Inov-8 roadfly 1

Learn more about the Inov-8 roadfly 1 female running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

Inov-8 roadfly 1

Price

220

Rating

High

Popularity

Less Popular

The Inov-8 Roadfly 1 is a lightweight road running shoe designed for speed, sitting as a streamlined, minimal option compared to other Inov-8 models that focus more on trail and mixed terrain capabilities.

Inov-8
Inov-8 roadfly
3 colorways

Colorway: Black/White

Widths available: normal, wide

Anthony
Got a question about the Inov-8 roadfly 1?
AI-powered

We've got access to 1000s of long-form youtube, google and other Fittir user reviews which means we can answer any question about this shoe. Ask anything, and me and my AI assistant will do our best to answer your question.

Or try one of these questions:

How does the cushioning feel?
Is it suitable for wide feet?
What's the durability like?
How does it compare to the previous version?

Summary

The Inov-8 Roadfly 1 is a lightweight and versatile running shoe designed for road runners looking for a responsive ride with minimalistic features. It fits into Inov-8's lineup as a road-specific shoe, contrasting with the brand's more rugged trail-focused and cross-training offerings. The Roadfly 1 features a stripped-down design that focuses on speed and efficiency on paved surfaces, making it an ideal choice for runners seeking a versatile option for road training and racing. Its minimalist design is intended to promote natural movement and enhance the runner's connection to the ground, which is a staple philosophy in Inov-8's running shoe approach, focusing on biomechanics and natural running form. The Roadfly 1 sets itself apart from other models in the lineup like the X-Talon or Trailroc, which are more heavily geared towards traction and protection in off-road conditions.

Surface

road

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(24mm)

Category

ResponsiveBalancedComfort

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(Adapt Knit upper)

Weight

265g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

6mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal, wide

Grip

LowMediumHighMax

Suitability

___% Match

Based on your running profile and intended use, this shoe is a ___% match. Click the dropdowns in each section to learn more.

Based on your running style and needs

▼

Want to know if the Inov-8 roadfly 1 is right for you?

Our shoe finder is personalised to your needs, and has been used by thousands of runners across the globe.

Get a personalised recommendation

Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the Inov-8 roadfly 1 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 10 wear-tester reviews.

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

insole (2)
minimalism (2)
firmness (2)
support (2)
density (1)
ground_feel (1)
responsiveness (1)
cushioning (1)
Pros
"The EVA midsole provides a dense yet comfortable cushioning system, offering support without feeling too firm."
cushioning
support
"The midsole includes a boomerang insole that adds comfort and responsiveness, enhancing the overall cushioning system."
insole
comfort
responsiveness
"The shoe contains an ultra-cushy insole that enhances overall comfort during runs."
cushiony
comfort
softness
"The cushioning is designed to avoid excessive softness while promoting a connected feel with the ground, enhancing the running experience."
cushioning
natural feel
"The shoes offer a firm yet responsive ride, providing a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness."
firm ride
responsiveness
neutral cushioning
"The Powerflow Pro midsole contributes to the cushioned feel of the shoe, enhancing comfort during runs."
Powerflow Pro
midsole
EVA
"The Roadfly provides a cushioned midsole that offers a natural feel."
cushioning
natural feel
midsole
"The shoe offers substantial energy return designed for long miles."
energy return
TPU beads
long distance
"The cushioning system in the Inov8 Roadfly absorbs shock well despite the low stack height, enhancing comfort."
Powerflow Pro
shock absorption
comfort
"Despite its minimal cushioning, the Roadfly still provides adequate support for various runs."
responsive
support
cushioning
Cons
"The shoe feels dense, which may limit comfort for some runners."
comfort
cushioning
"The EVA midsole lacks the resilience of newer foam technologies."
midsole
foam
"The shoe may not provide sufficient cushioning for runners who prefer a softer feel."
cushioning
responsiveness
"Midsole firmness can be noticed during slower runs, which might not be ideal for every runner."
midsole
feel
"The shoe has a firm ride, which may not appeal to those who prefer more cushioning."
cushioning
ride
softness
"The shoe's performance may not satisfy runners seeking maximum cushioning and support during longer runs."
cushioning
performance
"A more substantial cushioning option may be required for longer distances or for heavier runners."
long miles
support
cushion
"The shoe lacks the extra cushioning and stack height found in other models, making it a more basic road shoe."
cushioning
stack height
minimalism
"The shoe lacks adequate cushioning for higher mileage, making it less suitable for long runs."
cushioning
long runs
"The lower stack height may not provide the comfort some runners expect over longer distances."
stack height
comfort
long runs
"The energy return from the midsole is lower than expected, impacting the overall performance of the shoe."
energy return
midsole
cushion
"The shoe may feel too minimal for some runners looking for more cushioning."
cushioning
minimalist
bounce
"The cushioning is minimal, which may not suit everyone."
cushion
comfort
"Some users might find the lower profile less comfortable on long runs."
cushion
comfort

padding (2)
breathability (1)
upper material (1)
upper_material (1)
design (1)
toebox (1)
fit (1)
adaptability (1)
Pros
"The upper material allows for good breathability enhancing comfort during runs."
ventilation
comfort
fit
"The shoe's upper is a one-piece engineered air mesh that provides both ventilation and support."
ventilation
support
"The shoe features a soft and supple upper that enhances overall comfort during wear, even for casual activities."
comfort
casual use
"The padding around the heel and tongue supports a comfortable fit without adding unnecessary bulk."
comfort
heel support
"The cushioned tongue and padded heel counter contribute to an overall comfortable fit."
cushioned tongue
padded heel
comfort
"The upper design is comfortable with strategic cushioning, enhancing the overall fit and experience."
breathable
cushioned
"The Roadfly has an anatomical toebox that provides ample comfort and room for toe splay."
anatomic
toe splay
comfort
"The Roadfly features a comfortable and spacious fit with flexibility."
comfort
toe box
flexibility
"It offers good comfort across different paces, from tempo to longer runs."
comfort
pacing
long runs
tempo runs
Cons
"The forefoot may feel too firm for some runners."
forefoot
firmness
subjectivity
"Those with toe mobility issues may struggle in this shoe."
toe mobility issues
flexibility

wear-resistance (2)
protection (1)
longevity (1)
outsole (1)
outsole_durability (1)
materials (1)
toebox (1)
grip (1)
Pros
"The outsole's durability is impressive, showing minimal wear after testing."
durability
outsole
longevity
"The shoe's durability is impressive with minimal wear even after significant distance."
durability
minimal wear
150k
"The shoe features a durable rubber outsole that acts almost like a rock plate, providing protection on gravel trails."
solid rubber
gravel trails
"The outsole shows minimal wear even after 75 miles, indicating good durability for long-term use."
minimal wear
long-lasting
"It features a full-length outsole that ensures consistent ground contact and durability."
full-length
durable
coverage
"The shoe demonstrates high durability, making it suitable for many miles of training without noticeable wear."
high durability
long-lasting
outsole
Cons
"The shoe does not feature advanced materials like graphene, which might be expected for enhanced durability in upper-tier models."
durability
materials
graphene
"The shoe's toebox durability score is low, indicating it may not withstand wear over time."
toebox
durability
"The outsole durability does not hold up as well compared to other road running shoes, leading to quicker wear."
outsole
durability
"The shoe might lack the durable grip needed for challenging conditions."
durability
rubber
performance

versatility (3)
lightweight (1)
smoothness (1)
weight (1)
feedback (1)
responsiveness (1)
ground feel (1)
agility (1)
Pros
"The shoe is very light, enhancing performance during runs."
lightweight
agility
nimble
"The Inov-8 RoadFly is suitable for a variety of workouts, making it versatile."
workouts
multifunctional
cross-training
"The Roadfly performs well across a variety of paces and surfaces, making it a versatile choice for various running styles."
speed
variety
surfaces
"The shoe is highly versatile, suitable for various running speeds and types."
versatile
multi-purpose
adaptability
"The shoe transitions smoothly, giving a joyful running experience."
transition
running experience
performance
"Weighing under 9 oz, the Roadfly is lightweight for a daily trainer."
lightweight
daily trainer
"The shoe excels in flexibility and ground feel, allowing for better feedback from the running surface."
flexibility
ground feel
"With a responsive ride due to the Power Flow Pro foam, the Roadfly performs well in various running conditions and speeds."
energy return
versatility
"The Roadfly offers an excellent ground feel, making it suitable for various terrains."
ground feel
versatile
terrains
"It provides a playful and agile ride, which adds to the running experience."
playful
agility
experience
"Testers appreciated the extra bounce in the shoe's performance during training."
bounce
training
performance
"The shoe maintains a connected and natural feel to the road surface."
natural feel
speedwork
training
"The shoe provides a nimble and light ride, aiding in a more responsive running experience."
lightweight
nimble ride
responsive
"The Roadfly is Inov8’s best road shoe, showcasing significant improvement."
best
improvement
road shoe
Cons
"The shoe's performance as a road racing shoe may not be sufficient for those looking for cutting-edge designs and technologies."
performance
racing
cushioning
"The shoe is relatively heavy considering its stack height, which could hinder performance."
weight
performance
stack height
"The midsole is not responsive enough for speed workouts."
lack of responsiveness
speed workouts
"The shoe lacks advanced features like a carbon plate."
performance
technology

toe_box (2)
width (2)
true-to-size (1)
natural (1)
lockdown (1)
flexibility (1)
snug_fit (1)
anatomical (1)
Pros
"The shoe fits true to size and accommodates various foot shapes well."
accommodating
fit
comfort
"The shoe features a lower stack height, which allows for a more natural running feel."
stack height
ground feel
natural running
"The anatomical fit and design allow for a comfortable yet secure lockdown, preventing heel lift."
heel fit
security
"The shoe allows for natural foot movement and flexibility, enhancing stride mechanics."
natural movement
flexibility
"The Roadfly has a spacious toe box that fits the natural shape of the foot, ensuring comfort and security during runs."
toe room
comfort
fit
"The shoe offers a wide anatomic toe box, which provides ample space for toe splay and comfort."
wide fit
toe splay
anatomic
"The shoe provides a snug fit that prevents slippage during runs, enhancing performance on steep terrains."
snugness
performance
downhill
"The anatomical shape of the shoe allows for a natural foot spread, enhancing comfort during runs."
anatomical fit
comfortable
natural spread
"The shoe offers a minimalist vibe with a lightweight feel, enhancing the ground connection during runs."
lightweight
ground feel
"The upper of the shoe is noted for its structure and comfort, contributing to the overall fit and lockdown."
comfortable upper
secure fit
roomy
"The Roadfly fits true to size and offers a comfortable fit in both standard and wide options."
true to size
wide fit
forefoot space
Cons
"The wide version of the shoe may not fit well for runners with narrow feet."
fit
wide
"The shoe's fit may not suit everyone despite being described as accommodating, as it may still feel restrictive for some."
fit
accommodation
roominess
"This shoe may feel sloppy for runners who require more lockdown in the fit."
fit
sloppy
"The fit may require adjustments for those used to different brands, which could affect the overall experience."
sizing
fit
"The sizing of the shoe runs small, requiring some runners to order a larger size."
sizing
fit issue

overall (1)
flexibility (1)
heel fit (1)
gravity (1)
heel_transition (1)
support (1)
ankle stability (1)
drop (1)
Pros
"The shoe provides good stability without added stability elements."
stability
support
balanced
"The shoe offers a highly flexible design that adapts well to different terrains, providing comfort and stability."
adaptability
comfort
stability
"The shoe provides a locked-in heel fit for stability during speed."
stability
speed
downhill
"Testers noted improved center of gravity and connection to the surface."
center of gravity
surface connection
stability
"The heel area allows for a smooth transition, helping runners maintain their rhythm."
smooth transition
heel bevel
rhythm
Cons
"The softness of the heel counter may not provide adequate support for all runners."
heel
counter
"Some runners may prefer a more traditional shoe structure that provides better ankle stability."
flexibility
stability
"The drop of the shoe varies significantly from the stated specs, making it less appealing for those seeking a true low-drop experience."
drop
variation
forefoot
"The shoe's flexibility may compromise stability for those who require additional support."
stability
flexibility
"The heel counter stiffness is rated low, which may not provide adequate support for some runners."
heel counter
stability
"The heel transition can initially feel clunky due to the large lateral flare."
clunky
heel transition
"Runners may need sufficient foot and ankle mobility to run comfortably in the shoe."
foot strength
mobility requirements

traction (2)
wet conditions (1)
outsole (1)
terrain (1)
Pros
"The outsole provides excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces, enhancing safety."
grip
traction
safety
"The shoe has excellent grip across various surfaces which is beneficial for uneven terrain."
grip
uneven surfaces
rubber outsole
"The shoe has a reliable and grippy outsole, ensuring good traction on various surfaces."
grippy
traction
surfaces
"The Inov8 Roadfly shows good traction on different surfaces, which is beneficial for varied running conditions."
traction
varied surfaces
light trail
"The shoe performs exceptionally well in rainy conditions, offering excellent grip and drainage."
excellent grip
drainage
"The outsole design is effective for traction on various surfaces while maintaining a light profile."
traction
grip
lightweight
Cons
"Although versatile, the shoe's performance on uneven surfaces may lessen its appeal for specific terrain types."
performance
terrain
"While lightweight, the shoe may not provide the same level of grip as lighter alternatives designed for more competitive scenarios."
weight
grip
traction
"Low 2mm lugs might not provide sufficient grip on more technical terrains."
lugs
traction
outsole

value (2)
versatility (2)
travel (1)
design (1)
natural_motion (1)
lightweight (1)
visibility (1)
pricing (1)
Pros
"This shoe is excellent for travel because of its compact design."
portability
compact
convenient
"This model offers great value for money, considering its performance qualities."
affordable
cost-effectiveness
performance
"It's reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for runners looking for quality."
affordable
quality
price
"The Roadfly is designed to reconnect runners with the road, enhancing the running experience."
reconnection
experience
design
"The Inov-8 Roadfly encourages natural foot movement, allowing the feet to function effectively within the shoes."
natural movement
strength
posture
stress distribution
"The lightweight nature of the shoe makes it easier to run with and less tiring over long distances."
under 300g
lightweight
easy to run with
"The shoe's reflective points improve visibility during evening or early morning runs, enhancing safety."
reflective
safety
visibility
"The RoadFly's price point makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious runners looking for durability and performance."
budget-friendly
value
"The Inov8 Roadfly doubles as a casual shoe, adding versatility to its use."
casual
versatile
everyday
"The shoe is noted for being suitable for a variety of activities beyond running, such as walking and standing."
walking
standing
multi-use
"The website is currently experiencing a connection issue with Cloudflare."
Cloudflare
server
error
"Visitors are advised to try accessing the website after some time."
retry
access
website
"Website owners are prompted to investigate the server issue further."
owner
investigate
server
"Cloudflare provides automatic monitoring for errors."
Cloudflare
errors
investigation
"Website owners can pull error logs to assist with troubleshooting."
error logs
support
investigation
"The Ray ID can be used for tracking the specific error incident."
Ray ID
error tracking
support
"The Inov8 Roadfly features a low stack height, which supports a more natural running experience."
low stack height
natural running
anatomic design
"The shoe is good value for money compared to other options in the market."
value
affordable
price
Cons
"There is a connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin server."
Cloudflare
server issue
connection problem
"The web page cannot be displayed due to this issue."
web page
display issue
error message
"Visitors are advised to try accessing the site again later."
visitor advice
retry
timing
"Website owners are advised to investigate the issue via error logs."
website owner
error log
support team
"Cloudflare will automatically investigate the cause of the problem."
automatic investigation
error monitoring
Cloudflare
"The road-focused design may not suit all types of runners, especially those who prefer trail shoes."
road
design
audience
"The shoe is heavier than anticipated for a lower stack height model."
heavy
stack height
comparison
"Despite good durability, the outsole's extensive coverage may contribute to the shoe's weight."
outsole durability
weight issues
"Lacking the pedigree of established road-running brands may affect confidence."
brand
confidence
"The muted color palette might not appeal to all runners."
design
style

Need help picking the right size?

Take a short quiz to help us find the right size for you compared to your current shoe. It takes 2 minutes.

Powered byFittir Logo
Get started

Model Updates

Older Models

Newer Models

Reviews

Read reviews about the Inov-8 roadfly 1 from across the internet, including reviews from other runners on Fittir, wear testers from google & youtube, and more.

Reviews on Fittir (-)

...

Wear-tester reviews (10)

4.2/5

Prices

Find the best price for the Inov-8 roadfly 1 from across the internet with our partnered shoe retailers*.

We couldn't find any stock with our partners. Try searching google instead.

*When you click through to the retailer, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Its a great way to support us and keep this site free.

Similar Shoes

Most similar
Cheaper
More cushioned
Lighter
More responsive
Softer Cushion
Same brand
Different brand
Less cushioned
More expensive