Updated 2023 with new V2 revisions. I walked 1200 miles in the original version of the Inov8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots, carrying a heavy pack from Land’s End to John O’Groats, via Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. This walk was done in all weathers between 17th February and 19th April 2019. I gave my initial impression of the boots here, and this is my opinion of them post-LEJOG.
After 1200 miles of mistreatment
I purchased a pair of UK size 9 (I’m a shoe size 8) Inov8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots for my walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats. These are the first hiking ‘boots’ to have graphene in the sole and are marketed to last 50% longer. I know from experience that the soles of my usual non graphene enhanced soles would have lasted around 400 or 500 miles. But I have done 1200 miles in these graphene soled boots and they still have tread on.
The new updated Inov8 Roclite 345 GTX V2 are very well made and smart – very similar to the previous boots in shape and design. The tread depth and pattern look identical but the uppers have been markedly improved with uprated mesh and padding. They are more comfortable and have a snugger fit so there’s now even less chance of foot issues or blisters.
Inov-8 have also changed the lacing by adding a hook at the top for the laces instead of being loops all the way up. This is a big improvement for me, as it’s now much easier getting the boots on and off.
Mesh
My only complaint with the original boots was the premature wear on the mesh. This split quite badly letting in grit, which then damage the Gore-tex lining and it failed prematurely. So it’s great to see this has been replaced with a more durable material on the new V2 boots. I’ve been using a pair Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes for the last year, which have this new material on and they’ve lasted well, so a definite improvement.
Gore-tex lining
The Gore-tex lining does work well at keeping my feet dry when it’s wet underfoot and warm in cold weather. It also breathes well enough to keep my feet relatively dry from sweat in warm weather. However when the Gore-tex failed at about 300 miles on the original boots, I wished I had boots without the linings so they could dry faster. Which are available Roclite G 345.
I don’t think this failure is any more common on these boots than any others. I’ve had the waterproof lining fail on other makes of boots as well. My advice would be to keep your receipt and if they fail, send them back for replacement or refund. But I think this will be less of an issue with the improved material on the new V2 boots.
There is a non waterproof version of this boot available and you could wear waterproof socks instead. LINK – Roclite G 345 boots.
Insoles
The lightweight insoles supplied with the boots are comfortable. But after a few hundred miles I usually change them for the heavier more supportive Superfeet green insoles.
Wear
The manufacturing quality of the 345s is impressive. The mesh and the Gore-tex lining were the only issues. There’s no sign of the soles separating from the uppers. The interior of the boot is still near perfect, hence the reason my socks lasted so long and I suffered only minor blisters. The laces and lace loops worked perfectly and still show no serious signs of wear.
Conclusion
I am extremely impressed with improvements made to the Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX V2 boots. The fact I could take the originals straight out of the box and just put them on and start my LEJOG without even wearing them in shows how comfortable they are. Walking 1200 miles and they didn’t cause any serious blisters. And with the improvements on the new V2 model they are even more comfortable and better fitting. So there’s even less chance of issues with your feet.
Considering how lightweight they are, the boots wear well and are surprisingly tough. They grip well on all surfaces and this has been tested to the limit on an extremely icy Ben Nevis decent!
I think they are extremely good value for money, considering the mileage it’s possible to do in them and the quality of manufacture. Over the last few years I have become a complete convert to lightweight boots all year round. The only time I might consider wearing big heavy boots again will be if I am out in full winter conditions requiring heavy duty crampons.
Would I choose these boots again – for a long distance hike?
Yes, now that Inov-8 have updated them. How many people can say they walked the whole way from Lands End to John O’Groats in one £145 pair of light weight boots? I walked it quickly, too (2 months) and without injury, which I think is mainly thanks to the boots.
Other considerations
Winter hiking
I would happily use the new updated Inov8 Roclite G 345 GTX V2 boots if I walked LEJOG again. If cost was not an issue, I would also consider using Inov8’s Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 boots.
Summer hiking
In warmer weather I would use the Inov8 Roclite Mid boots. These do not have a waterproof lining in, so they allow my feet to breathe really well in hot weather. They also dry quickly after river crossings – essential when I walked the Cape Wrath Trail. I wear waterproof socks when it’s very wet under foot for long periods or to keep my feet warm when it’s cold.
Note on sizing
I think the Inov8 Roclite G 345 GTX V2 boots fit to size, just. My feet are a size 8, but for Inov-8 footwear I always size up to 8.5 for everyday use with thin socks. Or size 9 if I plan on using them for long distance hikes wearing thicker or waterproof socks. This also allows for my feet to spread during long walks, so there’s less chance of rubbing and blisters. The Roclite 345s do have a reasonable wide toe box, but probably not enough for wide feet.
Further reading
My Inov8 Roclite Mid boots review
My Inov-8 RocFly G 390 boots review
Inov-8 Roclite G 275 shoe review
My LEJOG 2019 full gear review
My Inov-8 Venturelite trouser review
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