Review: Invo8 Roclite 285

If you want to buy just one fell shoe to cover all bases this may not be the shoe for you. The good news is it makes no compromises in design to cater for a broader market. It is a true specialist product that lives up to its design brief.



Specialised or not, the
Roclite 285 arguably has a wider application for a greater range of running applications courtesy of the less aggressive sole design. The first thing I noticed when I tried the shoes on was that the fit is superb, so much so that they almost make you want run.

The outsole has a grid of flat-based studs, which as the name suggests means that shoe is good on exposed rock. Conversely you will loose out on some penetration while running on steep wet surfaces.



Here are a few examples of when and where I have used Roclite’s recently:

I love running in Roclite’s in dry conditions or in terrain that might include some road sections. Orienteering Sprint Races, which usually take place at locations such as University campuses are perfect Roclite terrain. These races can be on at least 50% hard surface but always with some grass of even small sections of forest. You need to run fast because the courses are short, 2-3Km and there is always a sprint to the finish so its good to wear a shoe that makes you feel light on your feet and isn’t too clumpy. If you haven’t tried an O Sprint Race I wouldn’t really recommend having a go. They’re designed for all age groups and you can run at your won pace. Here is an example of a map:





At the end of March I used the Roclite in the Loughrigg Fell race. Conditions were dry and the route flagged on good paths so the Roclite was a perfect choice.

Last Friday my wife Pat and I had a run up Sgor Gaoith in the Cairngorms. Roclite’s were the perfect choice for the dry sandy conditions typical of the hills in that area after a prolonged dry period.



On the way up Sgor Gaoith


...and on the way back

What I use them for: Fell running in dry conditions. Interval training. O sprint races and short fell races in dry conditions. I don’t do any road races but I would imagine that they would be good 10ks or flattish of road races. I also use the shoe for non-running application such as crag approach and carrying on long multi-pitch routes where you need to change out of rock boots for the descent.

What I wouldn’t use them for: Anything steep and wet.

Buy the Roclite 285 Here