The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is the latest natural movement-focused barefoot shoe from Inov-8. The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 has a reworked upper construction compared to the V2 and across the board, these changes have had a positive impact on this shoe’s performance as a whole.
Personally, I’ve really enjoyed testing and training hard in this model and I think it has multiple construction aspects going for it. If you’re looking for a barefoot shoe for CrossFit and functional fitness, then I think the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is definitely worth exploring and looking into.
In this Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 review, I’m going to cover all of the key details that you need to know about this model before investing.
Want to learn more about barefoot shoes Check out my in-depth barefoot shoes guide to learn everything you need to know about this style of footwear!
Who Should Invest In the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3?
The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is a really solid barefoot shoe for anyone that wants to use them for functional fitness and daily wear. They have a durable upper that limits breakdown from abrasion that can occur in things like rope climbs and burpees. In addition, the upper breathes really well so this model feels light and keeps the feet cool.
On top of being a strong performer in the gym, this shoe also looks good on a day-to-day basis. If you want an aesthetic barefoot shoe that performs well in multiple settings, then the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 will be a good shoe for you.
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
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 Pros
I’ve found multiple things to like about the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 throughout my testing process. Below, are my four favorite aspects of this shoe.
- Reworked Upper Construction
- Maneuverable Outsole
- Good for Functional Fitness and Daily Wear
- Lightweight Build
The first aspect that I like about the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is its upper construction. Compared to the V2, the V3 has a reworked upper construction that features more durable and breathable aspects. This model has mid-foot Rope-Tec protection for abrasion resistance which is awesome for functional fitness-focused lifters.
In addition, the toe has an additional TPU wrap for added durability and friction resistance. The mesh throughout the toe-box and mid-foot also breathes really well for keeping the feet cool even in the hottest settings.
Another aspect to like about the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is its sole construction. This model features a 3mm POWER FOOTBED which provides you with a super close-to-the-ground feeling. The sole maneuvers well and provides the feet with ample ground feedback for proprioceptive benefits.
Speaking to the two pros above, this model is also a really good shoe for functional fitness and beginners wanting to get into barefoot shoes. At times, barefoot shoes can fall short for functional fitness due to their upper constructions and providing enough durability, but this model is one of the few exceptions on the market.
I also like the appearance of this model and think it’s one of the better-looking barefoot shoes on the market. It has a subtle and clean aesthetic which is great for daily wear and matching multiple outfits.
The final aspect to like about this model is just how lightweight it is. This is a barefoot shoe that you can very easily forget you have on your feet. My size 10 model has a weight of 6.95 ounces and its low-profile design gives it a sock-like feeling. If you love super minimalist feeling shoes, then you’ll like this model.
Suggested Read: Xero Shoes 360 vs Prio vs HFS | Which Is Best for Your Needs?
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 Cons
As a whole, I’ve really enjoyed wearing and testing the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3, but there are two potential cons I could see others running into.
- Toe Box Isn’t the Widest
- Not Ideal for Lateral Training
The first potential drawback to this model is its toe box construction. Compared to other barefoot shoes, this model’s toe box feels a bit slimmer at the base of the toes. When I first put this model I noticed it and that’s because contextually I’m mentally comparing it to other models from Vivobarefoot and Xero Shoes.
For most, I don’t think this will be the hugest issue, but it is important to note for anyone that wants maximal width out of their shoe’s toe box. If you’re used to wearing Vivobarefoot models, for example, then you may find this model’s toe box to feel a tad tight despite having a fit rating of 4 from Inov-8 (5 being the widest).
The second drawback for this model that could be an issue for some is its performance for lateral training. While I really like the upper construction for its breathability and flexibility, at times, you can slide in this model when training laterally.
I noticed that I had a little bit of overhang with my foot when driving through the foot laterally. I think this could be more problematic for anyone with more narrow foot anatomy where you’ll have more potential to slide in your shoes. Conversely, some may not notice this aspect at all.
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 Performance
To discuss performance in the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3, I’m going to break the following section into three different parts including lifting, versatile training, and runs/daily wear.
Lifting
I really like the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 for lifting. This model’s 3mm POWER FOOTBED gives you a super close to the ground feeling and you can really dig the feet into the floor and grip when lifting in this model. I personally love this for deadlifts and lower body training where I need more foot stability.
Additionally, this model’s sock-like construction gives it a nice true “barefoot feeling”. For replicating barefoot lifting for resistance training-focused athletes, this model is one of my favorites and it has a durable upper construction to accompany its sole construction.
Versatile Training
For CrossFit, classes, and other forms of versatile training, I think the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 performs really well. The ROPE-TEC in this model’s forefoot is awesome for rope climbs and the additional TPU toe wrap is also a nice touch for long-term durability from toe dragging movement like burpees.
Something I also like is that these additional durability features don’t take away from this model’s breathability and lightweight build. The sticky rubber outsole and meta-flex construction in the forefoot are also nice touches for providing a really responsive feeling for things like cleans and box jumps where you want a lot of forefoot maneuverability.
Runs and Daily Wear
The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 performs decently well for shorter and mid-range runs. I personally think this model excels slightly better for shorter runs due to its sock-like construction. It almost feels like nothing on the foot and reminds me of my old track shoes when hitting sprints and short runs in them.
On a daily wear basis, this model is one of my favorite barefoot shoes and that’s due to its appearance. This model looks awesome with gym and more casual apparel so you can wear it in a variety of settings. So, if you want to rock them to the gym, then to run errands you can easily do so and they’ll look great.
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 Sizing
When I first put on the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 I thought the toe box felt a tad snug in regard to its width. However, after one use they broke in really well and my true-to-size model fits pretty well across the board in regard to length and width.
Most lifters and athletes should be safe going true-to-size in the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3.
As always, if you have any sizing and fit questions for the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 feel free to drop a comment below and I’ll answer accordingly.
Price Breakdown
You can expect to pay $120 USD for the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3. This sits right in the middle of the road for the Bare-XF 210 V3’s price compared to other barefoot shoes.
For example, there are more cost-efficient models like the Xero Shoes Prio, but also, much more expensive models like the Vivobarefoot Geo Racer Knit. Personally, I think for what the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 delivers the price is fair for this model.
Construction Details
Below, I’ve listed some of the key construction details that go into the Inov-8 Bare XF 210 V3. This model’s construction is one of my favorites to date for barefoot shoes.
If you want a visual breakdown of the construction features in this model, then skip to 6:41 in the video above!
- Weight: 6.95 Ounces
- Heel-To-Toe Drop: 0mm
- Removable Insole
- ROPE-TEC
- Meta-Flex Forefoot Construction
- TPU Toe Wrap
- Mesh Upper
- 6 Eyelets (6th for lack-lock)
- Stick Rubber Outsole
- EHC Heel System
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
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 FAQs
Have questions about the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3? Below, I’ve answered a few of the most commonly asked questions I’ve received about this model.
1. Can I do CrossFit in the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3?
The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 features two key construction aspects that make its upper a better option for CrossFit and functional fitness compared to other barefoot shoes. These two features include the additional TPU toe wrap and mid-foot Rope-Tec support.
2. Is the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 good for lifting?
For lifting, the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 excels due to its lightweight upper construction and 3mm POWER FOOTBED. If you want to get and feel super close to the ground, then this is a good shoe for your lifting needs.
3. Can I run in the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3?
The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is a decent barefoot shoe for shorter and mid-range runs. The outsole features meta-flex tech and sticker rubber to provide adequate traction and responsiveness.
Takeaway Thoughts
Across the board, the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 has been a strong performer. If you want to tackle functional fitness, lifting, and daily wear with this shoe, then I think you’ll really like all of the construction aspects that make up this model.
If you have any questions about the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly)!
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.
Hey, Jake.
I’m thinking of snagging the Bare XF 210 and I’m not super sure what size to snag because I teeter between 12.5 and 13 depending on the brand. I’m a 13 in Nobull and Nike, but a 12.5 in Altra and Vivos. I was wondering what your sizes are for reference so I can make a better size decision.
Thanks,
Devan
Hey Devan! I’d go with the 13 in the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3. I feel like that would be a good call for you based on sizing context you’ve shared. Keep me posted if that works!