After an incredible record-breaking summit season, Everest has been on many an adventurer's minds. But if a trip to Base Camp seems out of reach, don't despair - you might just get a chance to race there!

British outdoor brand Inov8 is challenging its community to run or hike as much ascent as possible between June 23 and July 6 in order to win an adventure trip of a lifetime to Nepal and participate in the iconic Everest Marathon. The winner will be selected from those who sign up to the brand's Natural High Everest Challenge.

The Everest Marathon is an annual trail event in Nepal's Khumbu region, home to Earth's highest mountain. The race starts from Everest Basecamp, at 17,598ft (5,364m), and attracts runners from across the world. It always takes place on Everest Day, May 29, paying tribute to the first ascent by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. The race is a hugely tough undertaking, run at altitude and heading downhill from Base Camp along rough tracks and trails.

At the end of the Natural High Everest Challenge, all the ascent clocked up by participants will be logged to reveal how many times the Inov8 community has managed to scale the equivalent height of Everest, which stands at 29,032ft (8,849m). Inov8 has teamed up with adventure travel company KE Adventure to provide one lucky winner with a 19-day group guided trip from Kathmandu, including entry into the race.

Runners and hikers can share photos of their progress on social media using the hashtag #INOV8NaturalHigh. The winner will be selected at random, regardless of how much elevation they've clocked up.

In a press release, Inov8 produce and marketing director, Michael Price, said: "We've all felt the natural high that sport gives us – it’s such a positive, natural drug.

“Let’s come together as one global community and take on this uplifting challenge... Can we climb (Everest's) height every day for two weeks and amass over 100,000m? It's a big ask, let’s aim high.”

The winner will also receive up to £1,500 towards the cost of flights to Kathmandu and an Inov8 kit bundle. All participants who submit their total elevation at the end of the challenge will also receive a gift voucher code for the Inove8 website and the chance to win other prizes.

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• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

We’re no strangers to Inov8’s excellent TrailFly family. Inov8 is a British outdoor brand that specializes in creating trail running shoes forged in the English Lake District, the spiritual home of fell running. The fells’ mixture of boggy terrain, rocky ridges and wet climate demands footwear that’ll claw at mud while still holding firm on wet rock. Down the years, the brand's sponsored athletes have included the likes of Barkley Marathons legend Jasmin Paris, Damian Hall, Nicky Spinks and occasional Advnture contributor James Forrest.

The TrailFly family of shoes are some of Inov8's faster offerings, with more of a slant towards speed than the grippier Trailtalon and MudTalon shoes. The latter two are great for damp days on soft terrain in the wild hills and mountains, whereas TrailFly shoes are suited to harder-packed surfaces. However, don’t let this fool you into thinking the TrailFlys don’t cut it in the higher places. I took on a more challenging variation of the UK’s National Three Peaks Challenge wearing the superb TrailFly G 270 V2s and loved every minute.

So, when the lovely Cumbrians at Inov8 landed a message in my inbox with news of a new TrailFly, I was stoked to get hold of a pair and test them out on the trails.

First impressions

The first thing I noticed is that the Zeros have a more generous fit than the snugger, foot-hugging G 270 V2s. The wider toe box is immediately apparent, and I’d say the more relaxed fit makes them a few iotas more comfortable. I didn’t notice any issues due to this on my initial runs. My heel was locked in place and the Zeros felt nicely responsive, with a decent amount of trail feel. They were immediately comfortable.

They're attractive too, featuring the redesigned Inov8 logo that replaced the old one in 2024. I was testing the Blue/Orange version, which makes for a vivid aesthetic, particularly when set against damp, grey hills.

A feature evolution

The TrailFly Zero is, as its name suggests, a zero-drop running shoe. This means that the drop between the height of the heel and the forefoot is 0mm. This isn’t new, the TrailFly G 275 V2 was also a zero-drop shoe.

‘Standard’ running shoes tend to have a drop in the region of 6mm to 12mm, while some maximalist shoes have an even higher drop. As for the high heels worn by Anna De Armas’ Paloma in James Bond film No Time To Die, they clock in with an impressive 105mm drop. Needless to say, while these shoes are clearly ideal for espionage and gut-toting shenanigans, you wouldn’t want to run the UTMB in them…

A zero-drop shoe, like the Trailfly Zero provides something akin to the natural feel of a barefoot shoe, working with your foot towards achieving a more natural gait. The debate around the best amount of drop has raged for many years but, generally speaking, a smaller drop is better for those who strike with the forefoot or midfoot, while a drop of around 6mm or more is better for heel strikers. I personally prefer a lower drop and it’s certainly what I’m used to having worn the G 275 V2s for over a year now. The stack height is 12mm, notably less than the previous shoe, which brings the foot closer to the ground, enhancing the amount of trail feel.

Inov8 says that the new TrailFly Zero has an ‘improved anatomical fit’ thanks to a protective MET-CRADLE that locks the heel and midfoot in place when laced up, keeping everything nice and secure. Unlike the G 275 V2s, the tongue isn’t fully gusseted, so debris can invade the inner sanctum of the shoe.

As mentioned, the toe region is roomier, allowing plenty of space for splayed digits. I’d say the Zero feels less restrictive than its predecessor on the whole. I was testing the Standard version, as I have relatively narrow feet. Those with wider feet or those who value loads of toe space can also opt for the Wide version.

The Zeros deploy Inov8’s Boomerang footbed, a cushioned insole that uses compressible TPU beads to retain energy, The idea is that the footbed releases the energy, propelling the runner forward. Inov8 say that the design has been 'rigorously tested' for long lasting performance. The midsole utilizes the brand’s Flyspeed Pro foam to cushion the ride. Working in tandem with the footbed, it’s designed to maximize energy return while absorbing shocks from the ground beneath your feet.

Inov8 have spent a long time hammering home the message that the Graphene it uses in its outsoles is 'the world’s strongest material' and they’re at it again here. In my experience, Inov8’s trail shoes do last longer than much of the competition. I’ve been through several pairs of Salomon Speedcross shoes in my time. I've watched as their lugs have ground to nothing but imprints of where a proud gripper once stood. This hasn’t been the case with my Inov8 pairs, which have stood the test of time admirably well. Maybe there's something in this Graphene business after all...

And so, to the design of the outsole, which is substantially different to the previous iteration. The lugs are still 4mm deep, which suggests a good amount of traction on soft terrain but not as much as with the deep mud-gripping claws you get on some. However, the previous array of T-shaped lugs has been usurped by a more numerous, aggressive array of chevron-shaped lugs, with a much more obvious braking zone towards the back of the shoe. There are also flat-topped lugs at the front and back, which provide more surface area when in contact with bare rock.

Unlike the G 275 V2s, the Zeros feature a heel loop. This allows you to clip them into a carabiner or hang them off a hook, should you wish.

The shoes weigh somewhere in the region of 9.7oz (274g) per shoe (US 9 / UK 8). I say in the region of, as I weighed my brand-new pair and the right shoe came out as 9.9oz (282g) and the left shoe was 9.5oz (269g). Curious weight differences aside, this makes them a fairly light option, though even lighter trail running hooves exist if you’re obsessed with every ounce when it comes to race day.

Taking to the trails

I’ve been testing the TrailFly Zeros on my local Bristol trails and in the hills of the Bannau Brycheniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park during the late spring and early summer months. Britain enjoyed a prolonged dry spell during the test period, though towards the backend I was able to enjoy a few wetter runs on soft ground, both in Bristol and on the pens of South Wales. They performed well regardless of whether I was pounding rooty woodland trails, packed gravel, grassy hillsides, or rocky ridges.

Broadly speaking, I found the Zeros just as capable and fun to run in as the G 270 V2s. Fit wise, as alluded to, they feel roomier, which makes for greater comfort. Despite not fitting quite as snugly, I had no issues with the heel slipping and the fit felt secure throughout. Neither did I didn’t notice any issues with breathability, even when running in temperatures of between 70 and 86°F (20 and 30°C).

The cushioning is about right for me – I like to be able to feel and respond to the trail and I’m not so much of a fan of maximalist shoes. Inov8 say the Zero is 'perfect for everything from trail intervals and fartleks, though to ultramarathons', but I think, for really long distances, some may prefer the additional cushioning of the new TrailFly Max.

When it comes to the really rocky stuff, the Zero’s new features bring both improvements and ‘even better ifs’. I have no doubt that the outsole is far better suited to scrambling terrain. Towards the front, there are 9 flat-topped lugs, which provide a good deal of surface area for techniques like smearing when negotiating angled slabs.

There’s noticeably more flat rubber at the very tip of the shoe too. It’s not quite the ‘climbing zone’ you see on approach shoes, but it’s a step in that direction. This provides a little more security when edging across rock. Likewise, the back of the outsole features four flatter platforms, ensuring a decent hold whenever I struck with my heel while hopping from boulder to boulder.

The ‘even better if’ – and I’m really nit picking here – is that their fit feels slightly less precise than the previous iteration. It’s only a minor thing but the roomier toe box makes them feel slightly less secure on technical rock sections – though this is compensated for by the improved design of the outsole.

Off the rock and back on the sloppy stuff, I felt more confident when bounding downhill in the Zeros than in the G 270 V2s. The back half of the outsole has a more aggressive braking region, with 13 angular, chevron shaped lugs as opposed to the previous iteration’s nine T-shaped offerings. Although I’m yet to test the Zeros in winter, I’d imagine they’d grip better than previous iterations based on all of this – but I’d still prefer the aggressive lugs on something like the TrailTalon for this kind of thing.

However, for your standard sort of trail runs on hard-packed ground, Inov8 have done it again with the TrailFly Zero – a super, minimalist shoe that you'll get plenty of use out of.

Ultra runner Damian Hall has bid farewell to his sponsor of eight years, Inov8, ending the partnership on good terms.

The Brit's announcement came just days after fellow mountain runner Francesco Puppi revealed he'd been scooped up by Hoka after ditching Nike over an ad campaign he says he found concerning.

Hall, who is the author of In It for the Long Run and has set seven FKTs over the years, writes on Instagram that he is grateful to the British brand for "supporting a balding, crooked-toothed dad's bimbling."

That "bimbling" includes taking first and second place at the brutal Montane Winter Spine Race in 2023 and 2024, fifth place at the UTMB in 2018 and fourth place in the 330k Tor des Geants last year.

"I lived the ultrarunning dream. And it simply wouldn't have happened without their help, great kit and staff often crewing and pacing me," says Hall.

Over his illustrious running career, Hall has become known as much for his commitment to environmentalism as he has for his performance on the trail. The staunch vegan co-founded The Green Runners with Jasmin Paris and made news last year when he used his finish at the Tors des Geants to stage a protest against Ford Motors, but he says Inov8 has remained unwavering in its support of him.

"They tolerated my flag-waving, never pressured me to do particular races and I'm especially proud of them for the RENOV8 scheme," says Hall of the brand's scheme to repair, refurbish or responsibly recycle used Inov8 products.

Over the years, Hall has raced in the inov8 Roclite G 275s (in the Spine race), Trailfly 270s and the Trailfly 280s. It's unclear whether he's seeking a new sponsor, hanging up his running shoes for good or just moving on to new horizons, but we're looking forward to seeing what he accomplishes next. If you haven't yet, check out our Friday 5 with Damian Hall to learn more about his adventures.

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Inov8 TrailTalon: first impressions

One thing you can be sure about when you get a pair of Inov8 trail-running shoes is that they will last the distance – I’m notoriously hard on footwear, but I’ve had a pair of Inov8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max trail shoes that I’ve been running around in for more than three-and-a-half years, in which I’ve racked up well over 1,000km on the Strava clock now, and they’re still trail-ready.

This is largely down to the award-winning graphene rubber compound the British brand use in the soles of their running shoes, which is extremely tough. The upper, though, is starting to fail, so I do need an everyday running shoe, and I’m hoping the Inov8 TrailTalon could be it.

The TrailTalon is the brand-new shoe from Inov8. A product that has evolved from the brand’s Roclite range, it can be worn on any kind of terrain, but complete with a G-GRIP graphene rubber sole, which supplies excellent traction, it promises to really excel off-road, on the proper mucky stuff.

Of course, a really top-quality trail-running shoe requires more than just good grip – it needs to be comfortable while supplying serious support to the foot, and the midsole must strike a good balance between protective cushioning and feedback. I’ve been testing the Inov8 TrailTalon for the last month, to see how it compares to the best trail-running shoes on the market.

Inov8 TrailTalon: versions

The Inov8 TrailTalon comes in three iterations: the standard version; the GTX version ($160 / £140), which features a Gore-Tex membrane and is thus waterproof; and the Speed version ($160 / £140), which has less padding, and a more aggressive, lighter design, with a smaller (4mm) heel-to-toe drop – ideal for race day if you’re looking to lead the pack.

I’ve been testing the standard TrailTalon, which features more cushioning across the upper than its sleeker siblings, to provide cushioning during day-to-day training runs, as well as high performance when you need it. Personally I prefer non-waterproof trail-running shoes (because they breathe better), and I certainly don’t have any podium pretensions, so the standard version – which promises to be right up there with the most comfortable running shoes around – is the perfect model for me. There is also a wide fit option right across all three models, which I have selected, as my broad feet appreciate the extra space in the toe box.

Meet the reviewer

Inov8 TrailTalon: design and materials

The upper on the TrailTalons is constructed with a synthetic mesh material, reinforced with a very flexible TPU skeleton. The extra cushioning on the standard version is mainly around the heel and the tongue, which is integrated into the main chassis of the shoe, creating a semi sock. There is substantial heel cradle, which loops around the back of the shoe and connects to the lace system, so you can get a good secure locking fit. There is no rand to speak of, but there is a small toe bumper.

Inside each shoe is one of the brand’s Boomerang footbeds, made with hundreds of tiny TPU beads, which compress as your weight pushes down on them and then expand to supply 40% energy return with every stride you take (according to Inov8). Beneath this is the Powerflow Pro midsole – an EVO foam cushion that’s 18mm thick at the heel, tapering down to 12mm at the toe end, so the shoe has a 6mm drop – just about perfect for the average trail-runner like me.

The outsole is, of course, made with the brand’s signature tough graphene rubber compound, which promises to last for years. The 7mm cleats are arranged in a multidirectional pattern, to supply grip on all sorts of surfaces, plus braking control and traction on a wide range of terrain. These teeth are also quite widely spaced, so they don’t tend to collect too much mud.

Inov8 TrailTalon: on the trails

I’ve been running across a wide range of terrain in the Inov8 TrailTalons, from a gravelly (and very icy) disused railway track in the Midlands and the slippery chalky trails atop the North Downs, to the muddy fields, technical woodland paths and rocky coastal routes around the South West. The first thing to say is that this is a genuinely comfortable shoe to run in, even straight out of the box. I can only speak for the standard version that I’ve been testing, which does boast more padding around the collar than the Speed TrailTalon, but I have been very impressed with just how snug and comfy these shoes feel. Assisted by the cradling heel cup, which you can pull nice and tight as you do the laces up, the secure fit of the shoe stops your feet moving around in the chassis as you run (vastly reducing the chances of blisters and other discomfort-causing problems arising).

I found the mesh zones across the upper allowed my feet to breathe beautifully, and the shoes drained well after stream crossings – although the cushioning around my ankle area did absorb a lot of water and took ages to dry (a pay-off for the extra comfort, I guess). So far, the half-sock that extends from the tongue to the top of the toes has successfully managed to prevent any serious grit from getting into the chassis.

I’m not sure about the claim that the Boomerang footbed dishes up 40% energy return (I just don’t know how you measure such a thing), but having put in some serious clicks on lots of different kinds of trail, I can report that, between this footbed and the Powerflow Pro midsole, there is certainly a palpable degree of positive bounce in these shoes. At the same time, they cushion the impact of repeated footstrike (even on solid or hard-packed terrain) wonderfully well. And despite the substantial stack, you still get a little bit of feedback from the trail too, especially around the front of the foot where the midsole is thinner.

On the downside, the level of foot protection offered by the TrailTalons is pretty low – the toecap is tiny and the sidewalls of the shoe, especially towards the front, are really quite flimsy. The graphene outsole will, however, protect you from sharp objects underfoot.

And once again, the underside of this Inov8 hoof is probably the most impressive element of the entire shoe. The 7mm lugs are extremely grippy on all kinds of terrain, and the way they’re positioned provides traction when you’re accelerating and good levels of control during technical descents. The tread design lies somewhere between a good mud-running shoe and a standard trail running shoe.

There are substantial spaces between the lugs, so mud tends to peel off as you run, rather than accumulating in massive heavy lumps, but thanks to the meaty midsole it’s not uncomfortable to run on sealed or hard surfaces in the TrailTalons (you can’t feel the studs). The overall effect is superb grip combined with sumptuous comfort, which is pretty much everything a trail runner wants from life.

• How Advnture tests products

Step into the backcountry in comfort this winter with 60% off on a five-star pair of hiking boots from Inov8. Previously priced at $245, the Roclite Pro G 400s are now available from just $98 on the Inov8 website.

Thoroughly tested in the fells of the English Lake District, this sturdy pair has been made to withstand all manner of uneven surfaces and damp conditions. Its G-Grip graphene rubber outsole features sizable 6mm lugs, which dig into uneven surfaces to provide grip and stability on treacherous trails.

Ready to take on the elements, these boots are fully waterproof thanks to their breathable Gore-Tex membrane. Shielding you from soggy socks, the Roclite Pro G 400s are well-suited to mixed, damp environments where you might traverse the odd stream.

In his review for our sister site T3, our resident hiking expert Pat Kinsella was wowed by these boots, particularly their strong supportive upper, and overall comfort, which he said was like wearing "slippers with studs on".

He said the Roclite Pro G 400s were "as close to a perfect 3-season backpacking boot as we’ve seen, with superlative grip, but also excellent heel and ankle support, top-level comfort through the enhanced midsole, and excellent robust build quality across the entire boot".

"This is an excellent 3-season hiking boot for trekking and backpacking, and it will give you years of loyal service," Pat concluded.

Unsurprisingly, the Inov8 Roclite Pro G 400s received a coveted five-star rating.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on Inov8 Roclite Pro G 400 Gore-Tex hiking boots where you are.

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After walking the entire length of the UK, Adam Taylor Smith stripped off to celebrate a job well done. 

The British lawyer says it was sometimes just more convenient to hike naked in hot weather, but usually stuck to isolated areas when he was doing so.

Hiking throughout the summer months, Smith experimented with all types of hiking garments; traditional tweed, synthetic materials and nothing at all on occasion. Passing through the Surrey town of Haslemere, the bespectacled rambler beared all, navigating the surrounding nature in nothing but his hiking boots. 

And after 80 days of walking, Smith donned his birthday suit once more on the finish line. 

Trekking 1,250 miles / 2,012km from Land's End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Scotland, Smith raised a whopping $19,838 / £15,000 for the Stroke Association, which provides support to people who've experienced a stroke and their loved ones. 

While he occasionally hiked without pants, Smith always wore one of his three sets of hiking boots - two different styles of Hokas and one pair of Inov8 Roclite G Gor-Tex 345. 

Camping throughout, Smith slept in the compact Outdoor Research Bivy sack, often covered by a lightweight tarpaulin. Best suited to the summer months, bivy sacks offer a lightweight alternative to sleeping bags. Waterproof and breathable, they can be placed over a sleeping bag to provide quick and easy shelter.

Gaining support from from strangers, Smith documented his journey on Instagram, where he's amassed more than 400 followers under the name @atsblisters. Uploading short videos every few days, Smith jovially updated followers on his progress, gaining donations in the process. 

Land's End to John O'Groats has become something of a pilgrimage for British ramblers. From the very bottom of Cornwall to the tip of Scotland, the route is 603 miles / 970km as the crow flies, but another 124 miles / 200km on foot, but Adam took a more circuitous route. Due to prevailing winds, most people choose to hike from south to north, rather than the other way around.

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Right now, you can pick up the Inov8 Ultra G 320 trail running shoes for 50% off in Inov8's sale. That's a whopping £75 off these cushioned shoes, which are great for long runs and ultras, but you'll want to move quickly as there are limited sizes left.

This deal applies to both the men's sizing in the Dark Red/Red/Yellow colorway and the women's sizing in the Lilac/Coral colorway. The Ultra G 320s are well-loved by runners who praise their high quality and out-of-the-box comfort in consumer reviews. 

With an 8mm drop and 20mm of cushion under the heel, you'll have enough padding to run long distances in comfort without losing stability or too much trail feel. The 6mm lugs and rubber soles help you stick to the trails whether they're dry and loose or soft and muddy.

If you're not in the UK, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Inov8 Roclite series where you are. 

If it's rocky trails you're running on, you'll benefit from a reinforced toe box and a rock plate underfoot which helps return energy with every step.

Not in the UK? Here are today's best offers on the Inov8 Rocklite Ultra series near you:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

Meet the reviewer

Inov8 Bare-XF: first impressions

As a long-time user of Inov8’s trail running shoes – such as the excellent TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max, which feature the British brand’s trademark graphene-based outsoles and boast the kind of aggressive tread that will keep you upright in even the gloopiest conditions – I was a little surprised to see how minimalist these Bare-XF shoes were when I first unpacked them. I guess I was expecting a pared-down version of Inov8’s typical offering, but no, these are the full barefoot deal.

The 2.5mm outsole has a pattern on it, and it’s made from a clingy, sticky kind of rubber, so the Bare-XFs, which you can buy from Inov8 here, are not exactly slippery, but there’s no sign of the long-lasting ferocious fangs that usually characterize Inov8’s shoes. And neither should there be – these are not intended as mud or fell-running shoes; they’re designed for scampering around on fairly dry trails, rocks and sealed surfaces. 

They’re also excellent for use in outdoor and indoor gyms, and are compatible for weight training and other strength-building exercises.

I don’t do gyms, but I have been legging it around the outdoors to see how Inov8’s Bare-XFs compare to the best barefoot running shoes on the market.

Inov8 Bare-XF: style and design

Like any self-respecting barefoot running shoe, the Bare-XFs don’t feature any midsole at all, to allow for maximum trail feedback. They do, however, have a 6mm-thick Boomerang footbed, which provides a small amount of padding and protection from sticks and stones, and gives you a bit of bounce too, without significantly dampening the all-important trail feel. 

There’s also a 2.5mm sticky rubber outsole, which supplies some minimalist grip –don’t expect it to get you up or down a slippery muddy slope without a few slides and skids, but it works well on dry trails, rocks and sealed surfaces. This outsole extends up the sides slightly, providing some additional shielding from sharp objects on the trail (and in the water), and there is a small toecap for protection against stubbing injuries.

The upper of these shoes is made from synthetic mesh, with holes that are large enough to enable your feet to breathe and water to drain out, without letting little pebbles and stones in. The tongue is cushioned enough to be comfy on the front of your foot, but also features a breathable mesh construction, and the heel is nicely padded and raised slightly to cuddle your Achilles. A TPU skeleton wraps around the chassis leading to the lace holes, providing some shape and strength, and the flat laces don’t come undone while you’re running.

As with many Inov8 shoes, the Bare-XFs boast a ‘Met-Cradle’, which wraps around the midfoot to provide stability and confidence while you’re running (or lifting).

Inov8 Bare-XF: on the trails

I’ve been testing these Inov8 Bare-XF shoes out on local tracks and trails for several weeks, attempting to skip over the biggest puddles and dodge the worst of the mud in the slippery hills around my home in the soggy South West of England. While doing this I’ve been massively impressed with the agility of these lightweight shoes, which actually make me feel remarkably light on my feet (quite an achievement for an 85kg lump).

Personally, when I run in barefoot shoes I prefer to go sans socks, so I can really spread my toes and make the most of the trail feedback. This is always a slightly risky approach during runs when you’re wearing brand new shoes, as some (yes, I’m looking at you Xero Mesa Trail WP) will rub the skin right off your feet. With Inov8 Bare-XF shoes, however, I experienced no such dramas.

In fact, these shoes have been sumptuously comfortable from the first minute I put them on. I really love the wide toe box, which accommodates my hobbit-like hooves very nicely, and I’ve experienced no rubbing whatsoever. Despite this relaxed fit, the Met-Cradle does a decent job of making the shoe feel very secure on my foot.

After the wettest spring I can remember, it hasn’t always been possible to avoid the puddles or the occasional stream crossing, but another thing I love about these shoes is how quickly they drain and dry once they do get wet.

In fact, in recent weeks I’ve started wearing them for my morning run-swim-run (a bit like SwimRun, but with no competitive element, just a nice dawn run with a wild swim in the sea midway round); I live on a very pebbly coast, where you really need good water shoes in order to comfortably get in the sea, and the Bare-XF are brilliant, because I can wear them for both the run and the swim.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Inov-8 Graphic T-Shirt: first impressions

With the costs of even the most basic outdoor items seemingly rising inexorably at the moment, it’s refreshing to come across a garment like this hiking T-shirt from British brand inov-8, which has a much more reasonable list price.

Best known for producing reliably excellent trail-running shoes and apparel, in recent years inov-8 has widened its offering to include hiking boots and walking shoes, and the brand has also branched out into trekking trousers and tops. 

But does cheap also leave us cheerful? I’ve been testing the Inov-8 Graphic Tee to see how it compares to the best hiking shirts on the market.

Inov-8 Graphic T-Shirt: design and construction

This is an unfussy and down-to-earth T-shirt, with no collar or neck zip. It’s constructed from a material mix comprised of 50% cotton and 50% modal, with the latter fabric being made from cellulosic fiber sourced from trees, usually beech. It’s often touted as an environmentally friendly fabric because it’s biodegradable (in certain circumstances) and recyclable, but there is some debate about how ecological it really is. (It all comes down to the practices employed by the suppliers of the modal to the brand, for which we don’t have full visibility.)

There is zero debate about the next-to-skin comfort of the material, however, which is undeniably deliciously cool and comfortable. It’s also tough and robust, and will hold its shape well.

On the downside, both cotton and modal absorb much more moisture than synthetic fabrics like polyester, so if you get this garment wet it will weigh you down quite a bit, and will also take ages to dry. Furthermore, unlike other natural materials such as Merino wool and bamboo, cotton offers no thermal properties whatsoever when wet, and can actually make you colder.

Used in the right sort of environment, however, this makes an excellent hiking shirt, climbing T-shirt or running top.

Inov-8 Graphic T-Shirt: on the trails

I’ve been testing this T-shirt while hiking, climbing and running in a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures over the last 12 months, and I ’ve enjoyed using it in all four seasons. Importantly, I’ll caveat that by saying I avoided wearing it in the hills and peaks during the winter, and outdoors in wet and cold conditions generally, because cotton is far from the best material to get caught out in when the elements get grumpy.

In winter I stick to using this T-shirt for trips to the climbing gym and in spring and fall it’s best worn on short walks and trail runs when conditions are definitely dry. But in warmer weather the lovely feel of the material and the relaxed fit of the tee makes it perfect for wearing while out hiking on coastal and countryside trails, or climbing at the crag.

A relatively basic garment, the Graphic Tee doesn’t claim to revolutionize your outdoor experience, it just feels nice to wear, allows you to move completely freely, wicks moisture away from your body when you break a sweat, protects your torso from the wind and the sun, and looks good with a pair of jeans at the pub when you’re enjoying mid- or post-adventure pints.

Oh, and it won’t empty your wallet either – with many base layers (both short and long-sleeved versions) costing around 100 bucks these days, this modest but highly functional tee is available for a fraction of that.

• How Advnture tests products

inov-8 Parkclaw G 280: first impressions

The Parkclaw has been part of inov-8’s range since 2016, but this latest version, the inov-8 Parkclaw G 280, has been redesigned as a trail/road hybrid, with a new outsole, midsole and upper. And if you’re wondering, the number in the name refers to the fact that each shoe weighs just 280g.

The inov-8 Parkclaw G 280 features graphene – hailed as the world’s strongest material – both in the midsole compound (G-fly foam) and in the rubber outsole. While very strong, graphene is also one of the world’s thinnest materials. Inov-8 has pioneered its use in their running footwear. And in the Parkclaw they’ve created one of the best trail running shoes currently on the market.

By infusing graphene into both the rubber outsole and foam-cushioned midsole, inov-8 say the Parkclaw G 280 delivers longer-lasting performance benefits for the runner in the form of tougher grip and greater bounce.

The G-grip outsole also has 98 rubber cleats per shoe – all 4mm in length – that provide “a claw-like trail grip and a smooth on-road ride” (according to inov-8, anyway). The G-fly foam midsole is said to “propel 25 per cent more energy return for a fast-feel stride enhanced with cushioning and comfort”.

There is an 8mm drop, from 18mm at the rear to 10mm at the forefoot – a greater drop than with many inov-8 running shoes. The aim is to create specialist footwear that will help runners transition from traditional road running shoes to trail running shoes, which usually have a lesser drop.

All in all, this sounds very impressive and the sort of shoe that runners, both trail and road, will be likely keen to try. 

And there’s more. inov-8 have added a light and breathable, yet durably engineered, mesh upper for comfort while a super-springy Boomerang footbed delivers more bounce, thanks to hundreds of expanded TPU beads that compress and spring back for a 40 per cent increased energy return – and greater cushioning – than standard footbeds. 

A more open, yet durable, mesh around the forefoot and midfoot allows for greater breathability, while a heel counter helps to deliver a locked-in and supportive feel.

Other features include a strong and flexible toe bumper to protect the front of the foot from rocks and debris.

A slightly wider toe box (4 on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the widest) and a plush, gusseted tongue offer further comfort for runners. inov-8 have also added an external heel loop to make it easier and quicker to pull on each shoe (see also: how should trail running shoes fit?).

inov-8 Parkclaw G 280: on the trails (and roads)

The inov-8 Parkclaw G 280s look neater and feel lighter than previous models in the Parkclaw collection. In fact, when I put my foot inside (making use of the finger loop at the back of the shoes), I was pleasantly surprised by the narrower fit. I’d become used to wearing unisex inov-8 running shoes and usually this means they are too wide for my UK8.5 female foot. But with the Parkclaws, it feels like I’ve gone back a decade to when inov-8 made shoes that were a perfect width.

inov-8 state that the forefoot width is 4/5 (where 5 is the widest) but I am going to challenge this. I’d say, in comparison to other models, they are more of a 3/5. Sadly, though the UK8.5 isn’t quite long enough. It fits neatly but I like a bit of room at the front for my toes and usually inov-8 provides this in the 8.5 fit. 

The heel fit is neat and supportive and the insole has a well-cushioned sensation. The cushioning is neither over-the-top nor too minimal. It’s great to have a shoe that offers a good balance of cushioning, yet still allows you to feel the trail under your feet.

The tongue is plump and not too long, so it fits well across the top of the front of the ankle. The laces have a knobbly design, which means they should stay tied even if you don’t double knot them. Unfortunately, within minutes of running, the laces loosen. I now tie the in a double knot but it I had been hoping they would be the single-knot-stays-tied sort.

Looking at the soles reveals one of the newest design features introduced by inov-8 to the Parkclaw G 280. The sole is made of grippy and energy-enhancing graphene – a tough, durable but lightweight material – with lots and lots of lugs. To be exact, inov-8 has added 98 individual cleats, each 4mm depth, to each shoe. I counted them and there are 98 of 4mm depth.

The layout of these lugs looks expertly designed. Rather like a mountain bike tire that has lugs where you will need more grip when cornering etc, so there are lugs that are larger, smaller, further apart or closer together to suit where you need grip.

Of course, the proof of whether the grip is in the right place comes when out on the trail. I enjoyed wearing the Parkclaw G 280s on woodland trails and forest tracks. I found them pretty grippy on a range of surfaces from mud, to rocks to tree roots. They are not as aggressively lugged as some of inov-8’s hill and mountain running shoes but they are designed for trails and park-style running, and I think they work really well.

There are another few lugs at the front of the toe end, which are not 4mm but maybe 2mm each. Our Scottish version of gloopy and sticky mud does tend to get stuck in between some of the lugs, although this hasn’t affected the grip of the soles as far as I can tell.

The shoes are meant to offer runners the versatility of road running, too. So many times when I’m trail running, I end up doing sections of road as well and it is always good to have footwear that can do both.

I confess I am used to wearing my Hoka One One Torrent IIs, which have a lot more sole thickness and cushioning than even these new inov-8s. But comparing the Parkclaws to other trail shoes by the same brand, I’d say these are a lot more cushioned and comfortable on tarmac. I felt like I had good bounce but without it being energy-sapping on the tarmac.

The heel-to-toe drop is 8mm rather than the 6mm I’m more familiar with in an inov-8 trail shoe. The reasoning is that the shoe will be suitable for runners who are moving from road shoes to trail shoes. Road running shoes usually have a greater heel-to-toe drop (10mm in many cases) compared to a more natural and flatter feel of the trail shoe with a 4mm or 6mm heel-to-toe drop.

So, an 8mm drop shoe will allow for a more comfortable transition if you’re used to road shoes and moving to trail running shoes. I found the drop comfortable for running on both trails and roads.

The weight of each shoe – at 280g – is excellent. If you’re thinking of doing a 5k park run, I think these would be a good choice. They are lightweight but still nicely cushioned and supportive.

The uppers look and feel durable. A criticism I’ve heard many times in recent years when it comes to inov-8 footwear is that the uppers wear out too quickly. And let’s keep in mind that inov-8 shoes with graphene are not cheap, so having to pay out for another new pair because the uppers have worn at the crease points is frustrating and costly.

I can’t yet tell you if the Parkclaw G 280 uppers are long lasting, but they do look to be made of good-quality fabric. They also have toe bumper to protect the front of feet – and the upper part of the shoe – from rocks and trail debris. There is a protecting layer at the rear of the shoe, too.

I run on trails where there is a lot of low lying vegetation, such a heather and gorse, so I’d like to see an all-round rand protection but if you’re mostly on park-style trails the level of protection is probably fine.

The price makes me wince a bit but running shoes do seem to be increasingly expensive. There’s a lot of design and technology in these inov-8 Parkclaw G 280s, so maybe the cost is justified. I just hope the uppers don’t start crumbling too quickly.

Inov-8 founder Wayne Edy has returned to the helm of the sports company having bought it back from Japanese sports brand Descente last year.

Now with full ownership of Inov-8 outside of Northern Asia, Edy is preparing to launch another world first in running shoes. 

The trail running shoe will feature a graphene-enhanced foam, called G-FLY, and has been developed in collaboration with the University of Manchester, known as the "Home of Graphene".

The planet’s strongest material and a Nobel Prize winner, graphene has been infused into the foam of the new shoe to improve the performance of trail and ultramarathon runners.

The shoes will go on sale at the end of March. 

Edy, who founded inov-8 in 2003,  said: "I’m delighted to be back at the helm ahead of what is an exciting new chapter in the continued development of the innovative sports brand. 

"We benefited from being part of the Descente group from 2015 to 2020, but we’re now independent again and preparing for our biggest  product launch next month.

"I’m proud to lead such a talented global team and can’t wait to unveil our new shoe, heralding the future of trail running."

• Discover the best trail running shoes
• How to choose trail running shoes
• inov-8 donation to tree planting

inov-8 'pioneer' graphene in running shoes

inov-8 first pioneered the use of graphene in 2018 when launching graphene-enhanced rubber, which is claimed to deliver the world’s toughest grip. Sales of its running, hiking and fitness shoes featuring the rubber have surged over the last three years. Read a review of inov-8 Terraultra G-grip 270 shoes.

Once again inov-8 has teamed up with The University of Manchester and leading footwear veteran Doug Sheridan.

As well as being 200 times stronger than steel, graphene boasts great flexibility. A team of 300 staff at the university has pioneered projects into graphene-enhanced sports cars, medical devices, aeroplanes and sports footwear.

Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan, Reader in Nanomaterials at The University of Manchester, said: “This is the next major step in our successful partnership with inov-8. Building on the global success of Graphene-Grip rubber, we are excited to extend the superlative properties of graphene to the foam of the next generation of inov-8 shoes."

inov-8 is based in the UK’s Lake District and trades in more than 60 countries.