In this review, I will share my impressions of the Inov-8 Roclite G 275 shoes, comparing them to the very similar Inov-8 Roclite 345 and 325 boots, which I also own.
I have tested all three pairs extensively – in fact, I’ve walked all three pairs to destruction. The Roclite 275 shoes walked from Dover to Scotland, the Roclite 325 boots walked across Scotland on the TGO Challenge, and the Roclite 345 boots walked the length of the UK from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The Inov-8 Roclite 275s are marketed by Inov-8 as a running shoe, but I will be reviewing them for walking and backpacking. I’m not a runner so I cannot comment on them in that context.
First impressions
The Roclite 275s look well made and smart.
They are comfortable to wear straight out of the box. I’m more than happy wearing them around the house, as they feel like slippers. I would happily go out for a 20-mile walk without worrying about wearing them in. In fact, I’ve done this before with Inov-8 footwear, without a problem.
Soles
The soles of the Roclite 275 shoes look identical to the soles on both the Roclite 325 and 345 boots. There’s a very similar flex in them – although I only tested this with my hands and feet, which is hardly a technical test! The only slight difference is that the soles on the 345s have a more pronounced rocker.
The G-grip means the shoes have graphene soles. Inov-8 are one of the first companies to use it in their soles. Graphene is acclaimed to be the world’s strongest material, 200 times stronger than steel. Inov-8 has infused graphene into the rubber outsoles, making them harder wearing.
I definitely agree with this – I walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a pair of graphene-soled Roclite 345s. Once I got to John O’Groats 1,100 miles later, the upper mesh of the boots was wrecked, but the graphene soles still had some tread and grip left.
I initially thought the soles of the 275 shoes would feel identical to the soles of the 345 boots, because they both have graphene in, but they don’t. The soles of the 275 shoes have a slightly less pronounced rocker, and feel a little more flexible than the 345 boots.
Insoles
The Inov-8 insoles in the Roclite 275 shoes are thinner and more lightweight than those in the 325 boots. This means there’s not quite so much cushioning. I managed to wear these insoles out within a few hundred miles on my Dover to Cape Wrath walk, so I changed them for some more supportive Super Feet insoles. I was carrying a heavy backpack every day though – they would probably last longer in normal use.
Breathability
The Roclite 275 shoes are not waterproof, making them ideal for summer use. I prefer a non-lined boot in warm weather so my feet can breathe and sweat can evaporate. This keeps my feet a lot drier, which also helps to prevent blisters.
The top of the shoes are a breathable mesh. This mesh and the low rand on the side work well. They pump any water out when it’s wet and I found that my feet dried quickly. My feet tend to sweat pretty quickly when it’s warm, but in temperatures in the mid 20s C they felt OK in these shoes.
The down side of breathable shoes is that when it’s wet, I get wet feet. I’ve got used to it and not found it to be a problem. The shoes pump the water out well and my socks dry really quickly.
Laces
The laces and lace loops on the Roclite 275 shoes (and 345 boots) are round, unlike the flat loops and laces on the 325 boots. I have found rounded laces and lace loops work really well, better than the flat design. They pull through more smoothly, making it quicker and easier to get the shoes on and off.
The strengtheners at the sides are strong and well-stitched. They spread the pressure from the laces back down and across the shoes well.
Sizing
The width of the Roclite 275s are about average. I don’t think they would suit someone with wide feet.
I usually wear a UK size 8 shoe, but from past experience, I’ve found that Inov-8 boots are a snug fit on me. In my opinion, Inov-8 under size their footwear a little, so I would recommend going up a half size when purchasing them for every day use. You could possibly even go a whole size bigger, depending on what you want to use them for.
I purchased these 275 shoes for long distance walking in warmer weather, so I went for a whole size bigger and purchased a UK size 9. They are plenty big enough, with room for thicker waterproof walking socks. This size also allows for my feet to swell a bit in the heat and my toes to spread, which they tend to on longer backpacking trips.
Alternative footwear
The Inov-8 RocFly G 390 boots do not have a waterproof lining and are very breathable. They have a thick cushioning sole and are extremely comfortable. Read My Inov-8 RocFly G 390 boots review.
There’s also the non-waterproof and highly breathable Roclite G 345 boots. These are worth considering as they’re very similar to the 275 shoes, but I’ve not tested a pair.
Alternative – waterproof
The Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes are extremely good and have a lot tougher uppers so last longer.
Read my Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes review here.
Also the Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX boots are similar in design and materials to the Roclite G 275 shoes, but with a waterproof lining.
Read my Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots review here.
Conclusion
So – the Roclite 275 shoes are extremely comfortable straight out of the box and I’ve found them perfect for summer hiking on good paths. I have been surprised by how well the Inov-8 shoes have lasted. The only weak point I have found is the mesh over the front of the shoes, which wears fairly quickly and made the shoes look tatty. But with the graphene soles, the tread has lasted well so you can do a high mileage before they need replacing. I think that alone, makes them good value for money.
It was an easy decision to buy the Inov8 Roclite G 275 shoesDover to Cape Wrath walk. I only changed to boots for the off path part of the Scottish National Trail, for better ankle support. I’ve also found the Roclite 275 shoes good on my Striding Edge Narrow Boat. They’re flexible and grip well clambering the boat and working locks.
Technical Specification from Inov-8
- Outsole: Graphene enhanced. G-GRIP
- Flexibility: Shoe moves with your foot, allowing you to react and grip on unpredictable terrain.
- Protection: Hard wearing mesh upper and rubber side and toe rands.
- ADAPTERWEB which allows the materials to adapt to your changing foot shape and movements.
- Upper materials also non-water absorbing.
- POWERFLOW midsole.
- METAPLATE for underfoot protection.
| Drop | 8mm |
|---|---|
| Footbed | 6mm |
| Lug Depth | 6mm |
| Midsole | POWERFLOW |
| Midsole Stack | 16mm / 8mm |
| Shank | META-PLATE |
| Sole Compound | G-GRIP |
| Product Weight | 275g / 9.625oz |
My size 9 Inov-8 Roclite 275s weigh 572g for the pair without the Inov-8 insoles, which weigh 42g a pair.
Check Amazon price of the Inov-8 Roclite G 275 shoes here and the Inov-8 site price here. If you’re considering buying them, please click on the link and if you buy the shoes we will receive a small commission to help with the costs of running the site. It would be much appreciated.
Further reading
My Inov-8 RocFly G 390 boots review
Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots review
Inov-8 Roclite G 400 GTX boots review
My Inov-8 Venturelite trouser review
My Dover to Cape Wrath gear review
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Hi,
I have worn Roclite 295 for several years now for backpacking – did Beachy Head to Dunnet Head in a pair last year. I find them excellent. 295 now discontinued so I shall move to the 275.
Re the mesh upper. I agree it doesn’t last BUT if you weave dynema thread from the side strengtheners (that run down from the laces to the sole) in and out of the mesh to pierce the rubber of the toe cap coming backwards and forwards again along the mesh and working from one side of the shoe to the other you can make the uppers last MUCH longer. I do this when the shoe is new and add dynema thread as needed. After my Head 2 Head walk last year, I have used them twice on multi day trips wild walking trips on Dartmoor and have just done the Dales Highway and then spent 10 days with them constantly wet in the bogs on Islay. Although the mesh on the shoe itself has degraded the dynema threading has maintained the shoe’s integrity. They are nowhere near ‘trashed’ I think if Inov8 did this they wouldn’t sell anywhere near as many shoes!
It doesn’t look pretty but it does the job. I could sent you a pic if you would like to see just what’s entailed.