Pioneering sports brand inov-8 is launching its first road-to-trail running shoe featuring Graphene, the world’s strongest material.
The new PARKCLAW G 280 is designed to give runners more confidence to turn off the road and discover the joys of trails. The shoe goes on pre-sale today ahead of an official launch on April 7th.
By infusing Graphene into both the rubber outsole and foam cushioned midsole, inov-8 say the PARKCLAW G 280 delivers longer-lasting performance benefits for the runner in the form of tougher grip and greater bounce.
The brand, whose HQ is in the English Lake District, first used the wonder-material in its products in 2018, as part of a collaboration with leading Graphene scientists at The University of Manchester.
inov-8 founder Wayne Edy said: “This shoe is all about giving runners adventure from their door, allowing them to turn off the road, escape the grey, and unearth their inner wild side.
“We hope the PARKCLAW G 280 gives people more confidence to run to the trails, and then enjoy the incredible highs that trail running brings.
“I’m immensely proud of our pioneering use of Graphene, this time in a road-to-trail running shoe. It sets us apart from all other brands and helps us design footwear that delivers outstanding performance and enhanced durability, with zero compromise.”
Discovered in 2004 by scientists from The University of Manchester who later won the Nobel Prize in Physics, Graphene is toughest – yet also the thinnest – material in the world. It is used in the G-GRIP rubber outsole and G-FLY foam cushioned midsole of the new PARKCLAW G 280.
The G-GRIP outsole boasts 98 rubber cleats per shoe – all 4mm in length – that serve up both a claw-like trail grip and a smooth on-road ride.
Above that, the G-FLY foam midsole – combined with a raised 8mm drop – propels 25% more energy return for a fast-feel stride enhanced with cushioning and comfort.
In both cases, the Graphene imparts its unbeatable strength to ensure the rubber and foam retain their incredible powers for longer, thus prolonging the life of the shoes.
A light and breathable, yet durably engineered, mesh upper further enhances all-round comfort, while the super-springy BOOMERANG footbed delivers yet more bounce.
inov-8 has had PARKCLAW shoes in its range since 2016. However, this new model is completely different, with new outsole, midsole and upper designs in a package that weighs just 280g.
More details available at www.inov-8.com
KEY DETAILS
Name: PARKCLAW G 280
For: Trail Running and Road Running
Weight: 280g per shoe
Drop (heel to toe differential): 8mm
Width (on inov-8 1-5 scale, with 5 being the widest): 4
Lug depth: 4mm
Stack height (midsole only): 18mm at rear, 10mm at forefoot
Stack height (including outsole and footbed): 29mm at rear, 21mm at forefoot
Patent-pending technologies: G-GRIP, G-FLY
RRP: £160 | $180 | €180
Available: Pre-sale from March 31st | Official launch on April 7th