INOV8 All Terrain Gaiter

The Inov-8 All Terrain Gaiter is an accessory that is designed to keep debris from entering footwear at the ankle. This product is ideal for hikers that are in an environment where dust, dirt, gravel, etc. easily gets into footwear. These gaiters function best with Inov-8 products that have proprietary hook pockets, but also can work universally with most low-top and mid-ankle footwear.

Inov-8 products are rapidly catching on in the USA, and for good reason. With superior design being a necessity in today’s outdoor market, options become numerous. UK-based Inov-8 has been refining the off-road running market since 2009. This gaiter fills its niche purpose with a simply designed, uninsulated, product. The All Terrain Gaiter has a three-point attachment system that is compatible with many of Inov-8’s shoes, but be sure to check compatibility.

A pair of silicone o-rings are included for non-proprietary footwear 

 

Stock Image, Inov-8

Specifications:

• Price: $25
• Gender: Unisex
• Weight: 38g/ 1.34oz (pair, with o-rings)
• Material: Polyester, Polyamide
• Sizes Available: US 4-13 (Men’s)

Gaiters using the proprietary hook/pocket on the Roclite G 345 GTX

 
Close-up image of a retainer hook

Fit & Comfort: Inov-8’s All Terrain Gaiter is a very comfortable gaiter that is specifically designed for low-top and mid-ankle shoes. The gaiter’s thin minimalist design allows the wearer to focus on the trail ahead, and not the product getting them there. Three sizes allow the consumer a close choice to properly fit footwear. Once easily fitted with the metal clasps, the elastic band holds comfortably on the wearer’s upper ankle, preventing debris from getting into footwear. 

Inov-8 All Terrain Gaiter hiking the 41-mile Maryland AT Challenge

Wearing these gaiters without the three-point attachment system has proven to have flaws, however. Without a dedicated anchor near the rear of the shoe/boot, the included o-rings attach like a stirrup under the sole of the shoe. This durability of the o-ring under-foot comes into question, which is why the rating of this product is not higher. Using this gaiter with the proprietary Inov-8 shoe/boot is great, and would be rated at 4+ stars. Unfortunately the lack of universality allows this gaiter to tumble to an average rating overall. 

The All Terrain Gaiter will work with some full boot-height footwear

Long-term durability when attached under the sole is questionable

Water Resistance/Breathability: The All Terrain Gaiter is specifically designed to prevent solid material from getting into footwear. Although mist and light rain resists getting through the gaiter’s material, they will soak and moisture will get into the otherwise protected footwear. The polyester material is not insulated, and therefore dries quickly. 

Layering: The Inov-8 All Terrain Gaiter was found to be comfortable both layering above, and below the product. The elastic upper was not too tight when regularly tested with Injinji Liner Crew sockliners, and either Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion or Micro Crew Light Cushion socks.  

Construction & Durability: These gaiters have been well constructed, and show little to no signs of wear after approximately 100 miles of testing. No damage to shoelaces from the main hook, or any shoes tested. As should be expected, the material will easily catch or tear if contacted by briars, rocks, etc. Long term friction would also eventually wear the fabric down. 

The Inov-8 All Terrain Gaiters have been tested from spring to autumn 2019 in mixed conditions. Whether rainy days or dry and dusty, the All Terrain Gaiter have seen most conditions that the mid-Atlantic offers. The gaiters have been tested on several pairs of footwear, the Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX,  Inov-8 Roclite 295, and Hoka Tor Ultra Hi WP. 

Many thanks to the people at Inov-8 for the opportunity to test the All Terrain Gaiter for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps.

Background

The product tester has been an avid hiker and backpacker for over thirty years. Based in the mid-Atlantic East Coast, multiple types of gaiters have been used and tested from the Outdoor Research Crocodile to Dirty Girls.