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Inov-8 TerraFly GTX
$130, 11.2 oz, www.inov8.com
The Dirt. The first road-to-trail hybrid from Inov-8, the TerraFly GTX features a lug-less, sticky-rubber outsole, which provides adequate grip on moderately technical trails while offering a smooth ride on the road.
A wide toebox and extra EVA foam pockets below the metatarsals allow the foot to bend naturally during toe-off. Plus, a wide toebox allows toes to spread, but one tester complained of “too much fabric” in the mid-foot area, which scrunched up and irritated her foot.
Still, testers felt stable while navigating rocks and roots. While most stayed dry, some testers experienced wet feet when water seeped in around the tongue.
Fit. Best for medium- to high-volume feet. Built with a 9mm heel-to-toe drop, the Terraflys are fairly minimal and most suited for mid- to forefoot strikers.
Best For. Smooth to moderately technical trails and pavement over any distance.
Tester-monial. “These shoes felt lightweight and breathable even though they are GORE-TEX. They proved to be the perfect shoe for fast runs on the trail and even easy road miles.” —Kelsey Evans, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania