Inov-8

Road-X 233

Shoe image placeholder
Trail · Neutral
Exceptional (96/100)

Shoe details

Weight
8.8 oz
Release
2011
Stack Height
18mm heel - 12mm toe
Drop Height
6mm

Ratings & Reviews

Exceptional (96/100)

Better than about 94% of shoes

Based on product-line history, external ratings, and runner reviews.
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This score rates better than 94% of shoes.

Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.

Rating breakdown

Better Shoes score out of 100. Shading shows the expected rating range.
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Rankings combine runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, direct comparisons to other shoes, related product-line performance, and trusted external ratings.

The darker band shows the central score range. The lighter band shows a wider range of reasonable outcomes. More reviews for this shoe usually narrow both bands.

Overall

Exceptional (96/100)

Overall ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Exceptional (96/100)

Rank

Ranks above 94% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Comfort

Exceptional (97/100)

Comfort ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Exceptional (97/100)

Rank

Ranks above 95% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Durability

Excellent (94/100)

Durability ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Excellent (94/100)

Rank

Ranks above 90% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Value

Above average (88/100)

Value ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Above average (88/100)

Rank

Ranks above 78% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Appearance

Above average (81/100)

Appearance ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Above average (81/100)

Rank

Ranks above 62% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Cushioning

Good (71/100)

Cushioning ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Good (71/100)

Rank

Ranks above 28% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

25%

1/4

Prefer this shoe over another.

Reviewers said this shoe was better than another shoe they ran in.

All Running Shoes

Better than 94% of 2,538 running shoes ranked.

Exceptional (96/100)

Trail Shoes

Better than 99% of 392 trail shoes ranked.

99%

Inov-8

Better than 95% of 18 Inov-8 shoes ranked.

95%

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Current shoe
Best comfort / Best durability
Newest
Lightest / Best overall / Best cushioning
Shoe properties
Type
Trail
Trail
Trail
Pronation
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
8.8 oz M
8.6 oz M Lightest
Stack
18/12mm
37/32mm
Drop
6mm
5mm
Release
2011
2025 Newest
2024 Q2
MSRP
$155
Best price
$108.97
Ratings
Overall
Excellent (94%)
Excellent (97%) Best overall
Comfort
Excellent (95%) Best comfort
Excellent (92%)
Cushioning
Below average (28%)
Exceptional (98%) Best cushioning
Durability
Excellent (90%) Best durability
Very good (89%)
Appearance
Above average (62%)
Good (71%) Best appearance
Value
Good (78%)
Very good (85%) Best value
Specific shoe

Search for the exact model to add to this comparison.

Where to buy

No offers available

Better alternatives

Higher-rated shoes similar to this one

Reader Ratings

4 reader ratings

Review a shoe

Showing 1–4 of 4 written reviews

Reader review

Anonymous runner · Jun 22, 2015

5/5

Overall

I thoroughly enjoyed running in the 233s. They are exceptionally light with a roomy toe box. Would highly recommend this shoe although the lack of cushioning over ultra distances would appear to contribute to leg fatigue.
Comfort
5/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
4/5

Reader review

CPGrun · Apr 7, 2015

5/5

Overall

Excellent but being discontinued
Comfort
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
4/5

Reader review

CPGrun · Mar 22, 2015

5/5

Overall

I have worn this shoe for 3+ years now and couldn't recommend it highly enough. Sadly Inov8 appear to be ending their road running line so I'm going to have to change shoe once mine wear out.
Comfort
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

Reader review

CPGrun · Mar 22, 2015

5/5

Overall

Excellent, not had one problem but sadly being discontinued after 3 years use.
Comfort
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5