Inov8Trailfly Zero V2 Review – Adventure

Llast year Trek gear editor Kelly Floro tested and reviewed the original release of the Inov8 Trailfly Zero. The shoe was a new zero-drop model based on the popular Trailfly series of shoes from the UK company Inov8. While he noted the exceptional durability that has become a hallmark of Inov8 shoes, he found them lacking in several key areas including durability and grip. It seems Kelly wasn’t alone in his criticism of the shoe. After hearing feedback from many users, Inov8 went back to the drawing board for the V2 and made significant improvements to the performance and quality of the shoe.

MSRP: $175
Weight: 8.7 oz (average)
Stack Height: 12 mm
Lug Depth: 4 mm
Heel to toe drop: 0 mm

The Inov8 Traifly Zero V2 for men is here.

Conditions for Review

I wore my Trailfly Zero V2s on hikes and hikes on wet and muddy spring trails and overnight backpacking trips. I tested the shoes in a women’s US size 8.5 in a wide fit, which is my normal shoe size.

I’ve worn other Inov8 styles over the past few years including the Traillfly Ultra G300 Max and the Terraultra G270, the previous iteration of the Traillfly Zero. However, I haven’t had a pair since Inov8 revamped the fit of their shoes in 2024.

Intended Use

The Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 is a trail runner designed for use on hard and rocky terrain. The V2 is a new and improved version of the Trailfly Zero that was released earlier last year, adding a non-slip shoe to Inov8’s line of Trailfly shoes.

Features of Inov8 Trailful Zero V2

I-Grip: The V2 features a graphene-infused recycled rubber on the outer surface to increase its wet slip resistance. Designed to provide excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces. Graphene-infused rubber makes the Traillfly soles incredibly durable.

Flyspeed Pro Midsole: The midsole of the V2 is made of super-lightweight nitrogen-enriched EVA foam that provides high levels of cushioning and support.

NaturalFit: The Inov8’s NaturalFit design locks in the heel and midfoot for better control. The foot box is wide and anatomically shaped, allowing the toes to play and move naturally. The Traillfly Zero is also available in width, offering more space in the toebox.

Air Mesh Upper: The upper of the Trailfly Zero V2 is made of multi-layer mesh that fully wraps around the front to improve breathability and comfort. The mesh is reinforced with KPU overlays that connect the midfoot and heel to create a more locked-in and secure feel.

Zero drop: The Trailfly Zero V2 is designed without heel lift, creating a level bed from toe to heel. This allows your foot to be in a natural and stable position.

Boomerang Insole: The insoles are made with hundreds of compression foam beads and a spring back that gives you 40% more cushioning and helps propel you forward.

Inov8 Trailfyly Zero V2 Pros

Strength

One of the things that initially attracted me to Inov8 was their promise of durability thanks to their use of graphene-infused rubber. Graphene is carbon nanotechnology and has been called “wonder material.” Only one atom thick and arranged on a honeycomb-shaped edge, graphene has been described as being 200 times stronger than steel and 1,000 times thinner than a strand of wool.

Inov8 introduced the use of graphene in its shoes almost a decade ago and has been steadily advancing the technology. The outsole of the Trailfly Zero V2 is made of recycled graphene rubber for even more durability and grip than the original version. The V2 also saw improvements to the toe bumper, as well as stronger overlays on the sides and heel of the shoe, reducing the chance of blowouts and creating a more stable fit.

Improved Fit & Feel

I immediately noticed how much better the Traillfly Zero V2 fit than my previous Inov8 shoes. In fact, the fit was so good that I didn’t even realize I was wearing them on my first trip.

The wiring system is significantly different from the previous model and allowed for a truly dialed fit. The language has also been changed and better structured than the previous version. I found the tongue stayed in place throughout my ride and didn’t add any extra bulk or discomfort. I also realized that I didn’t have to do the lace lock on the shoes, which I usually have to do with all the other brands I wear.

Foot Molded Toe Box

The biggest change in the design of the Trailfly Zero V2 from my previous Inov8 shoes is the more anatomically shaped toe box. Fans of Altras will recognize this design which gives the toes more room to spread during hours of walking. The stance also allows for more natural movement which helps improve posture and efficiency as the miles go by.

I ordered a wider type of shoe that gave me more room for my toes as they swelled up and spread a lot throughout the day. The wide option will no doubt be appreciated by many long-distance hikers as their feet grow and spread over the duration of the hike.

Suspicious

Many shoe companies are cheap on the insole but Inov8 decided to include it as part of the structure and performance of the shoe. Designed for a perfect fit and unique shoe shape, the Boomerang insole is 6.1 mm thick at the heel and is made of hundreds of expanded TPU foam beads.

The bottom is grippy, keeping it from slipping on the shoe. It is lined with a strong woven fabric for durability and has several small air holes for ventilation.

The insole is designed to compress and bounce back for more traction, which helps reduce foot fatigue. Inov8 sells insoles that replace when they wear out, which increases the lifespan of the shoe.

Inov8 Trailfyly Zero V2 Cons

Special Fit

Not all shoes fit all feet. Whenever a friend asks me to recommend a hiking shoe or trail runner I tell them to go to an outdoor store and try on a bunch of models from a variety of brands. Although Inov8 has greatly improved the fit of the Trailfly Zero V2, it still may not fit everyone.

For me, every time I wear the Traillfly Zero V2s I have a weird feeling in the fit of my heel, almost like it’s too small. When I’m moving I don’t notice this weirdness and it doesn’t cause any discomfort, but considering I’m wearing a wide shoe, I felt it was worth mentioning. A person with a wider heel base may want to consider trying a men’s size that will provide less room for the heel.

A Strong Foundation

I personally am a fan of very thin shoes (my everyday shoe is from Xero Shoes) but I know that not everyone enjoys a solid foundation. The stack height of the Trailfly Zero V2 is only 12 mm which is surprisingly low compared to the 25 mm of the Altra Lone Peak 9 or the big squishy 32 mm stack of the HOKA Speedgoat 7. You may not be comfortable in these if you have a lot of trail to do or if you don’t enjoy feeling your feet under the ground.

Thankfully, even with the shortest stack height I didn’t experience any jabs from vertical rocks thanks to the integrated rock plate and dense foam midsole.

Colors

People who like shiny and brightly colored shoes may be disappointed to find that the Traillfly Zero V2 is only available in one color — gray. It’s possible that more colors will be available, but for now, if you want something that stands out you’ll have to choose the non-egg version of the Trailfly that comes in black, bright blue or green. However, I was surprised by how the gray looked even after hiking on muddy and dusty trails.

Overall Value

The Traillfly Zero V2 comes at a lower price than a typical trail shoe but its durability more than makes up for the difference. The durability of the Inov8 shoes stands out in an industry where other brands seem to last fewer and fewer miles. With the release of V2, Inov8 has once again shown that they are paying attention to feedback from users and are willing to quickly go back to the drawing board and make focused improvements to the design.

The Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 is a great choice for hikers who like more natural movement on varied terrain in a well-fitted shoe. With a rugged outsole, a firm but nimble midsole and a durable upper, this shoe is designed to last mile after mile after mile.

Shop the Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 for Women

Buy the Inov8 Men’s Trailfly Zero V2

Comparative Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9+ For Women | For men
MSRP: $160
Stack: 25 mm
Weight (Pair): 18.6 oz (for women) | 23.1 oz (men)

Topo Pursuit 3 For Women | For men
MSRP: $155
Stack: 28 mm
Weight (Pair): 17.2 oz (for women) | 21.2 oz (men)

Merrell Trail Glove 8 For women | For men
MSRP: $130
Stack: 14 mm
Weight (Pair): 12.7 oz (for women) | 15.5 oz (men)

The Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 was provided for review purposes.

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