Article by Dom Layfield
Inov-8 Trailfly Speed ($160)
Introduction
Dom: In January 2024, Inov-8 took the bold step of updating the lasts on which their shoes are built, changing from a traditional ‘shoe-shaped’ last to a more modern ‘foot-shaped’ last that better reflects actual foot anatomy.
Other prominent brands, like Altra and Topo Athletic, have always focused on a more anatomical, rather than aesthetic, shape to their shoes. However, Inov-8 is the first brand that I’m aware of (certainly the first of any significant size) that have made such a transition long after they have established their place in the market. This is an incredibly bold and risky strategy, as the brand risks alienating loyal customers who are upset that their favorite shoes have changed shape.
Dom: The first shoe to be released under this new strategy is the Trailfly Speed. The shoe is available in both wide and regular variants, although both follow the new anatomical last. This shoe follows in the footsteps of Inov8’s highly successful zero drop Trailfly G 270, which was hugely popular with RTR reviewers (RTR Review). Before we get into the specifics of this particular shoe, the first question is ‘what is the new shape like?’