inov-8 Roclite 288 GTX

inov-8 Roclite 288 GTX

Unique ultralight GORE-TEX® boot. High levels of comfort and performance with a waterproof membrane. Ideal for trail, ultra light walking and mountain running with ankle protection. ..

Our Verdict

There is an old adage about a 1lb of weight on your feet is worth around 5lbs on your back - so an easy way to reduce theoretical weight (and energy expended) is to lighten the load on your feet.

Although born from the off road running market Inov8 also make excellent multi-activity shoes like these Roclites - this model has the highest cushion level in the Inov8 range and we've used them for long distance walking and trekking - they really do reduce effort compared to traditional boots.

The GTX model utilises Goretex XCR so they are waterproof as well.

Roclite 288 GTX Technology Components

	Three Arrow Midsole - Mid to High level of cushioning for long distance running and training - Inov8 highest spec		Performance Last. Precise fitting last ensures minimal internal movement when contouring, ascending and descending.
	Fascia Band™ - A replication of the plantar fascia ligament to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce fatigue		Meta Flex™ - All our footwear incorporates a meta-flex groove which is anatomically aligned in front of the metatarsal heads to provide a natural fore foot flex
	TPU Lacing Support. Lacing attached polymer upper supports, cradles the foot more evenly.		Met Cradle™ - The upper webbing support in our footwear is anatomically positioned to cradle the fore foot behind the metatarsal heads and provide a secure foot hold.
	Sticky Rubber Compound - Some of our shoes use our exclusive sticky rubber compund which has been specially developed using climbing rubber technology. This rubber optimizes grip in wet conditions, however the trade off is it wears down quicker.		Unisex - Built on a last based of an average runner's foot giving a good fit for both male and female
	Waterproof/Breathability - 5/3 ; Waterproof level (maximum 5/5) breathability (medium 3/5)

Ideal Activity 

• Colour: Slate / Black
• UK 8; EU 42 weighs 288g per shoe
• UK 11; EU 45.5 weighs 370g per shoe

Inov8 Shoe Philosophy

We at inov-8™ believe the human foot to be a masterpiece of mechanical and structural design, so when the inov-8 team began work on a range of ultimate off road running footwear, we looked to the human foot for guidance and inspiration.

With 26 bones and multidirectional joint systems, the human foot is perfectly adapted to accommodate variations in ground orientation and when activity demands, change its mechanical characteristics from a flexible adaptive platform to a rigid propulsive lever. The inov-8 design philosophy is to design footwear around the natural function of the foot.

When the inov-8 design team began work on the range of inov-8 shoes, we asked ourselves two simple questions, “How does the foot mechanically behave when mountain, hill and fell runners are crossing a variety of different terrains?" and "How can we incorporate the natural biomechanical function and motion of the foot within the design of the inov-8 range of shoes?".

The inov-8 range of off road shoes follows the precision shape of the foot providing the wearer with a secure and intimate fit that’s almost like running bare foot. Running bare foot is associated with a substantially lower prevalence of acute and chronic injuries to the ankle and lower limbs, so, the inov-8 team designs all our footwear range to allow the foot the freedom to move and function as nature intended, without interference from the structure of the shoe.

inov-8 shoes protect the foot from the harsh external environment experienced by the off road runner but maintain the feeling and function of bare foot running. inov-8 believes that foot function has evolved over millennia to provide a stable platform on which the runner can perform.

It is, and always will be our philosophy to look to the natural function of the foot for inspiration and guidance whenever we design footwear for the high performance athlete or the recreational runner.