Inov-8 Trailfly G 280 Review: First Run Impressions Video

Here’s my Inov-8 Trailfly G 280 review where I share my first impressions running my local trail route in them – enjoy the video!

There’s more information on the technical specifications down below.

Drop: 8mm / Weight: 9.87oz (280g) / Support Type: Neutral / Price: $185

The Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G280 brings a softer ride, greater bounce, and more underfoot trail control and is designed to bring trail runners the ultimate in long-distance performance.

The new nitrogen-infused midsole foam that is light and sustainable, helps you feel connected to the trail

These split midsole running shoes flex and spring so well while cushioning your high-impact fast downhills.

This midsole design is explained in more detail in my video above during my testing.

I love creating these first impression gear review videos because so often in life, it’s the first impressions that matter the most, right?

For this Inov-8 Trailfly G 280 review video, I’m hitting one of my favorite local trail routes here in California.

It also happens to be the trail route I use for testing out new trail running gear because of its varied terrain, steep climbs, flats, and steep downhills.

I also believe it’s important to have a benchmark route when comparing shoes against one another.

So this route starts with a really big climb for about 150 meters straight up.

This gives me an opportunity to test what the tread is like on the climb and also its general fit and comfort.

By the way, the Inov-8 Trailfly G 280 fits true to size.

The Inov-8 Trailfly G 280 is a very comfortable shoe right out the box, and has a very neutral support. The arch is neutral as well. There’s not a high arch or low arch, it sits in the middle there.

Generally, it has a nice slipper-style fit, and feels very comfortable underfoot due to the soft footbed inside.

I’m really liking the tread as it sticks well on dry rocks and dirt but also performs well on wet rocks and mud because the outsole is made with Graphene-enhanced rubber.

Halfway up my climb is where my feet usually get quite warm but the Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280 is actually very breathable and regulates temperature well.

The upper, is made with a breathable stretchy knit and I can feel the airflow going through to my feet and keeping them quite cool, I love it.

The Inov-8 Trailfly G 280 performs well on the flats, although I feel like there could be a little bit more cushioning in the midsole but they are responsive, and I can feel the trail beneath me nicely.

The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 has totally nailed its midsole cushioning. I recommend reading about them in my HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Review next.

I’m about five kilometers into the run, and still climbing, and the Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280 is still regulating temperature nicely – so my feet are still a good temperature.

The outsole/midsole is super interesting with these shoes.

The shoe is split into two down the middle, and what this does is give you extra flexibility when you’re running downhill, where I need to kind of dig in and change direction at a moment’s notice.

The split design is done via an 8mm deep ADAPTER-FLEX groove which helps the shoe adapt, flex and mold to uneven terrain for a connected trail ride.

What is does is help free the midsole of rigidity and works in tandem with the foot’s midtarsal joint to increase mobility.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this first run Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280 review, as much as I enjoyed running in them, it was a lot of fun.

For more outdoor gear first looks and full reviews. Definitely subscribe to the Trail & Kale YouTube channel and don’t forget to click that bell to get notified of new videos just like this one.

Thanks for reading/watching. See you next time!

Inov-8 Trailfly G 280 review summary (my rating out of 10)

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Here’s some technical information from Inov-8’s press release on the Trailfly Ultra G 280:

MIDSOLE:

*New nitrogen-infused FLYSPEED midsole foam cushioning delivers our softest-ever ride, combined with incredible bounce and energy return. Ultralight and durable, the foam is our first to feature the use of nitrogen gas, reducing the amount of energy and chemicals used in the manufacturing processes.

*Testing shows that FLYSPEED foam gives back 65%-68% of the energy put in. A standard foam midsole gives back 45%-48%.

*Overall stack heights of 33mm in the heel and 25mm in the forefoot, combined with an 8mm drop, help deliver lots of underfoot comfort for running longer distances.

*An 8mm deep ADAPTER-FLEX groove helps the shoe adapt, flex and mold to uneven terrain for a connected trail ride. It helps free the midsole of rigidity and works in tandem with the foot’s midtarsal joint to increase mobility.

OUTSOLE:

*Graphene-enhanced rubber delivers the world’s toughest grip – insane sticky traction AND increased durability, no compromise. 50% stronger, 50% more elastic, 50% harder wearing, scientifically proven.

*Multi-directional 4mm deep lugs on each shoe have been meticulously shaped and positioned to improve both propulsions at the front and braking at the rear.

Measured spacing between the lugs prevents debris from sticking to the outsole, while water dispersion channels and rubber dimples give extra grip on slick surfaces.

*Vertical grooves cut into the rubber allow the foot’s metatarsal bones to move more independently, aiding adaptability and flexible grip when running over uneven terrain.

UPPER:

*A breathable, stretchy knit material upper, combined with a padded tongue, provide enhanced comfort without compromising on durability.

*The fit has been designed to support and adjust to the natural swelling of the foot when running long distances.

*Features our widest toe box, allowing extra wiggle room and comfort for toes, which are also protected by a front bumper.