Trail and fell running fans need no introduction to inov-8, for just over 10-years the brand has been very much pioneering the way for the off road market. In recent years the brand has tweaked and launched new models and currently the Mudclaw 300 (Review HERE) , X-Talon 212 (Review HERE) and Terraclaw are my favourite shoes.

I’ve said this before, I always have respected inov-8’s very logical approach in not only providing a shoe design in different drops but also making it very easy, at first glance, to see what drop the shoes are. The arrows on the back clearly signify with 1, 2 or 3 arrows. In simple terms, 1 is low, 2 is medium and 3 is higher; typically 3, 6, 9mm drop.

In the last 18-24 months, the launch firstly of the RACEULTRA (Review HERE) in 4mm (270) and 8mm (290) drops and most recently the TERRACLAW (Review HERE) in 4mm (220) and 8mm (250) drops have certainly revived that ‘middle’ ground for the ions-8 brand.

I have been very much on the middle ground with the RACEULTRA despite it’s incredible popularity. For example, at the 2015 Marathon des Sables, I saw many people using the shoe because it neither had too much or too little tread and most importantly it has a wide toe box. I find the shoe just lacked feel, it lacked responsiveness.

The TERRACLAW followed suit and for me is a far better shoe than the RACEULTRA, it has a more aggressive outsole that is great for off road (when not too muddy) but it equally handles hard trail and rocks well and some road. It’s a responsive shoe, lightweight, comfortable and gives great feel for the ground. If you like a wide toe box too, the shoe has loads of room, even for a Hobbit’s foot… maybe too much room for some. I find the additional room great when it’s flat but less so when going up or downhill. But hey, this is all personal. Ultimately a good shoe.

So now for 2016, inov-8 are looking to get their claws back into the road market with the ROADCLAW 275.

inov-8 have made road shoes before currently on the website they have the ROAD-X-XETREME 220 and 250. These shoes most definitely appealed to the out-and-out road runner. The imminent launch of the ROADCLAW 275 signifies a departure for the brand in terms of road shoe as it obviously has a very similar look and feel to the RACEULTRA.

For clarification, the colour way is for ladies.

On first impressions, the shoe looks and feels very much like the RACEULTRA, maybe too similar? However, as you look closely you start to notice the differences.

• The upper is a more open mesh to allow the foot to breathe.
• The toe box although still wide narrows a little quicker.
• Toe protection from the bumper is less.
• The lacing is wider.
• Support on the upper both on the left and right side is a little more substantial.
• Although a neutral shoe it feels as though there is a little support for the arc – just a little?
• The heel box is a touch wider but still offers a snug fit.
• The outsole is completely redesigned, as you would expect and uses 2 different compounds, in this shoe, black and pink to offer grip where required.
• The shoe has ‘META-FLEX’ at the fore of the shoe a DYNAMIC FASCIA BAND both present in the RACEULTRA.
• Drop is 8mm which for me is perfect.
• Weight 275g as the name suggests for sample size UK8

It’s early days running in the shoe and currently it’s being tested on road, dry trails and treadmill. Initial feedback is good and certainly if you are a RACE ULTRA fan and need a road shoe, this is one for you.

We have to say, on first impressions we thought the outsole looked a little aggressive for a road shoe but hey, I guess that is why it’s called ‘ROADCLAW.’. However, when running all feels good, particularly on the current wet and mildly slippery roads and pavements.

As we get more miles in the shoe, we will come back and provide a detailed report on the pros and cons of this new inov-8 shoe. It’s certainly an interesting step for the brand and it makes one question, what else have they got up their sleeves for 2016?

You can read more and find out about inov-8 HERE

INOV-8 ROADCLAW 275

New for 2016, the ROADCLAW brings together all inov-8 has learned in the mountains to deliver an ultra-smooth ride with the company’s iconic grip in a road shoe. No matter how rugged the road, the ROADCLAW is the master of its terrain.

ULTRA SMOOTH RIDE: Run effortlessly over any road conditions with inov-8’s unique POWERFLOW midsole technology. POWERFLOW delivers 10 per cent better shock absorption and 15 per cent better energy return than standard midsoles.

MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER: inov-8’s iconic grip has now been optimised for road running. This means every ounce of energy generated by the body is transferred to the road through the outsole. With inov-8’s three-rubber TRI-C compound delivering industry-leading traction throughout the gait cycle.

ULTIMATE SECURITY: Feel 100 per cent sure footed on any road with grip and stability delivered through an inversion of our claw cleat lug design.

Suggested retail price: £110 (110 UK pounds)