Bringing together everything we’ve learnt over the past two decades, the all-new ROCLITE hikers boast the biggest footwear design enhancements in our 20+ year history.
These radical new waterproof hiking shoes and boots share our carefully crafted new foot-shaped fit, as well as grip inspired by mountain goats, and next-level cushioning, comfort & protection.
The two new designs are called the ROCLITE GTX (shoe) and the ROCLITE MID GTX (boot). The two share the same outsole, midsole and upper, with the main difference being that one is a shoe and the other a boot.
In this blog post we take you behind the design of the new ROCLITE hikers in a Q&A with Graham Jordison, our Head of Product Design for Footwear, and Luke McConnie, our Senior Footwear Designer.
The ROCLITE hike series has a lot of history. How long has it been in the range?
GJ: The ROCLITE series has been inline for 18 years, making it the longest standing INOV8 franchise. It formed part of the ‘Fast & Lite’ hiking range, which we pioneered when all other hike brands were still making relatively traditional and heavy leather hike boots.
How difficult is it to update such an established model of footwear?
GJ: The ROCLITE sole is well balanced in terms of cleat shape, size and position. This makes it somewhat of a challenge to update the design aesthetic without losing what makes it such good all-round technical trail footwear.
Improved compound and detailing are where improvements can – and have – been made. However, this is not only true of the outsole, as we have made significant changes by updating the last (shape of the footwear) and introducing a completely new midsole compound.
What are the major design updates?
GJ: Every aspect of the ROCLITE range has been redesigned, including the branding. It has all been done in a manner that keeps the ROCLITE true to its DNA. We have created a new last which has a much more natural, anatomical fit, hugging the foot while allowing it the room it needs to function best. For launch the shoe and boot will come in our new Wide Fit, for extra comfort.
Where did the inspiration for the new outsole cleats come from?
GJ: I didn't want to deviate too much from the angular and blocky design of the ROCLITE cleats so I looked at adding facets which would help with grip in wet conditions.
The shape itself was inspired by the cloven hoof of the mountain goat. Cloven hooved mammals have an almost finger like dexterity. Their split hoof combines a hard outer shell with soft inner pads that provide excellent traction in their precarious habitats.
We have also done significant research on water dispersion, so the split design also takes this into account to provide better performance on wet rock.
Why is the new ROCLITE slightly heavier than those before it?
GJ: While the new wider shape means there is simply more material added to the product, the new midsole has an increased level of cushioning over its predecessor with a slightly thicker stack height. The introduction of a BOOMERANG footbed needs to be considered too. It is made from a highly resilient ETPU compound which adds some weight, but it gives a plush underfoot feel.
The average weight across the size curve of the ROCLITE GTX is 365g and the ROCLITE MID GTX is 435g.
Where did you take design inspiration from for the boot and shoe?
LM: In alignment with the brand's relaunch, our aim was to develop a design aesthetic that reflected its new direction. Biomorphism became one of the main inspirations that informed the visual language of the midsole sculpting. Derived from the Greek word bios (life) and morphe (form), the term refers to abstract forms such as plants, organisms and the human anatomy. Specifically, we found inspiration in muscle structures and leaf venation.
In crafting the upper design, we opted for a more systematic and utilitarian approach. We built upon the brand's recognizable visual elements, particularly emphasizing the midfoot MET-CRADLE known for providing a secure and snug fit.
What feature are you most proud of?
GJ: The design team enjoy being able to add subtle design details that aren’t immediately visible, so things like the wear indicator that’s built into one of the cleats is a useful feature I quite like.
Finally, the two ROCLITES are identical (except for one being a boot), but the big question is what do you prefer to hike in, shoes or boots?
GJ: For me the choice is not a question of support but more about weight saving and protection. I prefer to hike in a low-cut shoe unless the conditions are wet and muddy and then I prefer the added protection of a boot.