** A big caveat on this post to say that the Terroc 330′s are not currently available in Australia. However, we have a great selection of the top Inov-8′s currently in-store and on-line including F-Lite 195, X-Talon 190, Bear Grip 200, F-Lite 230, and the soon to be released Bare X 200 **

Here's a pic of the shoes after the run - a solid mud workout!

The story behind these shoes and the post is that about 5 years ago, I was given this pair of Inov-8′s to trial by a (then) potential supplier.

This was way before I was a devout convert to the ways of Natural Running and minimal shoes.

Funnily, at the time, I thought these trail shoes were rubbish. After about 4-5 runs in them over a week, I found them brutally hard under my foot, they hurt at each stride when I landed (heavy heel-strike) and they left my calves VERY sore.

Sound familiar? These symptoms are not uncommon experiences for anyone who is easing into barefoot/natural running.. I just didn’t know that was what it was!

When I tried these shoes, I had no idea that Inov-8 were one of the first pioneer’s of minimal/natural running trail shoes. To us, they were just a hugely popular UK brand of trail shoes that had not yet seen distribution in Australia.

So, fast forward to 2011 – almost 3 years after we first made the decision to support the barefoot movement and push into offering the best range of minimal shoes in Australia in our store.

I have since run several times in my 330′s, but to be honest, found them too supportive for me when compared to my Vibrams, Merrells, other Inov-8′s and even Volleys. I should say that one of my new favourite minimal shoes is the Inov-8 F-Lite 195′s. They combine the quality of the Inov-8 brand, but offer a much more minimal and barefoot experience than the 330′s – similar to, but not as close as the Vibram Five Fingers.

This is just quick video of me running in the 330′s recently through Centennial Park (in Sydney), for all to enjoy.