inov-8 Terraultra G270 review: Ultra testing the latest graphene trail shoe

inov-8 Terraultra G270 review

The Terraultra G270 are the follow up to the G260 with improvements that inov-8 describes as “small but detailed”. Like its predecessor, this is still a shoe aimed at big trail miles but crucially comes with a bigger 12mm stack height and some new midsole cushioning that’s supposed to provide extra comfort on those longer runs, plus tweaks to inov-8’s signature graphene-enhanced grip. All that still in a zero drop shoe. So how does it stand up to the big mile test? I laced them up for The Run Testers – including a 40 mile trail run – to find out. Hit play below for the full inov-8 Terraultra G270 review.

inov-8 Terraultra G270 review: What’s new?

The midsole

The inov-8 Terraultra G270 have new midsole foam that aims to bring a little more cushion to those trail ultra runs. 

That new midsole foam is called POWERFLOW MAX, a blend of materials with a higher percentage of TPU than the G260.

Inov-8 says this delivers 20% more energy return and retains its optimum cushioning levels for twice as long as its predecessor.

There’s a 3mm increase in stack height, moving from 9mm in the G260 to 12mm in the G270. 

Again with the aim of adding more comfort underfoot, something many people felt was missing in the G260.

They’re still zero drop and the weight is up 10g to 270g.

The outsole

The outsole inov-8’s now signature graphene grip and that added G brings extra durability to the outsole. You still have 4mm lugs but these feature long outsole flex grooves that have been designed to help clear water faster and improve grip in wet conditions.

The insole

This is interesting. You get what inov-8 calls a BOOMERANG – a TPU beaded insole 

– that boasts a 40% increase in energy return versus the previous footbed.

In addition to extra spring back, it’s also there to boost that cushioning 

The uppers

There’s inov-8’s ADAPTERFIT technology in the uppern which is supposed to flex 

and accommodate any swelling in your feet that can happen when you run longer. 

It’s also designed to move with the foot to help cope with changes in terrain and improve overall comfort.

inov-8 Terraultra G270 review

inov-8 Terraultra G270 weight, stack height, drop and price

  • Outsole rubber: Graphene-Grip
  • Lug depth: 4mm
  • Fit: Grade 5 on the 1-5 inov-8 fit scale in the toe box with 5 being the widest
  • Midsole stack height: 12mm in the heel and 12mm in the forefoot
  • Drop: Heel to forefoot differential, measured in mm: Zero
  • Weight: 270g (average weight across size curve)

Now watch this: Running a solo ultra in the New Forest

Ultra in the New Forest