This is my Inov8 Roclite Mid boots review. I’ve been testing them for over 4 months, using them for day walks and week long backpacking trips and I’m very impressed. I’ve been wearing the non-waterproof boots because I prefer breathable and quick draining footwear. But there’s also a waterproof GTX version available if you prefer. The Roclite Mid boots are similar to Inov8’s Rocfly 390 boots, but with a number of significant differences.
I used Darn Tough Hiker and Light Hiker socks while testing these boots.
Design
I’m impressed with the design of these boots. Inov8 have taken the best parts of their previous range of hiking boots and put them together in the Roclite Mid range of footwear. The Roclite Mid boots have the wide toe box and comfort of the Rocfly 390’s, with an improved tread pattern and increased lug depth. They’re slightly taller around the ankles than the 390’3 and have double lace hooks, similar to Inov8’s previous Roclite 400 boots. I’ve been using Inov8 footwear for years and I think these are a good upgrade over previous models.
Comfort and Fit
The Roclite Mid boots are the most comfortable footwear that I’ve hiked in. Inov8 are usually a half size smaller, I would size up at least a half to a full size for hiking. There’s a really nice amount of padding and with the double lacing hooks, it’s easy to get them on and off and get a perfect fit. They’re wide fitting but still have a nice snug fit around the heal, so the foot is held in place, but your toes still have plenty of room. They’ve also got nice comfortable insoles and thick cushioned soles, good for hard surfaces and walking high mileages. I feel these boots are ideal for long distance hiking when your feet will spread and you need good cushioning. I’ve not had a single blister while wearing them, even after a very long day climbing 15 Wainwright’s.
Sole and Grip
I really like the new tread pattern Inov8 are using on their Roclite range. The grip is very good and feels predictable in all conditions, even on wet and slippery ground. The 6mm deep lugs means the grip should last well too, even with the relatively soft grippy rubber. The sole is firm enough for rocky ground and a heavy pack and flexible enough that you can run in them.
Breathability and Waterproofing
The Inov8 Roclite Mid boots are very breathable because they don’t have a waterproof lining. They’re ideal for hot weather walking and hikes when it’s impossible to keep your feet dry, due to river crossings. Also, my feet stay dry from sweat and if they do get wet from a river crossings, they pump the water out and dry reasonably quickly. In summer, I’ve found that a couple minutes after a river crossing, I hardly notice my feet were soaked. Then an hour or so later, I can’t even ring any water out of my socks, they’ve dried so well while walking.
The breathable mesh on the boots is fairly high up, so I’ve found I’m able to walk wetter paths than expected without getting wet feet. If it’s especially wet or cold out, I just add waterproof socks. I use the EDZ waterproof socks.
Inov8 also make a waterproof version of the Roclite Mid boots. Link to Inov8 site – Roclite Mid GTX boots.
For me, I feel they’re the ideal footwear for hikes where there’ll be numerous river crossings, like the Cape Wrath Trail. That way, I haven’t got to carry extra footwear for river crossings or waste time stopping to change footwear to keep my hiking boots dry.
Conclusion
The Roclite Mid boots are the best all-round footwear that I’ve hiked in and they’re now my favourite walking boots. They’re pretty tough for their light weight and from previous experience with Inov8’s footwear, they’ll last really well. I’ve previously walked 1200 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in a single pair of Inov8’s Roclite 345 boots. I’ve also walked the Cape Wrath Trail in their Rocfly 390’s and will be using the Roclite Mid boots next time.
I’ve found the Roclite Mid boots great for day walks and are now my go to footwear for long distance hiking. I think these are a very good upgrade to Inov8’s hiking footwear range and also, very good value for money at RRP-£130. The waterproof version is RRP £150.
Link to Inov8 site; Roclite Mid boots.
Link to Inov8 site; waterproof – Roclite Mid GTX boots.
Further reading
Boots or shoes – which is best for hill walking
1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk
My Best Walks for Wild Camping in the UK
My home Solar PV and battery 1yr review
Disclosure
Inov8 sent me these boots to test and review, without any obligation to review them positively. I’ve been buying their footwear for over six years and have reviewed many of them. My reviews have always been honest and sometimes critical of the design and quality of materials. So I’ll give credit to Inov8 for still letting me have footwear to review. It shows they’re not frightened of constructive criticism and are constantly looking to improve their products.
Wildwalkinguk is a blog run by myself in spare time, and I pay for its running costs myself. I do have some Awin links on the site. If you click on these links and buy what you need, the company will pay me a small commission. This money goes towards the costs of hosting the blog. I would be extremely grateful if you could consider using my links when you next need to buy something. Thank you for your support. Mark.
I saw these in the shop in Staveley. The colour put me off completely, both aesthetically and practically. Been wanting inov8 to make this product for a long time and they made a real mess of the colour IMO. based on your review I’ll look out for them if they expand the colours.
There’s more colour choice if you want waterproof Roclite Mid boots and I’m sure they’ll add more colours in the future, if there’s interest in them. It’s not my choice of colour either but I think the comfort and grip makes up for it.
These look really good but ow does the grip on wet rock of these compare with those of the RocFly 390’s which I thought was terrible?
Hi Roger. Not much grips well on wet rock but the Roclite boots are the best all round light weight boots I’ve used. The Rocfly 390’s are only 4mm deep tread and wear down pretty quick so the best of the grip didn’t last long. The Roclite mid boots have 6mm deep tread and a better tread design, I find them ‘much’ better and they last longer. I find the breathable Roclite Mids are the ones I use most, great for day/weekend and summer hikes. The tread pattern is the same across the range but the sole is more supportive as you go up the range. The Roclite Max has a thicker firmer sole and is slightly more supportive and the top of the range is even more so and has graphene soles so will last even longer, but they’re heavier and quite a bit more expensive. I find them better for winter and very long distance hikes with a heavy pack.
What do you do to clean and dry these boots during a boggy/muddy multi day trail? As I imagine the CWT might be in May. Rinse off the worse and hope for better weather?
Hi Liz. The boots will be cleaned regularly in the numerous river crossings on the CWT and dry in-between. Unless it’s continuously wet, then I just put wet soaks and boots back on in the morning. The CWT is not especially muddy. I sometimes wear waterproof socks to keep my feet warm, more than dry.
It’s a lot easier embracing wet feet than stressing about keeping dry, the walking and river crossings are a lot easier/more enjoyable then.
Good luck with your hikes. The CWT a great trail, I’m hoping to walk it again soon.
Do these boots exist. I can only find a link on the Inov8 website but nowwhere is there an option to purchase.
https://www.inov8.com/roclite-mid-mens
Hi James.
Looks like they’ve sold out, I guess. As the women’s boots are available.