Trail running shoe review: Inov8 Trailfly Max

Inov8 Trailfly Max Review

We recently had a chance to test the Inov8 Trailfly Max for a review. Inov8 designed the shoe for long runs and ultramarathons, with more cushioning than the other models in the Trailfly range: the standard Trailfly (all-round, hard-packed trail running), Zero (with a 0mm drop), and Speed (for faster, shorter efforts). Steve from the LG HQ team tested the long-distance oriented Max across different terrain, here’s our thoughts…

Inov8 Trailfly Max Ultra Sizing

Steve normally wears a UK 10, but tested a 10.5 as we’ve found Inov8 shoes can feel a little small. For the first few runs, Steve wondered if an 11 might have been better as they felt a little snug on downhills. But, after 30-ish miles reports that they’ve loosened up a bit and reports that the 10.5 fits well. This isn’t unusual with trail shoes which, with extra overlays, often have firmer uppers than road shoes.

It’s worth noting that Inov8 also offer a wide fitting, which will be welcome news to those who find some brands don’t leave much room for broader feet or to wriggle your toes.

Comfort and Cushioning: Built for Endurance

The Inov8 Trailfly Max is built for very long, demanding efforts on the trails, boasting Inov8’s new Flyspeed Pro foam, which they describe as a “new supercritical, nitrogen-infused EVA foam” that’s “super-lightweight, while giving both greater comfort and superior energy return.” Steve confirmed that they had “plenty of cushioning and are comfortable.”

Grip and Traction: Conquer Any Terrain

The outsole of the Inov8 Trailfly Max is designed for grip and traction on firm trails. They feature a hard-wearing, slightly tacky rubber infused with Graphene (a material renowned for being strong and durable). The lugs are 4mm deep, which Steve described as offering “fantastic grip and traction” on the trail.

Fit and Toe Box: Natural Movement on the Trails

Steve appreciated the wide toe box which offers more room for toes to move naturally. This is a focus for Inov8, who aim to promote natural movement with their shoes, using a foot-shaped design.

Get a 15% discount on the Inov8 Trailfly Max with Goat Codes

The Inov8 Trailfly Max is a cushioned, grippy shoe perfect for long distance trail runs. Lonely Goat Member Plus subscribers can get a 15% discount off the shoes with Goat Codes: LINK

Visit the Inov8 website to check out the full Trailfly range: LINK