2014 model, size UK 10.5 @ 750km |
Specifications
Weight: 243g (UK size 8)
Drop: 3mm (heel vs. toe height difference)
Footbed: 6mm (base sole cushion height)
Tread Type: Moderately aggressive trail
Initial Impressions
2013 model, size UK 10 @ 1100km |
Long Runs
My first long run I hit in them was out through Anglesea on the Surf Coast Century course, taking in a variety of technical, urban trail and even sand. They handled all surfaces well, but I could tell I would need much better strength in my calves and lighter, more controlled, form to reduce the impact on my feet. Having said that, they were a joy to run in and I couldn't bring myself to wear the 295s even with the additional cushioning they offered.
Issues
The first issue I struck was the adaptation required to 3mm drop, but I don't expect this is unique to the shoe. Once I'd adapted (took almost 6 months coming from 6mm drop for me) then this was no longer an issue and I can run 100km / 12+ hours without any trouble at all. The first real test was only about two and a half months after I got them when I ran the You Yangs Hardcore 100 mile. They worked brilliantly throughout the event but I developed top of foot pain in my left foot from 100km onward, but not enough to stop me (although 2 weeks after the event). This hasn't happened since.
The second issue, which is the only issue that I still have with them, is the impact on my feet, particularly in the heels. This is worse over trail with lots of small-ish rocks, and particularly apparent on descents with these. I've slammed my heel into a few rocks and left them bruised for a week or two afterwards. This seems to be improving as I adjust my technique to stay lighter on my heels and as my heels adapt to the punishment they've been taking.
Durability
Sole of 2013 Roclites (again @ 1100km) Note the grip is still there, but rounding off & a little uneven. |
Summary
Overall, these shoes are brilliant for anyone looking for a light, but not extreme, shoe that has plenty of grip and won't need replacing every few hundred kms. I would suggest that anyone considering these, or probably any minimal shoe, should work on increasing their cadence and strengthening their calves ideally before transitioning to them, and phase them in before your previous shoe is done. As they are precision fit, I also went up half a size in the second pair to spare my toenails. The grip is outstanding and although it is true that you can run most of the trails along the Surf Coast, You Yangs, etc. fairly well in road shoes, I love moving fast on technical and descents and that is where they really hold their own. They provide traction not only to allow a firm hold to push off and for braking, but the noticeable difference even over the Trailrocs is the sideways traction which means you can take corners at great speed.
While I'd give them a 5 out of 5 out of the shoes I've worn so far, Inov-8 keeps delivering great products and I expect that some of their newer models (like the Terraclaw) may be even better, perhaps with the same feel but better traction. So I give them a 4.5 - they've never let me down and I've always felt comfortable that they're the right choice for any trail.
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