INOV-8 ROCFLY™ G 390: GRIP AND CONFORT. ANALISYS AND FIRST ALPINE KILOMETERS.

Posted by Héctor Rubio on November 8, 2021 in Hiking Boots, inov-8, inov-8 graphene, trail running spain | 1 Comment

INOV-8 ROCFLY™ G 390: GRIP AND CONFORT. ANALISYS AND FIRST ALPINE KILOMETERS BY HÉCTOR RUBIO. Our HIKING section bring us today the analysis and first impressions of the in-depth test of these INOV-8 ROCFLY G390.

Remember that these inov-8 Rocfly G390 arrive with a € 200 price, a 390gr weight  and a drop of 6mm, with a height to the ground of 24mm in front, 30mm behind, and the worlds premiere usage of graphene both in the midsole and sole. Let’s go with the analysis and first impressions after using them by our #patroncarrerasdemontana @hekruca in the Bavarian Alps.

INOV-8 ROCFLY™ G 390: GRIP AND CONFORT.

ANALISYS AND FIRST ALPINE KILOMETERS BY HÉCTOR RUBIO

The world’s first-ever hiking boot with a Graphene enhanced foam, which it says will “supercharge feet.” The brand has moved quickly to meet the needs of the growing trends in long-distance hiking, multi-day trail walking and thru-hiking, with a lightweight, breathable boot that delivers endless cushioning and bounce.

INOV-8 ROCFLY™ G 390: DATA SHEET

• Price: £175 / $210 / €200
• Weight: 390g (average weight across size curve)
• Drop: 6mm (heel to forefoot differential)
• Full stack height (midsole & outsole): 30mm heel / 24mm forefoot
• Lug depth: 4mm, 35 multi-directional
• Fit: Grade 5 (inov-8 fit scale in the toe box is 1-5, with 5 being the widest).
• Patent-pending technologies: GRAPHENE-GRIP™, G-FLY™, ADAPTER-FLEX™
• Colors: black-blue for men and pink-black for women
• Intended use: Long-distance hiking and adventures

INOV-8 ROCFLY™ G 390: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

OUTSOLE

The technical information told us that the GRAPHENE-GRIP™ rubber offered the toughest grip in the world (50% stronger, 50% more elastic, 50% harder wearing): greater traction and greater durability. Just as the 35 multi-directional 4mm-deep lugs offered an improvement in both front propulsion and rear braking.

I was able to verify and enjoy that the brand information was true: maximum grip on any type terrain. Going from forest to technical alpine terrain, with total security and firmness in the advance.

MIDSOLE

One of the “star” aspects of these Rocfly G 390 is the midsole, for the first time in hiking boot, made of graphene: G-FLY cushioning foam improved with graphene that is more resistant to wear. It is the same as in their sisters the INOV-8 TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX, having a soft touch that is closed to cushioned shoes on the market such as the HOKA Mafate Speed 3 but with much mroe grip and terrain feeling.

I have to say that in thesefirst 40 kms, the feeling of the first day remains the same, that is, I have not perceived any sign of wear and tear with the passage of the kilometers, the midsole it is very confortable in any terrain and at the same time, provides enough information about the terrain that we can make the right decision on where and how to step on in an alpine terrain.

In this sense, the midsole feels reactive all the time, and really offers this return of energy and reactivity with which the brand advertises these shoes. Obviously it is not a boot for running, but it is perfectlly possible to run with them.

This return of energy and reactivity, are appreciated even after long rouns helping you to keep the pace even with fatigue and effort accumulated after the passage of kilometers.

The flexible adjustment of the upper part adjusts to the natural swelling of the foot when walking long distances. The outer mesh is light, breathable and quick to dry, really noticing how the boot comes from a trail shoe, conditioned to offer greater protection in alpine and oily terrain.

One of the only points to comment on would be the hooks at the top on both sides that hold the laces and if the tongue is not correctly positioned, they can be nailed. It is enough to position the tab in its place.

The external coating protects the fingers from possible blows with rocks or roots of the ground.

INOV-8 ROCFLY™ G 390: CONCLUSION.

These are hiking boots that can give a lot of play by being robust enough to face alpine terrain in any condition, as well as take them to the limit and ascend fast like a trail shoe and all that with the magnificent grip offered by the graphene sole.

To highlight, apart from the grip of the sole, would be the comfort when wearing them. As we all know, depending on the route we choose and the level that each one has, sometimes, a trail shoe falls short and a mountain boot can be too much, and that is where this boot moves like a fish in water.

The comfort it brings with the passage of kilometers, hours, is appreciated in the same way as the protection of the foot and the lightness and breathability.

If the brand were to release a version with a waterproof membrane, we can see it as a multipurpose boot even in winter, for technical terrain, going fast, light and with a firm foot thanks to graphene technology, both in the sole and in the midsole.

As soon as we have tested them thoroughly we will tell you all the details here in trailrunningspain.com

 

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