inov-8 is vowing to “take the sport of ultramarathon running by storm this summer” with an evolution of its Terraultra shoe that features an improvement in its use of Graphene-Grip and a new plush cushioning foam that delivers greater energy return for longer. The new Terraultra G 270 is, says the company, “the ultimate shoe for big trail miles.”

An evolution of the Terraultra G 260 – which won multiple awards including Best Trail Running Shoe 2018 by Runner’s World UK – the Terraultra G 270 features, in addition to the improved use of Graphene-Grip rubber and outsole flex grooves to aid long-lasting sticky traction, a Powerflow Max midsole foam delivers 20 percent more energy return and retains its optimum cushioning levels for twice as long as its predecessor. This ensures a snappy and responsive ride at all times, even deep into an ultramarathon.

In addition, the new Boomerang insole boasts a 40 percent increase in energy return versus the previous footbed, while Adapterfit technology in the upper works with the foot to adapt to any swelling or changes in terrain and improve overall comfort.

The Terraultra G 270 is priced at £145/€170/$160.

Among its testers has been Damian Hall, one of the world’s leading ultramarathon runners, who will wear it to attempt a Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 268-mile Pennine Way (England’s oldest National Trail) next week.

Michael Price, COO of inov-8, who are based in the UK’s Lake District, said: “Ultramarathon running has boomed in recent decades, with studies* showing a 1600 percent increase in participation of events further in distance than a marathon. 

“Our first specifically designed shoe for these committed runners, the Terraultra G 260, featuring the world’s toughest grip, was a huge success. It has become the best-selling trail shoe in the history of our own website retail channel, with sales doubling in the past year.

“Now, following an 18-month period in which we gathered feedback from ultramarathon runners across the world, we are ready to launch the Terraultra G 270,” Price adds. “It features several small, yet crucially detailed, improvements that will make a big difference in performance. The best just got even better.”

Because of its collaboration with Graphene experts at The University of Manchester, inov-8 is the only brand to use the Nobel Prize-winning material in sports footwear and has a patent pending on the technology. By infusing the world’s strongest material into its rubber, the brand has developed no-compromise outsoles for running, hiking and fitness that are both insanely sticky and incredibly tough wearing.

Such has been the growth in popularity, inov-8 has seen a 44 percent surge in global sales of its Graphene-enhanced footwear so far in 2020 compared to the first half of 2019.

Price adds: “We’re combining science and innovation together with entrepreneurial speed and agility to go up against other major sports brands – and we’re winning.”