INOV8 Roclite G 345 GTX
The Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX is a very high quality mid-ankle boot that offers superb traction, while still being very lightweight. Inov-8 classifies this product as a hiking and running boot that provides comfort and traction over trail protection. Graphene rubber technology takes this footwear to a new level, making it ideal for unstable and slippery terrain during moderate mileage days.
Pros
- Incredible traction even on wet mossy rock
- Comfortable
- Durable outsole
- Gaiter compatible (proprietary)
Cons
- Toe cap/heel cap insufficient against stones
- No protection on outer foot area
- Laces are slippery to use
- Wide openings catch debris
Inov-8 released the Roclite G 345 GTX to meet the needs of the "fast & light" hiker or trail runner looking for exceptional waterproof comfort. Inov-8 claims "superior traction" with this boot, and it was found not only to be accurate, but perhaps the best traction of any boot I've tested. Although several features help these boots shine, they are straightforward, allowing the wearer to focus on the trail ahead.
These boots were tested over approximately 150 miles, without the traction giving in a bit. It isn't every pair of footwear that 100 percent trust can be given to.
Please note that Superfeet Green insoles were used during product testing, which ultimately changes fit, comfort, shock absorption, and many other aspects of the boot.
Specifications:
- Price: $175
- Gender: Men's (Women's is the same unisex model)
- Weight: 26.2oz/746g with stock insoles (pair, size 44/10.5)
- Sizes Available: 7-15 (Mens)
- Sole Compound: Graphene Grip rubber
- Drop: 8mm
- Shank: META-PLATE plastic
Break-In: Typical to similar lightweight hiking boot construction, no break-in was necessary save for wearing around the house for a few hours. The boots went on a few day hikes prior to overnight backpacking, trail running, and significant mileage days. No blisters were reported during any testing!
Fit & Comfort: The Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX fits like a lightweight sneaker with additional padding around the ankles. The 8mm drop did not affect stability, and felt natural. The toe-box area is of medium width, and has no padding material at the metatarsal/proximal phalanx junction which caused frequent discomfort. The medium fit runs typical, being more similar to a Salomon than a wider product, like Altra.
Day long comfort was provided on a long winter section hike on the Appalachian Trail. Much of the trail had 4-6 inches of snow over solid sheets of ice for miles.
The Roclite’s cushioning feels typical for a lightweight trail running shoe. Although less cushioned than a running sneaker, these boots are quite comfortable for 20-mile days on the trail. When balancing on rocks/roots, it is possible to feel the terrain underfoot without the shank giving too much.
Inov-8 touts that the "POWERFLOW midsole delivers 10% better shock absorption and 15% better energy return than standard midsoles," without being incorrect. These have been one of the most comfortable pairs of boots I've tested to date!
Longer mileage days were tested with a thinner sock mid-day to accommodate for expected swelling.
Please note that all testing was performed wearing Injinji Liner Crew sockliners, with either Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion or Micro Crew Light Cushion socks.
Support/Protection: These boots have a stable feel, which is the primary platform in providing a good supportive product. These boots were designed to be light at 26.2 ounces, which is where some of the problematic concerns arise. Toe protection is absolutely minimal, contrary to Inov-8’s claim of "world’s toughest grip, climate comfort and protection..."
The heel cap is substantially more protective, but a very painful moment could have been lessened with a bit more protection.
Ankle padding is a nice comfortable feature, along with a well padded tongue.
Water Resistance/Temperature Control: All testing has shown the Roclite G 345 GTX to be 100 percent waterproof. Long days hiking in snow yielded the same as submerging the boots in mid-Atlantic streams.
Cold starts with an uninsulated boot are typical, however my cold feet warmed on the trail along the miles.
Enjoying a winter view on the Appalachian Trail
Although everything feels hot on 90°F + days in the Appalachians, the boots were not notably ablaze due to the Gore-Tex lining.
Fording a small stream in Gunpowder State Park, Maryland
High water, and a short spring in the mid-Atlantic gave many opportunities to keep testing the water resistance of the boot.
Traction: Barring smooth ice, the Roclite G 345 GTX never slipped under foot. Wet mossy rock, stream fording, downhill braking all showed the superiority of how well the soles performed. Inov-8 has not fallen short on their claim, and 100 percent trust had been earned underfoot wearing these boots.
Inov-8 uses a rubber technology called "Graphene Grip," which has shown to have the best anti-slip tested on any hiking shoe or boot. Quoting Inov-8- "Revolutionary graphene-enhanced G-GRIP outsole offers the world's toughest and most durable grip. Multi-directional, claw-shaped cleats, each with a wide contact area, provide unrivaled grip over unpredictable terrain and quick release of any debris."
Large, multi-directional lugs
Even thick mud sheds from the wide lugged pattern
The car's traction getting to the trailhead was much poorer than the boots' performance for a winter overnight on the Appalachian Trail in February.
Minimal wear has been noted over the course of approximately 150 miles. These boots have only been worn on trail.
Mile 25
Mile 51
Approximately mile 150
Other Features: Attachment points allow the proprietary Inov-8 All Terrain Gaiter to clip into place. This prevents debris from entering the top of the shoe, which was found to happen very easily with this boot design. Other gaiters, ie Dirty Girls are compatible with the Roclite G 345 GTX, however were not tested.
The lacing system did not have any concerns during testing, but the tubular-style laces were found to be tricky at times to adjust/tie.
The lace hooks do not hold the laces until bound. This also was not found to be a concern, but could be a consideration for improving the shoe design in the future.
Construction & Durability: The overall build of these boots are solid. A minor weight penalty to add protection would certainly extend the lifespan of the boot, especially in the outer foot area, right above the sole.
The Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX has been tested from winter 2018 to mid-summer 2019. Snow, ice, water crossings, 41-mile summer dayhikes, heavy rain, mult-day backpacking trips have all been seen over the course of approximately 150 miles.
First steps into Harpers Ferry after the 41.3-mile AT Maryland Challenge
Many thanks to the people at Inov-8 for the opportunity to test the Roclite G 345 GTX for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps.
Background
The product tester has been wearing GTX as well as lightweight trail footwear for several years, and has been an avid hiker for more than thirty years. Based in the mid-Atlantic East Coast, this is the second pair of Inov-8 hikers worn.
Source: received for testing via the Trailspace Review Corps
(Sample for testing and review provided by Inov-8)
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Specs
Men's | |
---|---|
Price |
MSRP: $175.00 Current Retail: $115.99 Historic Range: $65.46-$190.00 |
Weight |
345 g / 12.1 oz |
Drop |
8mm |
Footbed |
6mm |
Lug Depth |
6mm |
Midsole |
POWERFLOW |
Midsole |
Stack Heel 16mm / Forefoot 8mm |
Shank |
META-PLATE |
Sole Compound |
GRAPHENE GRIP |
Women's | |
---|---|
Price |
MSRP: $175.00 Current Retail: $109.99-$129.99 Historic Range: $86.83-$190.00 |
Weight |
345 g / 12.1 oz |
Drop |
8mm |
Footbed |
6mm |
Lug Depth |
6mm |
Midsole |
POWERFLOW |
Midsole |
Stack Heel 16mm / Forefoot 8mm |
Shank |
META-PLATE |
Sole Compound |
GRAPHENE GRIP |