- Weight: 270g
- Stack height: 22mm (heel), 18mm (forefoot)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm
- Type: Trail
The shoe
Inov-8 has made a strong start to 2024, first with the release of the excellent Mudtalon Speed and now with the arrival of its hard-trail counterpart, the Trailfly Speed. Both shoes are lightweight and, as their names suggest, built for quicker running. However, the Trailfly Speed is designed with dryer trails in mind. I’ve been trying them out over the past few weeks and here's what I think...
Comfort and simplicity
The Trailfly Speed is being launched alongside the plusher Trailfly (review to follow shortly). While the Speed is more stripped-down and has a lower profile, it still offers an impressively comfortable ride. Straight out the box, the shoe is a joy to run in and I've experienced no hotspots or blisters after running in these shoes for a variety of long runs (80 minutes) and shorter, sharper sessions. There’s ample room in the forefoot, too, while the lacing system and tongue feel comfortable and secure. Like the best trail shoes, it essentially disappears on your foot, offering a low-key, drama-free running experience.
Great grip on most surfaces
While most trail shoes market themselves as being for either softer or harder surfaces, most people only have the budget or inclination to buy one pair. And it can be a tough decision: do you go for a winter-ready pair that feel a bit clunky on harder trails, or a summer-friendly pair that struggle in the mud? The Trailfly is more the latter, though its 4mm lugs did hold up well in moderate mud, wet grass, sand and harder trails. As such, you could probably look at them as a three-season trail shoe that will hold up to everything other than the worst wintry conditions.
Keeping a low profile
The Trailfly Speed has a 4mm drop, which is something I enjoy in a trail shoe as it provides a more natural ride. The stack height is relatively low, too – 22mm in the heel and 18mm in the forefoot – which gives you a better feel of the ground. For me, these two things are welcome. Equally, there’s no denying that the Trailfly Speed is going to be a bit too minimal for those who are accustomed to a plusher running shoe. If that’s you, it’s likely that you’d be better suited to the Trailfly, which has a higher stack height and more cushioning.
More on the midsole
The Trailfly Speed midsole certainly sounds good on paper, boasting a 'Boomerang Footbed' that offers '40% energy return during your stride'. For me, though, these are a shoe that score more highly on comfort than out-and-out responsiveness. Yes, it’s absolutely possible to run and race quickly in the shoe, but there are definitely faster-feeling trail shoes on the market. And, at 270g, it’s not particularly lightweight.
RW verdict
Inov-8’s strong start to the nautical continues with this versatile off-roader that's built for quicker miles on hard trails. It scores highly in the comfort department and does all the simple things well. Having tested these thoroughly over a variety of surfaces, I'd be happy racing in these for distances up to the marathon – though I suspect most runners might use them for distances of half-marathon and less. Whatever the distance, you’ll have to avoid the truly muddy stuff while wearing these, and the jury’s out on just how much speed the Trailfly Speed can truly offer. Nevertheless, there's more than enough positives here to suggest the Trailfly Speed is set to become a firm favourite.
