Inov8
Trailfly Max V2
The most cushioned Trailfly: a stable, protective long-distance shoe with a wider platform, a supportive upper and strong wet grip. It's grounded and runnable rather than soft, and isn't made for deep mud.
What's new: Tougher KPU overlays and a reinforced heel for more support, a thicker tongue, extra drainage, a wider platform and grippier rubber; a little heavier.
About the Trailfly Max V2
Inov8 describes the Trailfly Max V2 as the most cushioned shoe in its Trailfly series, aimed at long-distance trail running, ultras and hiking on hard, rocky trails. Compared with the everyday Trailfly V2, it swaps POWERFLOW PRO for a FLYSPEED PRO midsole, a nitrogen-infused supercritical foam, topped by a 6 mm BOOMERANG footbed. For softer, muddier ground the brand's closest equivalent is the Trailtalon Max.
Underfoot, G-GRIP graphene rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs is said to give 50% better wet slip resistance than the first-generation Trailfly Max, which this version replaces. The V2 upper trades 3D-printed overlays for stronger KPU ones and adds extra drainage holes and a sleeker speed tongue. It keeps a 6 mm drop and comes in Standard and Wide NATURALFIT versions, which Inov8 designs to lock the heel and midfoot while widening the toe box.
Specs and features from peteblandsports.co.uk, upandunder.co.uk and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
What the critics say
81/100 review score
- Road Trail Run 8.4/10
The reviews in briefRoad Trail Run's Kurt Biesemans found the Inov8 Trailfly Max V2 a sensible update, with better lateral support, a more responsive and stable ride and a protective, premium-feeling upper over a roomy forefoot. He rated the grip highly but noted the moderate lugs struggle in deep mud, and it is slightly heavier.
- Positive: Better side-to-side support from the reinforced heel
- Positive: Stable, more responsive platform
- Positive: Excellent grip and a protective upper
- Mixed: Slightly heavier than the first version
- Negative: Moderate lugs struggle in deep mud
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Trail
- Type
- 310 g
- Weight
- 30 mm
- Heel stack
- 6 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Inherently stable
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. New model: figures are early and get re-checked every month.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
True to size with a roomy, foot-shaped forefoot and the foot sitting deeper in the platform for security; a wide version is available.
What Reddit runners say
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On TikTok
Trailfly Max V2 on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Trailfly Max V2
RRP around £150. Tap through for today's price.
Inov8 Trailfly Max V2
In short
A good choice for long trail runs and ultras on mixed and technical ground if you want stability, protection and toe room. In deep mud, a lugged mud shoe will serve you better.
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