Inov8 Roadfly review: A triumphant return to the pavements
Weight: 265g
Stack height: 27mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot)
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
Type: Neutral/road
Best for: Tempo sessions / Longer runs / Racing
The shoe
Inov8’s off-road credentials are not in doubt. The Lakeland-based brand is the shoe of choice among a number of top trail runners, including FKT-botherer and RW columnist Damian Hall. More than any other British running shoe brand, Inov8 is synonymous with mountain running. Think rugged outdoor adventure, think Inov8.
On the road, though, it’s a different story. Lacking the pedigree of road-running powerhouses such as Nike and Asics, Inov8’s always felt like something of an interloper. A history of middling road shoes has done little to change this perception, with Inov8 going on a complete road-running hiatus over the past few years. But the Roadfly is a revelation – not only the best road shoe that Inov-8 has ever made, but also one of the best running shoes I’ve tried all year.
How does the Roadfly compare with the Trailfly?
The Roadfly name is a nod to Inov8’s highly regarded Trailfly series. Though one is designed for road and the other trail, some parallels exist. Both boast an anatomical foot shape, which allows toes to splay naturally on landing, and an impressive versatility that makes them appropriate for both training and racing. Both shoes also have the same 6mm heel-toe drop.
How does the RoadFly fit?
Like many Inov8 shoes, the Roadfly comes in both a Standard and Wide fit. The Wide version offers even more room in the forefoot, for those who really love some toe splay. As someone who’s enjoyed running in Altras and other roomier shoes, I opted for the Wide fit and was pleased with my decision. The RoadFly fits true to size, too. (I’m a UK size 9 in most shoes and a size 9 in this.)
What’s the Roadfly like to run in?
In some ways, the Roadfly is a bit of a throwback: it doesn’t have a carbon plate, its colour palette is muted rather than 'argh-my-eyes', and the cushioning is on the meagre side of things. These are all fine qualities, in my opinion, as the dawn of carbon-plated shoes has struck the death knell for relatively low-profile shoes that do all the important things well. If you’re a fan of racing flats, or shoes that have some minimalist characteristics while remaining useable for high mileage, there’s so much to recommend about the Roadfly.
What kind of running is the Roadfly suited to?
One of the best things about the Roadfly is its versatility. With a 6mm heel-toe drop and modest cushioning, it’s great at faster paces. I’ve used it for a tempo session and the shoe performed better than its wearer. But it’s also totally at home on longer, slower runs, and scores highly in the comfort department, too.
Is the Roadfly good value for money?
Very much so. It retails at £100, making it significantly cheaper than many of its peers. Due to its versatility, it’s also a strong contender for those looking for a do-everything road shoe that can even handle some non-technical trail running.
RW verdict
Versatile, comfortable and great value for money, the Roadfly is Inov8’s best ever road shoe. It’s not flash in any way, but it does all the important stuff well: it's responsive, has just enough cushioning, fits beautifully, and feels at home at a wide range of paces. If you’re bemoaning the death of modestly padded road shoes, or are looking for a shoe that can pretty much do everything, the Roadfly delivers in spades.
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