Inov-8 likes nasty. Nasty conditions for running that is, because running doesn't suck enough all by itself. Lucky for those of us who prefer a more sedate pace, Inov-8 shoes do it all and everyone benefits from the extreme capability built into their footwear. So fast and light people everywhere can gear up and get out.
The Inov-8 Roclite series is built for versatility in challenging conditions. The Roclite 345 GTX is a supremely balanced shoe: lightweight but still with good protection and decent cushioning, waterproof and supremely grippy. The mid-height boot cut provides a little more support and protection and makes it easier to fix a gaiter for your next trip up and down Mt. Marathon. That scree is nasty and oh-so-much fun, at least on the way down.
The Roclite runs just a tad small, so if you're on the fence between two sizes go up. The laces were a concern for us initially, because they're thin and run through even thinner cord eyelets, but we haven't had a problem so we're going to assume they know what they're doing. The benefit is that lacing up the 345 feels like strapping on a sports car, all close fit and performance.
The Roclite 345 GTX is a great choice for scrambling, hiking in sketchy terrain, mountain running and just about anything where you want to move fast and light without sacrificing protection and grip. We can even vouch for the grip on snow and ice, since we received these at the tail end of winter when freeze/thaw conditions were a daily occurrence. We've been impressed with the Inov-8's quality and performance over the past few years,