Sporting pioneers INOV8 have launched new waterproof hiking footwear inspired by mountain goats.
By using new rubber cleats shaped like the alpine acrobat’s super-grippy hooves, the brand is hoping its 2024 ROCLITE collection sticks it to the competition.
But it’s not just the enhanced grip that INOV8 are excited about. The ROCLITE GTX shoe and ROCLITE MID GTX boot also boast the brand’s new foot-shaped design and cushioned midsole foam, both hiking up the comfort levels.
Graham Jordison, INOV8’s Head of Product Design for Footwear, said: “The shape of the new outsole cleats are inspired by the cloven hooves of the mountain goat.
“Cloven hooved mammals have an almost finger-like dexterity and their split hooves – together with a hard outer shell and soft inner pad – provide incredible traction in their steep-sided, precarious habitats. We’ve looked to replicate this split hoof shape in our design.
“Our significant research also shows that the split design helps better disperse underfoot water and so provides better grip on wet rocks.
“The outsole combines with the other design elements to make the new ROCLITE shoes and boots super-nimble, sticky and light, weighing 365g and 425g respectively.”
INOV8 has had ROCLITE footwear in its range since 2006. And while the new iterations retain some of the key DNA that made earlier versions so successful, they are very much a different breed of beast ready to meet the next generation needs of hikers and walkers who want lightweight, natural-feel footwear with lots of comfort and grip.
The two new hiking products take INOV8s number of footwear launches this year up to eight, following on from four new trail running shoes and two new fitness shoes.
All share the same new foot-shaped design that locks at the heel and widens at the toes, allowing feet to function naturally. The hike and run footwear also share a more cushioned midsole foam and flexible rock plate, giving extra comfort and protection while still enabling underfoot agility and ground feel.
An initial limited drop of the ROCLITE GTX shoe and ROCLITE MID GTX boot are available to buy now via INOV8’s website and select retailers.
