A New Era Of Graphene Sports Shoes

Press Release / 07.03.2019

inov-8 – the company at the forefront of a sports footwear revolution – has launched new ROCLITE 275 shoes with graphene-grip, as worn by record-breaking runner Jasmin Paris.

The 35-year-old hit international headlines in January when she became the first-ever woman to win the UK’s 268-mile Spine Race outright.

Jasmin beat a field of 116 men and 7 other women, clocking a time of 83 hours 12 mins to obliterate all previous course records. 

While some rivals switched shoes during the mountainous race – which involves running and fast-hiking over hard trail, rocky slabs, mud and bog – Jasmin used just one pair of ROCLITE 275s.

The mum-of-one said: “A good pair of shoes are an essential piece of kit on the Spine Race and my feet were much better than a lot of other competitors.

“I wore one pair for the full 268 miles and there was no swelling. The ROCLITE 275s worked superbly, giving me excellent grip, including on wet rock, while also providing cushioning underfoot.”

inov-8 became the first brand in the world to use graphene in sports shoes when last year launching the TERRAULTRA G 260 and MUDCLAW G 260, both for off-road runners, plus the F-LITE G 290 for crossfitters.

The new ROCLITE 275, ROCLITE 290 and ROCLITE 315 GTX – designed for trail runners, fast-hikers and adventurers who want versatile shoes that can handle all terrains – are the latest to feature the revolutionary rubber.

200 times stronger than steel, graphene is the world’s strongest material. Collaborating with Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan and fellow graphene experts at The University of Manchester, inov-8 has been able to infuse the Nobel prize winning material into rubber outsoles, which are scientifically proven to be 50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% harder wearing.

inov-8 Product & Marketing Director Michael Price said: “Prior to our game-changing graphene innovation, runners had to choose between a sticky rubber outsole that grips in all conditions but wears down quicker and a harder rubber outsole that is more durable but not as sticky. 

“Graphene rubber means there is no longer a need to compromise – runners, fast-hikers and adventurers can have insane sticky grip and increased durability, all in one rubber. We call this the ‘world’s toughest grip.’”

ROCLITE shoes were first introduced to the inov-8 range in 2004, a year after the company was formed. Renowned as off-road all-rounders, ROCLITE shoes have been popular with runners, fast-hikers and adventurers worldwide for 15 years.

Price added: “If you’re looking for one pair of shoes that do it all, then the ROCLITEs with graphene-grip are the perfect choice. As proven by Jasmin Paris, these tough shoes will handle everything thrown in their way.

“And this is just the start. This year will see several more inov-8 ambassadors wear the new ROCLITE shoes to attempt world records and incredible feats of endurance.”

Graphene is produced from graphite, which was first mined in the Lake District fells of Northern England more than 450 years ago. inov-8 too was forged in the same fells. The brand now trades in 68 countries worldwide.

The scientists who first isolated graphene from graphite were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2010. Building on their revolutionary work, a team of over 300 staff at The University of Manchester has pioneered projects into graphene-enhanced prototypes, from sports cars and medical devices to aeroplanes and now sports footwear.

The ROCLITE 275 (which weighs 275g), as well as the ROCLITE 290 & 315 GTX shoes, are on sale now, priced £120-£145.