TechRadar Verdict
Runners looking for an all-in-one running shoe adept at tackling trails and, less frequently, roads, should look no further than the Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2. They are lightweight for trail-first shoes, offering plenty of grip and a snug and supportive fit, plus they transition to roads really well, offering decent spring. The zero drop design won't be for everyone, while the cushioning is firmer than most so you really feel the land. If you have particularly wide feet these are likely to come up tight too, despite falling within Inov-8's widest class. But after clocking up hundreds of km's on my local trails and roads, these are the pair that I'll buy a second time. The bonus is that I won't need to for a while yet because these are super durable too.
Pros
Lightweight, comfortable and durable
Grippy, with decent spring
Frequently on sale, available in three colors
Cons
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Zero drop not for everyone
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Cushioning on the firm side
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Potentially not a good fit for wide feet
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Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2: Two-minute review
I'm a keen hobbyist runner living in the countryside with a particular running shoe in mind; a trail-first shoe that can also fly on the roads, lightweight as possible yet grippy to handle technical terrain, also durable so I can clock up the kms, all for a double-digit price. Impossible demands, right? Well, no – after multiple shoes from various brands down the years, I might've just found my best running shoes of 2024: the Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2.
The Trailfly G270 V2s launched Q1 in 2023 and are, as the name suggests, a second-generation trail shoe by Inov-8 with minor tweaks to the wildly popular original. With three months and around 350km under my belt wearing these shoes, I can see why.
These shoes deliver in all areas for mixed terrain – at 270g, they are lightweight for a grippy shoe, though the very quickest road shoes are lighter. They are also durable – seriously, I've clocked up around 60 hours of running and they feel as good as new.
As for the fit, these shoes are noted as '5' on Inov-8's width scale, which is the widest possible from the running specialists. However, I have an average-width foot and the fit is perfect, meaning these shoes aren't for those with particularly wide feet.
In the UK I run in all kinds of terrain and weather, covering anything from technical hills, to boggy footpaths and dry roads; these shoes transition between such scenarios with ease.
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 trail running shoes worn, on grass
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
The Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2's are the best running shoes with a double-digit price that I've ever used. That said, they won't be for everyone.
In my experience Inov-8 shoes generally take a little more wearing in than other brand shoes, such as Asics. In this particular case, the outer felt too snug along the side of my little toe, but they are fine now.
There are also two key design attributes to note that might put you off: these are zero drop shoes, meaning the heel is the same height as the front of your foot. Most shoes have some form of drop, typically around 5-8mm.
With zero drop you're more likely to strike the ground with the middle of your foot rather than the heel first, resulting in a lower impact running gait that is kinder to your joints. However, zero drop isn't ideal for all foot types, such as flat feet. Ultimately, it's best to do your research on what is best for your feet. In practice, zero drops works a different part of your calves in the early days, but as your legs adjust you soon won't notice a difference.
The other point is that the cushioning is firmer than most. If you are particularly heavy-footed, and prefer minimal impact as your feet hit the ground, the Trailfly G270 V2's possibly aren't for you. These are firm.
With that firmness comes a decent spring. As you accelerate you get decent encouragement, which is impressive for such a grippy trail shoe.
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 trail running shoes worn, on grass
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
One other minor point is that the laces are on the slippier side, and so getting a tight knot can take a couple of efforts. Not a biggie, but if you're like me you might need to stop and re-tie.
That's all the bad stuff out of the way. I should re-emphasize that these are my favorite trail-focused shoes, for the money. They are available in three colors; all-black, lime green or a blue with orange – I opted for the latter. And they are regularly discounted – I got them on sale in the UK for around half their $170 / £149.99 list price, and I've since seen them even cheaper. That's fantastic value for such a well-made, high performing and durable shoe.
The bottom line is that the Trailfly G270 V2's are up there with the best running shoes especially for runners who spend more time on the trails, and I'll be keeping an eye on the sale prices to pick up a second pair soon.
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2: Specifications
Component Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2
Weight: 270g
Upper: 25% more durable than the V1's
Midsole Powerflow max
Outsole Graphene
Heel-to-toe drop 0mm
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2: Scorecard
Category Comment Score
Value At full price, these are reasonable value. At a typical sale price? Bargain 4.5/5
Design Durable and lightweight, zero drop. 5/5
Features Graphene soles, improved upper, firm cushioning. 4/5
Performance Transitions well between trails and roads, with decent grip and spring. 4.5/5
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 trail running shoes worn, on grass
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2: how I tested
My primary running shoe for around 3 months
Typically distance covered around 30km's per week
Approximately 60 hours of running on technical trails, footpaths and roads, flat and hilly
I used the Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 as my primary running shoe for around 3 months, during which time I was typically clocking up around 30kms per week.
I typically cover mixed terrain and run in all kinds of weather: trails, footpaths and roads; wet and dry; flat and hilly.
First reviewed: December 2024
Cameras editor
Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.