ProView – Inov-8 Women’s TrailFly Speed Review

I have always been a dedicated Altra shoe fan, due to the zero drop, natural foot shape and wide toe box. However, in recent years, I have been looking for alternatives that offer subtle arch support and a narrower heel to better support my feet on the trail. Inov-8 has done it! The Trailfly Speed shoe is an amazing option for those looking for a comfortable anatomical fit that performs on technical terrain. 

Fit/Comfort

This trail shoe fits true to size with a snug and secure feel. While it has a wide toe box, it remains narrow enough at the heel to prevent chafing and blisters and keep your feet from sliding forward on steep downhills.

The cushion is light and offers a ground feel, yet still enough to remain comfortable on rockier terrain for short to medium distances. For ultra-running or extreme mountain terrain, I would opt for a shoe with slightly more protection and cushion.

The arch support is subtle, allowing the foot to rest naturally in the shoes without being uncomfortable; I did not notice any stiffness or pain in my plantar fascia (a common symptom when trying new footwear). 

Look/Style

I appreciate the shape of the shoe – it has a more naturally shaped toe-box, yet isn’t boxy or bulky. The navy/coral color pattern is aesthetically pleasing and not as loud as some of the other options; however, having more subtle and earthy tones may attract those runners who prefer less flashy colors.

Features

While the durable tread and ultralight weight are commonly sought after features of trail shoes, Inov-8 goes a step beyond to also offer a newly designed anatomical fit that naturally hugs the contours of the human foot. The wider toe-box accommodates the natural swelling of your feet after intense exercise and allows your toes to splay naturally to provide increased traction and balance. However, the heel remains narrow and snug to create a secure fit. I have been searching for a trail shoe that accommodates both a slim heel and wider toe-box, and Inov8 has created an ideal foot shape! For those Altra lovers who have been on a similar search, Inov-8’s Trailfly Speed hits the mark.

The Trailfly Speed also offers a low heel-to-toe drop at 4mm (the difference in height from heel to forefoot). Low drop shoes below 6mm offer more ankle flexibility and increased ground feel, encourage a mid-foot strike (rather than a heel strike) which can improve running form and reduce impact on the knees, and increases running cadence (the number of steps a runner takes per minute) which can positively influence speed.

Lastly, the laces are an ideal length and made of a stretchy material to further customize fit. While shoelaces may seem like a small, insignificant feature, most runners know the frustration with floppy long laces or laces that are too short to double-knot. They create a secure fit around the heel and ankle, without loosening up during the run or needing the classic runner’s knot for additional support. 

Function/Performance

These shoes performed as advertised and exceeded my expectations. They excelled running on local trails, both soft forest floor and rocky dynamic terrain as they adapted easily to various trail conditions. They were extremely grippy on loose dirt and steep downhills and shed gravel easily through the rubber studs on the bottom of the shoes. It is a responsive shoe with firm traction that I imagine will continue to perform as the weather shifts and the trails become wet and muddy. 

Durability & Construction

The Trailfly Speed uses Inov-8’s new anatomical shape, Boomerang footbed, and Powerflow Pro foam to create a balance between ground-feel, cushion and bounce that makes for a comfortable run. Having worked with other outdoor footwear brands in the past, I found these shoes to be solid with no immediate signs of wear since testing them out on the trail. 

Friendliness to the Earth

Inov-8 is also a sustainably minded company. They have a program called Renov8 that allows you to recycle your used or unwanted Inov-8 products that will then be refurbished, resold, or recycled. The Trailfly Speed model is also vegan, not using any animal products in the materials.

The Final Word

These shoes will become a favorite amidst my trail-ready footwear collection. While they are advertised for speed (and certainly live up to those standards), they would also make great hiking footwear for those looking for lower impact adventures. The anatomical fit and lightweight design have been perfected to create an all-around functional, aesthetically pleasing and purposeful shoe. They are light and fast with a little bit of bounce and a whole lot of style.

Shop the Inov-8 Women’s TrailFly Speed on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!