Inov8Trailfly Zero V2 Review: The Hike

lLast year, Trek Gear Editor Kelly Floro tested and reviewed the original version of the Inov8 Trailfly Zero. The shoe was a new zero-drop model based on the popular Trailfly series of shoes from UK-based company Inov8. While he highlighted the exceptional durability that has become an indicator of Inov8 shoes, he found them lacking in some critical areas, including fit and grip. It seems Kelly wasn’t alone in her criticism of the shoe. After listening to feedback from many users, Inov8 went back to the drawing board for the V2 and made some significant improvements to the performance and quality of the shoe.

Recommended RRP: $175
Weight: 8.7 ounces (average)
Pile height: 12mm
Lug Depth: 4 millimeters
Heel-to-toe drop: 0 millimeters

Inov8 Traifly Zero V2 for men here.

Review circumstances

I used my Trailfly Zero V2s on hikes and hikes on wet, muddy spring trails, as well as on a couple of overnight backpacking trips. I tried the shoes in a women’s size US 8.5 with a wide fit, which is my normal shoe size.

I’ve used a half-dozen other Inov8 styles over the years, including the Trailfly Ultra G300 Max and the Terraultra G270, an older version of the Trailfly Zero. However, I haven’t owned a pair since Inov8 revised the fit of their shoe in 2024.

Intended use

The Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 is a trail runner designed for use on hard and rocky terrain. The V2 is a newer and improved version of the Trailfly Zero released early last year, which added a zero-drop shoe to Inov8’s Trailfly shoe line.

Features of Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2

G Grip: The V2 features a reformulated rubber with graphene in the outsole to increase its slip resistance in wet conditions. It is designed to provide excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces. Graphene rubber also makes Trailfly soles incredibly durable.

Flyspeed Pro Midsole: The V2’s midsole is made from a super-lightweight nitrogen-infused EVA foam that provides high levels of cushioning and support.

Natural fit: Inov8’s NaturalFit design locks in the heel and midfoot for better control. The toe box is wider and more anatomically shaped, allowing the toes to open and move more naturally. The Trailfly Zero is also available in width, providing additional room in the toe box.

Air mesh upper: The upper of the Trailfly Zero V2 is made of multi-layer mesh that completely wraps the forefoot to improve breathability and comfort. The mesh is reinforced with KPU overlays that connect the midfoot to the heel to create a firmer, more secure feel.

Zero drop: The Trailfly Zero V2 is designed with no heel lift, creating a level footbed from toe to heel. This allows your foot to be in a more natural and stable position.

Boomerang template: The insoles are made with hundreds of foam beads that compress and recoil, giving you 40% more energy rebound and helping you propel forward.

Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 Pros

Durability

One of the things that originally attracted me to Inov8 was its promise of durability thanks to the use of graphene rubber. Graphene is a carbon nanotechnology and has been dubbed the «wonder material.» Just one atom thick and arranged in a honeycomb lattice, graphene has been described as 200 times stronger than steel and 1,000 times thinner than a strand of hair.

Inov8 introduced the use of graphene in its shoes almost a decade ago and has been constantly improving the technology. The Trailfly Zero V2’s outsole is made of rubber reformulated with graphene to make it even more durable and grippy than the original version. The V2 also saw improvements to the toe guard and thicker overlays along the sides and heel of the shoe, reducing the chance of blowouts and creating a more stable fit.

Improved fit and feel

I immediately realized that the Trailfly Zero V2 fit me much better than my previous Inov8 shoes. In fact, they fit me so well that I barely noticed I was wearing them on my first walk.

The lacing system is noticeably different from the previous model and allowed for a really tight fit. The tongue has also been changed to have a better shape than the previous version. I found that the tongue stayed in place during my walks and didn’t add any additional bulk or discomfort. I also realized that I didn’t need to do a lace closure on the shoes, which I normally have to do on all the other brands I’ve used.

Foot-shaped toe

A big change in the design of the Trailfly Zero V2 from my previous Inov8 shoes is the more anatomically shaped toe box. Altras fans will be familiar with this design that gives your toes more room to spread out during hours of walking. The shape also allows for a more natural ride, helping to improve overall form and efficiency as the miles go by.

I ordered the wide version of the shoe which gave me plenty of room for my toes as they swelled and spread out more throughout the day. Many long-distance hikers will no doubt appreciate this spacious option as their feet grow and spread out along a hike.

Template

Many shoe companies spend little on the insole, but Inov8 decided to include it as part of the overall structure and performance of the shoe. Designed to precisely fit the unique shape of the shoe, the Boomerang insole is 6.1mm thick at the heel and made from hundreds of expanded TPU foam beads.

The bottom has good grip, which prevents it from sliding inside the shoe. It’s finished with a durable fabric for durability and features a handful of small vents for ventilation.

The footbed is designed to compress and recover for greater energy return, which also helps reduce foot fatigue. Inov8 sells replacement insoles for when they wear out, increasing the overall longevity of the shoe.

Disadvantages of the Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2

Special setting

Not all shoes fit all feet. Whenever a friend asks me to recommend a hiking or trail running shoe, I tell them to go to an outdoor store and try on a bunch of models from various brands. While Inov8 has dramatically improved the fit of the Trailfly Zero V2, it still may not be right for everyone.

For me, every time I put on the Trailfly Zero V2 I get a strange feeling in the fit of my heel, almost like it’s too tight. Once I get moving I don’t notice this oddity and it hasn’t created any discomfort, but considering I’m wearing the wide version of the shoe, I thought it was worth mentioning. Someone with a wider heel bed may consider trying a men’s size that will offer a little more room in the heel.

Firm base

Personally, I’m a fan of more minimalist shoes (my everyday shoe is from Xero Shoes), but I know that not everyone likes a firmer base. The stack height of the Trailfly Zero V2 is just 12mm, which is incredibly low compared to the moderately comfortable 25mm of the Altra Lone Peak 9 or the super-soft 32mm of a HOKA Speedgoat 7. You may not feel comfortable in these if you have to walk a lot on the road or if you don’t like feeling the shape of the ground under your feet.

Fortunately, even with the lowest stack height, I didn’t notice any sharp rock hits thanks to the integrated rock plate and dense foam midsole.

Flag

People who like flashy, brightly colored shoes may be disappointed to learn that the Trailfly Zero V2 is only available in one color: gray. More colors may be available, but for now, if you want something more vibrant, you’ll have to opt for the non-zero drop version of the Trailfly, which comes in black, bright blue, or vivid green. However, I was surprised at how good the gray looked even after walking on muddy and dusty trails.

Overall value

The Trailfly Zero V2 is a little more expensive than the average trail shoe, however its durability more than makes up for the difference. The longevity of Inov8 shoes stands out in an industry where other brands seem to last fewer and fewer miles. With the release of V2, Inov8 also demonstrated that they pay attention to user feedback and are willing to quickly go back to the drawing board and make specific design improvements.

The Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 is a great option for hikers interested in more natural movement on a variety of terrain with a well-fitting shoe. With a durable outsole, a firm yet agile midsole, and a reinforced upper, this shoe is built to last mile after mile.

Buy the Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 for Women

Buy the Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 for Men

Comparable shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9+ Women | Men’s
Recommended RRP: $160
Stack: 25 millimeters
Weight (pair): 18.6 ounces (women) | 23.1 ounces (men)

Topo Pursuit 3 for women | Men’s
Recommended RRP: $155
Stack: 28mm
Weight (pair): 17.2 ounces (women) | 21.2 ounces (men)

Merrell Trail 8 Glove Woman | Men’s
Recommended RRP: $130
Stack: 14mm
Weight (pair): 12.7 ounces (women) | 15.5 ounces (men)

The Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 was donated for review purposes.

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