RunRepeat.com's video: Inov-8 TerraUltra G 260 test review - The shoe for slippery trails

Find all reviews of the Inov 8 TerraUltra G 260 in one place with the hottest deals from +50 retailers. Check out: https://runrepeat.com/inov-8-terraultra-g-260 When the Inov-8 TerraUltra G 260 came out, I was intrigued. Could this be a solution for tired feet when upping volume, intensity, or terrain difficulty on the trails? The TerraUltra tested included Inov-8’s line of revolutionary graphene-enhanced rubber soles. Claims are made for its ability to offer superior elasticity, harder wear, and an all-around stronger material. Each Inov-8 shoe is built from the ground up, starting with unique lug design. This version offers 4mm of superior grip on slick, wet surfaces. Amazing how much different it feels when you run when it’s wet in this shoe, much better than when conditions are dry. Worth the extra for the Graphene layer. The main midsole is a 9mm ETPU and EVA blend, which offers firm, durable support. Although this adds weight to the shoe, no cushiness will fade here, so consider it a worthy tradeoff. To back up and enhance the ride, Inov-8 includes the Dynamic Fascia Band (DFB) technology as a shank and Meta-Flex grooves in the outsole and midsole. The DFB is located between the midsole and footbed and made to mimic the plantar fascia and help delay fatigue in the foot (the support helps out when your heel comes off the ground while your toes are still planted). The cutout Meta Flex grooves in the shoe greatly enhance the flexibility, allowing your foot to rock and flex a little more freely while still providing substantial support, many more times over a minimalist sole and much more than a supportive trainer. This is the Inov-8 magic at work here. Nice long-lasting construction by Inov-8 is another high point of this shoe. Kevlar® aramid fiber is used in the heel, and a high-density nylon weave on the toe cap provides lightweight, breathable protection. These shoes look like they can take whatever the trail will throw at you while delivering a flexible feel that’s not overly stiff or sweaty. Exterofit technology included in the design adapts to the movement and swelling of the foot. There are nice reinforcements around the eyelets, a tongue that is not too bulky or over padded, and additional overlays on top of the lightweight mesh material for extra protection. The laces could be a little more grippy and sturdy-feeling, but I didn’t really have any functional problems with them. These shoes are a fantastic alternative to squishy, cushy Altras, and Topo’s when you need the protection. The stiffer midsole foam adds a bit of weight but combined with the outsole offers great traction and protection from rocks and roots. You’ll likely notice the tread when running on road surfaces, but there is no real detractor other than it feels like a lot of shoe. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have preferred these shoes to the Topos and Altras I used to transition down to the zero drop and minimalist shoe combo. The stiffer sole of the Inov-8 TerraUltra G 260 is closer to what true minimalist shoes feel like while the midsole offers commendable protection—an excellent option for long distances on slick, rocky trails. - Anthony Privetera RunRepeat Expert