Kit & Gear

REVIEW: inov-8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX v2

inov-8’s hugely popular lightweight hiking boot has been upgraded to give greater comfort, a better fit, more energy return, and longer-lasting durability.

The updated heel lock and lacing systems, as well as the extra padded tongue and ankle cuff, all deliver significant improvements in the feel and performance of this agile boot. A midsole upgrade to the POWERFLOW MAX foam gives greater cushioning, energy return and durability, while the outsole retains the super-tough 6mm long Graphene-enhanced G-GRIP lugs that bite into the ground and ensure hard-wearing traction across all terrains. A flexible underfoot rockplate protects from sharp debris. The V2’s new tighter-weave upper material is 40% stronger than that used on the V1 and, by repelling more dirt, it also better protects the waterproof GORE-TEX membrane underneath.

Weighing just 345g (average across the size curve), this flexible boot is perfect if you like to be light and agile on your feet, but with the comfort and protection you need for fast-feel day hikes and adventures.

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SHOP ALL INOV-8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX V2 NOW

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We asked outdoor enthusiast Mel Sykes to test and review the inov-8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX v2;

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I've never worn inov-8 hiking boots, so when I was offered the chance to test the ROCLITE G 345 GTX v2 I was very interested to see if they held up to the strong reputation that the brand has for trail shoes and running gear.
First impressions were good. Out if the box the boots felt light, but decent quality and after putting them on I found the toebox was snug, without being tight, which is ideal.
The higher ankle cuff also meant that once I had laced them up properly my feet felt like they were locked into the boot, and my ankles supported with minimal movement. Good start.
I take a size 6 in normal footwear, and these are a 6.5, which for this style, was perfect. I  tend to wear a mid thickness hiking sock year round and these accommodated for that.
I had the blue version of the boot which wasn’t too bright and the boots use GORE-TEX on the upper for waterproofing.
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First wear was up to my favourite hike/run spot - The Lakes. We headed out for a loop around Ullswater and up to Arthurs Pike.
As this was Feb the ground was saturated but this made for perfect conditions to test the gore-tex of the boots and they were perfect for traipsing across boggy moorland paths around the lake. There are also some steep descents around Ullswater and during these I had every faith in the grip of these boots, on both muddy paths, and the wet stones/rock. They held very well. This first day we were out in the elements for 4 hours and afterwards I was blister free with dry feet. A good first test.

Now we know you can’t judge a boot on one wear, so 3 months later i’m writing this review and since that first day I’ve been all over Yorkshire, Wales and also back to the Lakes multiple times with them, and I’m still a fan.
The GORE-TEX has not failed me and the boots themselves (including the upper) look the same as they did out of the box when I first got them. Now, i must admit that I do care for my footwear well, washing and scrubbing the dirt off after each walk and ensuring they are dried throughly, but you wouldn’t be able to tell I’d put so many miles in them.
The soles are also still as new, which is what I’d expect for a lot more months to come with a boot of this quality.
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The one thing I have found now that the trails are becoming dry and more rocky, is that I’d probably want a boot with a bit more cushioning than the ROCLITE 345 but that’s personal opinion.
I will use these boots for autumn/winter wet weather hikes on wet ground in the future and I’ll be confident in both the grip and the waterproofing.

The quality of these boots is top notch, as you’d expect from a brand such as Inov8 and they still look box fresh after many wet hikes around the UK.

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KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS:

• GREATER COMFORT: NEW! The introduction of a fully padded tongue and Lycra padded ankle cuff bring greater comfort to this light, agile boot that weighs just 345g.

• BETTER FIT: NEW! A superior twin-cradle heel lock system and new synced lacing mechanism with speed hooks give a more stable, secure foothold and fit.

• LONGER LASTING: NEW! The tighter-weave upper material is 40% stronger for greater durability. It also better protects the waterproof GORE-TEX membrane underneath.

• MORE ENERGY: NEW! Upgraded POWERFLOW MAX foam cushioning delivers more energy return and comfort with every stride, so feet and legs feel fresher.

• GET GRIP & PROTECTION: TRUSTED! 6mm rubber lugs enhanced by the world’s strongest material – Graphene – give long-lasting tough grip. A flexible rockplate protects underfoot.

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SHOP ALL INOV-8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX V2 NOW

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