

[@wildgingerruns]

@@Run4Adventure thanks Loyd! Just opened the new Trailflys and excited to test! Good on you for doing 50miles a week that’s amazing! One day I hope to be back up to that level 😊

[@timeonfeet]

Really intrigued to try these out as I've always seen Inov8 as more aggressive lugs, good grip, slightly dead cushioning kind of shoes. Good to see them mixing it up

[@johnlinn3395]

The new midsole compound sounds nice. Maybe they’ll update the G270 midsole with it too.

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm not sure what they plan for the G270 John 🤔 I'm sure we'll see them using the new compound in other shoe models in the future. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@mic-cb2xx]

Nice discount on a new merino baselayer. 👍

[@Run4Adventure]

Awesome, I hope you enjoy your new baselayer 👍 Thanks for watching 🙏😊

[@lewis5076]

Hi Lloyd, when will you be doing a longer term review of these?

[@Run4Adventure]

I will be doing a full in-depth review once I've got some more miles in the shoes Lewis 👍 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel its appreciated 🙏😊

[@rogerrichards8048]

Looks like a move in the right direction from Inov8 - less weight & good cushioning. Did you say the heel depth was 32mm & the forefoot 25mm? I think you said the drop was 8mm but that’s pretty close! I may have missed it but does it have any kind of rock protection in the midsole?

[@ThePaulmasky]

Hi Lloyd great video as always so put you on the spot which would you recommend trailfly or speedgoat 5 I have the g270 @ g300 and fancy a change from inov8. Also noticed on one of your videos you had a Salomon belt on what one is it and would you recommend that. Thanks Paul

[@Run4Adventure]

Hi Paul Thanks mate, I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching. It's tricky because they're both good shoes, the Speedgoat 5's definitely give a bit more depth of cushioning and bounce. Where as you feel a bit more connected to the trails in the Trailfly 🤔 The belt was Salomon's new Advance running belt, it's a good belt with lots of storage 👍 Best of luck at the 24hr European championships mate, run strong and enjoy 🙏😊

[@kristofsonck]

Hi Lioyd, great first look and run of this shoe. Enjoyed it very much. Any idea when this is gonna be released? In case you said it i think i missed it 😬.

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Kristof, glad you enjoyed the video. The new Trailflys are due for release in October 👍 Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏😊

[@kristofsonck]

@@Run4Adventure alright! Thank you 💪

[@jamespotts5853]

What are the arches like Lloyd? I've got lower arches and find that I get on great in the 270 but the 300 arch support is too high and is uncomfortable on longer runs.

[@Northernerdownsouth]

So weird, the trailfly 300 fits really big. I’m still struggling to see where this shoes fits tbh, is it that different (bar weight) to the trailfly 300 (which I love)

[@ashleyholbrook9396]

A lot of comparisons to the G 300 Max, but no comparisons to the TrailFly G 270's- which they're more like. Would like to hear further comparisons on your in depth review. Good initial review as always, Lloyd. (Bit of an eye-watering price!)

[@Run4Adventure]

I personally wouldn't say it's more like the Trailfly G 270's Ashley 🤔 Firstly it's got a deeper midsole than the 270's, more like the 300's. Its also got a 8mm off set and the Trailfly 270's are a zero drop, where as the 300 is a 6mm drop. Also the Trailfly 270 wasn't even a Trailfly until inov8 decided to change the name from the Terraultra 👍 So I'll have to disagree on this one but thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙏😊

[@clarecotterill2454]

Hi. Watched quite a few of your videos. Is there a trail show you’d recommend for cross country races??

[@Run4Adventure]

The Inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 V2's would be worth checking out Clare. There is a review on the channel if you wanted to take a look 👍 Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏

[@johndixo1689]

On the Inov-8 website, the stack of the shoes is 22mm heel and 14mm front not 32/15mm, why this difference?

[@Run4Adventure]

It depends how they measure it John. Sometimes they measure just the cushioning stack height. then some will include the outsole and the insole in the stack height 👍 Hope this helps and thanks for watching 🙏

[@johndixo1689]

@@Run4Adventure Perfect and thanks for your videos 👌

[@Run4Adventure]

@@johndixo1689 No problem John, thanks for watching 🙏😊

[@Meirion658]

Any chance of a showdown with the Exodus Ultra and Pulsar Trail Pro... All three are currently in my basket and having a right dilema on which one to choose. Changes every day!! HELP

[@Run4Adventure]

No show down needed, the Exodus Ultra would definitely be my choice! The Xodus Ultra is a lot more comfortable when it comes to the upper and the outsole grip and traction is better to 👍 Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏

[@Gardenkeeper_247]

Hard to see from the video and sorry if you mentioned this and I've missed it, but do these have the tabs for the inov8 gaiter attachments?

[@Run4Adventure]

They don't actually have the gaiter attachments on the upper Gary 🤔 I'm not sure why they haven't? Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏

[@benarlett4767]

Those boomerang insoles are great eh? But half of the weight 'saving' that you love over the the G300 is the use of the normal insole. In a UK 8.5 a cheap foam insole is about 15g, but a TPU insole is 30g. Weight is obviously important, but I feel like shoes are becoming too light, and the comfort, outsole and lifespan of the shoes are what suffers. Personally I've used the boomerang insoles in many of my shoes from other brands in spite of the increased weight. Nothing else comes close and they are good for 1000+ miles.

[@Run4Adventure]

I did mention that they didn't come with Boomerang insoles in the review Ben. I'm with you, I'd have preferred it if they had the Boomerangs in them as well. I'm a big fan of the insoles and I run them in a lot of my other shoes! 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@benarlett4767]

@@Run4Adventure Hi Loyd, yes, you were perfectly clear about them not coming with the boomerang insoles in your review. I was more trying to highlight that ~half the weight saving is probably due to this compromise. Keep up the great reviews. Ben

[@Chrisagnew1988]

Lloyd what socks do you recommend. I notice that you run with quite long socks

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm a big fan of Stance sock Chris. They make great quality running socks and they come in some great colours and designs 🧦🧦 Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏😊

[@Chrisagnew1988]

@@Run4Adventure thank you and well done at tds 💪🏼

[@Run4Adventure]

@@Chrisagnew1988 No problem Chris and thanks very much 👍😊

[@robsbeenrunning]

I just can't get on with the Inov 8 shoes. I was disappointed with the trailfly 300 max and I thought the grip in the mud was sketchy. I also think, even with the weight reduction, they are still heavy. Shame for me.

[@Run4Adventure]

That's running shoes mate, it's so personal! What works well for one person, won't work for another 😊 Hope your well and thanks for watching and supporting the channel mate 🙏😊

[@SeenaTabatabai]

This company has the best looking shoes but very narrow even the ones that arent, Im close to 2e but they just dont fit my feet.

[@markthomasson5077]

I have the Terra ultra G270, nice and wide

[@loicsevenet974]

Nice shoe! but 8mm drop... not for me... sorry Inov8. And love your videos!

[@markthomasson5077]

Agreed, but with that much cushioning does it feel less when running

[@Run4Adventure]

Glad your enjoying the Content on the channel. It is 8mm on the heel but it doesn't feel that high when your running 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@mic-cb2xx]

Ben parks did a half marathon 7 days after his massive Injury In The UTMB.

[@Run4Adventure]

Ok, I'm not sure why your telling me this? 🤔

[@Nbstevens78]

What a awful price.. typical of inov8 now greedy poor quality shoe aimed at the trail runner..not interested in the fell community now unless high names... thought I'd give them a chance again with the new x talon dropped to bits after 100 miles or so in the fells..

[@comodice905]

Gortex. Wide. ????....

[@Run4Adventure]

It's not Gore-Tex but the width in the toe box is pretty good 👍

[@comodice905]

@Run4Adventure bloke are they made in gortex Dawg du they come in wide bucko

[@Run4Adventure]

@@comodice905 I just replied that they are not Gore-Tex??

[@comodice905]

@@Run4Adventure bloke du they have a cortex model