Reviews by User: Alexander Waid (6)

Hey all, just thought I'd point out a couple of things. First, this jacket really seems well made and well thought through: wind/water proof, looks great, heat-control with the dual-direction zip (can open from top or bottom) and pit-zips is fantastic, multiple pockets, reflective strips... The only "complaint" (not really a complaint, just an observation) is that it runs really, really big. I've got a 42" chest and a 34"waist and I'm swimming in it. I'm usually a large in biking stuff, but I suspect that when I get the medium, it'll still be on the big side. It'll be good for layering once the cold weather comes in, though. I'm guessing that's why they sized it the way they did. In any case, I'd recommend ordering one size down. Also,I read a review somewhere that the zippers failed quickly and easily, I haven't found that to be the case. Cheers, Alex

Seriously, with a pair of shoes that weighs under 600 grams, how can you not go fast?! The super-minimalist approach suits me fine! The less the shoe does, the stronger my feet and ankles get. I don't like shoes with burly overgrown heel crash pads or that are so wide to give the perception of support that the footprint I leave is three sizes larger than the shoe. Inov-8 keeps it simple, I feel the ground, the shoes grab onto anything wet or dry in my experience and my feet & ankles just get stronger. One thing, however, as with the Nike Free shoes, it's a good idea to do some plyometrics for a few weeks before running anything over 5k in these: most people's foot musculature won't be ready for this minimal approach.

Inov-8 started out and continues to make awesome, light and VERY fast fell-running shoes. These aren't for technical hiking or uber-sketchy races (unless you're daring, like me!). If you've got strong ankles, a foot that's ready to take some pounding (not much forgiveness in the way of cushion and/or protection in this shoe: heck, they only weigh 630 grams a pair!!!) and a will to go fast, this shoe, or any of the Inov-8 shoes will do you good. I love 'em!!!

I found this tight to be completely windproof. It's on the warmer side, I can't see riding it in the 50's as another reviewer states, but that's just preference. I also disagree with teh reviewer who (rather crudely) says the sizing chart is inaccurate. I found it to be dead-on. I must agree with his comment that the customer service is spot-on with BackCountry, they're really great. Overall, good purchase, great tights, glad I bought them...but may not have been as happy if I'd paid full-price: I caught them on BonkTown.

I was double-shipped these due to a shipping error and I'm keeping the second pair for a number of reasons. One, While I'm a lightweight footwear kind of guy (think Inov-8's line of fell running shoes), I've had some shin splint and knee issues and I opted for these heavier and more cushioned shoes: I'm glad I did. I still can't run more than six miles or so at a time, but that's an improvement over my 2-mile max two months ago: my toes would go numb due to compartment syndrome. These shoes seem to be taking care of that (well, the shoes and some other non-invasive therapy). The Boa system works well, it really does cradle my feet in comfort and I'm back on the trails regularly. No blisters, no hot spots and very happy lower legs overall! The only negative comment is that I'm getting more underfoot bruising than I'm used to, and that's saying a lot when I'm used to running in Inov-8's lighter-end shoes. Cheers, Alex

I tad lighter than the RocLite 315's and a scoosh heavier than the MudRoc 280's, these are great for everyday trail runs. Long runs, I grab the 315's; races, I'm into the 280's; for everything else, these are my go-to shoes. I generally order two pairs at a time of each of these b/c I'm always afraid they'll change the model or get rid of it. I really love the whole Inov-8 line: I feel the trail and that makes me happy. Seriously, I feel like a little boy running through the woods. Then again, I think it's okay to feel rocks under your foot. Most shoes don't let me do that, there's too much protection. I've run in the overbuilt "tanks" that are out there, and they are okay, but my lower leg musculature, especially my foot musculature, never developed enough. I tried these and my feet were sore for a couple of weeks b/c my muscles were taking on more of the load...now my feet are stronger and I'm a better runner for it. Get these and go fast. Go. Run. Fast.