I don’t like changing hiking boot brands. I really don’t. But having used Merrell hiking boots for so long and having issue after issue more recently with the “waterproofing,” I simply had to make a change.
After some research, I decided on Inov8’s Roclite Pro 400 Goretex boots for a few reasons:
- They’re incredibly well rated
- Generally reviewers comment that the toe box is generously sized which is important for me
- I read good things about the Goretex and waterproof was the biggest requirement for me
- I quite like how they look (not a massive thing for me, but a consideration nonetheless)
- I wanted to try Graphene Grip boots. We’ll talk about that more in a minute.
Inov8 Roclite Pro Goretex V2 Boots Review – In a Nutshell
I love them. Delighted I made the switch – they’re incredibly waterproof, comfortable from out of the box and I feel that the Graphene Grip is a far gripper sole than the Vibram soles I have been using until making this switch.
In all, I’m absolutely delighted with them.
How I Tested the Roclite Pro Goretex Boots
So, let’s be honest, just pulling them out of the box and wearing them around the house isn’t a reasonable test for hiking boots and frankly doesn’t qualify me to write a review.
So the reason you’re getting this review a few weeks after I bought the boots (and I did buy them using my own money – there’s no special promo or freebies going on here) is because I wanted to properly wear them in first.
So I set a target of a minimum of 100km hiked in the boots across different terrain and different ground and weather conditions.
Only now to I feel qualified to review these boots. So let’s dive into it.
Inov8 Roclite Pro 2 Goretex Sizing
As ever, do your own research before buying a pair of hiking boots. But when it comes to sizing, I personally sized up half a size for the Inov8 hiking boots vs my usual size in Merrell boots.
I was wearing 5.5s in Merrells and bought the 6 for the Roclite boots.
That was a good call!
Graphene Grip – Inov8 Has This Nailed
So most of the hiking boots I have previously worn have been Vibram soles, which are, in my opinion, reasonably grippy on most surfaces.
Inov8 somewhat pioneered the use of graphene in soles for its running shoes and this has transferred to hiking boots. The “Graphene Grip” soles are, in my opinion, much grippier than Vibram soles.
Now, when I got these boots we were in the middle of a very cold, icy snap at the start of January. So my first short and easy terrain hikes using the Roclite Pro Goretex boots were in cold and icy conditions. And of course, unless you’re in spikes or campons, standing on ice is likely to send you slipping. So by no means am I claiming that Graphene Grip soles are “ice proof.” But they fared remarkably well in snowy and frosty conditions.
I’ve had these up mountains in the Cairngorms in cold conditions, across the boggy moors of the Peak District and other places too.
And one thing I have noticed immediately is how much more secure I feel on my feet in wet or generally slippier conditions. The difference between Graphere Grip and Vibram, in my view, is substantial and I can’t now imagine reverting to a Vibram sole hiking boot.
Inov8 Roclite Goretex – How’s the Waterproofing?
This is a massive deal for me and has been one of the biggest issues with Merrell more recently (and a driver for me abandoning Merrell boots).
These are Goretex, but so too were my last Merrells, so I didn’t want to take anything for granted. But these have crossed streams, been in puddles, trudged through long, wet grass and my feet have stayed dry.
These are incredibly waterproof boots.
Are Inov8 Roclite Pro Boots Comfortable?
Yes.
Now, I do think the various Merrell boots I’ve had have been more comfortable out of the box. But after just over 100km hiked, I’m incredibly happy with how these feel.
I didn’t get any blisters when hiking in the Inov8 Roclites. But it took a few hikes for them to feel “like mine,” is the best way to explain it.
But these are wearable out of the box, for sure!
Do Inov8 Roclite Pro Goretex Boots Keep Your Feet Warm?
Don’t rely on these to keep your feet warm in winter conditions. Make sure you have the appropriate winter grade hiking socks on. They’re not specifically winter boots these ones!
How Durable Are Inov8 Roclite Pro 2 Goretex Boots?
So, having done 100km worth of hikes in these Inov8 hikers, I don’t yet feel qualified to say how durable and long lasting they are.
There’s no sign of damage or wear at this point, but then again 100km really isn’t enough to test that. So I’ll be back to update that in a few months!
Inov8 Roclite Pro Goretex Boots Review – What’s the Verdict
So far so good. A solid 4.5/5 for me.
Buy Inov8 Roclite Pro Goretex Boots
You can get these on Amazon. Below are the ones I got plus the men’s version. I’ve also included the previous iteration of the Roclite boot which is now at a lower price point.
