Inov-8 is a shoe and apparel brand that makes gear for a wide range of contexts. Most know Inov-8 for their trail running shoes, but the company has also steadily grown in the running shoe and cross-training shoe markets.
As someone who routinely rotates through Inov-8 cross-training shoes for lifting, CrossFit, and athletic-style workouts, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with Inov-8 shoes and I’ve found which models work best in certain contexts.
If you’re considering investing in new Inov-8 shoes, it’s important to find the shoe that matches your training needs best. In this article, I’ll break down some of the nuances that make some Inov-8 shoes better than others.
I’ll discuss which Inov-8 shoes are best for CrossFit, cross-training, lifting, hybrid-style workouts, and weightlifting. Every Inov-8 shoe included in this article I’ve personally hand-tested and reviewed.
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Best Inov-8 Shoes for CrossFit
When it comes to establishing which Inov-8 shoes are best for CrossFit, I’m considering three key construction and performance components. First, I’m looking at a shoe’s overall durability. Can it hold up to CrossFit workouts?
Second, I assess a shoe’s stability and test how heavily you can load them to ensure they’re good for heavy CrossFit WODs. Third and lastly, I assess a shoe’s versatility and consider its use for things like box jumps and double-unders.
Top Pick: Inov-8 F-260 V2
The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 is taking my top pick as the best Inov-8 shoe for CrossFit. Honestly, the F-Lite 260 V2, F-Lite G 300, and 235 V3 all work well for CrossFit, but I’m giving the edge to the F-Lite 260 V2 for a few key reasons.
First, I really enjoy the PowerFlow midsole construction in the F-Lite 260 V2. The midsole in this model provides a nice level of stability for heavy squats, cleans, and deadlifts, so it’s a safe option for heavy WODs.
Second, the RopeTec and Dynamic-Fascia Band on the outsole both give this shoe a nice boost for rope climbing performance and traction. The RopeTec grips ropes well and the Dynamic-Fascia Band gives this shoe a nice maneuverable fit and feel.
The third and last thing that I enjoy with the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 is just how lightweight this model is. This shoe’s built with a breathable mesh and synthetic upper and despite being lighter in weight, their durability are pretty solid.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 10.5 oz
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size, but if you have a wider foot, then some may want to size up a half size
- Read My Review: Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 Review
- Runner-Up Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Review
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2
Best For
- CrossFit Workouts
- Recreational Lifting
- Versatile Training
- HIIT and Agility Workouts
Falls Short
- For Wider Footed Athletes
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Inov-8 Shoes for Cross-Training
One of the cool things about Inov-8 training shoes is that most of them work really well for cross-training. If you like to lift, jump, sprint, and blend multiple workout modalities into one session, then you’ll want to explore Inov-8 cross-training shoes.
To assess the best Inov-8 shoes for cross-training, I’m most concerned with a shoe’s versatility. Can it hold its own for heavy strength sessions, HIIT workouts, and even short runs?
Top Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
The Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 is taking my top pick as the best Inov-8 shoe for cross-training. Of all the Inov-8 training shoes, it’s really tough to fault the performance of the F-Lite G 300 and this is also a model that works well for CrossFit.
In the context of cross-training, I really enjoy the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300’s midsole construction. This shoe’s midsole gives a stable yet responsive feeling, so you can squat heavy in them but also use them for jumping and they’ll be relatively comfortable.
The Graphene and Dynamic-Fascia Band construction on the outsole are also perks of this shoe’s overall performance. This model’s outsole tends to grip different surfaces well and it has a nice level of durability and flexibility.
The Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 can also be a good training shoe for those that like bootie-style construction and a bit more arch support. This model has a more athletic fit and they do a good job of locking down the foot for training.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 12.3 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Review
- Runner-Up Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 Review
Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
Best For
- Versatile Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Shorter Runs
- Plyometrics
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Inov-8 Shoes for Lifting
If you’re looking into Inov-8 training shoes strictly for lifting, then you’ll want a shoe that has a nice level of stability and articulation. Essentially, you’ll want a shoe that you can train heavily in that feels seamless on the foot.
You’ll also want to make sure the shoe has adequate traction for different lifting contexts. Whether you’re training on rubber gym floors, wooden platforms, or machines, you’ll want a shoe that limits overall slippage.
Top Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3
The Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 is taking my top pick as the best Inov-8 shoe for lifting. Note, the F-Lite 260 V2, F-Lite G 300, and Bare-XF 210 V3 are all great options for lifting as well, but I do like the 235 V3 the best for lifting for a few reasons. They also work well for cross-training.
First, I think if you like more “athletic-fitting” shoes that have more maneuverability for lifting, then you’ll enjoy the F-Lite 235 V3’s performance. This model has a more “minimalist” and athletic feel while still delivering a strong training shoe performance.
On top of its flexibility, I also enjoy the PowerFlow midsole and Dynamic-Fascia Band on this shoe’s outsole. Compared to the other training shoes listed in this round-up, I feel like the Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 accentuates these features the most.
For additional lifting context, the Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 is a great shoe for someone who likes to blend barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, and even more functional movements like yoke carries and farmer’s carries into one workout.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training, Versatile Workouts, Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 10.3 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 Review
- Runner-Up Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Review
Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3
Best For
- Agility Workouts
- Plyometric Training
- Athletic Training
- Recreational Lifting
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Inov-8 Shoes for Hybrid Training
If you’re looking for a good Inov-8 shoe for hybrid training or workouts that blend running and cross-training, and lifting together, then you’ll want to consider your hybrid needs before investing in one of the shoes below.
For example, when considering hybrid training shoes, it’s important to recognize if your training bias will be more oriented toward lifting or running. By keeping this in mind, you can make the best shoe choice for your hybrid needs.
Top Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295
The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is the best Inov-8 shoe for hybrid workouts and training. This is a running shoe that has a nice level of stability and responsiveness for short runs, sprints, and light lifts.
If I’m doing track workouts where I’m blending a few miles or pick-up runs with kettlebell and bodyweight exercises, then I’ll often reach for the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 as this shoe delivers a strong performance for track workout-style contexts.
This shoe features a responsive EVA foam midsole that’s blended with G-Fly tech which sits under the midsole. These two features give this shoe a nice “pop” and athletic feeling when sprinting and jumping.
I could see the Inov-8 F-Lite G 295 being a good hybrid training shoe for someone who blends a fair amount of miles into their training every week. If you’re wanting a shoe for Hyrox, then I’d explore the F-Lite 235 V3 or F-Lite G 300 as they’ll give you a better grip for sled pushes.
- Best For: Sprints, Short-Mid Range Runs, Light Training
- Mileage Comfort Threshold: 0-6 miles
- Lifting Stability Threshold: <225 lbs
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 11.45 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to size
- Read My Review: Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 Review
- Runner-Up Pick for Hyrox: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Review
Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295
$170
Best For
- Sprints and Fast-Paced Runs (<1 mile)
- Short Mid-Range Runs (1-5 miles)
- Circuit-Style/Hybird Training Sessions
- Long Walks and Standing
Falls Short
- For Runners That Want More Cushion
- For Lateral Training On Turf and Grass
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Inov-8 Shoes for Weightlifting and Squats
Inov-8 creates a few different weightlifting shoes that many reach for to help with their Olympic lifts and squats. Unlike other weightlifting shoes, Inov-8 weightlifting shoes typically run lighter in weight which some athletes love.
For a good weightlifting shoe, you’ll want a model that has good durability so your investment goes the distance. You’ll also want a shoe with good stability, midfoot security, and adequate traction.
Top Pick: Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380
The Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 is taking my top pick as the best Inov-8 shoe for weightlifting and squats. This model has quickly become one of my favorite weightlifting shoes and that’s for three key reasons.
First, the Fastlift Power G 380 has a nice level of toe box articulation. If you like shoes that have more flexibility, then I think you’ll enjoy this feature, especially if you find shoes like the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 and Nike Romaleos 4 to run a little stiff through the toe box.
Second, I like the level of midfoot security that you get from the Fastlift Power G 380. This shoe’s midfoot strap and lacing system do a good job of locking down the feet for squats and Olympic lifts.
Third and lastly, since the Fastlift Power G 380 runs lighter in weight and has a nice level of maneuverability, it’s a good weightlifting shoe to use for a little bit of everything. They work well for squats, Olympic lifts, machine work, and accessories like quad-biased split squats.
- Best For: CrossFit, Squats, and Weightlifting
- Effective Heel Height: 22mm/.86″
- Weight: 13.50 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to size (neutral width)
- Read My Review: Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 Review
- Runner-Up Pick: Inov-8 Fastlift 360 Review
Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380
$210
Best For
- Squats and Leg Workouts
- Weightlifting (Clean & Jerk/Snatch)
- Functional Fitness Workouts
- Narrow and Neutral Width Feet
Falls Short
- For Wide Feet
Best Barefoot Inov-8 Shoes for Working Out
If you’re looking into barefoot shoes and typically enjoy how Inov-8 shoes fit, then you may want to explore Inov-8 barefoot shoes as they’ll likely work for your foot anatomy and needs.
A good barefoot shoe for working out needs a secure upper, an outsole with good traction, and a nice level of articulation to increase ground feedback when training.
Top Pick: Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3
The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is taking my top pick as the best barefoot Inov-8 shoe that you can work out in. At the time of writing this article, the Inov-8 Bare XF 210 V3 is the only barefoot shoe that Inov-8 offers.
For working out and lifting, I really enjoy the performance of the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3. This shoe has a super minimalist stack height so you get a lot of ground feedback when doing leg workouts and deadlifts in this shoe.
I also really enjoy the upper construction on the Bare-XF 210 V3. The upper on this model has a nice level of security and it breathes well so this is a good model for rocking with and without socks which adds to its versatility.
My only real knock against the Inov-8 Bare XF 210 V3 is that it’s not the widest barefoot shoe. If you’re looking for a barefoot shoe for training with maximal toe box width, then I’d suggest checking out my best barefoot shoes for lifting round-up.
- Best For: CrossFit, Lifting, and Daily Wear
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
- Weight: 6.95 oz
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 Review
- Runner-Up Pick: Sadly no Inov-8 shoes at this time!
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3
$120
Best For
- Functional Fitness
- Heavy Resistance Training
- Daily Wear
- Shorter and Mid-Range Runs
Falls Short
- For Delivering Maximal Toe Box Width
- For Lateral Training
If you have additional questions on any of the Inov-8 shoes featured in this round-up or have additional questions about best use cases for certain Inov-8 shoes, drop a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:How long do Inov-8 shoes last?
Q:How do you clean Inov-8 shoes?
Q:Is Inov-8 good?
Q:Are Inov-8 shoes good for wide feet?
Takeaway Thoughts
Inov-8 makes a wide range of performance-focused training shoes. When it comes to working out, I enjoy the consistency that you can expect from Inov-8’s durability and construction in their shoes.
All of the Inov-8 shoes featured above have subtle nuances that exist between them. These nuances make certain Inov-8 shoes better for some training contexts over others.
If you’re looking into new Inov-8 shoes, then I’d suggest writing out how you plan to train in the shoes, then cross-referencing your needs with the shoe’s performance.
If have additional questions about Inov-8 shoes for working out, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
I buy and test the products featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training shoes and gear. I may earn commissions on sales made through the links on my site.
