Inov-8 Roclite 290 Review

We have long been fans of this shoe, and have awarded it a Top Pick for Traction many times. While still simply called the Roclite 290, there are a couple of critical updates that make this shoe better, despite the fact that we haven't continued to give it an award. The G-grip graphene outsole is an improvement in durability, while at the same time causing a slight decrease in stickiness. The trade-off is worth it in our opinion, considering we have ripped many of the 6mm cleat shaped lugs off of previous test versions while on a day out running over rocks. The upper uses thinner mesh that is a bit more breathable, but also not incredibly durable. The Adapterweb foot cradling system is slightly changed, with narrow gauge nylon cord being used as laces and also to hold the foot securely in place, joining the laces to the footbed, and sandwiched very inconspicuously within the upper.

Comparing the newly updated Roclite 290 in red with the older version in blue. The mesh patterning and lacing system, as well as the type of cord vs. webbing used to hold the foot in place, have all changed slightly. The largest change is to include the new G-grip graphene rubber compound in the outsole.

Performance Comparison

The Roclite 290 have been updated, but retain their characteristics as a very comfortable, minimal, and sensitive shoe that are excellent at tackling the gnarliest off-trail terrain you can envision running on.

Foot Protection

This is not a super protective shoe and is more weighted towards sensitivity as compared to foot protection. There is around 11mm of midsole cushioning in the heel, and combined with the 6mm insole and the 6mm lugs, that means the stack height in the heel is still a low 23mm, making it one of the least cushioned shoes that we tested. Inov-8 says there is a "metashank" in the midsole, but we have a hard time noticing what it does, as this shoe allows for a lot of trail feel. However, it is still way burlier underfoot than the very thin and squishy Altra Superior 4, so if you like a thin, low to the ground shoe, but want some protection, we think this is a better choice. The upper, made largely of mesh with very thin overlays, is not very protective.

The Roclite 290 are not one of the most protective shoes, and instead offer great trail feel and sensitivity. They are perhaps better for shorter distance efforts for this reason. Here testing them on great single track next to the Deschutes River in Oregon.

Traction

If traction is what you are looking for, this shoe is one of the best that you can buy. As we have already mentioned, the Salomon Speedcross 5 now has stickier rubber than you will find on the bottom of this shoe, but this one's rubber is considerably more durable, thanks to the new G-grip formula.

The outsole of the Inov-8 Roclite 290 is made with the new graphene enhanced G-grip rubber that we have found to be very durable when running over hard abrasive surfaces like rock. The plethora of 6mm deep cleats found on the bottom also provide excellent traction on soft surfaces like dirt, mud, grass, and snow.

While we found them to be a little slippery on wet rock (and truly what shoe isn't?), the well spaced, 6mm deep lugs grip well on all soft and slippery terrain such as mud, snow, and grass. You can also run consistently on harder surfaces in these shoes without fearing that you will wear the lugs down too quickly.

Testing the grip of the G-grip traction on wet rock in the rain. While this shoe still has one of the most aggressive traction patterns, we find that the g-grip is firmer and not as sticky on rock as the previous versions of the Roclite 290.

Stability

This is a very stable shoe, providing an excellent landing and take-off platform. With a low stack height, combined with a minimal 4mm heel-toe drop, your foot runs closer to the ground in this shoe than just about any other. To us, it feels a lot like the low running Nike Terra Kiger. Due to its thinness underfoot, it flexes and molds easily to rocks and roots, providing excellent trail feel. The upper uses what Inov-8 calls the Adapterweb foot cradling system, which does an effective job of using very thin nylon cord sandwiched inside the upper to hold the foot in place, but this system isn't nearly as secure as the quicklaces found on the Salomon Speedcross 5.

The Adapterweb system involves the cord laces and the thin red cords shown here cinching up to hold the foot in place. The red cords travel sandwiched in the middle of the upper to join to the midsole inside the shoe. While this system is comfortable and very unobtrusive, it is merely adequate at firmly locking the foot in place, rather than exceptional.

Comfort

There is no question that this is a very comfortable shoe. We found that it felt great right out of the box, and needed no break-in time of any sort. It is well made, especially evident on the inside of the upper, where there are virtually no seams. The airy mesh used throughout means that it breathes well, and also drains effectively after becoming waterlogged. We have nothing to complain about in terms of its comfort, and once again point out that we find it to be of average width and perfectly true to size lengthwise, in stark contrast to the many online reviews that complain of it being far too small. Order true to size in the US.

The interior of this shoe is entirely seamless and has a gusseted tongue. It is obviously well made and very comfortable.

Weight

Our pair of men's size 11 US weighed in at 21.6 ounces, which is actually around a half ounce lighter than previous versions of this shoe have weighed. We suspect the difference is to be found in the new lighter weight upper mesh. This shoe is similar in weight to the much larger Hoka Challenger ATR 5, and only slightly heavier than the Nike Terra Kiger. It can handle an impressive amount of terrain at such a light weight.

At 21.6 ounces per pair for men's size 11, these shoes are right around average in weight, but feel pretty darn light when running in them.

Sensitivity

This shoe feels more sensitive than protective underfoot, and so prospective buyers should like to feel a little bit of what they are stepping on, and shouldn't be looking for a totally dissociative approach to trail running. There is a minimal amount of foam underfoot, although the 6mm deep lugs, which cover much of the bottom of the shoe, do a solid job of dampening impacts a bit. It is not nearly as sensitive as the Altra Superior 4, but affords a fair bit more trail feel than the firm Nike Terra Kiger.

Best Applications

This shoe can do it all. Off-trail running, such as fell running, are where the large lugs will really shine. Grass, mud, and snow are great uses for this shoe, but due to the more durable G-grip rubber, it can also handle plenty of hard packed dirt and rock as well without worry of wearing the lugs down quickly. No matter what sort of terrain you frequent, this is a worthy option that won't hold you back.

Light, sensitive, and comfortable, with some of the best traction you can find on any shoe, makes the Roclite 290 an ideal choice for desert running, or fell running, depending on what is close to where you live!

Value

This shoe retails for $125 in the US, which is roughly average when it comes to an everyday trainer. Since it performs well and the traction will last for a long time, we think this shoe presents a pretty solid value.

Conclusion

The Inov-8 Roclite 290 is a sensitive, low-to-the-ground shoe with great traction that thrives off-trail. It is light with a thin mesh upper. If traction is one of your main desires, this shoe should be at the top of your wish list.

The Roclite 290 are a great shoe for pretty much any type of terrain, and are one of the most comfortable and lightweight all-terrain shoes you can buy, as we found running through the high desert of central Oregon.