Inov8 Roclite Mid GTX

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UOG TOP PICK—The Inov8 Roclite Mid 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. It is a top pick if you are looking for a lightweight traditional boot. 

Inov8 says: 

Lightweight hiking boots that offer comfort and protection on any adventure. Meet the ROCLITE MID GTX. Our ROCLITE range shatters the idea that hiking footwear needs to be heavy and clunky. We design hiking boots and shoes that do things differently. Our boots are light, but also pack in all the technology to ensure you have a comfortable day out on the trails.

Starting at the top, the ROCLITE MID GTX has a single piece of spacer mesh that’s bonded to a GORE – TEX waterproof membrane. This keeps water out, but also allows sweat to exit the boot. On top of that a Met Cradle forms a protective cradle around your foot to keep your foot supported and stable when walking over uneven, technical terrain.

Underneath your foot a Meta Plate provides protection from rocks and unseen hazards. The boot’s POWERFLOW PRO cushioned midsole is our lightest foam yet, at the same time giving supreme comfort and allowing you to still feel the ground beneath.

STICKYGRIP rubber gives a tough grip on all surfaces. The boot’s 6mm rubber cleats will claw into wet mud, but also cling on to rock for dependable grip. Hiking will never feel the same again. Experience lightweight liberation with the ROCLITE MID GTX.

Our Verdict

The Inov8 Roclite Mid GTX delivers impressive grip, cushioning, and protection in a lightweight hiking shoe 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 as a hiking shoe/trail runner.

– 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: 397g
• 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