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.
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 pumped 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 these should have excelled. They provide a unique fit and feel in regard to being a versatile training shoe, however, there were a couple of cons I noticed which we’ll discuss below.
In this Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 review, I’m going to cover a variety of topics to help you decide if this shoe is worth investing in for the context of your training needs.
Contents
On the market for new cross-training shoes? Make sure you check out my best cross-training shoe round-up. I have picks for multiple training contexts to help find the best shoe for your needs!
Who Should Buy the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2?
The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 is a solid cross-training shoe for the athlete that loves tackling CrossFit workouts and versatile training sessions on a weekly basis. This model has Inov-8’s Powerflow midsole technology which delivers a blend of stability and responsiveness so this shoe works for things heavier training and HIIT.
Additionally, the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 has added toe protection and rope-tec throughout the midfoot to boost this shoe’s long-term durability. This shoe should last a while and stand up to most tests you throw at it. It’s what I would consider a good “all-around” cross-training shoe from Inov-8.
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
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.
- Good All-Around Shoe
- Powerflow Midsole
- Durable Upper Construction
- Lightweight and Breathable
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 that 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.
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 and I’ve also tackled plyometric-focused workouts and this model felt great overall.
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.
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.
Must Read: 8 Best CrossFit Shoes | Picks for Rope Climbs, Flat Feet, and Much More!
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.
- Midfoot Is Fairly Narrow
- Slightly Higher Price Point
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 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, but 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.
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. In the context of lifting and CrossFit, I like this drop for a variety of exercises.
Personally, I thought this model performed well for exercises like 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 their 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 like the Nike Metcon 6, but 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 couple 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.
Must Read: Cross-Training Shoe Size Guide | 20+ Models Sizes and Fits Listed!
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 recommendations accordingly.
Price Breakdown
For the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2, you can expect to pay $140.00 USD. Compared to other Inov-8 cross-training shoes, this price point is fairly consistent with other models and I think it’s fair for this model.
If you plan to use this shoe for CrossFit and general training, then you should get your money’s worth with this model. It delivers consistent performance and has well-thought-out construction for long-term durability.
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
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.
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 FAQs
Have questions on the new Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions I receive on this model.
Is the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 good for CrossFit?
Yes. This model was designed in partnership with 10x CrossFit Games athlete Scott Panchik so it has multiple features to support the niche demands of CrossFit workouts and training.
Can I run in the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2?
To an extent. This shoe works for shorter runs fairly well, but I’d suggest capping your mileage to about 2-3 miles max if you plan to run in this model.
Is the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 or Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 better for CrossFit?
Both are great shoes for CrossFit, but for different reasons. The Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 has a bit more midfoot support and has a bootie construction, while the F-Lite 260 V2 is slightly more lightweight and has a traditional shoe construction. Either shoe works really well, so I’d suggest picking the model that aligns best with your fit preferences and budget.
Takeaway Thoughts
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 have any questions about the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2, drop a comment below or reach out to me 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.
