Shoe review - Inov8 RocLite 315
I had reservations about trying Inov8 products as I had heard all sorts of opposing views and opinions on them. The main one that put me off the most was the fact that most inov8s have low heels and which would to me feel like the shoe could come off at any time. But I was desperate.
My previous pair of New Balance fell shoes had disintegrated after 200 miles of forest bashing and heavy use. They had gone out of production so I had to find a new shoe and quickly. I first tried on the fell running variation (300) and indeed the heels did feel very low and I didn’t even bother putting the second shoe on.
I looked down at the 315’s and, being as needy as I was, tried them on. I was looking for something with slightly better grip and a thinner sole but had decided finding something was better than nothing. I slid my foot in and straight away fell in love with them. I was slightly nervous about the blister potential but decided I could only find out one way so bought them.
1000 Miles and beyond
That was 9 months ago. I have surpassed the 1000 mile mark and have only now bought a replacement pair to wear in for the new season. I am surprised to say the least but delighted they have lasted so long. Due to the nature of my running ways, i.e. going proper ‘cross-country’ through woods, streams, hills, marshes and the like I was expecting a plain old ‘trail shoe’ to disintegrate before I could get to the so called 500 mile recommended shoe change period.
Having never previously replaced a shoe due to the miles run but by the damage done I wasn’t keeping a beady eye on the mileage they had attained. Fortunately for me the 500 mile mark is for road shoes due to the cushioning affect but as this is different in off road running I have probably been safe enough to carry on.
Construction
The problems I encountered along the way were some minor fabric tears at the front of the shoe above the toes which occurred at about 600 miles. One of the laces broke on a training exercise which wasn’t much of a problem and the greatest damage occurred at 900 miles when a hole appeared on the inside part of the right shoe but has not appeared to get any bigger or cause too much of a problem while I was finding a new pair of shoes (Just created an easier entry point for water).
I don’t think anyone would complain if they managed to get this many miles out of a shoe before such problems occurred and so does not detract from an obviously well put together shoe.
Grip
If I was being really picky the only slight downside of the design has indeed been the grip. But only on the odd occasion has it been a problem and would be unlikely to cause too much of a problem on its intended purpose as a trail shoe.
Verdict
So what’s my conclusion? For a trail shoe this is almost the perfect example. If I have managed not to destroy them off-trail they truly must be a well constructed shoe. So if you’re looking for a new shoe to pound the trails on this Spring then the Inov8 RocLite 315 should be a good contender.
Tech Specs
- Orange/Slate
- Sizes: 3-12s (including ½ sizes)
- Weight: 315grams (size 8)
SRP: £70
