Inov8 Roclite 190 a review

Bought some of these as an impulse buy - what a con, a cheap sandal rip off for (if you pay full price) a premium amount.

It reminds me of the jam pasties you can buy in bakers using the scrag end of the pastry and cheap jam, but sold at a similar price and alongside their premium cakes and breads. Its all very well wanting to try to do leisure shoes like Walsh but honestly c'mon inov you can do much better than this.

Luckily mine were heavily discounted because this shop could not sell them, mine are on their way back to the shop.

Thanks for your review.:wink:
Here is another HERE:D
You Tube Star http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsyMw...ature=related;)

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Originally Posted by Inov-8 Insider

Thanks for your review.:wink:
Here is another HERE:D
You Tube Star http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsyMw...ature=related;)

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ah but I am truly independent and impartial not an employee.

I admit I was bit tongue in cheek but given your other products this is quite poor - don't you think.

Knowing how anti Inov8 Antisocial is I'm amazed he even picked up a pair of their shoes. I think he may be a closset fan ?

How very dare you, I resent that remark:wink: - I am as open minded as they come as far as invov's are concerned. I just say what I think based on experience.

Flyrocs - fantastic
330's and 285's - very good but wear out/break quickly and high cost for use
315's - ok ish not as good as mizuno wave harriers or indeed Nike Red Rocks (which inov do not have a shoe half as good for what they are for and they cost - if they produce a shoe nearly as good that is ethical I will be first in the queue)
X talons - can't wear them, exacerbate my injuries
190's - rubbishes inovs insiders claims that they are passionate about shoes and not in it for the money.
The remaining 1,986 models (about 3 different soles and 5 uppers in different designs and colours) - why, they are like bicycle gearing do not several combinations repeat :confused:

My comments about Inov (that are my opinion- as a non employee- based on shoes I have paid for) on this forum are purely coloured by the blatant whoring of their products by their paid salesman who seems unable to give impartial answers and his minions - who appear to be accomplished runners with advanced journalistic skills and who seem to mysteriously get hold of free models prior to them being marketed in the shops and whose reviews are always glowing and peppered with technical spec.

This is especially perplexing especially that no evidence has ever been presented that they improve performance despite insiders claims (and then humiliating climb down, that he doesn't understand the technology and is just a humble runner) I'd love to hear his sales pitch to new shops etc, bet he knows all about the "technology" then hmmmm:D

At least people are realising he has no credibility due to his continual about turns and contradictions and he has more likely done inov more harm than good :w00t:

I came into fell running just after inov launched and they were my shoe of choice from the start, now I am looking around I am coming to the conclusion that though some models are good, there are other shoes that are as good or better and suit me (and possibly you those people who have only worn inov) inov insider is right choice is good if you have only worn inov try something else next time (it will also most likely be cheaper).

Rant over feel much better off for a Xcross ride

I think you mean Recolite 190 AS..... I like my pair and, before the summer went tits up, they were barely off my feet.

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Originally Posted by nikalas

I think you mean Recolite 190 AS..... I like my pair and, before the summer went tits up, they were barely off my feet.

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possibly:o

Can't see what they have to offer that cheaper options don't though. One of the selling points in the videos inov have promoting them is the amount of holes, surely that then means less materials and less cost?

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

One of the selling points in the videos inov have promoting them is the amount of holes, surely that then means less materials and less cost?

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Yes, but it's where they put the holes and how they make sure they don't tear.

I'm currently reviewing a pair of inov-8s that have no sole whatsoever and only a minimal top that is held in place using revolutionary clear adhesive strips. This is the ultimate in "allowing the foot to operate in a more natural dimension than many highly cushioned, supportive and controlling designs". They have many advantages, including lack of wear, increased breathability, freedom of movement, etc. They are the next step for those who feel encumbered by the previous generation of so-called "barefoot" shoes.

This is obviously top secret, so don't tell anyone other than those who read it on here. I think they are going to retail at about £70.

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Originally Posted by noel

Yes, but it's where they put the holes and how they make sure they don't tear.

I'm currently reviewing a pair of inov-8s that have no sole whatsoever and only a minimal top that is held in place using revolutionary clear adhesive strips. This is the ultimate in "allowing the foot to operate in a more natural dimension than many highly cushioned, supportive and controlling designs". They have many advantages, including lack of wear, increased breathability, freedom of movement, etc. They are the next step for those who feel encumbered by the previous generation of so-called "barefoot" shoes.

This is obviously top secret, so don't tell anyone other than those who read it on here. I think they are going to retail at about £70.

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Noel you little tinker you know you weren't meant to say anything just yet:mad:
All I can say about it is the toes will come in various shades:)

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Originally Posted by noel

Yes, but it's where they put the holes and how they make sure they don't tear.

I'm currently reviewing a pair of inov-8s that have no sole whatsoever and only a minimal top that is held in place using revolutionary clear adhesive strips. This is the ultimate in "allowing the foot to operate in a more natural dimension than many highly cushioned, supportive and controlling designs". They have many advantages, including lack of wear, increased breathability, freedom of movement, etc. They are the next step for those who feel encumbered by the previous generation of so-called "barefoot" shoes.

This is obviously top secret, so don't tell anyone other than those who read it on here. I think they are going to retail at about £70.

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As you seem a fairly straight forward a person I trust we will get an honest review including any downsides, improvements needed, such as a nail varnish protector etc

I have mixed views about Inov8 products - some I like and some I don't. The new "skins" fall into the category of those I don't though of course I have yet to try a pair. I can't see them being as good as the vibram fivefingers though I would welcome an attempt on Insiders part to explain why someone should buy the skins instead of a pair of vffs!

I am a totally neutral runner and have had no problems with innov 8 over the years but my last two pairs of mud claw 270s are useless.. They have collapsed inward to the point that I'm convinced that the sole isn't stuck on right. Ive had quite a few pairs of these and never had the problem before. 2 x fell runners that I run with laughed and said your feet are leaning inwards at a stupid angle. When you put the shoes on the ground they lean inward. Ive bought 1 more pair and if they go the same that's it. It's led me to buy a pair of walshs again.

I had exactly the same problem with some other trainers Daz in the past - I thought it was just me! No experience with Mud Claw 270s, but I've had no problems at all with the X-Talons.

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Originally Posted by Richard36

I have mixed views about Inov8 products - some I like and some I don't. The new "skins" fall into the category of those I don't though of course I have yet to try a pair. I can't see them being as good as the vibram fivefingers though I would welcome an attempt on Insiders part to explain why someone should buy the skins instead of a pair of vffs!

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Richard
The Evoskins are very different to the vibram 5 fingers I guess the only similarity is they both have individual toes.
Evoskin
A single 1 piece silicon so no seams to rub.
The material moulds to your foot and offers fantastic propeception.
For anyone who wants to do anything barefoot but wants a bit of underfoot protection.
I run at least 3 times a week in mine, mainly off road though I have done some 5 mile road runs in them.
I use them as part of my training to strengthen my feet and realign my posture, they have helped me to get rid of aches and pains( IT Band/Achilles) and I have now managed to throw my orthotic & heavily posted NB road shoes. That said you do have to "transition" slowly to any "barefooting" , the first time I ran in them I did 50 metres.
After a day out on the fells I will normally have an easy jog or walk off-road the next day to let everything settle into place and get rid of any stiffness.
The price-£40

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Originally Posted by Inov-8 Insider

Richard
The Evoskins are very different to the vibram 5 fingers I guess the only similarity is they both have individual toes.

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I hardly think the only similarity between these two pieces of footwear is limited to that! Can I infer from your list the difference is "no seams, and cheaper"? Or is "Made from different materials" an extra one?

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Originally Posted by daz h

I am a totally neutral runner and have had no problems with innov 8 over the years but my last two pairs of mud claw 270s are useless.. They have collapsed inward to the point that I'm convinced that the sole isn't stuck on right. Ive had quite a few pairs of these and never had the problem before. 2 x fell runners that I run with laughed and said your feet are leaning inwards at a stupid angle. When you put the shoes on the ground they lean inward. Ive bought 1 more pair and if they go the same that's it. It's led me to buy a pair of walshs again.

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I had this with my last pair of 280s. I thought it was because i over-pronate slightly?!?:confused:

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Originally Posted by daz h

I am a totally neutral runner and have had no problems with innov 8 over the years but my last two pairs of mud claw 270s are useless.. They have collapsed inward to the point that I'm convinced that the sole isn't stuck on right. Ive had quite a few pairs of these and never had the problem before. 2 x fell runners that I run with laughed and said your feet are leaning inwards at a stupid angle. When you put the shoes on the ground they lean inward. Ive bought 1 more pair and if they go the same that's it. It's led me to buy a pair of walshs again.

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Happened to a pair of x talons with me aswell

So as this seems to be a regluar problem inov insider as its the reason I am trying walsh'es as an alternative what is your impartial advice? Is this a design fault and how can people stop it happening

on a different note getting back to the original thread - showed my daughter the 190's today as they are still in the box in the car, her response was "cool shoes Dad" - anyone interested in adoption?

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

So as this seems to be a regluar problem inov insider as its the reason I am trying walsh'es as an alternative what is your impartial advice? Is this a design fault and how can people stop it happening

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I think your making the right choice if our shoes aren't right for you.
Design fault? Hardly maybe biomechanics or terrain could be one of the reasons.

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Originally Posted by Inov-8 Insider

I think your making the right choice if our shoes aren't right for you.
Design fault? Hardly maybe biomechanics or terrain could be one of the reasons.

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so mudclaws cannot cope with rocky terrain or fells is what you are saying - straight from the horses mouth folks

Inov8 Insider - thanks for your comments on the skins. I'm taking delivery of a pair of VFF Bikilas and the new VFF Trek Sport this Saturday. I'm expecting great things of them but will certainly try the skins as well when they become available.

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Originally Posted by Richard36

Inov8 Insider - thanks for your comments on the skins. I'm taking delivery of a pair of VFF Bikilas and the new VFF Trek Sport this Saturday. I'm expecting great things of them but will certainly try the skins as well when they become available.

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Richard if your new to " barefooting" take it very very slow, there does have to be a transition. Most folks who go from overtly cushioned shoes to barefoot in one stage can have problems with Achilles/ calves etc as you will be stretching everything.
Enjoy.

I can only speak from personal experience, and my take on inov 8s is very positive.

I recently bought a pair of 285s, they are the most comfortable running shoe I have ever worn. I was hoping that because of their minimal cushioning they would be ok for my severe pronation problem. Unfortunately my feet were to much for them and I am now eagerly awaiting delivery of a pair of 195s.

My wife always ends up with sore feet when we go out into the outdoors, which means that for her the hills are not as pleasurable as they should be, after my positive experience with the 285s I got her a pair of Flyroc 345s before our recent trip to Dartmoor. After a week of walking on Dartmoor she procaimed that her feet have never been so comfortable and they did not cause her any pain at all. On the back of that she is now the proud owner of a pair of Flyroc 310s which she runs in and is now awaiting the arival of some 230s! I think I may have started something! They are the first shoes she has found really comfortable since a pair of reboks she had 20 years ago.

Oh and when my 10 year old daughter saw my 285s she exclaimed "Cool shoes!". Which is more than can be said for my VFF Flow treks, which are "Weird". My Family seem to like Inov8s, keep up the good work.

James

Those evoskins look mental! When are they available?

Early 2011

The Inov-8 Roclite 190 is an ultra-lightweight, waterproof boot which is ideal for trail, light walking, and mountain running while providing ankle protection. It has a synthetic leather and breathable mesh upper. The Gore-Tex is a waterproof and breathable membrane designed to adapt to wet and dry conditions. The boot’s Fascia Band increases the structural stability of the arch area and the propulsive efficiency of the shoe. Good for contouring, descending , and ascending. Here's detailed information from this site http://tinyurl.com/inov8roclite190

Thought I would add to my intial thoughts on these.

Whilst deciding what to do with these I took them out of the box and tried them on again when it rained and I dash outside to get the washing in making them unreturnable - so I took them on my hols along with an old pair of Merrell sandals in the traditonal open style. I usually take a size 11 or sometimes 12 in inov as they are not very wide however a 10 in the Recolite was more than enough

I found them reasonably comfortable over short distances but not for wearing all day or walking a long way when my soles soon began to ache, unlike the Merrell's which had a thinner sole which felt much thicker and comfortable, there was little or no rub whilst I wore them and I could comfortably fit my inserts in. I could scramble over rocks in my sandals but the recolites had little grip for anytthing other than pavement and felt too flimsy. Allso though I only wore them for shortish periods over 12 days mainly on pavement the soles are starting to show signs of wear which suprised me.

Looking at what other people were wearing many people seemed to be wearing shoes a similar style upper with a more durable grip (though I have no idea how these performed) which added to my thoughts that the Recolite design was highly derivative.

One area they did score well on was on tile and marble especially when wet which abound in med airports, hotels, shopping centres etc, they appeared exceptionally non slip and marginally grippier than the Merrells on what can be a lethal surface (on landing at the airport several people nearly came croppers in the arrivals hall where the cleaners were at work).

Overall though they were ok as a general holiday shoe I would still question waht they are ultimately for, as an purpose leisure shoe there are better, cheaper and possibly more durable alternatives out there that have a wider variery of use. If they are purely seen as a relaxing after race leisure shoe the rrp is a lot of money to pay for limited use, if the sole grip was beefed up a bit they could have more applications but whether it would be worth doing is another matter.

I don't know if the Evoskins will be breathble because of the silicon.