Our verdict
To say that the Trailfly G270 v2 has it rough is an understatement—it has the unenviable job of being the successor of the gen-1 G270, a shoe many experts hailed as the best trail runner of 2020 (and remains one of their favorites to date). Impressively, v2 manages to keep the excellent ride and feel of the original while also addressing some of its minor flaws. It’s a pair that will be enjoyed by Inov-8 OGs and newcomers alike.
Pros
- Breathable
- Upper material dries easily
- Superb traction on wet/dry trails, snow, light mud
- Good trail feel
- Who should buy the Trailfly G270 v2
- Protective for long runs
- One-two punch of cushioning
Cons
- Top 14% in
- Little tweaks, big improvements
Fly through technical trails in the Trailfly G270 v2
Light and bouncy enough for speedwork:
- One-two punch of cushioning.
- trail running shoes.
- Fans of zero-drop trail runners with a good amount of ground feel Spartan race OCR.
Top 14% in
For runners who'd rather not spend precious minutes picking mud off their outsoles with a rock or a stick, try the X-Talon 255. If you’re after a zero-drop shoe with a snug fit, check out the Altra Outroad.
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The Trailfly G270 v2 remained nearly identical to its predecessor, save for a few minor changes—the most notable of which occurred in the upper.
Reviewers found that the shoe, while still relatively stark and minimalistic in terms of padding, felt markedly softer and more comfortable than its predecessor. They also noticed that the overlays have been moved outside the midfoot, thus offering more flexibility and breathability in the forefoot.
Additionally, runners were impressed with the upper material and its ability to dry quickly after getting wet—a quality one described as “a blessing on those longer adventures.”
One-two punch of cushioning
Because of its roomy, foot-shaped forefoot, some experts quipped that the G270 v2 has now joined the ranks of the notoriously roomy Altras and Topos.
This roominess has been a welcome change for runners with normal to wide feet, as it allowed for thicker socks, foot swelling, and/or toe splaying.
Those with narrow feet, however, felt that the shoe was less secure. One tester found that despite the solid hold in the heel, he was “never really able to dial in the fit.” Moreover, even though the v2 had a more padded tongue, the excess upper material bunched up when lacing up, and prevented the midfoot from locking down “without tensioning the laces to the point of discomfort.”
Good trail feel
While some were hoping for Inov-8’s new FlySpeed foam to make an appearance in the G270 v2, many were happy to see the return of the Powerflow Max. The midsole remains fairly firm but well-cushioned—”a careful compromise between trail feel, comfort, and propulsion,” remarked one tester.
Also making a return is its Boomerang footbed, which according to runners provides extra cushioning and energy return and keeps their legs feeling fresh. And after testing the insole with his other shoes, one user found that it can also “make a relatively lifeless shoe feel bouncy and energetic.”
Superb traction on wet/dry trails, snow, light mud
The 270 v2’s Graphene Grip, while “arguably overhyped,” according to one expert, still impressed a lot of testers with its traction, durability, and protection.
They report that it performs best on dry, hard-packed trails but is also very capable on snow, wet ground, and light mud. On thick mud or boggy terrain, however, the tread felt too tame and had a tendency “to hoard dirt between the lugs.”
Fun, guaranteed
“The most fun trail I have right now.” That’s what one experienced runner had to say about his v2. Thanks to its cushioned but speedy ride, reviewers enjoyed using their pairs for just about anything.
It’s comfy enough “to handle a 50k,” but also light enough for short, fast runs. In terms of terrain, it “can dance up and down technical terrain with sure-footing,” but is not “sluggish or clunky on dirt roads and buffed-out singletrack.”
One expert summarized it best, the Trailfly G270 v2 is “for most people, most of the time.”
