Post updated in 2023. This is a review of the new Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 boots and includes the differences between the old and new models. Inov-8 say; Now boasting more toughness, support, protection, comfort, and energy return. I agree with this and I’m impressed with the updates, they’re definite improvements. I’ve walked around 1500 miles testing both pairs.
In 2019 I walked 1200 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in Inov-8’s first graphene soled boots – Roclite G 345 GTX. So I know how good they are and it’s great to see it in these boots. It means the grip will be good for much longer.
First impressions
The Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 V2 boots feel comfortable and more supportive than the previous model. They’ve always been comfortable and well made and that hasn’t changed. I had no worries about setting off on the Southern Upland Way in them.
Inov-8 have made a number of fairly big changes to the Roclite Pro G 400 GTX boots with the new V2 model. I think they are all significant improvements. One instantly noticeable one is the smarter look. But this is minor compared to the other changes, namely the new mesh, stiffer sole and more supportive ankle support. They now have a much closer feel to the old traditional hiking boots but without the weight.
Breathability and Waterproofing
This is another area where the new updated V2 model has been improved, with a completely new mesh material. The Roclite Pro G 400 GTX boots upper material was already pretty good but Inov-8 have still decided to change it to improve durability. It still allows good breathability but protects the Gore-tex lining better. So the boots should stay waterproof and last a lot longer.
I’ve been impressed with the breathability of these boots, considering they’ve a Gore-tex lining in. But as with all waterproof footwear, I can find them a little warm for hot weather hiking. I use the RocFly G 390 boots or Roclite G 275 shoes during the summer. It’s all a compromise as it does mean they’re warm enough for some winter use.
Lacing
I love the lacing on the Pro G 400 boots and they haven’t changed this, fortunately. The boots lace up much more like traditional hiking boots. The boots tighten nicely around the foot for a very comfortable fit.
There are metal loops for the laces and the top two are hooks, rather than the loops all the way to the top as you find on some other footwear. I much prefer the hooks because it just makes it easier to get the boots on and off. This is a huge advantage in non-ideal conditions, like when I’m exhausted at the end of a long day in the hills, with my leg muscles on the edge of cramp, and crunched up in the entrance of my tiny hiking tent, trying to get my boots on or off.
Fit
The Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 boots have an increased padding, which has improved the comfort and gives a snug fit. They feel very secure on the foot which gives real confidence on rough ground.
My feet are size 8 UK but I tend to size up a half size with Inov-8 footwear that I use every day. And with my hiking footwear I go up a full size from my foot size as this allows for thicker hiking socks and for my feet to swell during longer hikes. This gives me more room as I find my feet spread during long distance hiking trips with a heavy pack. I like having a bit of spare room around my toes, so they don’t start rubbing later in the walk when my feet warm up.
Ankle support
The ankle support in the 400 boots is pretty good, bearing in mind that they are a light-weight boot. This is an area the updated V2 model has been altered to the previous model and it’s a definite improvement. However, if you’ve been used to the support of heavy-duty leather boots, you may be disappointed.
I think you’ll be amazed by the light weight and comfort though. I like the feeling on my feet of being so light and agile. It makes me feel that I could run up and down the hills. Even with less ankle support I’ve never felt like I am going to wring my ankle over more than in more supportive shoes.
Light-weight footwear is really popular these days (for good reason) and a lot of people hike in trainers. I use trainers in summer on well-made paths, but I still like the feeling of a boot around my ankle when crossing pathless or steep terrain. This gives me a bit of extra ankle support.
Another advantage of boots over trainers is that they keep my feet drier and stop so much dirt getting into my boots. When I hike in shoes or trainers, I find I need gaiters on to stop the grit and mud getting in.
Soles and Grip
The graphene soles on the Roclite Pro G 400 boots are a definite improvement from the other Roclite hiking footwear. The soles on the other models are very good, but the 400s soles have a more complex design. This means that they grip even better, especially on steep wet grassy slopes and rocky ground.
I think the biggest improvement in the Pro G 400 boots is the re-designed heel brake. With these boots Inov-8 have moved away from a design more suited to running, to a sole designed specifically for hiking.
Inov-8 were the first company to use graphene in their soles. It makes the soles last twice as long in my experience. This means you’ve got deeper tread for a lot longer, which makes a real difference on light-weight footwear.
I’ve spoken to people who wore out two or even three pairs of trainers whilst walking from Lands End to John O’Groats, when I only needed one pair of the graphene-soled Roclite 345s.
Personally I don’t think the graphene in the soles makes them grip any better initially. However, the fact it makes the soles so hard wearing means that when lesser light-weight footwear has worn the tread dangerously smooth (sometimes within a few hundred miles), these graphene soled boots will still have plenty of deep tread left. From my experience, they should safely do over 1000 miles. This makes them good value for money compared to a lot of light-weight footwear. I was extremely impressed with the 345s that I walked to destruction on my 1200 mile Lejog. I’m sure the Pro G 400 soles will be equally as good.
They grip better than any walking boots that I’ve ever worn, on all surfaces, even frozen compacted snow. I was very impressed with the grip during a resent 5 day wild-camping trip around the Lake District in the snow. They gave me the confidence to scramble to a number of summits that I may have missed previously in other footwear.
The new Roclite 400 V2 soles have less flex in them than most light weight footwear and feel more like more traditional heavy duty hiking boots. This supports the foot better during long distance hikes and it may well be possible to use crampons with them. I’ve not tried this but I have used Micro crampons which worked very well, making it safe to use the boots on frozen snow and ice.
Wear after 800+ miles
Wear after over 800 miles walking the Southern Upland Way, Ayrshire Coastal Path, Isle of Aran, Cowal Way, John Muir Way, Northumberland Coast Path and the Cleveland Way etc.
The wear or lack of it was very impressive. I had been walking continuously for over 5 weeks and over 800 miles carrying full camping gear and wild camping most nights.
The water proof lining has failed, which is a real shame as the boots are still in great condition. This does seem to be the weak point on all the water proof footwear that I’ve used.
Conclusion
I’ve always been impressed with the Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 boots, especially the grip. The updates on the V2 version have made them even better and with the new materials they last even longer. They now feel much more like traditional hiking boots – tougher and more supportive, but light weight.
As walking boots go, the Roclite Pro G 400s are extremely light weight at 836g (on my kitchen scales) for my pair of size 9s. They feel supportive enough when hiking with a heavy pack, but also flexible enough for fast day hikes over varied terrain. I think they are a great walking boot for the toughest of hiking trips. They’re even supportive and tough enough for some winter use.
Check Amazon price here Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 boots link.
Further reading
My Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX V2 boots review
Roclite 345 and 400 GTX V2 boots comparison review
Inov-8 Roclite G 370 boots review
My Inov-8 RocFly G 390 boots review
Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes review
Inov-8 Roclite G 275 shoes review
Boots or shoes: which are best for hill walking and backpacking?
My Inov-8 Venturelite trouser review
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Hi Mark, I came upon your blog when I was looking for some inspiration for my TGOC route – your 2018 route shares some parts with mine (or vice versa). I was interested to read your review of the Inov8 G400 as I have used Salomon ultra 3 gtx mids the last few years. Very comfortable and completed 2 TGO crossings no problem. Unfortunately, this last year I have had 3 new pairs fail within 100 miles – 1 pair after less than 50 miles! Fair enough the warranty is good but I can no longer trust them for a long distance walk. I like the look of the Inov8 G400 and wonder what the fit is like compared to the salomons as I see you also use them.
Regards, Scott
Hi Scott
I like the Salomon ultra 3 mesh boots in warmer weather because they breathe so well. Perfect for my Scottish National Trail part of my Dover to Cape Wrath walk earlier this year. The fit of both boots is very similar. I’d be hard pressed to choice which ones to use on the TGO Challenge. I would probably decide last minute depending on the weather forecast. I walked it in 2018 with a pair of Inov-8 Roclite 325’s which were not lined or waterproof and perfect because it was a very dry crossing. But the soles didn’t last too long and only the GTX version is available now. I’ve found that waterproof lined boots don’t seem to stay waterproof more than a few hundred miles. So I mainly walk in non lined boots and just add waterproof socks, mainly to keep my feet warmer. I was given the 400’s to review so I’m interested to see how long they last and I’m hopeful because they are a very nice boot. I will be walking the Bob Graham Round in them over Christmas and will review them further asap. The Salomon mesh boots will always have a place in my gear list in the summer as will the Roclite G 275 shoes. If the Roclite Pro G 400 GTX boots stay waterproof, they would be my choice for the rest of the year.
Thanks for your message.
Mark
Thanks Mark. Part of my crossing is over possibly some very wet sections so I may err on the safe side!
Look forward to seeing how you get on with them
Cheers, Scott
Hi Mark,
Great review. I bought a pair of GTX 345 based on lightness grip and waterproofing I’ve gone through so many boots and never found the perfect balance.
Bought the boots this January after 6 various walks feet wet even just going through wet grass.. I’m shocked at how useless they are in this aspect at the price.! All other aspects fantastic.
I’ve emailed Roclite in regards to this matter asking for a refund.
Are the GTX 400’s any better?
Regards
Russell
My 400s are still waterproof at a higher mileage than the 345’s failed at, but I’ve not a high enough mileage on the 400’s to say yes they’ll last. All my previous waterproof lined boots have been leaking long before the boots were worn out. I think that the 345’s failed early because of the mesh upper was letting grit in. And it then was then getting trapped beside the waterproof lining, rubbing and causing it to leak. The 400’s seem to be better made. They also grip even better than the 345’s. Before the 400’s were released and because I was fed up with paying so much for boots and then them leaking. I walked 1100 miles from Dover to Cape Wrath last year, in breathable footwear, Inov-8 Roclite 275 shoes, and Salomon Aero boots. Using a waterproof sock when needed. The socks also don’t last too long but are cheaper to replace. This worked well in summer but probably not ideal in winter, when you’ve got to wear the socks all day. The Roclite 400’s are great boots, best I’ve ever worn so far. I’ve high hopes and I will be extremely disappointed if the waterproof lining fails early. I will update my review of the boots as soon as I can get the mileage on them. Gore-tex have a very good warranty and do refund if their linings fail. So I think all you can do is buy from a reputable shop, keep your receipt and take them back if they fail.
I hope this helps a bit and thanks for your message.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the correspondence with Scott.
I was going to ask the same question as him about the same boots, again for the TGO next year.
I too have done 2 crossings using the Salomon 3 GTXs. A cracking boot at its best.
Their latest reincarnation sadly doesn’t have the same immediate comfort, as the old models, but to be fair, does seem to have longer water résistance. They have changed the design of, what I take is a heel stabiliser. the new design leaves it highly exposed to damage from stones that you may scuff against. I destroyed a fairly new pair on the West highland way last year, caused by stones on the path which scrapped/flicked the tabs free from the side of the sole, destabilising the boot.
This design fault is the reason I need to change boots, before my older version falls in bits.
I look forward to your next report as I am pretty much certain that I will send for a pair. Only the big difference in price makes me hesitate.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the review. I purchased a pair of the pro g 400s as a Christmas present to myself a few weeks back and I’ve put about 250km on them since 1st January. Overall I like the boots – they feel really secure and more like a boot rather than a mid height trainer, the fit is ok although foot box is a little narrower than I’d hoped for. The graphine sole feels super grippy and secure on mud, wet rocks and snow. I do however have a real gripe in respect of the waterproofing and my feet are wetting out more and more with every walk. On their first outing I splashed in every deep puddle I could find and returned home with dry feet, second outing I didn’t have any issues, however subsequently my feet have progressively become wetter and wetter (in not necessarily wetter conditions). Initially I experienced some dampness on top of my toes, this has then extended to cover more of the top of my feet, and the last couple of walks have seen the whole of my forefoot soaked. I’m not sure if this is a faulty pair but I was expecting a lot more from them. Some dampness on toes might have been tolerable given the other qualities of the boots but now they just aren’t doing the job and I’m pretty disappointed in them.
That’s my experience so far – not sure if you’re having any of the same issues?
Warren
Hi Warren
It’s a shame to hear that you’ve had trouble with the boots. I’ve had no issues with mine, they’re still waterproof with a higher mileage. Even after walking in them totally frozen on a wildcamping trip in the Lake District. They’re the best waterproof boots I’ve ever used.
Myself I feel the toe box is a good width and I’ve reasonably wide feet. But I do buy a half or full size bigger when buying Inov-8 footwear, because I think some models are very slightly undersized. And I’m buying them for hiking so this allows for my feet to swell on long distance walks or to wear 2 pairs of socks in cold weather.
My feeling is they’re faulty, I’d send them back if it’s definitely not condensation. You could try washing the boots well, If the boots are dirty they cannot breathe so will get wet from sweat.
Thank you for your message.
Mark
I was interested in the 400s but decided they were too expensive to experiment with. I have some Roclite 320s (no longer made). When I initially tried them, when wet, they were damp around the toe area which I put down to water being trapped between the outer material and the membrane which either caused sweat to condense inside the membrane or maybe forced water through (although theoretically this shouldn’t happen). It was a shame as they are really comfortable. My solution was to cover the toe area with some Silnet to waterproof it. So far it seems to have worked although I’ve not tested them in really boggy terrain. However, I did the same thing with several pairs of Salomon X-Ultras to good effect. On my 2017 TGO Challenge we had one very wet day where my boots were soaked all day. My feet were slightly damp from sweat at the end of the day, but much better than with my Ecco Biom GTX leather boots that I used on two previous Challenges. The other advantage is they dried out much quicker overnight. In a sale I bought some G 345s as an experiment. I think the wide spaced mesh is a problem as it holds water and compromises the gtx liner. I use them for local walks now, not backpacking. The 320s have conventional soles not graphene and wear down quite quickly. I’m tempted to try the G 286s if they come up in a sale and proof the toe area. You could try with the G 400s, but you’d spoil the look. The other thing I’m going to try is a trick another Challenger showed me which was to wear a waterproof liner sock like a Dexshell in wet weather effectively having two barriers. Of course I could use an unlined shoe/boot but I don’t like wet feet. If you don’t mind spoiling the cosmetics, try using some Silnet on the toe area.
Would love to say these are excellent boots – I bought a pair in March based on the excellent reviews and inov-8s reputation and initially I loved them. A great fit, excellent traction, light weight and a pretty good looking bit of footwear as well but the waterproofing proved to be a massive fail. I’m not sure what’s causing the problem, but even walking through long damp grass can cause an uncomfortable dampness above the toes – I’m seeing some deep creasing in the outer shell which may have something to do with it, and the gore tex lining feels ‘detatched’ from the outer somehow. Certainly where water used to form droplets and shed from the surface, it now just seems to soak in. I’m afraid I’ve just returned them for a refund and am considering my options – it’s disappointing given inov-8s pedigree but for me, these are not worth even considering as a summer boot in the UK.
Hi Nigel
Thanks for your message. My boots are still good so I think you’ve just been unlucky.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your review. You’ve convinced me to try the 400. I did wonder though – do you apply any treatments to the outer of the boots before use to aid waterproofing, or do you just use them straight out of the box?
Matt
Hi Matt
As I was going to be reviewing them I didn’t change them in anyway. I don’t think they need any additional treatment anyway, I wouldn’t want to alter they’re breathability.
Thanks for your message
Mark
Hi Mark,
I’m thinking about buying either the 400 or the 345 for ~1 month of backpacking in the Rockies this summer, and am having trouble deciding between them. One consideration is that we’ll be doing a decent bit of river crossing, and the inside of the boot is likely to get wet. I like the increased durability/ankle support on the 400s for alpine hiking, but am worried that they won’t dry out as quickly as the 345s due to the ceramic coating/more robust upper. Have you noticed a significant difference in the time it takes for the boots to dry out, when they do get wet inside?
Hi Stacey
Either boot would do the job well and breathe ok. As for drying when wet inside, No waterproof lined boots dry very well once wet inside. You might find a bigger problem is wet feet from sweat if it’s hot. I found the paths were pretty good in the Rockies and I used breathable shoes. I find breathable footwear better in hot weather, even if my feet get wet they dry again quickly. Also the I think the ankle support on lightweight boots is negligible and I find I’ve been ok with shoes. I’d probably use the Roclite G 275s myself.
This doesn’t really answer your question but I hope this helps. I hope you enjoy your trip, it’s quite a feeling knowing there could be a bear around the corner, we got within meters of a few. Thanks for your message.
Mark
Hi Mark. I agree with your comments about the 400s although mine haven’t yet had as much use as yours. A question. Do you use the Inov8 insoles or do you swop them for something stiffer eg Superfeet?
Hi David
Thanks for your message. I like the Inov8 insoles, but I don’t find any standard footwear insoles last more than a few hundred miles. I nearly always use the Superfeet insoles on long distance walks, they last 1000 miles or more. On my Lejog and 3 peaks walk, I set off with brand new Roclite 345s and the standard insoles carrying some Superfeet which I swapped to when the standard insoles started to feel thin. At about 2 or 3 hundred miles I think.
Mark
Thanks Mark. I’ve usually swopped to the Superfeet Blue but wondered if I was being unnecessarily cautious.
Hi David
I use the green Superfeet insoles and have not tried the blue, so cannot comment on them. I find the standard insoles more comfortable while they’re new and on shorter day/weekend walks. I swap to the Superfeet insoles to give my feet extra support when carrying a full pack on multiday hikes. I also know they’ll last for months of continuous hiking without needing replacing. I’ve got a pair that must have done over 1500 miles and are still usable.
Thanks for message.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the detailed and thorough review but you have now left me with a mild dilemma which I hope you can help me resolve. I am by no means a prolific walker/hiker like yourself but I am willing to invest in the right shoe/boot to hopefully keep me going for a while. Waterproofing and breathability are important as I like to walk in all weather and I am looking for a great all-rounder. So far I am stuck between the Innov-8
Roclite 315 shoe and the 400 boot. I was initially inclined towards the 315 as it is light weight shoe, and with waterproof socks, it could be really good; however, your review of the 400 boot has given me food for thought. Would you use the 400 in summer in the UK and Europe on 10-15mile hike or it is really for longer, more arduous walks? Be great to get your thoughts.
Cheers,
Toby
Hi Toby
I’m lucky to have numerous pairs of footwear so I can pick and choice depending on the conditions for the planned walk. So it’s difficult for me to pick just one, for all year use I would have the 400s. But myself, I would probably not wear waterproof footwear in summer because they are too warm and my feet would be wet from sweat most of the time. I usually wear breathable footwear in warmer weather and let my feet get wet if it rains, then dry quickly when it stops.
I wear shoes in really hot weather and on good paths but prefer boots most of the time. Boots tend to get less debris/snow inside and do offer a little more ankle support.
I’ve tried waterproof socks but find my feet sweating in them and only ended up using them to keep my feet warm in winter, I’ve got used to occasional wet feet in summer. If you go down the wet feet route, use a high merino wool content socks. Darntough have been best for me.
Both the Roclite 315s and 400s would be great choices.
I hope this helps.
Mark
Thanks Mark – I really appreciate your response. I really enjoy your content.
Just back from a week on the Isle of Harris with a new pair of 400’s. I can confirm the previous descriptions. I was delighted with the boot, a near perfect lightweight boot. Perhaps less support on the ankle than some other boots, but because they are so amazingly lightweight you are far more nimble on your feet and need less support if that makes sense? The sole felt perhaps a little thinner than I’m used to (I could feel the terrain), but this was no bad thing. Perhaps an alternative insole may suit some people. Waterproofing seemed good (slightly damp inner sock at pinch points, but this could likely have been sweat, after a 5hr hike in wet conditions). Comfort – like wearing silk slippers! I sized up like usual, though wonder if I really needed to. Toe box is roomy. Basically delighted with my purchase and have fallen in love with them. A really superb all round boot that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone from amateur to pro. Crazily lightweight and incredibly comfortable, really feels like new technology, very different to a traditional boot.
Thank you for your message Matt.
Mixed report on the 400s. I have done 600 kms of the 1000 km Bibbulmun Track over here in Western Australia in these boots (a month of walking). Mainly gravelly tracks with some rock, sand and mud. Exceptionally wet winter for here.
The right boot started to leak after a week. Left boot only just started leaking in last few days. Soles are worn down about 50% which I think is a reasonable performance. I really like the grip of the soles. I also think the balance between rigidity and stability of the heel vs feel and flexibility of the forefoot is very well judged by Inov8. Personally a little more heel cushioning would be good. The weak point is the fabric upper. Disintegrating rapidly at this point all over the toe box.. Not confident the boots will last the trek. Fit is ok but needed breaking in at the heels and narrow for my feet despite going a size up. Comfortable now broken in.
So overall I would rate about 3.5 stars. Perform well technically but lack of durability and waterproofness not good for such an expensive shoe.
Hi Jake
Thank you for your message.
Sounds like pretty rough conditions for any light weight boots.
Best of luck with your walk.
Mark
Hi Mark
After great initial results, my 400s failed miserably!! I had done less than 200kms and took them on the TGO-wet feet on the first day and it only got worse! Such a shame as they were super comfortable. I heard reports that Inov8 are having manufacturing issues. They were covered by the warranty and I would have got a replacement pair but none in stock! I have now picked up a pair of Roclite G275 but need to find some mids for colder weather. The 275s seem pretty good
Hi Scott
Thank you for your message. Terrible luck with the 400s, I used the Roclite 325s and was lucky with a fairly dry crossing so were perfect like the 275s. You could try the Roclite G 345 GTX boots. They are cheaper and the soles will last as long as the 400s, just as comfortable too.
Best of luck.
Mark
Hi Mark,
I will definitely look for this style again and the Inov8s are comfortable. Depending on availability will try them or the La Sportiva raptor mid gtx look good. I just want something which would last for 1 season – surely not too much to ask!! Maybe I am just too hard on them or very unlucky. 4 pairs of boots have failed in the last 3 years with very little wear – 2 salomon mids, 1 adidas terrex mid and now the roclites. None of them had more than 200km and one of the salomons failed on its second outing.
Hi Tom
My boots are still waterproof at around 600 miles. Myself just in case there’s a problem, like with any product. I would buy them from a reputable place, like direct from Inov-8 and keep proof of purchase. Then send them back for replacement if you have any problems. Great light weight boots and they are wearing well.
Hi Mark,
Great review and responses above on these boots.
Was wondering if you have done any running in the 400 boot. As I am looking for a boot that I will use for both speed walking up hills, jogging down hills and along flat routes and was deciding if the 345 or even the new 390 boot would be a better option. Any advise would be great.
Regards
Sam
Hi Sam
Sorry I’ve not done any running in these boots. I wouldn’t like to give an opinion on how they would perform in that way.
Great walking boots though, as are the 345 and 390 boots.
Thanks for message.
Mark