Inov-8 is far from being an obscure trail running shoes brand: it has a devoted fan base and its shoes are renowned for their sticky grip and aggressive lug-design. The company's latest running shoes, the Inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX, goes a step further and introduces the "world’s first-ever running shoes to utilise a Graphene-enhanced foam", in collaboration with 'Graphene experts' at The University of Manchester, UK.
Inov-8 is no stranger to using Graphene in its shoes: it first used Graphene in 2018 when launching GRAPHENE-GRIP rubber on the outsoles of its running, hiking and fitness shoes. But the TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX is the first one to use the 'world's strongest material' in the midsole itself.
What is Graphene? According to Wikipedia – the only source everyone is using on the internet – "Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice." As inov-8 explains, "as well as being 200 times stronger than steel, Graphene is also the world’s thinnest material and boasts astonishing flexibility."
Inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX: price and release date
The inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX is available to pre-order now at inov-8 ahead of going on sale on 8 April 2021. It’s priced at £170 / $190 / €195.
Inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX: features
The Graphene-enhanced rubber outsole of the inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX has 35 'multi-directional' 4mm deep lugs and vertical grooves cut into the rubber to "allow the foot’s metatarsal bones to move more independently". It's also said to be "50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% harder wearing" than non-Graphene rubber outsoles.
The main attraction is Graphene-enhanced G-FLY cushioned foam which is more resistant to wear but retains its thickness and "optimum levels of energy return" for longer. Inov-8 claims that the new foam "gives 25% more energy return" than industry-standard EVA foam. Another bold claim from inov-8 is that "athletes testing the foam said it was still performing well after 1,200 km – which is double the industry standard". 'Performing well' can mean different to different people, however.
The BOOMERANG insole features "hundreds of expanded TPU beads that compress and spring back for 40% more energy return" than standard insoles. It also promises to retain its 6mm thickness and optimum performance level for longer, while wicking away moisture.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
the upper features the ADAPTER-FIT technology that delivers a supportive fit that "adjusts to the natural movements and swelling of the foot when running long distances". The lightweight, breathable air mesh materials add breathability without compromising on durability. The shoes have a wide toe-box (grade 5 on inov-8's 1-5 fit scale) and "lightweight racer" tongue, while a double-layered toe guard increases protection against rocky terrain. The tongue is also gusseted to keep debris out of the shoe.
Key specs of the inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX:
- Weight: 300g
- Drop: 6mm (heel to forefoot differential)
- Full stack height (midsole & outsole): 30mm heel / 24mm forefoot
- Midsole stack height (midsole only): 25mm heel / 19mm forefoot
Inov-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX: image gallery
Liked this?
Read our Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX hiking boot review or, if you are looking for minimalist workout shoes, the Inov-8 BARE-XF 210 V3 review. Even more inov-8 hiking boots reviews can be found here: Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 review and Inov-8 Roclite 315 GTX review. For your reading pleasure.
Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.
-
Your Android phone just got a hidden free anti-theft update
This should keep your data safe if your phone is stolen
By Sam Cross Published
-
Zwift introduces Racing Score to power up competitive virtual cycling
Zwift's new scoring system brings fairer competition, smarter race categories, and more opportunities for every cyclist to improve
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Is this Adidas’ next record-breaking running shoe?
With new technology and stiff competition, Adidas’ latest racing shoe aims to leave rivals in the dust
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Proton power: Wattbike’s latest bike lights up the at-home fitness scene
Wattbike’s Proton provides a spin class experience without the awkward eye contact
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Segway’s ZT3 Pro brings speed, power, and adventure to electric scooters
Pre-order now, thank us later
By Matt Kollat Last updated
-
Amazfit T-Rex 3 is rugged enough to survive your next adventure and probably the one after that
Amazfit’s new smartwatch has a 27-day battery, dual GPS, 170+ sport modes, and advanced fitness features
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Zwift 10th anniversary update delivers new worlds, enhanced HUD, and improved challenges
Zwift celebrates the important milestone in style with a heap-load of updates
By Matt Kollat Published
-
No. 22's new Reactor Aero is a titanium triumph and a 3D printing first for the cycling world
No. 22's latest masterpiece is the world's first 3D-printed titanium aero bike
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Why an e-scooter is the best commuting buddy for university students
Portable, powerful and fun: e-scooters have all the qualities to make them the ultimate micro-commuting machines for uni students
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Sky-high slumber, ground-level costs: TentBox GO elevates budget-friendly rooftop camping
Make rooftop camping utterly hassle-free with the lightweight Tentbox GO
By Matt Kollat Published