Thinking of ordering a pair of Inov-8 Roclite 318 GTX - only trouble is there's nowhere near me that sells them so it'll be an online buy-on-trust situation.
Before I hand over my card number has anyone had these shoes? Can you tell me what the fit is like?
I have normal width feet though if I had to say, although I have had them measured as 'normal' I've always assumed they were on the slightly wide side of normal,if that helps.
I tried the 315, which I think is the same without Gore-tex. They fit me fine, but half a size bigger than normal (I needed a 10.5, not my normal 10 in a shoe). The mesh seems to allow quite a wide range of foot widths.
I ended up buying the 320PK, which were in black. Again these fitted me fine in 10.5. Surprisingly, they have been a great trail shoe, though the sole does not have the grip of the roclites. I would have taken a roclite in black if they had made them. Really all day comfortable with just a thin sock, even on a long day walk over very rocky terrain.
By the way, my feet are wide, but not extra wide, and a normal width heel.
I have the 318 gtx's. they are great it they suit your feet. I did a very hilly 30+ miles in them t'other day, covering rocky paths, grass, bog, etc, and my feet were fine at the end of it. The grip is phenomenal, but the downside of that is that the sole wears down a bit quicker.
They are also the most cushioned of inov8's shoes, so very comfy whilst weighing virtually nowt, especially if you are used to wearing even lightweight boots.
Mine are also half a size bigger than my normal shoes, as are my 315's.
I am always wary of buying stuff from t'interweb that I can't try on, but if that's the only way you can get hold of a pair, I'd say try it. They really are good shoes.
I've got some too, found them very comfy on the 3 or 4 ~14 milers I've done in them. The sole is incredibly sticky, stickier compound than the 315's apparently. The GTX lining has been great so far, though not done any real bogginess in them yet. Not certain how they'll be when they are full of water though, however they do seem to dry quickly.
I wore them with just Bridgedale liner socks first few times, then got some X Socks trekking light's the other week. These have a bit more padding, but my feet did feel warmer in them, perhaps due to the GTX lining.
They fit me fine, but half a size bigger than normal (I needed a 10.5, not my normal 10 in a shoe). The mesh seems to allow quite a wide range of foot widths.
I go half a size smaller in Inov8 330o (although my true size feels like a reasonable fit too). Half a size bigger again in 330o would be far too flappy for running and I would have thought they use the same/similar last as the 315s based entirely on their appearance.
You could email inov8 and ask them, they're pretty good with customer service from all accounts.
Probably depends whether you want them for trail walking with chunky socks or for running up and down steep things. Having said that, sportshoes are saying "Please note: Inov8 sizes are coming up slightly small."
I usually wear running socks with them - tried thick socks once, and they just didn't feel right; it seemed to destroy that 'contact with the ground' feeling that inov8 shoes are all about. It also felt a bit unstable. So, bearing in mind that you probably will end up with wet feet even though they are goretex lined (any self-respecting bog worthy of the name will come in over the top), I always go for the anti-blistery running type of sock.
I tried the Flyroc 345 GTX on in Go Outoors - I'm a shoe size 5 and can be anything from a 5 - 5.5 - 6 - even 6.5 in trainers.
The 6 were a little large, but the assistant had wandered off before I could try the 5.5 on, and I thought the extra comfort of the insole in the Roclites would be nice for all-day wear. Shame they didn't have them in G/O
I'm hoping the fit of the Roclites is similar to the Flyrocs. I'll just order them off Wiggle then...
Like Mick, I started with thicker socks (a sort of light to medium weight walking sock), but ditched them for a very light sock (Bridgedale liner sock). Even 20km days over rough ground are no problem in that combination, in fact it seems the lighter the sock, the better the comfort.
...Aye, pretty much what I have found to be the case. Thick socks for big boots and getting yer feet away from feeling the ground, thin socks for lightweight shoes and dancing across any terrain you can think of.
