Article by Kurt Biesemans
Inov-8 Trailfly Max ( £150 / $170 / €170)x
Introduction
Kurt: The Inov-8 TrailFly Max is the most cushioned addition to the refreshed TrailFly series, which now features four distinct models tailored for runners who crave a natural ride over hard-packed terrain.
What sets the TrailFly series apart is its use of Graphene-enhanced rubber, a groundbreaking compound that delivers outstanding grip and durability. The outsole features 4mm lugs that bite confidently into the trail, offering reliable traction in a variety of conditions.
The shoe is built around a new NATURALFIT™ shape to lock the foot securely at the heel and midfoot while widening at the forefoot, allowing the toes to splay naturally for enhanced stability and comfort over long distances.
Taking over from the much-loved TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max, the TrailFly Max goes big on cushion without compromising ground feel. It’s loaded with a generous stack of FLYSPEED™ PRO foam, a new lightweight midsole compound that delivers plush cushioning and impressive energy return with every stride. The result? A max-cushioned, yet naturally responsive ride designed to keep you feeling fresh during long training days and ultra-distance adventures on firmer ground.
Pros:
Flat at the ground profile is very stable: Kurt
Supercritical nitrogen infused EVA midsole+ TPu beads Boomerang insole is lively and bouncy in a muted solid way: Kurt
Boomerang insole provides grippy, non-slip surface minimizing internal foot movement: Sam
Robust shoe: Kurt
Outsole Grip (not yet tested in mud): Kurt
Cons:
Lacks lateral support in ankle region: Kurt
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 9.75 oz / 276g US9
Sample Weight: men’s 10.8 oz /306g US10/EUR43,
Stack Height: men’s 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot (6mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 60mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
The shoe sports a modern look, enhanced by colorful accents on both the toe bumper and the overlays. It features Inov-8’s NaturalFit—a foot-shaped design first introduced in 2024 and now standard across their range. The shoe is relatively narrow in the heel and midfoot (80mm), but it widens in the toe area, allowing for natural toe splay. For my foot shape, the regular version fits well, but runners with a broader forefoot will appreciate the wide version, which offers additional room in the toe box.
The upper is soft and made from a breathable air mesh material.
MET-CRADLE overlays extend from the midfoot all the way around the heel.
Combined with the natural foot-shaped design, they aim to deliver a locked-in, secure feel that gently pulls the foot into place from the midfoot to the heel.
The tongue is gusseted and has just the right amount of padding.
I received a US 10, which corresponds to a EU 43. I normally wear a EU 44, but so far, the fit hasn't been an issue. I'm not entirely sure how going up one EU size would affect the overall feel.
Midsole & Platform
The Inov8 TrailFly Max sets itself apart from the rest of the TrailFly line-up thanks to one standout feature: the midsole. At the heart of this trail machine lies Inov-8’s new FlySpeed Pro foam, a nitrogen-infused, supercritical EVA that delivers a compelling balance between responsive cushioning and precise ground feel. This foam is also shared with the new lower stack TrailFly Zero, zero drop model (RTR Review soon).
With a stack height of 35mm in the heel and 29mm in the forefoot, the TrailFly Max offers a moderate 6mm drop, making it well-suited for long distances where comfort and control must coexist.
To further enhance underfoot feel, Inov-8 integrates its signature 6mm Boomerang insole, constructed from expanded TPU beads. This high-rebound insole not only provides superior energy return and less water absorption compared to standard insoles but also offers anti-slip properties to keep your foot securely in place — a subtle but meaningful addition.
The synergy between the FlySpeed Pro midsole and Boomerang insole makes it clear why Inov8 positions the TrailFly Max as its go-to choice for ultra-distance and technical trail running.
In terms of the platform, the TrailFly Max leans toward the narrower side, with a heel width of 85mm, midfoot of 60mm, and a forefoot of 110mm.
Outsole
Hard-wearing, tacky rubber infused with the world’s strongest material – Graphene – makes up the outsole. The 4mm long multi-directional lugs not only cut through loose trails and remain super-durable but also give improved grip in wet conditions. Underfoot flex grooves further enhance the agile, natural feel.
Disclaimer: At the time of writing I was not able to test the shoe in muddy conditions.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Kurt: Personally, I love this in-between category that seeks a balance between cushioning and ground contact and articularly on technical trails, where I value reliable ground contact just as much as cushioning. That combination gives me the confidence to move decisively, helping reduce the risk of missteps and injury.
In terms of feel, it slots in somewhere between the plush comfort of the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 or the ASICS Trabuco Max 4, and the propulsive speed of carbon-plated shoes like the Hoka Tecton X3.
Personally, I felt well-secured at the midfoot, but not at all in the heel. The heel collar, in my opinion, lacks sufficient support and sits quite low below the ankle, which limits lateral stability. Even with a runner’s loop lacing technique, I didn’t achieve a strong heel lock.
Due to the lack of lateral support, the Inov8 TrailFly Max may be better suited for smoother and flatter trails. Looking at the outsole and lungs it might perform outstanding in the mud.
Kurt’s score: 7.95/10
Ride (30%): 8.5
Fit (30%): 6.5 - Lack of heel stability
Value (10%): 8.5
Style (5%): 9
Traction (15%): 9
Rock protection (10%): 8
😊😊😊Comparison
Both shoes play in the same league: long-distance trail crushers with exceptional grip and maximum cushioning.
Hoka uses the dual-density ProFly+ midsole, delivering a soft landing with good energy return. It’s plush, especially under the forefoot, and designed for those who prioritize cushioning over ground contact while the Inov-8 TrailFly Max delivers a natural, foot-shaped fit and better ground feedback. I would recommend the Mafate Speed 4 for more technical terrain and the TrailFly Max for more smoother to moderately technical trails.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
The TrailFly Max is available now
INOV-8
Tester Profile
Kurt has a background in long distance triathlon. In recent years his focus is back on running. He recently ran various city marathons like Valencia, Milan and Antwerp. Kurt Is running on Belgian soils meaning mostly flat surfaces. He likes to hit the nearby trails which are mostly gravel and forest surfaces. From autumn to spring his favorite trails are transformed into muddy terrain.
Kurt regularly joins a run or trail race to keep the engine going. But he also likes bigger challenges: he ran Tour du Mont Blanc in 4 days in 2024, ran his first ultra trail (60K), hiked TMB in 9 days with his family and was recently on the starting list of Tenerife Blue trail. He is 1m86cm and 77kg.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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Seems to me that the VJ Ultra 3 would be a natural comparison here.
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