Inov-8

Inov-8 was founded in 2003 in the Lake District, England, by Wayne Edy. The brand made its name in fell running and obstacle course racing with aggressive trail shoes. Their zero drop and low drop models serve runners who want natural foot positioning with serious trail protection.

Philosophy

Inov-8 designs for performance on technical terrain. While not a pure barefoot brand — they offer shoes across the drop spectrum — their zero drop trail shoes are among the most capable on the market. The brand combines minimalist foot positioning with robust outsoles and protective features.

Product Range

• Trail Running — TrailFly, Roclite, Mudclaw for various trail conditions
• Road Running — RoadClaw for pavement
• OCR — Specialized shoes for obstacle course racing
• Hiking — Roclite Hike for trail walking

What Sets Inov-8 Apart

Trail grip. Inov-8's Graphene-enhanced rubber outsoles are among the most durable and grippy in the industry. Their meta-plate technology protects from rocks without adding bulk. For zero drop trail running on technical terrain, Inov-8 competes directly with Altra's Lone Peak but with a more aggressive, performance-focused approach.

The brand offers both zero drop and low drop (4-6mm) options. This flexibility lets runners choose how minimal they want to go based on the terrain and distance.

Who Chooses Inov-8

Trail runners who prioritize grip and protection. OCR athletes who need shoes that handle mud, water, and obstacles. UK and European runners where the brand has strong heritage. Runners who want zero drop with more structure than pure barefoot shoes offer.