Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX

This outsole was designed so that the wearer could easily move in a trail-like terrain. The tread on this Roclite is raised so that the runner can gain an effective grip onto some of the most unstable surfaces.

The Roclite 282 GTX can provide a solid grip throughout thick surfaces thanks to the sticky rubber throughout the outsole. You will always feel in control regardless of the surface you are running on thanks to the lugs on the outsole. The outsole also has the Fascia Band from the midsole onto the heel, which adds extra energy to the runner’s strides.

The midsole has an average amount of cushioning, which is good because it will provide the comfort needed when running on an unstable surface. This part of the Roclite 282 GTX is made with a responsive EVA foam that is full of cushioning and flexibility.

The EVA foam used in this shoe will be able to protect the bottom of the foot by absorbing any shock that happens whenever the runner is on a harder surface. EVA is typically found in the average running shoe and will provide the wearer with a fair amount of cushioning.

Those who like to get dirty and run through different wet surfaces will appreciate the upper of the Roclite 282 GTX. This upper is made with Inov-8’s breathable Gore-Tex material. Gore-Tex is engineered to be waterproof, so your feet will be able to stay dry while you run through puddles and other wet surfaces.

The upper looks almost identical to that of a typical running shoe, although it is much more prepared to take on the messiness of the outdoors.

The synthetic webbing used in this shoe creates a comfortable fit for the user regardless of what activity they are participating in. You’re going to get muddy and dirty with a trail shoe. Luckily the Gore-Tex upper will be able to take those wet materials and deter from sticking onto your shoe.

Read also about best gore tex trainers.

If you were to compare the weight of this shoe compared to that of a traditional running shoe, you will notice that the running shoe is significantly lighter. The 282 GTX is almost ten ounces; weighing in at 9.9 ounces for men and 8.7 ounces for women.

Read also about best gore tex trainers.

This is typically expected with a trail shoe; as it needs to meet the needs of the rocky surface. Someone who is concerned about their shoes weighing them down might reconsider, although the mesh in the upper is breathable and lightweight.

The Gortex lining used in the upper contributes to most of this shoe’s breathability. If you’re the type of person who enjoys walking and/or running through deep puddles, you will be in luck with these shoes. The mesh lining used in the Roclite 282 GTX keeps the foot completely dry at all times by completely blocking any water from penetrating.

Runners should keep in mind that although the Gortex lining does an excellent job at preventing wet materials from entering the shoe, the ankles are still exposed and likely to get wet while running through puddles.

Besides that sidenote, the Roclite 282 GTX keeps the feet cool and dry at all times.

This shoe offers the right amount of cushioning for the daily trail runner. The 3-Arrow Shoc-Zone cushioning in the Roclite 282 GTX protects the underfoot from any vibration or discomfort from the lugs constantly hitting the surface.

The synthetic upper webbing securely fits around the entire foot without coming off as too snug or loose. This shoe is great for runners with a wide forefoot. The tongue and the area surrounding the ankle is thoroughly padded, so the runner can feel comfortable during each stride and avoid getting any blisters due to friction.

The Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX looks like the modern hiking shoe combined with a running shoe. You can tell almost immediately when looking at the outsole that the shoe is made for a surface other than your traditional sidewalk or pavement. This particular shoe has “Roclite 282 GTX” branded in small text on the forefoot, while the Inov-8 logo is spread across the midfoot area of the upper in a more visible font.

The Inov-8 foot logo is placed in several different spots throughout the shoe. Besides being visible on the midfoot, the foot logo is on the tongue, the front of the forefoot, and behind the heel in a grey text. While it isn’t a necessity, more color options would be a suggestion for future models. The Roclite 282 GTX is currently available in black, with a gray outsole.

This shoe looks tough enough to handle the most rugged of surfaces. The Roclite 282 GTX has the tools needed to protect the foot but doesn’t necessarily hold up after long periods of use. Testers have claimed that their Roclite 282 GTX shoe started to fall apart after only a few months of use.

It would be fair to rate the durability of this shoe as slightly average. As a trail runner, you are going to want something that is durable because you will be running on unstable surfaces; some of which could potentially be dangerous to the lifespan of your average sneaker and the bottom of your feet.

Different elements of foot protection are placed throughout this shoe. The most obvious part of the shoe that offers protection is the forefoot. The forefoot is equipped with a thick square toe guard right at the front of the shoe (directly on top of the outsole lip.) This feature protects the toes from getting stubbed on random things such as wood logs or raised mountainous surroundings.

The mesh upper looks very sturdy and has enough thickness to protect a majority of the foot from abrasions that could potentially occur when running in a trail terrain. Finally, the lugged outsole and midsole cushioning prevents the bottom of the foot and the arch from receiving frequent impact from the ground.

The Roclite 282 GTX’s sole has a reasonable amount of responsiveness. The midsole constricts like a sponge whenever the runner takes a step. The Fascia-band contributes to this responsiveness because it helps the runner feel as though they are bouncing off of the surface area.

After every step this band energizes the runner while eliminating any difficulty in the arch area. The EVA is also bouncy because of its high amount of cushioning.

When trying to keep balance on an unstable surface, you want to have the support necessary to stay upright. With the Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX, the foot is properly secured with the TPU lacing system. This will keep the foot in place throughout your run, keeping you balanced as a result.

This Roclite also has a Fascia Band that starts at the heel and ends at the metatarsal area. The Fascia Band provides more support to the applied area and allows the flexibility for a natural running motion. It is typically known as a rigid lever arm that propels the runner with each step. There is also a decent amount of forefoot support in this shoe thanks to the Met-Cradle technology.

The Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX was built for tough terrain. Inov-8 applied the tools needed to handle unstable surfaces. This shoe is best for rugged trail terrain. The outsole is strictly designed to take on surfaces like snow, mud, puddles, woods, mountain, and probably even sand to a certain extent.

If someone were to run on a road terrain with this shoe, not only will their feet start hurting due to the vibration from the elevated tread, but they will also wear down the outsole tremendously.

This misuse of the Roclite 282 GTX is counterproductive because it eliminates the feature that creates traction.

Wearers have been quite mixed about this section. The price of the Roclite 282 GTX is close to the “expensive” range, despite its high-quality material beneficial to hikers. It would be convenient for the price of this shoe to be cheaper for the average size, but you must also consider what you are receiving before making your final judgment.

Traction is a feature where the Inov-8 excels. A majority of this shoe’s traction comes from the lugged bottom. The outsole is designed to grab onto unstable surfaces that might prompt you to slip and lose balance.

The elevated tread resembles a soccer cleat; it is used to grab onto an unstable surface, such as mud, grass, or even snow. Those who like to exercise in outdoor environments such as the woods or the mountains will be pleased with the traction on this shoe.

Those who wear the Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX notice that it allows them to move their feet naturally without any restriction. This shoe can bend and twist as needed, which allows the runner to comfortably move their foot in different positions during their run.

There is also flex grooves on the outsole called “Meta-Flex”, which is meant to offer a forefoot flex. The Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX might look more like a hiking boot or a trainer instead of a racer, but one would be surprised with the way you can move your feet in these shoes. Feel free to move around naturally without any limits.

The toe box in this shoe has a decent amount of stability for those with a wide forefoot. If you have more of a narrow forefoot it would be more difficult to keep the foot in a stable position. The lacing support is also useful as it keeps the foot in one place one the shoelaces are tied.

The lugs in the outsole have the ability to pierce through any questionable surface. Regardless of what the terrain is, your foot will be in place at all times thanks to this sturdy and responsive material.

The drop for this shoe is at about 9 millimeters. This measurement is slightly lower than the average for running sneakers. This is typically expected from a running shoe since the bottom of the Inov-8 GTX is supposed to be closer to the ground for enhanced support.

The drop measurement has been known to correlate with the probability of injury, but shouldn’t have an effect on this trail shoe, especially because of the lugged outsole and soft cushioning in the midsole.

• Waterproof GORE-TEX upper
• Comfortable EVA midsole
• Outsole pattern provides excellent grip
• Natural flexibility

This shoe is great for the trail runner looking for comfort and support. The Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX has the responsiveness and comfort of a traditional running shoe, with the toughness and durability needed for a good trail shoe.

Those who like to go hiking or exercise in adventurous terrain will benefit tremendously using this shoe. It will keep them balanced with the superior support and excellent traction that the shoe’s features provide.

Despite the high retail price, there is a lot of upside to the Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX trail runner. Specifically designed for the rugged outdoors, this shoe has the essentials needed for a good quality run.

What makes this shoe a must buy is the Gore-Tex mesh which is considered waterproof. Overall, a tough, comfortable shoe that is worth a try.