New for October 2022, the TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 running shoe is our first-ever to feature a nitrogen-infused foam midsole. This exciting new foam is called FLYSPEED and delivers a softer, more cushioned ride, coupled with incredible bounce and energy return.
By using nitrogen gas we’ve been able to reduce the amount of chemicals used in the manufacturing process to engineer a super lightweight foam that retains long-lasting durability.
Designed for trail running and ultra running, the TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 also boasts our unique Graphene-enhanced rubber for the world’s toughest grip and our pioneering underfoot ADAPTER-FLEX so runners can move with agility and feel connected to the trail like never before.
But don’t just take our word for it, check out the reviews below.
IN THE MEDIA
“A big surprise from inov-8!” – The Ginger Runner
“I think it’s the best feeling midsole I’ve experienced all year. There’s no plate, so it’s easier to flow, it’s energetic, not overly soft, and the foam doesn’t squish out. I think it’s going to be one of the best all-round trail shoes of 2022.” RoadTrailRun
“A light, nimble shoe that felt responsive on the trail and had excellent bounce” – UltraRunning Mag
“If you like a trail shoe that gives you that connect to the trail underfoot, good traction, and confidence over tricky terrain then check these out” – Run4Adventure
The TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 is a really stunning new model because it combines a next-level midsole foam with exceptional traction and an amazing fit. The energetic midsole puts a lively feel in every stride at any pace, while the Graphene Grip outsole is ideal for a wide range of trail and mountain terrain. It’s definitely one of my favourite shoes for Fall 2022.” Brian Metzler, renowned US running journalist and author.
“The new TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 is a big step outside of the norm for inov-8, but I think it is both appropriate and welcomed. The nitrogen-infused midsole is springy and soft, and the high stack — especially in the heel — is capable of sucking up pounding everywhere on the trail, vicious downhills included. I particularly like the extra agility of the ADAPTER-FLEX arch”– Believe In The Run
“Comfort prevailed with a response and a great grip” – Run Gear Run
“The upper is made with a breathable stretchy knit and I can feel the airflow going through to my feet and keeping them quite cool, I love it” – Trail & Kale, first impressions review
“I’m excited to run more miles in this shoe – a feeling I haven’t had from a new shoe in a long time” – Gary House, first impressions review
“They are fantastic, and that nitrogen-infused foam… I love it” – The Running Channel, first impressions review
“I’d happily lace these up for 50-100km ultras over a mix of trail and road” – The Run Testers
“As a rugged all-rounder, we find it hard to fault” – The Gear Loop
“I would call other INOV8 shoes padded and comfy, but they don’t particularly thrust you forwards like these new shoes do” - Advnture
“The shoes dealt well with rough ground, bending when they needed to (aided by the 8mm-deep grove in the midsole) whilst offering protection against stray stones and tree roots” – BBC Countryfile Mag
“They’re comfortable, feel light and bouncy, and give my toes a lot of room, while still keeping the rest of my foot well stabilised” - Trail Running For Life
“I really like these new INOV8 trainers. They have changed my mindset, giving me the confidence to purchase INOV8 again in the future” – Ultrarunner Magazine
“The cushioned sole definitely means they are best suited to harder packed trails, rather than fells. I found them to be light and very comfortable with a noticeable amount of cushioning on hard, manmade paths” - Fell Running Guide
“inov-8’s nitrogen-infused foam offers springy responsiveness in their newest trail shoe, one of our favourites this year” – Trailrunner Mag (US)
“I’m impressed. Very light, massive grip” – Fordy Runs, Everyday Runner
“If you like to run long distances and are looking for a middle ground between speed and comfort, this is a very good neutral model for many ultra races” – FAZ (Germany)
“The TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 offers excellent grip, which is highly appreciated on hard ground, for a safe, uncompromising stride. The cushioning allows for a comfortable and dynamic stride” – Esprit Trail (France)
“The more I’m running in this shoe, the more I’m loving running in this shoe” - Here We Are Running
“The new nitrogen-infused midsole adds a generous amount of underfoot comfort and energy return” – The Trek
OUR ATHLETES
“My new favourite shoe for ultra-trail races. It ticks all my boxes in terms of lightness, cushioning, grip and speed. They passed the test in two recent technical trail races in Scotland so I know they can handle all terrains and conditions!” Meryl Cooper, Great Britain international trail runner
“The feeling is amazing. The comfort on your feet is extremely good for long distances and the bounce is so great that you feel like you’re flying. It feels a bit like cheating!” Abel Carretero Ernesto, Spanish international trail runner
“I wore them throughout for my recent 330km race in the Italian Alps. They held up well to the gruelling terrain and they feel surprisingly light for the protection/cushioning.” Damian Hall, ultra runner and multiple FKT holder
“They are soft and comfortable underfoot, with good grip on both rocky and muddy trails. There’s lots of swell room in the toe box and I used them for the 217-mile Race Across Scotland, which had all sorts of terrain! A really versatile all-round ultra shoe.” Alison Walker, UK-based Malaysian ultra runner
“Comfort, cushioning and grip - you can’t ask for more!” Angels Llobera, Spanish trail runner and multiple race winner
“These have quickly become my go-to shoes. I find them very versatile, agile and comfortable over a variety of terrain and they are a great choice for both training and racing.” Anete Sviple, Latvian ultra runner and multiple race winner
“Going entire Sunday long runs without thinking about the shoes once tells you everything you need to know. Working in the background, remaining sure-footed and providing the same comfort and energy return from the first step to the last. Gives a no-nonsense answer to your long run shoe choice question.” Chris Holdsworth, top UK trail runner
“I love them. Just what I need right now. Love the bounce and width. Perfect drop for me at this time of year (more flatter trails, less fell/mountain running). I love the lightweight feel and actually think I'm faster in these shoes!” Keri Wallace, Girls on Hills
“Ace shoes. They’ve become my go-to training shoe. I like the lighter fabric upper, it drains water out super effectively” Andy Berry, UK ultra runner
AND FINALLY....
We live and breathe the brand here at inov-8, and when a new shoe drops the excitement is unparalleled. Experienced ultra runner Jason Millward, from our Ecommerce team, fought his way to the front of the queue to take the new TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 on a maiden voyage. That voyage just happened to be a 50-mile trail race in Yorkshire, England…. which he won!
Jason said: “I made the difficult decision to race in them versus the TRAILFLY G 270. I love the 270 and have run pretty much all my races in them over the last few years. I chose the 280 because I was excited to see how it would fair and I felt the FLYSPEED foam midsole would be suited to the race’s runnable, less technical, route over trails, paths and roads.
“The shoe performed flawlessly. The extra bounce from the foam made me feel like I was cheating! It’s such a nice plush ride and it felt so light too. I considered dropping in a BOOMERANG footbed but I’m glad I didn't, the midsole was plush enough without it. The shoe just seemed to eat up the miles with no dramas or issues, it just kept bouncing along. The upper was very comfortable and I had no sign of rubbing or blisters.
“I was aiming for around 8hrs 40mins but finished in 8hrs 8mins. I'm certain the 280 and that FLYSPEED midsole played a part in this.”
*The new TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280 is available to pre-order now, ahead of an official launch on October 13th. Check them out and learn more details here: MENS | WOMENS
