Inov8 Roclite GTX

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UOG TOP PICK: The Inov8 Roclite GTX hiking shoe delivers impressive grip, cushioning, and protection on rugged trails. It features a lightweight design with responsive POWERFLOW PRO foam, a flexible rock plate, and a GORE-TEX membrane for dryness. A top Pick for trail runners.

Inov8 says: 

Waterproof hiking shoes that are light, comfortable and agile, with all the protection you need. Meet the ROCLITE GTX.

The ROCLITE GTX features a STICKYGRIP rubber outsole that excels on all surfaces, whether soft, boggy mud, or hard packed trail. The shoe’s 6mm lugs take their inspiration from the shape of a mountain goat’s hoof, providing strong grip on any terrain and releasing any mud of debris when you take your next stride.

Built on a brand-new, anatomical shape, the ROCLITE GTX fits snugly at the heel, giving you that locked-in feel, and then widens to allow your toes to splay. This gives the comfortable, secure and responsive feel you want for long hikes over challenging ground.

Cushioning is provided by our lightest, most cushioned and responsive foam to date: POWERFLOW PRO. This midsole foam lets you feel light and agile on your hike, with the perfect balance of cushioning and ground feel.

Packed with protective features, the ROCLITE GTX has a flexible META-PLATE for underfoot protection from rocks and a toe bumper to guard against stubs on tree roots or other trail hazards. Waterproof protection is provided by a GORE-TEX membrane, allowing comfortable year-round use, whatever the weather.

Our Verdict

The Inov8 Roclite GTX delivers impressive grip, cushioning, and protection in a lightweight hiking shoe/ trail Runner Hybrid for rugged trails with various tough conditions. The aggressive 6mm lugs are designed to bite into mud, loose dirt, and slick surfaces using the same outsole pattern as a mountain goat’s hooves. 

The Roclite shines in its responsive yet protective cushioning. The new POWERFLOW PRO foam is Inov8’s lightest and most cushioned midsole, giving you enough underfoot cushioning for long miles without making the shoes feel clunky or unresponsive. A flexible rock plate and toe bumper add protection from roots and rocks, and the GORE-TEX membrane ensures dryness. Whether you’re looking for a rugged, lightweight hiker or a grippy off-trail scrambler, the Roclite GTX is an impressive all-arounder.

The Roclite is also available in a mid-length Boot, which offers additional ankle support and protection compared to the shoe version.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• MOUNTAIN GOAT GRIP: Shaped like the hoof pattern of a mountain goat, the 6mm long StickyGrip rubber lugs grip to all surfaces, including mud.
• NEW SHAPE: A new foot-shaped design hugs the natural contours of feet, locking in at the heel and widening at the toes for greater comfort and performance.
• GREATER PROTECTION: Hike happily over trails knowing feet are protected by a new Meta-Shank rock plate that moves naturally with the shoe and terrain.
• PERFECT CUSHIONING: A cushioned, bouncy ride that allows for ground-feel is served up by the new super-light Powerflow Pro foam midsole and Boomerang footbed.
• STAYING DRY: The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane is bonded to a single piece of 3D durable air mesh, keeping water out while also allowing sweat to exit the shoe.
• MORE SUPPORT: A Met-Cradle that tightens when laces are pulled forms a protective cradle around your foot. This keeps feet supported when walking over uneven, technical terrain.

Specifications

• Weight per UK8 shoe: 357g
• Drop: 6
• Lug depth: 6
• Midsole stack height (midsole only): Heel 18, Forefoot 12

Material & Construction

• Shank: 2nd Gen META-PLATE
• Sole compound: S-GRIP
• Footbed: BOOMERANG
• Midsole: POWERFLOW PRO

Help & advice:

• Choosing Lightweight Hiking Footwear
• GORE-TEX Explained
• GORE-TEX Overview