ProView – Inov8 TrailFlyZERO Review

I tested the TrailFly Zero on several runs and hikes near Boulder, Colorado this spring, and these shoes have really been a treat. I have really narrow feet, low-volume feet so sometimes have a hard time finding wide toe box shoes that aren’t too big on the rest of my feet (for folks that do have wider feet, this shoe comes in a wide version, too!). Inov8 has designed these shoes to have a roomy toe box but still a snug fit around the midfoot and heel pocket, without the outer folding awkwardly like I’ve had in other trail shoes. They call this tech their MET-CRADLE, and I can attest that it works. 

Performance

As for running feel, Inov8 uses their FLYSPEED Pro foam midsole and BOOMERANG FOOTBED, which they promote as being both responsive and shock-absorbing. My take on this combination is that they provide just the right amount of cushion and support. They feel great on rocky and rooty terrain, but can you still feel the trail under your feet – a great middle ground between minimal shoes with no cushion and maximalist shoes that feel like you’re wearing serious platforms.

A nice touch that Inov8 has added is strategic padding on the tongue. They’ve added extra cushioning over the instep and at the top where your bow sits so that you can keep these tight without putting too much pressure on the top of your feet.

For the sake of comparison, I’ve also run in Inov8’s TrailFly Speed sneaker and it was interesting to go back-to-back to feel the differences. Both the Speed and Zero weigh the same (270g) and have the same great fit that hugs your foot but lets your toes splay. The graphene rubber soles also both have 4mm lugs that provide great traction without feeling like you’re wearing cleats. The Speed has a 2mm drop while the Zero doesn’t have any. It’s amazing how noticeable a 2mm difference is immediately on a run. It didn’t necessarily feel bad, but it did take a few short runs for my body to adjust.

Friendliness to the Earth

While I couldn’t find anything specific to manufacturing of our tech in their shoes, Inov8 does have an initiative call RENOV8 that allows you to recycle your Inov8 gear in exchange for a 20% off code as well as an opportunity to buy refurbished shoes at their flagship store. 

Room for Improvement

When I was going through the pictures of these shoes I did notice that there is some extra fabric around the base of my toes because my feet are so low volume, however, it’s not something I felt/noticed while actually running. 

Inov8 currently offers only one color in these shoes, and it’s a variation of light gray so they will look well worn before the end of their life. I’d love to see some more color choices in the Zero.

Final Thoughts

I love to be able to provide feedback to brands so that they can continue to improve their products, but I honestly loved these trail shoes. They check all the boxes: they fit my feet and are comfortable, they provide great traction and they aren’t heavy or clunky. If you’re looking for a zero drop, wide toe box trail shoe, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try.

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