INOV8 RoadFly Shoes Review
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When I got my hands on the INOV8 RoadFly, I was excited to see how a brand known for trail shoes would adapt their tech for road running. The RoadFly felt like a promising blend of road-running essentials and trail-inspired durability. Here’s my experience with these shoes across various terrains, including the Musketawa Trail and Muskegon State Park.
Fit and Sizing: Finding the Right Width
Starting with fit, I followed the INOV8 size chart, which recommended the wide fit for my foot measurements. However, once I received the wide pair, I realized that the volume felt excessive. I changed them out for the standard width, and that fit worked out perfectly. Even the standard option had plenty of room in the toe box for a comfortable toe splay, which is essential for me while running. I went with my usual size 13, and the length had just the right amount of extra space—exactly what I prefer for running shoes, so my toes don’t hit the front on downhill stretches or during longer runs.
RoadFly’s First Test: Musketawa Trail
For the first big test, I hit the Musketawa Trail, a nearly 25-mile stretch running between Marne and Muskegon. This paved trail has patches of uneven and weathered surfaces, which I thought would be ideal to test the RoadFly’s adaptability. From the get-go, the shoes handled the path well, offering stability and cushioning that kept my feet from feeling the harsher impact of broken-up pavement. The Meta-Flex groove in the forefoot allowed for flexibility as I ran over sections of cracked pavement, making it easier to adapt to the small ups and downs in the trail.
I appreciated the combination of the BOOMERANG footbed and POWERFLOW PRO midsole foam on this run. Together, they provided a springy yet controlled bounce that didn’t feel over-the-top but was just enough to keep me moving efficiently. The cushioning didn’t feel overly soft, which some might find preferable, but it was supportive enough for a long run without making my feet feel fatigued. The outsole’s grip also impressed me, as I could feel it firmly holding the slicker areas of the trail, especially as I passed some stretches with wet leaves and packed dirt.
Off-Road Tryout: Muskegon State Park
I also took the RoadFly for a spin at Muskegon State Park. The trail there was a bit challenging with leaf-covered paths that were quite slippery, especially in the cooler fall weather. While the RoadFly isn’t technically built for trail conditions, I found that it performed decently on the leaf-covered trails. The grip wasn’t as strong as on paved surfaces, but it did provide enough traction to keep me from slipping, although I had to be mindful of where I placed my feet, especially on steeper or leaf-covered sections. The shoes’ flexibility allowed me to adjust quickly to these different surfaces, but I could see that the lack of aggressive lugs made it better suited for smoother trails or packed dirt.
I’d caution against taking these on technical trails or wet, muddy surfaces. For runs on Muskegon’s flatter, well-trodden paths, the RoadFly’s road-specific design held up fine, but it’s clear that the grip and stability would probably fall short on more challenging trail sections.
Design Features: Breathable and Minimal
The RoadFly’s upper is made from a single-piece engineered mesh, which offers excellent breathability and comfort. I appreciated the gusseted tongue for keeping out small rocks and leaves, especially at Muskegon State Park. This design choice helped the shoes stay lightweight and reduced potential distractions.
Midsole and Outsole Performance: Cushioning That Connects
The RoadFly’s midsole has a 6 mm heel-to-toe drop, which sits at 27 mm in the heel and 21 mm at the forefoot. This low-to-mid stack height promotes a natural, grounded ride. The POWERFLOW PRO midsole, though firm, has a responsiveness that’s great for higher-paced sessions. I’ve found it especially suited for moderate or faster-paced runs on the road or well-groomed trails.
The outsole, with INOV8’s durable rubber and the Meta-Flex groove, enhances flexibility and stability. While I would’ve liked a bit more arch support for longer distances, I appreciated the connected, natural feel this design provides. The rubber’s grip worked well in damp conditions on the Musketawa Trail, but it performed less reliably on Muskegon State Park’s leaf-covered paths, confirming its road-first design.
Versatility and Overall Performance
Across a range of surfaces, the RoadFly performed with dependable comfort and stability. I found it best for daily training runs and shorter trail jogs, while its quick response made it suitable for faster efforts, too. Its lower stack height and firm midsole create a grounded, responsive feel without the excess foam or bulk found in high-stack shoes, and that’s exactly what I like about it.
For those who favor a natural, minimalist approach to their running shoe, the RoadFly is versatile and durable. Although I’d keep these runs under 8 miles for optimal comfort, the flexibility and close-to-ground feel make them suitable for a variety of paces.
Final Verdict: Affordable, No-Frills Option for Road Runners
At a price of $130, the INOV8 RoadFly is affordable compared to other running shoes in its category. It’s available in a range of colors, including Lime/Black/White, Black/White, Navy/Blue/Lime, White, and Black, and comes in both standard and wide widths to accommodate different foot shapes.
If you’re a runner looking for a straightforward, responsive shoe that balances flexibility and control on roads or smooth trails, the RoadFly is worth considering. For more details or to make a purchase, you can check out INOV8’s official site.
