Inov-8 TrailFly Max Review: Long-Haul Comfort Meets Technical Precision 3 Comparisons

Article by Kurt Biesemans

Inov-8 Trailfly Max ( £150 / $170 / €170)

Introduction

Kurt: The Inov-8 TrailFly Max is probably the most cushioned addition to the refreshed TrailFly collection, which now options 4 distinct fashions tailor-made for runners who crave a pure trip over hard-packed terrain.

What units the TrailFly collection aside is its use of Graphene-enhanced rubber, a groundbreaking compound that delivers excellent grip and sturdiness. The outsole options 4mm lugs that chunk confidently into the path, providing dependable traction in quite a lot of situations.

The shoe is constructed round a brand new NATURALFIT™ form to lock the foot securely on the heel and midfoot whereas widening on the forefoot, permitting the toes to splay naturally for enhanced stability and luxury over lengthy distances.

Taking on from the much-loved TrailFly Extremely G 300 Max, the TrailFly Max goes huge on cushion with out compromising floor really feel. It’s loaded with a beneficiant stack of FLYSPEED™ PRO foam, a brand new light-weight midsole compound that delivers plush cushioning and spectacular power return with each stride. The outcome? A max-cushioned, but naturally responsive trip designed to maintain you feeling recent throughout lengthy coaching days and ultra-distance adventures on firmer floor.

Professionals:

Flat on the floor profile could be very steady: Kurt

Supercritical nitrogen infused EVA midsole+ TPu beads Boomerang insole is full of life and bouncy in a muted stable method: Kurt

Boomerang insole gives grippy, non-slip floor minimizing inner foot motion: Sam

Strong shoe: Kurt

Outsole Grip (not but examined in mud): Kurt

Cons:

Lacks lateral assist in ankle area: Kurt

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s 9.75 oz / 276g US9

Pattern Weight: males’s 10.8 oz /306g US10/EUR43,

Stack Peak: males’s 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot (6mm drop spec)

Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 60mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot

First Impressions, Match and Higher

The shoe sports activities a contemporary look, enhanced by colourful accents on each the toe bumper and the overlays. It options Inov-8’s NaturalFit—a foot-shaped design first launched in 2024 and now normal throughout their vary. The shoe is comparatively slim within the heel and midfoot (80mm), nevertheless it widens within the toe space, permitting for pure toe splay. For my foot form, the common model suits nicely, however runners with a broader forefoot will recognize the large model, which gives further room within the toe field.

The higher is gentle and constructed from a breathable air mesh materials.

MET-CRADLE overlays lengthen from the midfoot all the way in which across the heel.

Mixed with the pure foot-shaped design, they goal to ship a locked-in, safe really feel that lightly pulls the foot into place from the midfoot to the heel.

The tongue is gusseted and has simply the correct amount of padding.

I obtained a US 10, which corresponds to a EU 43. I usually put on a EU 44, however thus far, the match hasn’t been a problem. I am not totally certain how going up one EU dimension would have an effect on the general really feel.

Midsole & Platform

The Inov8 TrailFly Max units itself other than the remainder of the TrailFly line-up thanks to 1 standout characteristic: the midsole. On the coronary heart of this path machine lies Inov-8’s new FlySpeed Professional foam, a nitrogen-infused, supercritical EVA that delivers a compelling steadiness between responsive cushioning and exact floor really feel. This foam can be shared with the brand new decrease stack TrailFly Zero, zero drop mannequin (RTR Evaluate quickly).

With a stack top of 35mm within the heel and 29mm within the forefoot, the TrailFly Max gives a reasonable 6mm drop, making it well-suited for lengthy distances the place consolation and management should coexist.

To additional improve underfoot really feel, Inov-8 integrates its signature 6mm Boomerang insole, constructed from expanded TPU beads. This high-rebound insole not solely gives superior power return and fewer water absorption in comparison with normal insoles but additionally gives anti-slip properties to maintain your foot securely in place — a refined however significant addition.

The synergy between the FlySpeed Professional midsole and Boomerang insole makes it clear why Inov8 positions the TrailFly Max as its go-to selection for ultra-distance and technical path operating.

By way of the platform, the TrailFly Max leans towards the narrower aspect, with a heel width of 85mm, midfoot of 60mm, and a forefoot of 110mm.

Outsole

Arduous-wearing, cheesy rubber infused with the world’s strongest materials – Graphene – makes up the outsole. The 4mm lengthy multi-directional lugs not solely reduce by way of free trails and stay super-durable but additionally give improved grip in moist situations. Underfoot flex grooves additional improve the agile, pure really feel.

Disclaimer: On the time of writing I used to be not in a position to take a look at the shoe in muddy situations.

Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions

Kurt: Personally, I really like this in-between class that seeks a steadiness between cushioning and floor contact and articularly on technical trails, the place I worth dependable floor contact simply as a lot as cushioning. That mixture provides me the boldness to maneuver decisively, serving to scale back the danger of missteps and harm.

By way of really feel, it slots in someplace between the plush consolation of the Hoka Mafate Pace 4 or the ASICS Trabuco Max 4, and the propulsive pace of carbon-plated sneakers just like the Hoka Tecton X3.

Personally, I felt well-secured on the midfoot, however under no circumstances within the heel. The heel collar, in my view, lacks adequate assist and sits fairly low under the ankle, which limits lateral stability. Even with a runner’s loop lacing approach, I didn’t obtain a robust heel lock.

Because of the lack of lateral assist, the Inov8 TrailFly Max could also be higher suited to smoother and flatter trails. Trying on the outsole and lungs it would carry out excellent within the mud.

Kurt’s rating: 7.95/10

Journey (30%): 8.5

Match (30%): 6.5 – Lack of heel stability

Worth (10%): 8.5

Model (5%): 9

Traction (15%): 9

Rock safety (10%): 8

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3 Comparisons

Hoka Mafate Pace (RTR Evaluate)

Each sneakers play in the identical league: long-distance path crushers with distinctive grip and most cushioning.

Hoka makes use of the dual-density ProFly+ midsole, delivering a gentle touchdown with good power return. It’s plush, particularly underneath the forefoot, and designed for individuals who prioritize cushioning over floor contact whereas the Inov-8 TrailFly Max delivers a pure, foot-shaped match and higher floor suggestions. I might suggest the Mafate Pace 4 for extra technical terrain and the TrailFly Max for extra smoother to reasonably technical trails.

Salomon Genesis S/Lab (RTR Evaluate)

That is Salomon’s high-performance path operating shoe designed for ultra-distances.

It blends light-weight (260gr US 10) precision with rugged sturdiness (higher constructed from a light-weight, extremely sturdy, and breathable materials strengthened with Kevlar). An Vitality Foam midsole providing a responsive and cushioned trip with out sacrificing floor really feel. Paired with an All Terrain Contagrip outsole and aggressive lugs. A super shoe for technical ultras or quick mountain missions. It excels on (moist) rugged terrain, however much less in filth.

For those who’re racing on technical trails and desire a light-weight, agile, race-fit shoe with distinctive foothold go for the Salomon Genesis S/Lab. In case you are tackling lengthy distances and like a extra forgiving, cushioned, and steady platform, the TrailFly Max is your go to.

Hoka Torrent 3 (RTR Evaluate)

The Hoka Torrent 3 is a light-weight, versatile path operating shoe that blends agility with safety, making it perfect for runners searching for a responsive trip on different terrain. The shoe’s low-profile cushioning (23mm heel / 18mm forefoot) and 5mm drop present a pure really feel, enhancing floor contact and stability. With 4mm multidirectional lugs, the Torrent 3 delivers dependable traction on various surfaces, although it lacks a rock plate, which can have an effect on safety on extraordinarily rugged trails. Total, the Torrent 3 stands out as a go-to choice for shorter and quicker trails.

With a 23mm stack top, the Torrent isn’t perfect for longer path adventures. As a substitute, it excels on shorter, quicker efforts—particularly in muddy, technical terrain.

Conclusion: need to go quick go for Torrent, need go lengthy, go for TrailFly Max.

Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE

The TrailFly Max is offered now

INOV-8

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Tester Profile

Kurt has a background in lengthy distance triathlon. Lately his focus is again on operating. He not too long ago ran numerous metropolis marathons like Valencia, Milan and Antwerp. Kurt Is operating on Belgian soils that means largely flat surfaces. He likes to hit the close by trails that are largely gravel and forest surfaces. From autumn to spring his favourite trails are reworked into muddy terrain.

Kurt usually joins a run or path race to maintain the engine going. However he additionally likes greater challenges: he ran Tour du Mont Blanc in 4 days in 2024, ran his first extremely path (60K), hiked TMB in 9 days along with his household and was not too long ago on the beginning checklist of Tenerife Blue path. He’s 1m86cm and 77kg.

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