Inov8 Orocs

Competed in a race called the Trail Blanch today over here in the French Pyrenees. The race was supposed to be 50km but was reduced to 35km due to the risk of avalanche. Inov8 were kind enough to give me a pair of their new Orocs to race in. I came 4th overall so wore them for 4 1/4 hours (this was only the 3rd time I had actually worn them) and the fit and comfort was excellent, not a blister or chaif to be seen. Ran over everything from tarmac, woods, rocks, ice, snow, compacted snow and thigh deep snow, they seemed to grip over everything. I seemed to have an advantage over others particularly on the compacted snow and ice. At the moment I am trying but can't seem to think of anything negative to say about them.

Gary Devine

www.pyrenees-haven.com

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Originally Posted by Pyrenees Haven

Competed in a race called the Trail Blanch today over here in the French Pyrenees. The race was supposed to be 50km but was reduced to 35km due to the risk of avalanche. Inov8 were kind enough to give me a pair of their new Orocs to race in. I came 4th overall so wore them for 4 1/4 hours (this was only the 3rd time I had actually worn them) and the fit and comfort was excellent, not a blister or chaif to be seen. Ran over everything from tarmac, woods, rocks, ice, snow, compacted snow and thigh deep snow, they seemed to grip over everything. I seemed to have an advantage over others particularly on the compacted snow and ice. At the moment I am trying but can't seem to think of anything negative to say about them.

Gary Devine

www.pyrenees-haven.com

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Cheers Gary
I think folks trust your words rather than mine when I say ' they're the dogz' afterall I'm slightly biased:D

Were they they Oroc 280s you used. Look like x-talons, or the heavier ones?

They were the OROC 340, the yellow version( 2 arrow midsole & performance fit, more durable upper n protective rand)

In certain conditions weight is not as relevant, in the conditions I used them in today I feel the extra protection provided though the weight was invaluable - protective band etc.

Gary

I hear Bruce Parry and a TV game show producer have been enquiring about them.

Think I'm waiting a while before I get some reports after they have been used 2-3 months. My question is what happens when the softer rubber is worn down, do you loose a lot of the grip then? Or do the feel of the shoe alter when you're running more on the studs? Inov-8 insider you have been using them all winter?

I'm just wondering if Pyrenees Haven posted that to make us jealous ? A race in the French Pyrenees AND a free pair of Orocs ! Can't be bad !

Persan

I asked the same question and this is the response I got from Inov8...The OROC's were initially designed for orienteering, the brief was for a shoe that would handle all terrains.
I think it will make a great winter fell shoe when it's icy, rocky or wet n slippery.

have done approx 150 odd miles in a pair, both on green slimy rock n then since the ice n snow.
The square studs are our harder wearing endurance rubber, the tungsten carbide dob(spike) has a wide base plate which stops it pulling out( that's normally the problem )
the outer studs are our sticky rubber which is better on wet rock.
Mine haven't wore down much at all n the dobs still bite.

Jez
The wife races over here and she hasn't been given any and she is very jealous.

As for running on the road, I find it just like running in studs only noisier.

Hi!

I can now find the oroc shoes on the Inov-8 site:

http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detai...050973135&L=26

http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detai...050973079&L=26

It says endurance rubber, I thought it was supposted to be part sticky rubber, part endurande rubber?

This is going to be the hottest shoe for orienteering in sweden this spring! When will Wiggle start to sell them?

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Originally Posted by persan

Hi!

I can now find the oroc shoes on the Inov-8 site:

http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detai...050973135&L=26

http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detai...050973079&L=26

It says endurance rubber, I thought it was supposted to be part sticky rubber, part endurande rubber?

This is going to be the hottest shoe for orienteering in sweden this spring! When will Wiggle start to sell them?

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Persan
The Oroc has a dual compound sole.
Outer studs are of Sticky rubber, the larger centre studs are of Endurance rubber and hold the Tungsten Carbide Dobs.

Im not aware of any other company that has got a dual compound sole.

There has now been over a year of testing by inov-8 and a select group of
orienteers that include:
• Jon Duncan (World Champion)
• Graham Gristwood (World Champion)
• Oli Johnson (Multiple British Champion)
• Pippa Archer (Multiple British Champion)
Prototype testing also included other members of both the senior and junior British
Orienteering Team who had access to the OROC’s during some of their winter
2009/10 training camps.
Jon Duncan, who is based in Norway, has raced and trained the most in his OROC
280’s covering over 400 miles over the 2009/10 winter.
Collectively our testers have now run over 1000 miles in OROC orienteering shoes
and there has not been a single incident of a dob ripping out.
Comment from the testers has been consistent with the OROC 280 being a firm
favourite and described as “light, fast and responsive”, with the flexible lightweight
design allowing testers to run in a “more natural and efficient” manner.
There has been universal consensus that the OROC 280’s provided (at a minimum)
the same level of grip as any other o-shoes in terrain including on rock, but were
significantly lighter and more comfortable and gave a 'fast' feeling; much like the xtalon
212.

When are they going to be available to the masses Insider? :)

That is quality advertising

The invoice is in the post!

Perhaps a change of avatar?? Who knows...

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Originally Posted by Inov-8 Insider

There has now been over a year of testing by inov-8 and a select group of
orienteers that include:
• Jon Duncan (World Champion)
• Graham Gristwood (World Champion)
• Oli Johnson (Multiple British Champion)
• Pippa Archer (Multiple British Champion)
Prototype testing also included other members of both the senior and junior British
Orienteering Team who had access to the OROC’s during some of their winter
2009/10 training camps.
Jon Duncan, who is based in Norway, has raced and trained the most in his OROC
280’s covering over 400 miles over the 2009/10 winter.
Collectively our testers have now run over 1000 miles in OROC orienteering shoes
and there has not been a single incident of a dob ripping out.
Comment from the testers has been consistent with the OROC 280 being a firm
favourite and described as “light, fast and responsive”, with the flexible lightweight
design allowing testers to run in a “more natural and efficient” manner.
There has been universal consensus that the OROC 280’s provided (at a minimum)
the same level of grip as any other o-shoes in terrain including on rock, but were
significantly lighter and more comfortable and gave a 'fast' feeling; much like the xtalon
212.

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Originally Posted by Inov-8 Insider

Jon Duncan, who is based in Norway, has raced and trained the most in his OROC 280’s covering over 400 miles over the 2009/10 winter.

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Did he use just one pair of 280s over the 400 miles? If so we can asume the durability of the shoe are OK?

400 miles didnt sound to much to me at first, but once you think and add it all up its at least 30-40miles per week. So its a fair test for them and they sound like they have stood up to it, but people have different feet they might work for this guy but other people may not get 400miles out of them.

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

When are they going to be available to the masses Insider? :)

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You got any news Insider?

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

You got any news Insider?

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When the ice age hits Britain again :p

The Scandanavians booked the first 25,000 pairs so there is going to be a delay in UK.
The first UK stores will get them in the next couple of months.

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Originally Posted by Insider

The Scandanavians booked the first 25,000 pairs so there is going to be a delay in UK.
The first UK stores will get them in the next couple of months.

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Aaah, always nice to be a Scandinavian!

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Originally Posted by Insider

The Scandanavians booked the first 25,000 pairs so there is going to be a delay in UK.
The first UK stores will get them in the next couple of months.

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Interesting that a UK-based company that bills itself as specialising in fell running shoes should heavily promote a new shoe as suitable for fell running then send the initial production run to Scandanavia for the local map and compass brigade to buy :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

Interesting that a UK-based company that bills itself as specialising in fell running shoes should heavily promote a new shoe as suitable for fell running then send the initial production run to Scandanavia for the local map and compass brigade to buy :rolleyes:

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Tup
If you look in your complimentary copy of the "Brand X" workbook the Orocs are in the sub section of " Orienteering"
As the sport of " Orienteering" is deemed to be the national sport in Scandanavia xxxx-x decided that because of the huge demand for the Orocs the initital shipment should be sent to them.
Don't worry you will soon be able to buy some intime for your BG:D

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

Interesting that a UK-based company that bills itself as specialising in fell running shoes should heavily promote a new shoe as suitable for fell running then send the initial production run to Scandanavia for the local map and compass brigade to buy :rolleyes:

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Perhaps the Scandinavian orienteers were nice to Inov8, rather than making themselves ridiculous censoring Insider's posts.

My gripe is that whenever Orocs arrive in the UK they will be no use to me, because they will be Performance fit so too tight for my feet plus orthotics. Come on, Insider, catering for front-running heroes may be glamorous, but surely recreational and back of field runners are actually more numerous. How about exciting new shoes for us that won't pinch our toes?

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Originally Posted by Alexandra

My gripe is that whenever Orocs arrive in the UK they will be no use to me, because they will be Performance fit so too tight for my feet plus orthotics. Come on, Insider, catering for front-running heroes may be glamorous, but surely recreational and back of field runners are actually more numerous. How about exciting new shoes for us that won't pinch our toes?

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Alex
As you will see in your copy of the workbook there are infact 3 Oroc shoes.
Your correct the 280 & 340 versions are both " Performance" fit & 2 arrow midsole ( similar to all our fell shoes)
There is however the Oroc 350 which is a wider fit & 3 arrow midsole( more cushioning)

Yours in Spurt.
xxxx-x

[QUOTE=Insider;325691
As you will see in your copy of the workbook there are infact 3 Oroc shoes.
Your correct the 280 & 340 versions are both " Performance" fit & 2 arrow midsole ( similar to all our fell shoes)
There is however the Oroc 350 which is a wider fit & 3 arrow midsole( more cushioning) xxxx-x[/QUOTE]

That would be great, except that the Winter O Trainer 350 has a lace-guard which would, as far as I can see, stop me from hooking gaiters onto the laces and might even stop me from using lock laces. I have seen a similar lace-guard on a Saucony shoe, and I don't like it at all.

Alex

If you don't like the INOV8 O shoes there area many more on the market- go to any gig O event and two traders will be in the field and both also do websales.
If you orienteer both are in the mag
I have narrow feet but one son has short fatter feet- both of us have found O shoes that fit well and I have to say seem more durable than the INOV8 ones looked (alhtough I don't own a pair)

[QUOTE=Alexandra;325680]Perhaps the Scandinavian orienteers were nice to Inov8, rather than making themselves ridiculous censoring Insider's posts.[QUOTE]

Inov8 is a very successful commercial company - very little likelihood a few complaints from this forum would influence their marketing strategy.

And why the feck should Inov8 be exempt from the FRA Forum's rules?!?!?!

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Originally Posted by Insider

The Scandanavians booked the first 25,000 pairs so there is going to be a delay in UK.
The first UK stores will get them in the next couple of months.

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Some stores have already been promoting these shoes (e.g. Wiggle) and they were advertising an early April launch. I have pre-ordered a pair based on this claim (which I guess was based on Inov8's marketing. So I am very disappointed to learn of the delay.

What is the ACTUAL UK launch date?

Can't stand all this must have the latest... keep up with the Joneses... consumerist ethic that plagues the sport of fell running.

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Originally Posted by Alexandra

That would be great, except that the Winter O Trainer 350 has a lace-guard which would, as far as I can see, stop me from hooking gaiters onto the laces and might even stop me from using lock laces. I have seen a similar lace-guard on a Saucony shoe, and I don't like it at all.

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Many people have a similar issue with the gaiter on the crosslite - simple answer is just cut it off. The shoe will still perform perfectly well.

[QUOTE=karen nash I have to say seem more durable than the xxxx-x ones looked (alhtough I don't own a pair)[/QUOTE]
Karen
I'm suprised you can make such a statement when you haven't actually seen the finished article in the flesh:rolleyes:
The feedback from "testers" has been very positive, the good thing is there will be more choice in the Market place :)

[QUOTE=Delroy Wilson;325714][QUOTE=Alexandra;325680]Perhaps the Scandinavian orienteers were nice to Inov8, rather than making themselves ridiculous censoring Insider's posts.

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And why the feck should Inov8 be exempt from the FRA Forum's rules?!?!?!

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This has been done to death in a few other threads. Lets not allow it to take over this one.

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Originally Posted by Alexandra

Perhaps the Scandinavian orienteers were nice to Inov8, rather than making themselves ridiculous censoring Insider's posts.

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You mean letting him self censor his own posts (catholic guilt?), all that happened was a call for blatant selling and self promotion to be stopped, something that was previously done privately and politely by the administrators and ignored by II well before this was brought up on the forum. (and which he neglects to mention). Interesting to see a formal warning shot had now been posted on thus thread

Like any company they go where they can think they can get the most money hence the Scandinavian sales first, nothing wrong with that, but explains the nature of his posts on the forum.

Are you usually this easily manipulated by salesmen (or perhaps you are married to him ?;),

oh and I had a nice time whilst away thank you.

Finished with this now, roll on the three peaks.

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

Interesting to see a formal warning shot had now been posted on thus thread.

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Auntie
Where's this then?
I think you will find folks are actually laughing at you not with you.
Being a prize xxxx maybe your claim to fame, people talk of you as being one of lifes xxxxxxxxs :)

If you or anyone would like any info on Brand X please ask & I will do my best to give you some pointers :D

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

oh and I had a nice time whilst away thank you.

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Can't wait for you to go again:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Insider

Auntie
Where's this then?
I think you will find folks are actually laughing at you not with you.
Being a prize xxxx maybe your claim to fame, people talk of you as being one of lifes xxxxxxxxs :)

If you or anyone would like any info on Brand X please ask & I will do my best to give you some pointers :D

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There speaks a worried man, I expected a bit more sophisticated reply but when the veneer is exposed!!!!, I assume you are feeling put upon (again).

Check out Brett's comment, he manages the forum.

Thanks for the offer, I will of course come back to you if I require subjective comments on brand X.

Anyway as said finished with this, pm me if you wish to continue the abuse. See you next week.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

There speaks a worried man, I expected a bit more sophisticated reply but when the veneer is exposed!!!!, I assume you are feeling put upon (again).

Check out Brett's comment, he manages the forum.

Thanks for the offer, I will of course come back to you if I require subjective comments on brand X.

Anyway as said finished with this, pm me if you wish to continue the abuse. See you next week.

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Yawn!

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Originally Posted by eavesy187

Can't wait for you to go again:rolleyes:

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We could go away together next time.

Feeling a bit too full of good humour given the recent sparring with II and others so went with family to see Les Misrables on thurs evening in London to get a bit of despondency and rage back. Lovely music but god its grim. Luckily my seats were not very good so I was able to complain and get better ones so that helped as well.

Then went to Abingdon to watch my brother in the homecoming parade of the Counter IED task force, which was quite humbling especially when they read the names of the seven killed. A sapper who was a double amputee also took part. We then went to the the family day at the barracks where the free stalls for children and families included a hand grenade throwing contest and a chance to steer a remote control disposal robot along an assault route - you got a certificate for taking part in any of these and I am proud of mine especially as I beat bruv in the hand grenade throwing.

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/pictures...t_Home_coming/ Baby Bruv.

A few beers then a lazy saturday in the sun, things were looking good so went on a 8 mile very flat road run which helped to get me riled again and combined with heavy traffic on the journey home today I now feel suitably embittered:D

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

There speaks a worried man, I expected a bit more sophisticated reply but when the veneer is exposed!!!!, I assume you are feeling put upon (again)

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Happy days :D

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Originally Posted by Alexandra

Perhaps the Scandinavian orienteers were nice to Inov8, rather than making themselves ridiculous censoring Insider's posts.

My gripe is that whenever Orocs arrive in the UK they will be no use to me, because they will be Performance fit so too tight for my feet plus orthotics. Come on, Insider, catering for front-running heroes may be glamorous, but surely recreational and back of field runners are actually more numerous. How about exciting new shoes for us that won't pinch our toes?

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Back to important issues - why can't the duck-footed among us get shoes that are lighter and less cushioned :D

Alexandra makes a perfectly valid observation that the lighter weight shoes that use the "performance" last are toe-squeezers, and those of us with wide feet and uncomfortable with squozen toes still want the LIGHTEST LEAST cushioned shoes that we can get. There are no shortage of heavier clunkier shoes out there, not looking for Inov8s version (see Insiders response to Alexandra's post). I love Inov8s vision, now I want some shoes that fit my feet :cool: