Right here’s our Inov8 Rocklite Professional G 400 GTX V2 evaluation, after months of placing these upgraded boots from Inov8 to the check
UK model, Inov8, has unleashed its upgraded model of the Rocklite Professional G 400 GTX as its hardest boot but. A daring assertion certainly. And over the previous months, I’ve been placing these boots to the check, to see in the event that they dwell as much as the hype.
I examined out the earlier mannequin from Inov8, so when the chance got here to check out the brand new improved model, I used to be eager. They’re designed to be multi-functional throughout various terrains and difficult situations.
These boots have been my sole boot for adventures to essentially see how they faired within the wild. Right here’s how they held up and all the small print of how I actually discovered them.
This product was despatched to us to evaluation by the producer however the ideas and opinions are fully our personal. This text can also include affiliate hyperlinks.
Rocklite Professional G 400 V2 in a Nutshell
- Waterproof – sure with GORE-TEX membrane
- Lug depth – 6mm
- Midsole stack – heel: 20mm, forefoot: 12mm
- Sole compound: Graphene G-GRIP rubber
- Footbed: 6mm EVA foam
- Midsole: POWERFLOW MAX foam
- Weight: 400 grams / 14.1 ounces throughout measurement curve
- Accessible sizes: Ladies’s: 4 – 8.5 (UK), 37 – 42.5 (EU). Males’s: 6 – 14 (UK), 39.5 – 50 (EU)
- Completely different designs: the ladies’s and males’s are available in two completely different color choices, each of that are darkish with some vibrant element
What Does it Say on the Field?
Inov-8 launched this boot as a harder and extra hard-wearing improve to the Rocklite Professional G 400. With elevated sturdiness and help it’s designed for demanding hikes and technical situations.
The improved cupped footbed and heel lock system offers extra help and luxury for powerful terrain and downhills.
The POWERFLOW MAX midsole offers extra cushioning and better power return with every step. Whereas the versatile rock plate protects your underfoot and the powerful 6mm lugs provide strengthened grip on unfastened and bumpy terrain.
The rip-stop higher materials, with its tighter weave, is designed to enhance sturdiness and higher defend the waterproof GORE-TEX membrane beneath by repelling dust.
The light-weight Rocklite Professional G 400 V2 is designed for powerful terrains and tough hikes so you’re feeling protected and nimble.
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How I Put Them to the Check
I’ve been testing the Rocklite Professional boots to the check by means of the tail-end of winter to summer time 2023.
They’ve accompanied me on all-day fell hikes, bikepacking journeys and multi-day adventures. Via some snowy and icy situations, very moist deluges and hotter summer time escapades, from temperatures as little as -4 to 22 °C.
I’ve worn them on rocky and unfastened terrain mountain climbing, in addition to moist grass and dry compacted trails.
Though these are mountain climbing boots, I’ve worn them bikepacking on some tough and off-road terrain additionally. Lots of our journeys contain a mixture of biking and mountain climbing, so naturally, these boots have been an all-rounder for adventures though that’s not technically what they’re designed for.
I are inclined to search for mountain climbing boots over mountain climbing sneakers as they provide superior help. These boots appeared like they’d be a perfect light-weight boot providing the grip and stability I used to be after, while additionally being versatile.
Consolation, Help & Match
All-day consolation and help are tremendous vital to me when discovering the fitting boot. Our hikes typically final all day and our journeys are often an amalgamation of biking, mountain climbing, scrambling and normal stomping about, so I would like a boot that may adapt to various terrains.
The consolation of your boot can actually have an effect on the trajectory of your journey so it’s vital to get it proper. I’ve discovered these Inov8 boots to be very comfy and felt very versatile straight out of the field.
The light-weight design of the boots means they’re not clumpy so that you don’t really feel weighed down compared to some extra formidable, inflexible boot designs. Instantly they really feel like they’re someplace in between path runners and mountain climbing boots.
The padded ankle cuff gives help however isn’t restrictive because it doesn’t come up too excessive. Enabling flexibility going up or downhill on uneven terrain. As a pure ankle curler, I recognize the supportive and light-weight design which supplied quite a lot of fluidity.
With a view to be fully sincere I’ll say I’ve had some heel rubbing with these boots first off. This isn’t too unusual for a brand new pair of shoes and I don’t know if the heel lock system could also be accountable for making an attempt to maintain my heel in place. It isn’t something main and just a little plaster tape retains the blisters away.
After a month or two of use, this did subside because the boots moulded extra to my toes however I need to be fully open about my expertise.
Grip & Stability
This upgraded model of the Rocklite Professional is hailed as having improved grip and stability from their earlier mannequin. The Graphene grip and 6mm lugs are designed to chew down into diverse terrain to maintain you feeling sure-footed.
The sample on the soles is made to shed mud and water, which lets you really feel assured on moist stone or grass. I’ve additionally discovered them to grip my pedals nicely on moist days and bumpy trails.
Inov8 had been the primary firm to make use of Graphene of their soles to enhance the longevity of their boots. After months of utilizing the V2, I’ve been impressed with the lifespan of the soles. These boots have accompanied me over many miles on some powerful floor and haven’t proven indicators of wear and tear but.
They proceed to supply superior grip on what would in any other case be some precarious hikes and rides.
Sturdiness
I’ve been impressed with the sturdiness of the graphene soles, which proceed to supply grip on technical and slippy terrain after months of use.
The ripstop higher nonetheless does present extra indicators of wear and tear compared. The tighter weave of the improved V2 is designed to be sturdy and defend the gore-tex membrane beneath. Nonetheless, it has creased barely with some scuff marks over the months I’ve been testing these boots.
It’s nothing too main and purely aesthetic because it hasn’t affected the waterproofing of the boots. However, I did have the same problem with the higher of the earlier Rocklite Professional G 400 mannequin and was fearful about sturdiness for these.
While the V2 model has not proven the identical points, the higher does to have worn fairly shortly. I’m hoping they are going to be harder than their predecessors.
Waterproofing & Breathability
Total I’ve been mighty impressed with the waterproofing of those mountain climbing boots. I’ve stomped by means of puddles, cycled over streams and hiked by means of lengthy moist grass as they’ve not let in any water.
The tighter weave on the higher is designed to guard the waterproof gore-tex membrane and will enhance its lifespan to maintain your toes dry.
Though the boots are gore-tex, I’ve nonetheless discovered them to be extremely breathable. Their light-weight design means they don’t really feel inflexible like some mountain climbing boots can. I’ve worn them by means of summer time and though I’ve discovered my toes get just a little scorching on hotter days above 17°C, they’re nonetheless comfy sufficient to put on in temperatures as much as the low 20°C.
In cooler temperatures, I did discover my toes getting just a little chilly. These aren’t winter boots and though I wore them into temperatures as little as -4°C I wouldn’t suggest them for such chilly climates. The mesh uppers are usually not designed for wintery situations and as a substitute lend itself to breathability somewhat than heat.
Versatility
I’ve been utilizing these boots as an all-round journey boot they usually’ve held up nicely. They’ve nice grip and stability on some wet and icy hikes by means of winter, in addition to being cool and comfy by means of summer time.
I’ve used them bikepacking on some rugged off-road terrain and multi-day journeys, the place they’ve continued to maintain my toes dry and comfy.
Inexperienced & Vegan
Inov-8 has mentioned that these, together with their different artificial mountain climbing boots, are 100% vegan. That is nice, notably as not it’s uncommon that main manufacturers can assure their manufacturing line.
As an organization, Inov-8 additionally take steps to think about the surroundings in producing their merchandise, which you’ll be able to examine right here.
Value
These boots are on the pricier facet relating to mountain climbing boots. There was quite a lot of effort gone into bettering the earlier mannequin they usually’re designed to be Inov-8’s hardest boot but with improved consolation.
With this in thoughts, chances are you’ll really feel the worth displays the expertise, nonetheless, these aren’t funds boots, if that’s extra what you’re on the lookout for.
Verdict
I’ve been impressed by the waterproofing and grip of those boots which have held up throughout the season and diverse terrain.
Professionals
- Superior graphene grip sole
- Waterproof with the gore-tex membrane protected for longevity
- 100% vegan
Cons
- Higher reveals some ascetic indicators of wear and tear
- On the larger finish of the worth scale
- Restricted design colors
The place to Purchase Inov-8 Climbing Boots
