Inov8 Trailfly Max review
Inov8's new Trailfly Max has a more cushioned sole and wider toe box. What's the grip and stability like on dirt?
220 Triathlon Verdict
Inov8 join the max-cushioning party and triumph with a shoe that is comfortable yet grippy and stable. Score: 91%
Pros
- Superb comfort and stability
- Improved, wider fit
- Lighweight, propulsive foam
- Grippy lugs
Cons
- Nothing really
The new Inov8 Trailfly Max makes me feel I’ve been blessed with a cushioned trail running shoe that answers all my trail prayers.
There are times I’ve felt a bit like Goldilocks trying on Inov8 trail running shoes. In some aspects they’ve been fantastic – believe me, there are races I would not have got through were it not for the mighty lugs of shoes like the Mud Talons.
On the flipside though, I’ve never quite found the fit works for me. This has often meant sizing up to get the width I need. Plus, I tend to veer towards a more cushioned shoe.
With the recent trend towards max soles, this has seen me turn to other brands more frequently as I find I just need the bounce.
How we test trail running shoes
Our team of expert reviewers test trail running in the wet UK winter and slightly drier summer to assess their traction on different surfaces and see whether they can keep your feet warm and dry or cool in the heat. In racier shoes, we sought a propulsive feel. We put more emphasis on comfort in long-distance shoes. As ever with running shoes, we looked for a large range of widths and sizes. For more details, see how we rate and test products.
Inov8 Trailfly Max design
So where does this leave the new Trailfly Max?
Inov8 redesigned their last in 2024 to create a wider toe box. This delighted our other trail shoe testers. They also found the new fit and feel suited their run style and allowed toes to feel more natural while running.
In the Trailfly range you now have the Trailfly Zero in standard or wide fit which offers (as the name gives away) a zero drop run. With the Trailfly Max you get the same standard or wide fits, but with a 6mm drop.
As a runner who’s been pretty much in Hokas since they first came out I’m used to a more cushioned shoe so this was a welcome launch.
What I didn’t expect though was just how comfortable the Trailfly Max would be. They hit the sweet spot between cushioning and bounce and a more stable feel over the rough terrain of my local trails.
Often more cushioned shoes can feel a little wobbly, but these avoid that completely. Miraculously they also manage to feel like they are cradling the foot while still allowing my toes to have plenty of space to move and splay as I run.
The sole is made from nitrogen-infused EVA foam which Inov8 tell me is their highest performing to date. It’s super-lightweight, while giving both greater comfort and superior energy return.
Overall there is 24mm at the heel and 18mm in the forefoot to create that 6mm drop but with plenty of bounce.
On the underneath of the shoe you’ve got Graphene 4mm long multi-directional lugs. They are designed to not only cut through loose trail and remain super-durable but also give improved grip in wet conditions.
Inov8 Trailfly Max bottom line
In testing this rang true, with the shoes coping equally well with dry rocky trails as with muddy sections after heavy rainfall.
I was testing these during a mainly dry spell at the start of summer though, so they weren’t exposed to really grotty conditions under foot.
Finally if the blue/coral colourway isn’t your thing there’s also ivory/lime for women. Men luck out with three colourways including a funky/bonkers red, yellow and blue design!
Inov8 Trailfly Max specs
| Price | $170 / £150 |
| Weight | 20.7oz / 588g |
| Sizing | Standard and wide fit; women’s UK 4-8.5, US 6.5-11 / men’s US 7-13, UK 6-12 |
| Technology | Graphene Grip, 6mm drop, Boomerang footbed, 4mm deep lugs |
Helen Webster
Editor, 220 Triathlon 
