Launched in December 2022, the ROCLITE ULTRA G 320 is our most cushioned ROCLITE shoe and the first in the franchise to feature Graphene in both the rubber outsole and foam midsole. It helps gives all-terrain grip for longer runs and adventures when extra underfoot comfort and spring is desired.
But what went into the design and development of this exciting new shoe? We talked to our Design Manager Graham Jordison and Footwear Product Manager Bodil Oudshoorn to get the lowdown.
In terms of the design, what makes the ROCLITE ULTRA G 320 different and special?
Graham said: It’s really all about the new technologies we’ve been able to bring to the cushioning, using the latest advances in midsole compounds. These compounds have significantly moved on in the last few years and so it made perfect sense to use our unique Graphene G-FLY foam in the new ROCLITE to create an amazing all-round long distance running shoe. G-FLY foam is also used in the PARKCLAW G 280 and TRAILFLY ULTRA G 300 MAX. We’ve also worked hard on creating a brilliant upper fit and are really pleased to have the new ADAPTER-FIT cradle on this shoe, locking in the foot for increased stability and confidence.
The ROCLITE outsole design is iconic in trail running. It’s been tweaked slightly over the past 18 years but still carries much of the same design. What is it about the outsole that works so well and why?
Graham said: The sole design is one of the best performing on a multitude of terrains. It’s as comfortable on hard trail as it is on soft ground. This is all down to the balance of the design. Cleat size, shape and positions were all considered to optimise performance. The cleats have enough surface area to work well on smooth hard ground or asphalt and are still spaced well enough to shed any dirt. The formula has proven to work incredibly well. For this latest iteration we looked at how we can further improve grip in wetter conditions both through the compound used and by adding multifaceted edges to the cleats.
The G-FLY foam brings more longer-lasting cushioning and bounce. Why did you decide to introduce it to this shoe in particular?
Bodil said: We wanted to bring more cushioning to our classic ROCLITE shoes to offer a shoe which can really be used on any terrain and any distance. The cleats, at 6mm lug depth, are longer than on the TRAILFLY family, which makes them more suitable for running in muddy conditions, whilst their flat tops give grip on hard surfaces such as rock or asphalt. The G-FLY foam was chosen because of its excellent energy return and durability, two things that are very important if you are planning on running a long way!
What’s new and improved in the upper and what benefits does the ADAPTER-FIT offers a runner?
Graham said: While we’ve improved some of the protective features with our flexible overlays, the main update is the ADAPTER-FIT cradle. By locking the midfoot in position and allowing the foot’s metatarsals to function naturally, we’ve created an ultra running shoe that feels comfortable but is also tuned in to the foot throughout longer runs. This is very important for an ultramarathon shoe because it needs to allow for when where foot swelling and fatigue occur.
It’s the first INOV8 shoe to include a slightly thinner (3mm) BOOMERANG footbed. What was the thinking behind this?
Bodil said: The slightly thinner BOOMERANG is lighter and takes up less space in the shoe, leaving more room to wiggle your toes! With the higher stack height and increased cushioning, we felt that the ROCLITE ULTRA G 320 was better suited to a 3mm BOOMERANG footbed rather than a 6mm one.
Some of the testers have racked up some impressive mileage in the ROCLITE ULTRA G 320 prototypes. What was the standout feedback?
Bodil said: Our testers have been great throughout the testing phase, putting lots of miles into the prototypes to give the best feedback on the shoes and their durability. One of my testers commented on how this shoe gave him the cushioning to run on the road from home, whilst tackling technical & muddy terrain later in the run, and therefore it helped him to live more sustainably by leaving the car at home. Another tester, Alison Walker (also an INOV8 athlete) was so excited about her wear-test shoes that she has been asking for the launch date for months now, as she wants another pair to take on her 268-mile Spine Race adventure this winter!
The shoe (like many ROCLITE shoes) is a 3 on the INOV8 1-5 width scale. Why is it designed as a 3 and what is the benefit?
Bodil said: In the ROCLITE ULTRA G 320 we chose a medium fit to create a balance between good foot lockdown for technical terrain, and room for swelling and comfort over long distances. Most of our shoes for long distances come in our widest fit (5 on our fit scale), so the ROCLITE ULTRA G 320 offers a different fit to suit other foot types too.
