Trail Running Gear

Trail Tested: inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max and SaySky Running Apparel Review

A female-specific trail running kit check covering the inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max shoe and four pieces of SaySky apparel, with honest likes, dislikes, and buying advice.

Trail running shoe and running apparel laid out on a concrete surface

Introduction

We spent a couple of months putting a full set of women-specific trail running kit through its paces: the inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max shoe and four pieces of apparel from the Danish brand SaySky. The testing took place over regular training runs and longer efforts on mixed terrain, in everything from cold, calm mornings to windy and muddier conditions.

Why Technical Kit Matters on Long Runs

One theme came through clearly: once you run distance in genuinely technical kit, it is very hard to go back to cheaper, non-technical pieces. The difference shows up most on longer runs, where chafing, poor breathability, and uncomfortable fits turn from minor annoyances into real problems. That is exactly where the SaySky pieces impressed, and where a properly developed shoe like the TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max earns its place.

Trail runner on a sunlit mountain singletrack with blue skies

SaySky Long Pace Tee

The Long Pace Tee is a long-sleeve running top that punches well above its weight. Our tester normally runs warm and rarely wears long sleeves, and she did not expect much from it. Instead, it became a fast favourite: cozy and warm in cold weather, yet surprisingly breathable in warmer but windy conditions, almost to the point of feeling like you are wearing nothing at all.

The fabric is soft, plush, and silky against the skin, with no chafing reported at all, and the little star design adds a nice touch. The verdict was unambiguous: no dislikes, would buy again, and a big thumbs up.

Close-up of a soft technical running top fabric with star design

SaySky Combat Short Pace Tee

The Combat Short Pace Tee takes a slightly different approach. It is very light and noticeably more breathable than the long-sleeve version, with a fabric that feels a touch less silky but still pleasant against the skin. If you prioritise ventilation on warm runs, this is the one to reach for, while the Long Pace Tee edges it on plushness.

SaySky Short Pace Tights

The Short Pace Tights were tested alongside the tops over several months of distance running. They fitted well, produced no chafing, and the fabric is soft and comfortable. Two details stood out: a nice wide waistband, which is hard to find and makes a real comfort difference, and practical storage, including a good-sized side pocket for a gel and a secure zip pocket at the back for keys.

Close-up of running tights waistband and side storage pocket

One quirk worth knowing: the tights come with a drawstring, but our tester did not need it on a fitted tight and simply pulled it out, after which the fit was perfect. If you dislike drawstrings digging in, you may do the same. Overall, a strong performer that our tester would happily use again.

SaySky Universal Sports Bra

The Universal Sports Bra was the biggest upgrade in the whole test. Our tester had previously run in cheaper, less technical sports bras and regularly finished runs with chafing issues. This one was a massive improvement: genuinely comfortable, no chafing, and a favourite feature is the full mesh back, which keeps things airy enough that it almost feels like you are not wearing anything.

The takeaway from this one is simple: for short runs or gym workouts a basic bra may be fine, but for distance running, well-developed technical kit makes a real and immediately noticeable difference.

inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max

The TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max is a deeply cushioned, high-stack trail shoe with a distinctive feel. It is cushioned without being soft and squishy, thanks largely to the Boomerang insole, and it is remarkably stable. Our tester called it the most stable shoe she has ever run in, feeling grounded and connected to the ground despite the stack height. Traction proved dependable across mud, rocks, and everything in between, and it even crosses over well to the road despite not being a road shoe.

It suits long, steady runs and mixed terrain particularly well, which is exactly what you want from a distance shoe. Durability feels bombproof, and the black, white, and green colorway is a nice bonus.

Overall Buying Advice

If your priority is comfort on long runs, the SaySky apparel is an easy recommendation across the board: the Long Pace Tee for colder and variable conditions, the Combat Short Pace Tee for warm-weather ventilation, the Short Pace Tights for distance comfort with good storage, and the Universal Sports Bra as a genuine upgrade over budget options.

For shoes, the TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max makes sense if you value stability, all-terrain versatility, and cushioning that feels firm rather than squishy. Think about the trade-offs before committing, though, which brings us to the drawbacks.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max is not without flaws. The weight is the main one: it is already a heavy shoe, and it held on to sticky mud rather than shedding it, making it feel even heavier. The price is the second concern; it is an expensive shoe that some runners will find hard to justify. Our tester scored it 4 out of 10 for price, 8 for comfort and performance, and 9 for durability. One minor niggle: there is nowhere to tuck excess lace, which matters if you lace up tight. Even with those caveats, she kept reaching for it over her other shoes, which says a lot.

Trail shoe outsole and upper resting on rocky mountain trail

Conclusion

This test produced a rare clean sweep. Every piece of SaySky apparel earned a thumbs up, with the Long Pace Tee and Universal Sports Bra standing out as the highlights. The inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max delivers on stability, comfort, and durability, with weight and price as the honest trade-offs. If technical kit that makes running feel better matters to you, this line-up is well worth a look.

Further reading

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