Additional Info

The Inov-8 RocLite 290 is a firm trail shoe with low drop and stellar traction—ideal for sprinting on hard-packed dirt and sticking to the side of a curved trail berm like you’re a skateboarder on a vert ramp. On pavement, the thin sole can feel harsh and blocky, but on grass and mud, the lightweight feel and flexibility of the 290 help give you a sense of connection to the ground that makes it easier to dart through technical terrain without losing your footing. You won’t find a lot of protection here from choppy gravel—the 290 doesn’t have much in the way of pillowy cushioning, though it’s far from a minimalist shoe. Best suited to building speed on hard-packed trails.

Heel Cushioning: Very Firm
Forefoot Cushioning: Very Firm
Flexibility: Moderate
Stability Features: Few
Energy Return: Moderate

OFFSET: 25.8 mm heel, 21.2 mm forefoot
DROP: 4.6 mm
WEIGHT: 8.0 oz / 227 g