Kit & Gear

Explaining the inov-8 TRAILFLY Running Shoe Range

Following the release of the new inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280, it now means there are three different trail running shoes in the award-winning TRAILFLY range. In this article we explain the differences between the shoes, as well as highlighting the technologies and benefits of each.

Designed for pushing longer distances on hard-packed trails, the inov-8 TRAILFLY range can be enjoyed by runners of all abilities, from the elite to beginners. They have won multiple ‘trail running shoe of the year’ awards and proven very popular with ultramarathon runners, some of whom have broken records in the shoes.

So, let’s explain more about the TRAILFLY G 270, TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 and TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX.

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Pictured: The inov-8 TRAILFLY G 270

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TRAILFLY G 270 - THE FAST ONE

If you love to feel fast, light and agile in a zero-drop shoe that connects you to hard-packed trails for a fun ride, this is for you.

The fast-feel TRAILFLY G 270 – first launched in July 2020 – is the lightest of the three shoes, weighing an average of 270g across the size curve.

It has a 0mm drop (the difference in height between the heel and forefoot) and total stack heights (the amount of material that separates the bottom of foot from the ground, including the footbed) of 22mm in both the heel and forefoot.

This means the shoe is less cushioned than the 280 and 300, but the foot sits closer to the ground versus the other two shoes, delivering higher levels of connection to the trail.

Like the other TRAILFLY shoes, it features 4mm deep Graphene-enhanced rubber studs on the outsole for the world’s toughest grip and the width in the toe-box is a 5 on our 1-5 scale (5 being the widest) for extra comfort.

The midsole foam is our durable POWERFLOW MAX foam which, in terms of energy return, propels back 52%-55% of the energy you put into every stride.

It comes with our interchangeable BOOMERANG footbed, which gives 40% more energy return versus standard footbeds.

Like on the other TRAILFLY shoes, the midfoot locks in for a secure hold, while the upper fit adjusts to all natural movements as well as any swelling over longer distances. The upper material is light, breathable and protective.

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Pictured: The inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280

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TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 - THE BOUNCY ONE

If you love to feel propelled forward by a light, bouncy, plush cushioned shoe whilst running over hard-packed trails, this is for you.

The bouncy TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 has just been launched (October 2022) and is the newest addition to the range. It weighs an average 280g across the size curve and sits between the 270 and 300 in terms of weight.

It has an 8mm drop and total stack heights of 33mm in the heel and 25mm in the forefoot. This means the foot sits further up from the ground than in the 270 with greater cushioning, but lower than in the 300.

Often, when a running shoe has more stack and cushioning like the 280, it can lack flexibility and trail feel, so that’s why the 280 – and the 300 – both feature our ADAPTER-FLEX technology. This is a groove cut up into the midsole that frees the shoe of stiffness and enhances natural flexibility.

Like the other TRAILFLY shoes, it features 4mm deep Graphene-enhanced rubber studs on the outsole for the world’s toughest grip and the width in the toe-box is a 5 on our 1-5 scale (5 being the widest) for extra comfort.

The midsole foam is our new nitrogen-infused FLYSPEED foam which, in terms of energy return, propels back 65-68% of the energy you put into every stride. It’s also our softest and lightest foam.

Owing to this already incredible level of energy return, the shoe comes with a standard footbed rather than a BOOMERANG footbed.

Like on the other TRAILFLY shoes, the midfoot locks in for a secure hold, while the upper fit adjusts to all natural movements as well as any swelling over longer distances. The upper material is a new knit, which is light, stretchy, super-breathable and protective.

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Pictured: The inov-8 ULTRA G 300 MAX

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TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX - THE PROTECTIVE ONE

If you love to feel protected and springy underfoot in a durably cushioned shoe that is proven to go the distance over hard-packed trails, this is for you. 

The protective TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX – launched in March 2021 – weighs an average 300g across the size curve and is slightly heavier than the other two shoes owing to its enhanced technologies.

It has an 6mm drop and total stack heights of 36mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot. This means the foot sits further up from the ground than in both the 270 and 280, with greater cushioning.

Often, when a running shoe has more stack, cushioning like the 300, it can lack flexibility and trail feel, so that’s why the 300 – and the 280 – both feature our ADAPTER-FLEX technology. This is a groove cut up into the midsole that frees the shoe of stiffness and enhances natural flexibility.

Like the other TRAILFLY shoes, it features 4mm deep Graphene-enhanced rubber studs on the outsole for the world’s toughest grip and the width in the toe-box is a 5 on our 1-5 scale (5 being the widest) for extra comfort.

The midsole foam is our Graphene-enhanced G-FLY foam which, in terms of energy return, propels back 62-65% of the energy you put into every stride. It is also our most protective and durable, thanks to the powers of Graphene, the strongest material in the world.

It comes with our interchangeable BOOMERANG footbed, which gives 40% more energy return versus standard footbeds.

Like on the other TRAILFLY shoes, the midfoot locks in for a secure hold, while the upper fit adjusts to all natural movements as well as any swelling over longer distances. The upper material is light, breathable and extra protective.

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SO, WHICH TRAILFLY SHOE(S) DO I BUY?

All three?! Much depends upon what you want from your shoe. All three grip brilliantly to hard-packed trail, with the 270 having that bit more ability to mould to uneven ground thanks to its lower drop and stack.

The 280 offers the springiest bounce coupled with a softer underfoot feel, while the 300 has outstanding energy return of its own from a firmer G-FLY foam that also enhances protection.

The 270 is the lightest with a more natural feel but the 280 and 300 offer more cushioning. The 280 often surprises people who pick it up as, thanks to the nitrogen foam and knit upper, it feels incredibly light for a more cushioned shoe.

All three have been built to run all trail distances, as proven by athletes and customers wearing each of the options for runs ranging from 5km to 500km runs. And while they share this in common, it remains true that all three do feel different to run in and offer a variety options. Perhaps it’s time to start building your own TRAILFLY arsenal!

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SHOP ALL INOV-8 TRAILFLY RUNNING SHOES NOW

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