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The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 is a shoe designed for tackling CrossFit workouts and versatile training. The F-Lite 260 V2 comes with a slightly higher heel-to-toe drop compared to other Inov-8 trainers like the F-Lite 235 V3.
In addition, 10x CrossFit Games athlete Scott Panchik helped with the creation of this model, so I was excited to put them to the test. Overall, there’s a lot to like about the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2, and in most of my lifting, CrossFit, and versatile sessions.
I’ve found this shoe to provide a pretty unique fit and feel regarding their performance and being a versatile training shoe. However, there were a couple of cons I’ve experienced with this shoe, which I’ll discuss below.
FYI: This shoe has been discontinued. Inov8 has a new lineup of trainers called the F-Fly, F-Lite, and F-Lite MAX. I’ve reviewed all of these models; they’re designed to offer a variety of stability and responsiveness.
- Inov8 F-Fly: The most responsive, more hybrid-focused trainer.
- Inov8 F-Lite: The do-it-all shoe that has a blend of stability and responsiveness for lifting, CrossFit, and cross-training.
- Inov8 F-Lite MAX: The most stable option built for CrossFit and lifting, built with a TPU insert.
Inov8 has also updated its barefoot shoe from the Bare-XF 210 V3 to just the Bare-XF. Why this name change? I’m not sure, either.
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 Summary
The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 delivers a strong performance if you like shoes that feel more sock-like on the foot. This model has a lower-profile fit and feel which give it a seamless on the feet when training.
For lifting, this model’s Powerflow midsole has been stable enough for my 500 lb deadlifts and 365 lb squats. It also feels bouncy and versatile enough for plyometrics and turf sessions.
I also think this shoe works well for lifters who want a shoe with more articulation and flexibility. This model moves well with the feet and I think a lot of that is due to the Dynamic Fascia-Band on the outsole.
My only concern with this shoe for some lifters is that it doesn’t have the widest fit. If you need a wider Inov-8 model, then you’ll want to explore options like the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 or the Adi Dropset Trainer 2 if you’re down to explore other brands.
Specs to Know
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 10.5 oz (size 10 men’s)
- Stack Height: ~12mm Forefoot/~20mm Heel
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Width: Regular/Medium
- Comparable To F-Lite 235 V3: Read My Review
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2
Pros
- This shoe has a good level of versatility for lifting, CrossFit, and lifting. It's a good do-it-all-style training shoe.
- If you enjoy sock-like fitting training shoes then you'll resonate with this shoe. It feels lightweight and mobile on the feet.
- PowerFlow midsole has good responsiveness. This shoe feels great for plyometrics like box jumps, jump rope, and broad jumps.
Cons
- This shoe can feel pretty narrow through the forefoot and midfoot for flatter feet and athletes with EE-width feet or wider.
- With its narrower platform, this shoe can feel interesting for lateral work if you're used to wider midsoles. This isn't bad, per se, just different.
Best For
- CrossFit Workouts
- Recreational Lifting
- Versatile Training
- HIIT and Agility Workouts
Falls Short
- For Wider Footed Athletes
- For Cost-Efficiency
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 Pros
Whether you’re tackling CrossFit workouts, lifting, or using this for versatile training, there’s a lot to like about the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2.
Pro 1: Good All-Around Shoe
The first pro of this model is how good it is at being a high performer in most settings. This model can tackle CrossFit workouts with ease and it’s stable enough for lifting, yet versatile enough for things like HIIT and more athletic-focused training.
The construction features blend really well together in this model. Plus, this cross-training shoe features an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which could be a big pro for the CrossFit-focused lifters who like having a bit more heel in their training shoe.
Most cross-training shoes sit at 4mm or lower in regard to their heel-to-toe drop so this could be a positive thing if you like having a higher drop.
Pro 2: Powerflow Midsole Is Versatile
I also really like the Powerflow midsole in this model. Personally, I always enjoy when Inov-8 uses this midsole in their cross-training shoes because it provides their shoes with a nice blend of stability and versatility.
I’ve trained up to 455 lbs in this shoe and didn’t have compression issues I’ve also tackled plyometric-focused workouts and this model felt great overall.
Pro 3: Durable Upper Construction
Another perk to this model is its upper construction and how it feeds well into long-term durability. This shoe features Inov-8’s rope-tec for preventing breakdown from rope climbs, and it also has additional midfoot and toe layers to resist friction from climbs and burpees.
Personally, I like that they added these elements in, especially since this shoe’s upper is primarily breathable mesh. This helps protect the mesh from fraying or ripping too quickly.
Pro 4: Lightweight and Breathable
The last aspect that I like about this, and most Inov-8 training shoes, is how lightweight and breathable they are. For my size 10 model, this shoe has a weight of 10.5 ounces so it feels pretty minimalist on the foot.
Additionally, the mesh upper as mentioned above breathes well and if you’re training in a hotter gym, this shoe should do a fairly good job at keeping your feet cool.
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 Cons
Across the board, I really like the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2, but there are a couple of cons that I could see other lifters running into with this model.
Con 1: Midfoot Is Fairly Narrow
The first potential drawback that I could see others having with this model is its midfoot construction. The toe box has ample width for full toe splay, however, the midfoot is pretty narrow in this model.
I have a neutral fit (E-width foot) with a fairly neutral to high arch and I even noticed that it’s a bit snug through the midfoot. For most lifters and athletes, I don’t think this will be an issue and the shoe will fit just fine.
For my friends who have wider and flatter feet, then you may want to consider sizing up a half size or looking into other Inov-8 cross-training shoes. In this context, the narrower midfoot could limit overall comfort and stability.
Con 2: Higher Price Point
The other small drawback to this model is its price point. At a price of $140 USD, this is not the most cost-efficient shoe on the market.
However, I do think the price is worth it if you plan to use them for CrossFit, versatile training, and you take good care of them. In this scenario, I think this model is a solid dynamic pick and the price could be justified.
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 Performance
I’m going to break the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2’s performance into a few key categories below. This way you can assess and easily navigate if this model matches your training context and needs well.
Lifting and CrossFit
The first thing that I noticed with the F-Lite 260 V2 was the heel in this model. This shoe features an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which gives this model a slightly beefier heel than other Inov-8 cross-training shoes. I like this drop for various exercises in the context of lifting and CrossFit.
I thought this model performed well for squats, where some athletes enjoy having a bit more heel, and for movements like wall balls, where a slightly higher drop can also assist performance.
In this shoe, I’ve trained up to 455 lbs and have had limited compression issues so I would rank this as a pretty stable cross-training shoe.
The Powerflow midsole in this model does a good job at giving you a blend of stability and responsiveness in most exercises, so even if you’re catching heavier weight in cleans, then you should be plenty find in regard to overall stability.
Versatile Training
For sessions that include HIIT, agility-focused work, and for things like classes, the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 also does a good job at accommodating more diverse performance tasks.
This model’s outsole features Inov-8’s signature Dynamic Fascia Band, so you get a lot of ground feedback in this model.
The outsole moves well, and with the higher heel-to-toe drop, I think many will enjoy how this shoe performs for plyometrics, agility work, and other training modalities that require quicker feet. The lightweight nature of this shoe and its overall flexibility are hits for this style of training.
The only drawback to this and this style of training is that the midfoot does run a bit narrow so they may feel uncomfortable for flatter and wider foot athletes who need more room and midfoot support with versatile raining.
Shorter Runs and Daily Wear
For shorter runs, this model will work, but I’d suggest capping your mileage to about 2-3 miles per session tops. This shoe is responsive and will be better suited for shorter runs compared to other cross-training shoes.
However, they still might be uncomfortable for some. Plus, cross-training shoes are not really designed for tackling longer runs.
On a daily basis, this model is comfortable, but I’d actually suggest limiting how much you’re wearing them for daily wear. Since they have a slightly higher price point, you’ll get more out of this model if you only train in them.
Their mesh upper and foam Powerflow midsole are susceptible to breaking down early if you’re getting them wet and muddy when wearing them on a daily basis.
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 Sizing
For most athletes and lifters, I would suggest going true-to-size in the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2. This model’s length fits true and it has a fit scale of 5 for Inov-8 which indicates it’s on the wider side for Inov-8 training shoes.
The caveat here is that while the forefoot provides plenty of room for toe splay, the midfoot is fairly narrow. I have a neutral fit and I noticed the midfoot feeling slightly tight, so if you have a wider or flatter midfoot, then I would highly suggest considering this before investing.
- Sizing Thoughts: Go true-to-size. The midfoot is fairly narrow so if you have wide or flat midfoot, then you may want to consider this before investing and look into models with a slightly wider last construction.
If you have any questions about sizing in the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2, drop a comment below and what shoe you currently wear, and I can make recommendations accordingly.
Construction Details
Below, I’m going to provide a breakdown of the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2’s construction details. This model has subtle construction aspects that help it to excel in a variety of settings.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 10.5 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Powerflow Midsole
- Dynamic Fascia Band Outsole Construction
- Rope-Tec for Midfoot Durability
- Additional Upper Toe Layering
- Mesh Upper
- Additional Boot Structure
If you have additional questions about the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2’s construction, feel free to ask questions below in the comments, and I’ll answer what you have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Are the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 wide?
Q:Can you run in the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2?
Final Verdict
I’ve enjoyed training in the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2, and I think working with Scott Panchik on this shoe was a really smart move. You can tell that this model has CrossFit-specific construction features, and it works well as an “all-arounder” style of shoe.
If you like sock-like fitting training shoes that can work exceptionally well for lifting, cross-training, and CrossFit, then I think you’ll get along well with the F-Lite 260 V2.
If you have any questions about the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2, drop a comment below or reach out to me via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
Cheryl Glienke
Would this shoe also work well with pickelball? Also if u are use to running shoes do you feel the higher heel will be a concern?
They can! My friend Ben (who owns Wodprep) used to play often in his 260 V2s before buying court shoes. I’ve also used them a few times but I’ll typically go 235 V3 if I’m pickling in some Inov-8 training shoes. Tbh, unless you’re rocking running shoes like Altras with a lower heel-to-toe drop then your drop will likely be consistent with what you’re used to. I don’t think it will impact things too much for recreational pickle play. If you’re going hard into the sport, though, then it may be worth just getting a good pair of court shoes!