Inov-8 TrailFly v2 Review
The Inov-8 TrailFly v2 is a lightweight, nimble and flexible trail running shoe designed for hard-packed tracks and trails. It is also versatile enough to handle stretches of tarmac and sections of softer, muddier terrain.
All new shoes from Inov-8 have been developed to encourage foot function. This allows your feet to move naturally inside the shoe and become stronger over time. Enabling this natural movement also allows the foot to adapt to the contours of the ground more effectively. Inov-8 achieve this through a broad, rounded toe box, giving the foot room to spread on impact. This improves balance and stretches the plantar fascia on the base of the foot. When stretched, the plantar fascia absorbs impact before recoiling like an elastic band to help propel you forward. Stronger feet not only improve speed but also agility, making it easier to negotiate uneven or soft ground.
The level of foot function encouraged depends on how flexible the shoe is and how much ground feel it provides. The thicker or more cushioned the midsole, the less the foot can function naturally. Inov-8 produce shoes with a range of midsole thicknesses, allowing runners to choose based on terrain, running style and distance. Generally, thinner midsoles are better for faster running, softer terrain and shorter distances, while thicker midsoles suit firmer ground and longer runs.
The TrailFly v2 sits in the middle of Inov-8’s range, with an 18mm heel and 12mm forefoot stack. Many trail shoes on the market have significantly higher stack heights, but this often reduces ground feel and limits the foot’s ability to respond to terrain. In these cases, the foot becomes more of a passenger, reducing the natural benefits of cushioning, stability and propulsion. Despite offering good ground feel, the TrailFly v2 is not harsh underfoot. The midsole uses PowerFlow Plus, a supercritical EVA compound designed to improve durability and resilience compared to the previous version. On top sits Inov-8’s Boomerang foot bed, a nitrogen-infused insole that retains its bounce because air cannot escape or be replaced by water or dirt. The updated 6mm foot bed adds extra cushioning and responsiveness over the original.
The outsole uses graphene-infused rubber, designed to provide strong grip on wet surfaces while remaining flexible enough to adapt to uneven ground. The graphene also improves durability, helping the lugs resist wear. Grip on wet terrain has been improved compared to the original TrailFly. The 4mm lugs are relatively flat with a large surface area, making them ideal for hard-packed trails. However, they still perform well on softer ground, giving the shoe versatility across mixed terrain. The flexibility of the midsole and outsole helps maximise ground contact, improving traction.
The upper has also been refined. KPU overlays provide added protection from rocks and vegetation, while the material itself is softer and more pliable than before. Padding around the heel and collar has been slightly increased, improving comfort. The fit is more secure, with the upper wrapping the foot more effectively and offering a snugger heel hold. The forefoot retains a rounded toe box for natural foot movement, while the midfoot and heel remain secure. I experienced no forward slipping on descents and minimal movement on cambered terrain. The gusseted tongue stays in place well and includes a lace loop for additional security. An extra lace hole allows for a tighter heel lock if needed.
The biggest change from the original Trailfly is the removal of the rock plate. The combination of midsole, outsole and insole provides sufficient protection, making the rock plate unnecessary. Its removal significantly improves flexibility, giving the shoe a more natural feel and allowing it to move more freely with the foot. The result is a more responsive and agile ride.
In terms of sizing, Inov-8 shoes are similar in length to brands like Hoka, New Balance, Karhu and La Sportiva. If you typically wear Brooks Running, Saucony, Topo Athletic, Altra, 361 Degrees or VJ Sport, it is worth trying half a UK size larger for a comparable fit. The Trailfly v2 is available in two width options for both men and women.
I tested the Trailfly v2 across a range of terrain. They are comfortable enough for short road sections when heading to the trails. On hard-packed surfaces, they deliver a natural yet cushioned ride. They feel most enjoyable on more technical singletrack, where the flexibility allows the shoe to adapt to the terrain. The absence of a rock plate makes it easier to land naturally on the midfoot, improving flow compared to the slightly stiffer feel of the previous version.
The 6mm drop works well for both midfoot and heel strikers, offering a stable and versatile platform. The flexibility of the shoe makes it easy to react to changing terrain, whether moving quickly over uneven ground or descending steep sections. I found the cushioning sufficient for runs of up to two and a half hours across mixed terrain.
In summary, the Inov-8 Trailfly v2 is a well-balanced trail shoe best suited to hard-packed terrain but capable across mixed routes. Its flexibility, natural feel and accommodating toe box promote strong foot function and a smooth, responsive ride.
Alternatives to Inov-8 TrailFly v2
OMM Trail Shoe: The review for these is in production. The link takes you to the product page. They are a similar type of Trail Shoe. The traction is similar. The ride is different the OMM Trail Shoe is slightly stiffer with a firmer more responsive ride. There is less compression when your foot touches the floor. The toe box is much more pointed so it doesn’t promote foot function in the same way as the Inov-8 TrailFly v2. Available in two widths. https://www.northernrunner.com/shoes-c133/trail-running-shoes-c137/omm-m11
Ronhill Reverence 2: A shoe that is designed for softer ground than the TrailFly v2 which makes then not as smooth on tarmac but, worth a mention here as if you are going straight out onto trail surfaces then they are worth considering. The shoe flexes to the contours of the ground nicely. The toe box isn’t as wide but, has a straight bit toe line and is designed to allow some foot function. The wrap over fit of the upper helps to keep debris out of the shoes. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/ronhill-reverence-2-review/
361 Futura 3: A good level of traction but, a much stiffer shoe with a rocker. The softer cushioning is designed to absorb some of the obstacles in the trails so you don’t have to be as nimble. A familiar cushioned ride on hard packed tracks and comfortable on the tarmac. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-futura-3-review/
Hoka Speedgoat 7: Like the 361 Futura 3 the Speedgoat 7 also has a rocker and a stiff midsole. The soft midsole designed to absorb some of the obstacles in the trail. The lugs are longer but, the traction isn’t better on soft ground as you don’t have the same nimbleness as you do in the Trailfly v2. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-speedgoat-7-review/
Scott Kinabalu Trail: A similar flexible trail shoe. A less rounded toe box but, still has a straight big toe line. The rocker is less noticeable than it is in other trail shoes. The cushioning is nice on the road without being overly soft and without too much compression. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scott-kinabalu-trail-review/
Ronhill Freedom Ultra: Ignore the word Ultra. You could use the Ronhill Freedom Ultra for and Ultra trail event but, this takes away from the versatility of the shoes. The midsole has a sutle level of bounce which maintains a nice feel for the ground. The traction level is similar to the Inov-8 Trailfly v2. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/ronhill-freedom-ultra-review/
Saucony Peregrine 15: A similar soft feel to the cushioning and level of traction. Not as flexible but, close. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-peregrine-15-review/
La Sportiva Bushido III: A firmer feel to the cushioning gives the Bushido 3 more ground feel. The fit is narrow although they are available in a wide fit. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-bushido-iii-review/
Topo Terraventure 4: A broad rounded toe box allows room for the feet to spread and function. The midsole isn’t as flexible and so doesn’t mould to the ground quite as easily. The 5mm long lugs offer a versatile level of traction that works well on soft and firm ground. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-terraventure-4-review/
VJ MaXx 2: A firmer more connected feel for the ground despite the nitrogen infused midsole giving a bit of bounce. The toe box is rounded to allow space for the feet to function. The upper is durable and robust. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/vj-sport-maxx2-review/
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