Dirt in your skirt blog

Gear Review – Inov-8 OROC 280’s

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Margaret Schlachter

It winter, it’s snowy, but it’s still time to train and run. Do you find treadmills as unappetizing as we do at Dirt in Your Skirt? Recently we had the opportunity to test out a new pair of Inov-8’s, the OROC 280’s. We have tested them in varying types of trails and on snow in the Wasatch mountains here in Utah logging about 30 miles so far. We have run in conditions that included soft new snow, icy patches, and packed powder.

Initial Thoughts:

“These are the best shoes for winter running on the market” from our tester. They gripped everywhere and even were used on a family afternoon hike while everyone else worn big boots these shoes kept her feet warm and gripped on the snowy trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon. These shoes could grip the iciest of trails. Matched with a pair of Inov-8 Debris Gators they are the perfect pairing for winter running.

“Right out of the box these shoes were flexible, comfortable, and fit well. I have logged over 25 miles in them so far. My only recommendation is to put them on when you get to the trail otherwise if you have a concrete floor like I do in our house you might end up with hole marks in the floor. I drive to the trail head put them on in the car and then hit the trails. You might get a couple funny looks as you traverse the pavement but it’s well worth it when you are on the trail griping the ice and they are floundering.”

Shoe Specs:

From Inov-8 about the OROC 280, “A winter running or orienteering racing shoe combining low weight, traction and breathability. The microfibre tongue ensures that the shoe can be laced tightly and provides additional protection from dirt and debris. Includes tungsten carbide tipped metal dob spikes.”

Weight: 280 Grams (9.9 oz)

Footbed: 6mm

Heal to Toe Differential: 6mm (2 Arrow)

Fit: Performance

Gender: Unisex

Sizes Available: US-M 5-13 (inc 1/2) & 14

US-W 6.5-11 (inc 1/2)

Video Gear Review: