

Lake District-based outdoor brand inov-8 have just announced a big bunch of upgrades to their award-winning range of hiking boots. The design improvements have been made to the brand’s top two trekking boots: the light and flighty Roclite G 345 GTX, and the more hardcore Roclite G 400 GTX, which already stand tall among the best hiking boots around.
The Roclite G 345 GTX is a lightweight boot, ideal for moving quickly along paths, tracks and trails when you’re not carting too much weight, and version 1 of this model received a 5-star review from our T3 tester when it was first launched.
The Roclite G 400 GTX is a more rugged, extra protective and slightly heavier hoof, best suited for technical trails, and/or times when you’re on a multiday mission with a bigger pack.
Both boots feature inov-8’s trademark Graphene-enhanced grip, made from the toughest stuff on the planet, and the tried-and-tested outsoles will remain the same. However, having listened to feedback from you lot, the people who properly use and abuse the products in the real world, the brand are promising improvements to the top half of the boots.
inov-8 say new upper and midsole technologies have been employed in the V2s, aimed at delivering greater comfort, a better fit, more protection and support, increased energy return, and longer-lasting durability. Both boots will continue to feature a Gore-Tex membrane to keep wearers’ feet dry.
On the G400s, the V2 will feature a new and improved heel lock system, upgraded Powerflow Max foam cushioning in the midsole, an enhanced toe bumper and a stronger nylon ripstop material has been used in the upper chassis. The G345s will also get the new heel lock and improved midsole, plus a tighter, tougher weave in the upper and extra padding in the tongue and heel for improved comfort.
“The original versions of both won ‘hiking boot of the year awards,’ but we never rest on our laurels,” says Wayne Edy, who founded the English Lake District based brand 20 years ago. “Instead, the team carefully listened to all the feedback and worked meticulously to make upgrades to both the uppers and midsoles.”
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
What do we think? Well, we are trail testing the V2s now and will update you as soon as we have put them through a meaningful amount of miles in the hills. Watch this space.
Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat Kinsella has been writing about outdoor pursuits and adventure sports for two decades. In pursuit of stories he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked across the Norwegian Alps, run ultras across the roof of Mauritius and through the hills of the Himalayas, and set short-lived speed records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s nine Great Walks. A former editor of several Australian magazines he’s a longtime contributor to publications including Sidetracked, Outdoor, National Geographic Traveller, Trail Running, The Great Outdoors, Outdoor Fitness and Adventure Travel, and a regular writer for Lonely Planet (for whom he compiled, edited and co-wrote the Atlas of Adventure, a guide to outdoor pursuits around the globe). He’s authored guides to exploring the coastline and countryside of Devon and Dorset, and recently wrote a book about pub walks. Follow Pat's adventures on Strava and instagram.
-
The 5 Xbox handheld features that would make rumoured console an instabuy
If Xbox's handheld console is real, I want these features
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
This DJI drone launch pad fits to the roof of your electric car
EV maker BYD has teamed up with DJI to make a roof-mounted drone station
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
AKU Conero GTX NBK hiking boots review: conquer the trail with Italian flair
A rugged and stylish Nubuck hiking boot with excellent water resistance
By Derek Adams Published
-
When is the best time of year to go on a hike?
Not sure when’s best to hit the trails? This is what an outdoor expert recommends
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
How to pack your rucksack for a hiking or camping trip
Pack properly, save space and get easier access to the items you need the most
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
I tested these high-tech Merrell hikers and was taken aback by their biggest strength
The SpeedArc Surge Boa combines speed, comfort, and adjustability but has some issues with figuring out its target audience
By Pat Kinsella Published
-
How to clean your hiking backpack for your next outdoor adventure
It's time to give your backpack some well-deserved TLC
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
3 essential strength exercises every hiker should be doing, according to an outdoor expert
Boost your performance on the trails and reduce the likelihood of injuries
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
AceBeam H35 review: a five-bulb barrel headtorch with a belter of a beam
An idiot-proof headlamp for hiking, camping and working in the dark
By Pat Kinsella Published
-
AceBeam P20 review: A skinny flashlight that packs a mighty punch
Feel the force and slice the night with this light sabre, which has a range of over a kilometre
By Pat Kinsella Published