INOV8 Roadfly review

INOV8 continues to innovate with the first release of the Roadfly, a shoe designed specifically for the road coming from a brand famous for creating footwear more accustomed to fells and footpaths. Jude Palmer puts them to the test…

This is not INOV8’s first foray into road shoes, the first being a few years ago, and it seems the brand is deliberately introducing a shoe that bucks the high stack, max cushioning shoe we see a lot of in road running. Take a look at our best running shoes round-up for inspiration.

First impressions of the INOV8 Roadfly

More interesting is that the Roadfly sports INOV8’s new toe box shape that’s said to promote ‘a more natural feel and better foot health’. If you’re used to the more traditional snug toe box with toes held in place, then these will feel wildly different and may take some getting used to.

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But take heart, as the roomy shape is all about letting thousands of years of foot evolution do its thing. Three fit options (precision, standard and wide) give the option to choose what works best for you. 

Fit and performance

The low stack of 27mm and connection with the ground makes the Roadfly feel very stable, something that can be missed in shoes with high stacks. But don’t be fooled by appearances, there’s plenty of cushioning on the sole for longer runs. That’s in part due to the Powerflow Pro midsole, but also due to INOV8 Boomerang Footbed.

The sockliner is super bouncy, provides great comfort and has tiny holes across it to allow moisture to escape. The Roadfly is very flexible and encourages the wearer to roll through from midfoot to toe rather than having a stiffer rocker type sole like many of the max cushioned shoes on the market. 

Lightweight mesh makes up the shoe upper and keeps the feet cool even in hotter conditions. The upper of the Roadfly is more fluid than the more heavily overlaid uppers of more cushioned alternatives, but good lacing and the fact that the foot is connecting with the ground means that feet avoid slipping in the shoe.

It’s the second lightest women’s shoe on test (229g, UK 5.5) and the Roadfly certainly feels it. This has a lot to do with it feeling like it’s working with the mechanics of your foot rather than being something strapped to it. Running in the Roadfly feels nimble and agile. 

The heel cup and tongue are padded but, unlike many of the more cushioned road shoes out there, the heel is not as rigid, A lace loop helps keep the laces and tongue in place, while a heel loop is always appreciated.

Final thoughts – should you buy the INOV8 Roadfly?

The rubber grip boasts 2mm lug depth and is excellent on both dry and wet roads. It wouldn’t be out of place on drier trail runs, either. 

Because of the fit and low stack, I found the Roadfly great for going to the gym as well as using for running on summer trails. If you want the connection with the ground that trail shoes give you but want to run on road, the Roadfly is for you. The price is attractive too.  

Inov-8 Roadfly specs

Price:	$135/ £100
Sizes:	3-8.5 (women’s, UK), 6-14 (men’s, UK)
Stack height:	27mm heel / 21mm forefoot
Drop:	6mm
Midsole:	POWERFLOW PRO
Weight:	229g, UK 5.5 (women’s)