Kit & Gear

REVIEW: inov-8 ROCFLY™ G 390

A revolutionary boot like no other, the ROCFLY™ G 390 from inov-8 uses a unique Graphene-infused G-FLY™ foam that supercharges your feet so you can hike further than ever before.

The world-first foam is scientifically proven to deliver 25% greater energy return and retain its optimum levels of underfoot rebound and cushioning for longer, thanks to the infusion of the planet’s strongest wonder material.

The boot also features a pioneering ADAPTER-FLEX™ groove that allows it to adapt and react to the terrain with the type of agility usually reserved for trail running shoes, GRAPHENE-GRIP™ rubber that ensures the world’s toughest traction over all types of ground, and a super-comfortable upper that perfectly balances the need for support, protection and breathability.

All this at a weight of just 390g. Prepare for endless adventure.

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Our SportsShoes Running and Hiking ambassador, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting the new inov-8 ROCFLY G 390 hiking shoes to the test;

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Fans of the inov-8 TRAILFLY™ Ultra G 300 Max Trail Running shoes will be delighted with the new inov-8 ROCFLY™ G 390 as it features the same GRAPHENE-GRIP™, G-FLY™, ADAPTER-FLEX™ technologies and an identical underfoot design.

First impressions? The ROCFLY™ G 390 are sleek, stylish and simplistic in design and I really believe that inov-8 have hit the jackpot with this latest release. Personally, I think they look amazing and I love the blue and black colourway (women’s design is crimson red and black). Plus, they feel super-comfortable to wear and provide long-lasting cushioning and protection for every kind of adventure.

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I should start by mentioning that this shoe does fit small and this is also something I noticed with the TRAILFLY™. Typically, I’m a UK10 in inov-8 shoes and I’ve been testing a UK10.5 for the ROCFLY™, although I’d even be tempted to move up to a UK11, but only if I intended on wearing a thick pair of socks for every hike. However, my intention with this pair of shoes is to wear them for a range of purposes. Weighing just 390g (average weight across sizes), they are unbelievably light for a hiking shoe, especially considering they are a mid-height boot and the fact they feel tough, durable and very well-made. This makes them the perfect choice for anyone looking for a hiking shoe for all seasons, as they can cope with a variety of terrain and conditions, plus they’re equally suitable for fast hiking or long-distance adventures. They also look great in casual situations, switching from the high peaks to the high street in a seamless fashion.

Versatility, comfort and cushioning are the stand out features of this shoe. And what is particularly interesting is that despite having an identical midsole and outsole to the TRAILFLY™, I actually think the technologies are better suited to hiking rather than trail running. Hence the reason I’ve given this shoe slightly higher ratings across the board. I’ll be honest, I liked the TRAILFLY™, but I didn’t love it, yet I’ve found myself falling head over heels for the ROCFLY™.

For hiking, it feels lightweight and cushioned, plus the ADAPTER-FLEX™ technology really helps to move in sync with your feet and the ever-changing terrain. Basically, the way this works is that the sole is split into two sections and can therefore twist and turn much more easily than a standard hiking shoe. To put it simply, there is no other comparable shoe that allows such a high-level of flexibility underfoot. This unique design works really well on the TRAILFLY™, but even better on the ROCFLY™, because the high-stack midsole is complemented by a mid-height upper, therefore offering much more support around the ankle as your feet move and flex on uneven ground.

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The upper strikes a perfect balance of protective and breathable materials that comfortably wrap around your feet. At the front and sides of the shoe are thick overlays, carefully placed over hard-wearing areas for extra durability and designed to protect your feet from sharp rocks and debris. This includes a double-layered toe guard which further increases protection against aggressive terrain. Above these protective layers sits a knitted upper, which is lightweight and breathable, yet durable and strong. This material really helps to enhance comfort levels as it’s quick drying and extremely flexible in both fit and feel. In addition, the padded tongue and supportive ankle collar collectively provide a secure and comfortable hold, whilst the traditional lacing system also gives you an extra option of using the two extra hooks at the top of the shoe to create even more stability. This shoe has a wide toe box for extra room and movement and improving ventilation. The overall result is a hiking boot which is extremely comfortable to wear, especially for extended periods of time. Gone are the days when you get to the end of an epic hike and are desperate to take off your boots.

For extended shoe life, like the TRAILFLY™, this shoe has Graphene-infused G-FLY™ in the midsole, which is designed to prolong the cushioning and give you more energy return over greater distances. It also features GRAPHENE-GRIP™ rubber for enhanced grip and traction and durability. Unfortunately, I’ve not tested my pair long enough to comment on the lifespan of the upper, midsole or outsole. But I have noticed an improved difference in graphene-infused shoes compared to older inov-8 models without graphene, particularly in those with soft sticky rubber outsoles e.g. X-TALON™ series. What I can confidently say is that these shoes are well-built and have a feeling of supreme quality, in every aspect of design. Therefore, I would hope and expect them to last the distance.

It’s worth pointing out that the uppers are water-resistant, but not waterproof. Walking through puddles and in lightweight showers is not an issue, but in extremely wet conditions, unfortunately less so. There is no GORETEX protection in the upper material and there are points at which I feel this shoe is vulnerable to water, particularly at the top of the shoe. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because many hikers actually prefer a non-waterproof shoe. The benefits of this are increased breathability, as there is more ventilation inside the boot and your feet won’t sweat quite as much, particularly on hot days. They are also quick-drying, more so than other waterproof shoes. If water does get inside a waterproof shoe (which is possible - especially at the top, from wet legs) then they certainly won’t dry as quickly and easily as this particular model.

There is so much to love about the inov-8 ROCFLY™ G 390 and I have enjoyed wearing them for a huge variety of hikes, on a multitude of surfaces and over both long and short distances. So, If cushioning and comfort are high on your list of priorities, then the ROCFLY™ should be high on your list of potential hiking shoes.

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SHOP INOV-8 ROCFLY™ G 390 WALKING SHOES HERE

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