Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 V2 review

The first version of the Trailfly G 270 earned rave reviews from testers across the media and what we have here is an evolution of that shoe.

Inov 8 Trailfly G 270 V2 review

With a 0mm drop and a limited amount of cushioning, these Trailflys are best suited to people who are used to minimalist shoes.

If that’s you, there’s a lot to like. Our UK size 11s came in at 315g per shoe and felt incredibly light and nimble.

They’re responsive, too, allowing you to pick up speed well when changing pace. As such, they’re pretty handy for hill climbs and intervals.

One thing that wasn’t as noticeable was the ‘bounce’ that Inov-8 promises. While they’re a pleasure to run in, we just didn’t get that same propulsion that we’ve had from a few competitors.

Comfort is generally high, with the heel cupped nicely and the improved tongue working well. The fit is secure, too, but try before you buy as we needed to go up half a size (as we normally do with Inov-8).

We also appreciated the roomy toe box, which allows for plenty of toe splay and foot swelling on warmer days.

However, as we’ve alluded to earlier, there’s not a huge amount of cushioning, which is worth noting if that’s a dealbreaker for you.

In terms of traction, we had good experiences on soft (semi-dry) mud and hard-packed trails, with a high level of ground feel. This is handy, but sharp rocks sometimes felt a little too noticeable for us.

All in all, though, if you’re used to this type of shoe then it’s a great option for covering a range of distances.

Verdict: Comfortable and responsive zero-drop shoes, but not for everyone.

Score: 85%

Pair this with…

Inov-8 Ultra Shell Half Zip

If you’re heading off-road with your running and travelling far from home, a lightweight waterproof jacket can be an invaluable addition.

And they don’t come much lighter than this option from Inov-8. A men’s size medium weighs only 97g and packs down incredibly small, meaning it’s hardly noticeable when tucked away somewhere.

There’s a deep zip for venting and a hood with an elastic hem to help keep the elements out.

Water repellency is decent for a such a lightweight jacket, with rain being kept out well.

See our full Inov-8 Ultra Shell review in our list of the best running jackets.