INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs LOWA Skyterra

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

$170

LOWA Skyterra

€170

Quick verdict

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

$170

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (81 vs 71)
A lighter option (60 g less)
More cushioning (35 vs 33 mm heel stack)

LOWA Skyterra

€170

The better pick if you want:

No clear advantage on the specs we track.

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

INOV-8 TrailFly Max· leads in 2

CushioningLightness

LOWA Skyterra· leads in 1

Grip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
35 mmTop 43%
33 mm
Lightness
280 gTop 39%
340 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
6 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Technical Specifications

Compare features between INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs LOWA Skyterra

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (8)

Essentials

$170

€170

2025

2026

280 g

340 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Hard-packed & rocky trails

All-terrain trails and mixed surfaces

Long distance trail running, endurance runs and ultramarathons

Trail running and long-distance off-road adventures

Cushioning

6 mm

35 mm

33 mm

29 mm

27 mm

FLYSPEED PRO nitrogen-infused foam

DYNATPE® responsive foam

Grip & protection

G-GRIP graphene-infused rubber with 4mm lugs

Vibram® Trac Ultra 2 with 4.5 mm lugs

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs LOWA Skyterra should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
INOV-8 TrailFly Max							57
LOWA Skyterra							52

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

INOV-8 TrailFly Max75

Cushioning31/40
Lightness19/35
Smooth roll25/25

LOWA Skyterra51

Cushioning27/40
Lightness3/35
Smooth roll21/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 10 video reviews

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

LOWA Skyterra

Visual Comparison

See the differences between INOV-8 TrailFly Max and LOWA Skyterra in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs LOWA Skyterra?

For value comparison: The INOV-8 TrailFly Max ($170) provides premium features compared to the LOWA Skyterra ($170). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the INOV-8 TrailFly Max or the LOWA Skyterra?

The LOWA Skyterra is newer: it came out in 2026, and the INOV-8 TrailFly Max in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to INOV-8 TrailFly Max?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

The North Face Altamesa 500 v2

The North Face

$170Score 91+10

Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:

A higher overall score (91 vs 81)
More cushioning (44 vs 35 mm heel stack)

Compare with INOV-8 TrailFly Max

NNormal Tomir 2

NNormal

$170Score 90+9

Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 81)
A lighter option (16 g less)

Compare with INOV-8 TrailFly Max

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Merrell

$170Score 85+4

Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:

A higher overall score (85 vs 81)
A lighter option (45 g less)
A lower drop (4 vs 6 mm)

Compare with INOV-8 TrailFly Max

Popular Comparisons

Compare INOV-8 TrailFly Max or LOWA Skyterra with other top trail running shoes from brands such as INOV-8, LOWA and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

INOV-8 TrailFly Max· leads in 2

CushioningLightness

LOWA Skyterra· leads in 1

Grip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
35 mmTop 43%
33 mm
Lightness
280 gTop 39%
340 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
6 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Pick a ground

Average

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

LOWA Skyterra

INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs LOWA Skyterra

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

LOWA Skyterra

Quick verdict

Spec profile