Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max Performance Review

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Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max, an ultramarathon- and long-distance trail running shoe, features a graphene-enhanced foam known as G-FLY.

Since 2018, Inov-8 uses graphene-enhanced soles. Inov-8 Terraultra G270 was tested recently by me and I found it to be extremely traction. I believe in graphene because of this testing experience. Graphene was first isolated in 2004. Inov-8 was attracted to graphene’s ability increase strength, elasticity and durability of other compounds in 2016.

My question is: Will graphene make rubber foam as good as rubber? Continue reading to see my complete performance review of Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max.

Cushion

In my initial impressions post, Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max was deemed the best cushioned trail runner. It’s not a possibility anymore. It is the most cushioned trail runner available. The G-Fly foam mixture contains graphene, which creates something slightly bouncy and still sturdy enough to be used on trails. This is not an easy task. I can understand why Inov-8, and other space-age wonder materials, revere Graphene.

Graphene has a strong smell, but it is worth it. After a few runs, the strong tire rubber-like smell will disappear and you can concentrate on the positives. Graphene is good for your joints and allows you to still feel the trail. This shoe is ideal for runners who run many trails.

Traction

Graphene Grip rubber can be described as a wonderful thing. In the G270 review, I mentioned that it made me feel like Spiderman. It’s still there.

The incredible durability is also back. These don’t look like I have put much mileage on them despite me running many miles, including on pavement. The texture of the lugs is still there, except for where I toe off. This is something that I have never seen in a lot of shoes. It’s the type of traction that makes you feel at ease even on the most difficult trails.

Support

Your foot stays on the footbed because the fuse does most of the work. The midsole foam doesn’t sit below your foot, unlike in many shoes. There is no heel counter at the back. However, the lacing structure is strong enough to keep you in place.

It is easy to stand upright due to the 6mm drop. The stack height is 24mm in forefoot and 30mm at the heel. I was concerned that the height could be too high if I struck a root in an unintended direction. I noticed no instability on my trail runs when dealing with root-filled sections. I was able to stay upright thanks to the combination of the lacing system and very grippy traction.

Fit

The Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max felt short in length on my first run. However, this problem disappeared after the second run. I recommend sticking with your size. Inov-8’s large last and toe box will allow for wide feet. Shoes with narrower feet also clamp down well. The shoe’s extra space doesn’t affect stability, comfort, fit, or functionality.

Materials

Inov-8 should still be able to find a way to achieve the same stability but with fewer fuse. The G 300 Max is lighter than the G270 but it still feels a bit too plasticky at $190. This may not matter to some people, but ultramarathoners often race in these bad boys. When you’re spending so much time on your feet, Fuse isn’t the most comfortable material. It is used for durability, but I hope that G-Fly foam will decrease in price so we can have a more supportive and comfortable upper.

Overall

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max features the graphene-enhanced G-Fly foam. It’s the first trail shoe to have this feature. These shoes are unmatched in cushioning and traction.

Is $190 too high? Yes, it is, but this happens when you are an early adopter. Inov-8 could innovate with the upper. Yes. It’s a minor quirk. This shoe does the most important, and it will make many trail runners happy.

How to Buy the Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max

Inov-8 now offers the Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max.

• Price: $190
• Release Date: April 8, 2021
• Weight: 10.5oz / 300g
• Drop: 6mm (30mm/24mm)

Tech Specs

Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max by Inov-8 is Inov-8’s most advanced shoe. It has many features that will appeal both to trail runners as well as shoe geeks.

• G-FLY foam offers 25% more energy return that EVA
• G-FLY foam doubles its durability (lifespan 1,200km/745 miles).
• The midsole stack height is 30mm in heel and 24mm forefoot
• Graphene Grip outsole rubber
• Multi-directional 4mm-deep outsole lugs
• Vertical outsole grooves to promote metatarsal independence
• 10mm deep midfoot ADAPTER-FLEX groove for forefoot/heel mobility
• 6mm eTPU Boomerang insole
• Gusseted tongue
• Wide toe-box

First Impressions

Yesterday, I received the Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max. These quick thoughts were based on a mile run last night and a 5 mile road run this morning.

Cushion

G-FLY has a soft, plush feel with a slight bounce. Although it doesn’t have a lot of bounce, this cushion is definitely the best Inov-8 has ever made. It’s a stable version of Nike React. It feels similar to the Brooks Glycerin 19’s DNA Loft. It’s also softer than my Brooks Hyperion Tempo running shoe, the DNA Loft, which I consider to be the best cushioned trail runner.

Traction

Graphene Grip rubber, as I have mentioned in my Terraultra G270 Review, is amazing. It’s just as grippy with the Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max. It is a great gripper and I look forward to testing it on the trails.

Support

Although there is no heel counter, the midsole rises slightly at the heel to add stability. It was surprising to me that the G-FLY foam, which is soft, was so stable. Running technical trails will be the real test, but so far I am optimistic that Inov-8 provided a smooth ride and support without compromising.

Materials

Although the Terraultra G270 is very similar, the upper uses less fuse. This is a minor improvement that I requested in my review, and it feels great so far.

Fit

Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max has plenty of room for wider footers, just like other Inov-8 models. They were a bit short on my first run. My right foot felt smaller than usual. After a few more miles, I will monitor the sizing and make my final recommendations.

Overall

Inov-8 has created a soft trail shoe that I like. It will appeal to hikers and trail runners alike. Inov-8’s 0mm drop is not for everyone so they are considering adding cushioning and increasing the drop to 6mm.