DEATH REVIEW: Inov8 RocLite 286 Boots

Everything has an end, only the sausage has two: just over two years ago, we introduced and recommended the Inov8 RocLite 286 Boots to you. We were very impressed with them at the time they were relatively new - HERE is the SPARTANAT review of the Inov8 RocLite 286 Boots. Now, after intensive use, they have reached the end of their lifespan. Reason enough to take another look at the shoes: with a "Death Review."

Gore-Tex shoes are good Gore-Tex shoes as long as they remain waterproof. Even after experiences with Salomons: it is always at this point where the end happens. The bending of the shoe leads to the fabric and laminate suffering. And now there is a hole here. With the second shoe of the pair, we also had the feeling at the same time that moisture was seeping somewhere in the sole area. So "game over", the end of the Inov8 RocLite 286 Boots.

But otherwise, they have held up quite well over the years. The toe protection is still great, even if the labeling has faded. The adjacent, flat coating has almost completely rubbed off.

At the bottom rear, you can see a seam that is giving way. But this has not affected the function of the shoe. The mesh fabric, from which the body of the RocLite 286 is made, was initially seen as very critical because we thought it could be easily damaged. It has held up beautifully.

Possibly the lightest Gore-Tex shoe is also characterized by its thin sole, which has a clear profile. Even after two years, this soft sole has held up much better than expected, which means it is extremely solid for a lot of forest, mountain, and city use. There is still tread on it.

In essence a trail running shoe, we particularly love that it is ankle-high. This protects in the terrain, and when it rains, it's better for the wearer. The shoes shown here in the Death Review can still be worn normally. However, they are no longer waterproof, but they are still up for a stroll in the countryside with a hole.

CONCLUSION: We are very impressed with this product from Inov8. It has lasted two intensive years, this shoe has really been put through its paces. The RocLite 286 reach their limits when real winter comes, as they do not provide enough warmth, but otherwise, they reliably accompany the wearer through three seasons. The low weight and actually thin sole are very comfortable. As already mentioned in the first article: rough terrain (such as in the high mountains) is not something you want to walk in with this shoe, you can feel the stones through the sole. But you can pack the lightweight RocLite in your backpack for a longer hike and have a fully functional lightweight pair with you. For us, the shoe has proven itself so well that it will get a new successor. We will get another pair.

The Inov8 RocLite 286 Boots are available at sports shoe retailers between 129 and 159 euros.

Inov8 on the internet: www.inov-8.com