This is my review of the Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes. These are lightweight waterproof shoes designed for hiking, trail running and multi-sport adventures.
First impressions
The Roclite G 315 is a versatile, lightweight waterproof shoe that will take you nearly anywhere. The latest V2 model has a more secure fit and improved upper durability. The shoes are very good for varied use including hiking, trail running and everyday wear. They grip extremely well on all surfaces.
They are lightweight enough that you’re not using too much energy just to move your foot, meaning running in them is easy. On the other hand, they are comfortable and durable – the shape and materials used will support your feet over a long distance and they should last well. It’s clear from the first few days wearing them that this updated model is a definite improvement on its predecessors.
Waterproofing and Breathability
The Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 are fully waterproof, as long as you’re not walking through deep puddles, long grass or river crossings, where the water will over top them. I haven’t done enough mileage in them yet to say how long the Gore-Tex membrane will last but will update this page as soon as I’m able too. I know from experience that the Gore-Tex and Inov-8 guarantee is very good and they will replace the footwear if they fail prematurely.
I often like to hike in breathable shoes because my feet sweat quickly in most waterproof lined footwear. Due to this I normally just use waterproof lined shoes in the colder months, more for warmth than to keep my feet dry. I like the lightweight nature of the Inov-8 footwear, I find it allows the waterproof lining to breathe better. Due to this, my feet don’t seem to sweat so much in their footwear as they would in other waterproof shoes.
Above I’m using the Nortec micro crampons with the Roclite G 315 shoes.
Mesh upper material
The mesh uppers are a big improvement over the previous material and will last a lot longer, but still seems to breathe pretty well considering the smaller holes. I like it a lot as it doesn’t let the dirt and grit through, which is a massive improvement over the previous design. I think that was the reason the Gore-Tex lining failed prematurely on my Roclite G 345 GTX boots. The soles managed 1200 miles but the uppers material was not up to the same quality. So it’s really nice to see Inov-8 have now matched the quality of materials and I’m confident the shoes will last a lot longer.
Fit and Comfort
The Roclite G 315 shoes are extremely comfortable, so much so I wear a pair everyday in the winter and during wet weather throughout the year. These shoes have the same soles as the Roclite G 275 shoes, which I used on my 1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk. They were very comfortable for the whole of the 600 odd miles that I used them. Even supportive enough with me carrying a heavy pack with full camping gear. I only changed the insoles at around the 300 mile mark. I do this with nearly all my footwear, changing the standard insoles supplied with the footwear for Superfeet insoles, as I find them they supportive when carrying a heavy pack.
With Inov-8 footwear I have a size bigger than my foot size because I feel there footwear fits a little small and I prefer more room in the toe box. On very long distance walks I find my feet spread during the walk and they are less likely to get blisters in the toe area if the footwear allows them to spread. The Roclite G 315 shoes have been fine on hikes and I’ve had no issues with blisters, having a size bigger.
The shoes are a very nice snug fit and hold my feet well even when running in them. The lacing on the shoes is also very good, with just the right length laces that they’re not flapping around annoyingly during runs.
How long will they last?
I haven’t done enough mileage to wear the Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes out yet but I’m pretty sure they’ll be good for over 1000 miles off road. I’ll update this page as and when I notice serious wear. I have worn out a pair the very similar Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots and pictured the wear below. These were my only footwear worn during my 1200 mile Lands End to John O’Groats and 3-peaks walk. They did not have the new harder wearing uppers that the Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes. But I think it’s a reasonable example of what’s possible with the graphene soles and uppers.
The boots were still usable after the 1200 miles but grit was getting through the mesh and the waterproof lining had long since failed. But I had mistreated them, wearing them every day for 62 days and they were permanently wet, so the upper may have rotted. This allowed grit through that likely wore the Gore-Tex lining through which then possibly failed prematurely. Gore-Tex asked for the boots and paid me a full refund. I’ve set out my opinion on Gore-Tex lined footwear here.
Technical Specifications
The Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes have 6mm rubber lugs are a good depth for grip on all surfaces. The lugs are also enhanced with the world’s strongest material – Graphene – making them last and grip well for longer. The Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps feet dry and comfortable. A flexible rock plate and front-end bumper protects the underfoot and toes, with the cushioned POWERFLOW MAX foam will give more energy return and bounce.
Inov-8 Fit Scale – 3 which is middle sizing
Drop – 8mm
Footbed – 6mm EVA
Lug Depth – 6mm
Midsole – POWERFLOW MAX foam
Shank – META-PLATE (rock plate)
Sole Compound – Graphene G-GRIP
Product Weight – 315g / 10.67oz per shoe
Negatives
The Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes are extremely good for varied use and the only possible negative I could find is the heal break. The shoes have amazing grip on all surfaces and I only mention it because Inov-8 did such a good job with the heal break on the Roclite Pro G 400 GTX boots. But that said, the difference may only be noticed when descending directly down very steep wet grassy slopes – so its not a big issue at all. As I continue to wear these shoes, I will update if I find any more issues.
Conclusion
The Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes are a great all round shoe for varying terrain and surfaces. I use them as my everyday footwear during the winter and the very similar Roclite G 275s or RocFly G 390 boots during the warmer and dryer summer months. I know the graphene soles on the Inov-8 footwear will last well. This justifies the cost, and I would say they are good value – I’ve walked 1200 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in a pair of graphene soled Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots and would happily set off on a similar walk in the Roclite G 315 GTX V2 shoes. I would recommend these shoes for trail running or hiking.
Links to check the prices:
If you’re considering buying the shoes, please click on the link below and if you do buy them we will receive a small commission to help with the costs of running the site. Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX V2 men’s shoes Amazon link or the women’s version here.
Further Reading
Inov-8 Roclite G 275 shoes review
My Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX V2 boots review
Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 boots review
Inov-8 Roclite G 345 and 400 V2 comparison
My Inov-8 RocFly G 390 boots review
Boots or shoes: which are best for hill walking and backpacking?
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