runABC were delighted to get their hands (and feet) on a pre-launch pair of  inov-8's latest innovation – the hybrid road-to-trail PARKCLAW G 280 running shoe featuring Graphene, the world's strongest material. We asked runABC news writer, coach, and master athlete Alan Newman to put them through their paces, and here are his first impressions...

The first challenge was opening the box, a secure construction in black and green, to reveal the striking 'Nectar/Navy' colour combo of this new crossover trail shoe (pictured above). Quality engineering is always a feature of inov-8 footwear but the solid construction and appearance belie a light weight (280g) that is a surprising optical illusion. I was also pleased to find grippy oval laces that stayed tied and a plush tongue with lace tunnels that stayed in place in all conditions. 

The prominent G on the midsole stands for Graphene – a remarkable substance that is stronger than diamond, yet can be stretched by a quarter of its length like rubber. This is uniquely infused into the rubber outsole and foam midsole of the PARKCLAW G 280 to both extend the life of the sole and improve energy return. 

Discovered in 2004 by scientists from the University of Manchester, who later won the Nobel Prize in Physics, Graphene is the toughest – yet also the thinnest – material in the world. It is used in both the 'G-GRIP' rubber outsole and 'G-FLY' foam cushioned midsole of the PARKCLAW G 280.

Obviously, this is no carbon-plated super shoe (although Graphene is an allotrope of carbon) but it is ground-breaking footwear due to its adaptability. 'Escape the Grey' is the strapline that accompanies today's (7th April) official launch – empowering runners to have confidence to turn off the road and discover the many joys of the trails. The 98 rubber cleats per shoe – all 4mm in length – deliver tough, claw-like trail grip and a smooth on-road ride, as evidenced by how quietly these shoes run on tarmac. 

Fresh out the box, the PARKCLAW G 280s were comfy and supportive. The sturdy heel loop aids foot entry and I noted the generous heel padding and rolled achilles tab – no more sore heels in these shoes. The fit is true to size and the toe box is a little broader than many outright trail shoes – a feature that was appreciated by this reviewer's bunions! 

A light and breathable mesh upper enhances all-round comfort, while a super-springy 'BOOMERANG' footbed (resembling mini bubble wrap on the underside) delivers yet more bounce. The reinforced toe bumper came into its own when I flicked an impromptu pass of a large stone to my running partner, who returned the compliment before I volleyed it painlessly into the bottom corner of an imaginary net!    

My four-day test involved two road-to-trail training runs, a trail parkrun, and a hard surface towpath run with my David Lloyd running group. Running speeds ranged from 6:30min/km to 4:30min/km (for short bursts). 

Market research at my local parkrun indicated a liking for the striking yellow colour scheme, although one comedian felt they resembled a certain brand of safety boots that your local builder might make tracks for!

inov-8 founder Wayne Edy says: “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.”

Alan's verdict: "The first hybrid road-to-trail shoe to benefit from the remarkable properties of Graphene fully justifies its price point and claims of comfort and versatility. The midsole stack height (18mm) and 8mm drop provides oodles of cushioning, yet still retains sufficient 'feel'. Durability looks to be guaranteed by the build quality and unique use of infused Graphene. Clearly, this is a shoe designed by runners, for runners, having been forged on the unforgiving Lake District fells."  

The new PARKCLAW G 280 is on sale now over at the inov-8 website 

Images courtesy Lee Procter, inov-8.com