Discussion: OROC 340s on sale

Last years model. At TheClymb.com. $68 (us).

Just keep in mind these are not the green and black ones that are popular among orienteers. I find the 340s very stable, noticeably heavier, and not quite as low a profile as I'd like for orienteering shoes. If you like a more supportive shoe, these are definitely the shoe for you, but if you prefer a minimalist approach to off-trail running, get the Oroc280s instead.

OTOH, the Oroc 340s are good shoes for running in the snow.

These are the yellow ones, just ran the HH in mine. They do look clunky, but I like them for their durability and foot protection.
Heavier and higher than my ice bugs, and obviously heavier( by 60g) than 280s.

Are these the ones without studs?

Nope, they have metal dobbs. They are like the very popular Oroc 280 except significantly beefier.

And I should correct myself -- it's the Oroc 340 GTX that make good snow runners ...because of the GoreTex.

Maybe I should upgrade to 340. 280 is nice and light, but I'm losing a toenail. Very tough toe box, especially if you've got a lot of downhills... I gather from these comments that 340 has the same mud/ice grip as 280?

Yes, the sole of the 340s and 280s is identical. Both have metal studs. One major difference is that the 340s have 9mm of heel drop, whereas the 280s have 6mm. This can make the shoe feel more comfortable on winter roads etc, because that wedge gives more padding. Less good in the forest, because you're more likely to roll an ankle.

Thanks, might give 340 a whirl next time the shoe budget comes around. :)

And I actually roll my ankles every time I use 280 because they're cut so low. My ankle is all over the place.

I covered about 110km in a 24hr rogaine in the 340's. Very comfy, but you lose a lot of the 'ground feel' that you get with 212s. (i've never had the 280s)

They're popular with this orienteer... :) The 280's don't fit my feet properly (a common trend for their newer models like the FLite and the Bare). YMMV, but i think the 340 last is different than the 280.

I'm on my 2nd pair of 340's and just ordered a 3rd. Put about 400 miles on the first pair. Probably at 200 miles for the 2nd. I also liked the old (original?) roc-lite 315's.

Regularly wear the 340's for trail running and have done AR's, rogaines, o-meets, and lots of course setting in them. I wear ankle braces with them when in the woods.

Don't know what to expect from the updated version of the 340. They're $150 on Zappos.

The new models: 340 has a 9mm drop. the 280 a 6mm drop. both shoes look very different from previous model.

I have two older pairs of Ice Bugs too. Talk about clunky.

The new 280's are exactly the same as the old, just in a different color. The 340 is completely different.

Hey bill, you are probably right about a different last between the 280 and the 340 -- I bought the same size in each and the 340s are definitely bigger on my feet. Something to keep in mind when ordering!

Looking at the website with the new models on there, it looks like the new 340 is going to a performance fit (that's the narrow fit), like the 280. But I believe that lately the performance fit has gotten wider - I am still waiting on a response from Inov-8 about this, but my observations are that this year's shoes are wider than last year's.

There are four different "fits" for Inov-8 shoes: Performance (narrow, longer toe box), Neutral (precise fit that is flatter across the toes, ), Endurance (wider all over), and Women-specific (narrower in the heel). The icon at the upper left of the product description shows the fit.

They mess around with their colors a lot, but hopefully the new o' shoes aren't too different... we'll find out!

Alex, is that a change for the 340? What were they before? (I don't keep track of these things.)

I've definitely found that the fit is quite different even between shoes with the same Fit®. I do have funny-shaped feet, however, so YMMV.

Re: colors, aren't the new colors already out? Blue and lime for the 280s? It's not bad, and will make it easier to distinguish between all the pairs on the shoe rack. ;-)

Hey Alex, looks like the four "fits" are Precision, Natural, Endurance and Womens, the Womens fit being available in Endurance and Natural.

Oh man, a whole SHOE RACK of Inov-8s! *drool*

THAT'S the diagram I was looking for! Perfect, thanks! I do love that Inov-8 makes it easy to figure out their different styles; very clear explanation I think on how to choose the right shoe for what you're doing.

I didn't know that about the 4 fits. Good info. my problem with the 280 and the f-lites is the curvature of the toe box encroaching on the outer toes. Bummed there won't be an OROC in the Endurance category if the 340 goes Performance.

I don't see a shape difference between the Endurance and the Womens. I guess it's not meant to be an exact replica. Or maybe I need to try the womens cut? Do the womens inov8 come in a mens size 12.5?

Both of my current 340s (& previous pairs) are two arrow shoes with 6mm drop & I'm pretty sure they were made on a performance last - which appears to be what they are now calling 'precision'. A bit heavier, but extremely durable uppers and very good protection from rocks, though you definitely lose the ground feel of something like the 212. But I've used them happily in 24 hour rogaines without complaint except they are less desirable if there is a lot of pavement involved.