Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 Review | Great Hybrid Running Shoe?

The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is the latest running shoe to debut from Inov-8. This model has a few key features that I was super interested in including its G-Fly+ midsole and GRAPHENE GRIP outsole.

As a hybrid-focused training and running shoe, the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 performs exceptionally well. This shoe walks a good line of being responsive enough for explosive exercises and sprints, while also having enough cushion to support various running distances.

I think this shoe is worth looking into if you need a good hybrid running shoe to complement your favorite versatile shoes. Despite enjoying this shoe as a whole, there are a couple of cons worth noting about this model, which I’ll discuss below.

• 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

Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295

$170

4.7

Versatility

4.8

Durability

4.7

Quality

4.7

Pros

• Graphene construction boosts this shoe's durability
• Midsole feels responsive for sprints and plyometrics
• Great shoes for track-style workouts

Cons

• Outsole tread can fade on concrete over time
• These don't have the widest toe box
• Arch can be a turnoff for flat feet

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

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Who Should Invest In the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295?

The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is a good running shoe to explore if you’re a hybrid-focused athlete. This model excels for explosive-style running work, and it’s stable enough to support bodyweight exercises and light loading with dumbbells and kettlebells.

I think if you’re a CrossFit athlete or lifter who already has a good pair of cross-training shoes for lifting and CrossFit and you need a model for outdoor hybrid sessions and short to mid-range runs (1-5 miles), then the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 should align well with your training needs.

The knit upper breathes well, and the G-Fly+ Foam midsole and BOOMERANG footbed provide this shoe with a nice level of responsiveness and comfort. Like the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300, which does well with durability, this model features graphene in its outsole, so it should also last a while.

I think the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is a good pick for the athlete who needs a pair of dedicated running shoes to complement their cross-training shoe for sprints, short runs, and hybrid training workouts.

Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 Pros

Over the course of my testing and review process, I’ve found multiple pros to like with the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295.

1. Good Hybrid Training Shoe for Athletes and Lifters
2. G-Fly+ Foam Midsole Has Good Responsiveness
3. Graphene Grip Outsole Is Durable

The first to like about the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is that it’s a good hybrid training shoe. For my athletic-focused training days, I regularly blend a 1-3 mile runs with sprints and light kettlebell work, and for this style of training, this model excelled.

This shoe is responsive enough for explosive training and has enough cushion to prevent the feet from being completely beat up. For my kettlebell work, I performed kettlebell snatches with a 24kg kettlebell and Russian kettlebell swings with a 36kg kettlebell, and these shoes were solid under these loads.

This is definitely a model that takes about a week to break in and once they’re fully broken in they feel even better. The toe box moves pretty well and I like the BOOMERANG footbed for additional cushion and energy return.

Another aspect to like about the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is its G-Fly+ foam midsole. This construction feature gives this model an interesting look and I was curious about how it would perform in my training sessions.

Thus far, I’ve really enjoyed the G-Fly+ foam used in this model and I feel like it does a good job at giving you enough cushion and comfort for daily wear and walking while also providing a nice level of stability and “pop” for explosive exercises and cardio.

The last aspect to like about the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is the fact that Inov-8 used graphene in this model’s outsole. Inov-8 first introduced the use of graphene in their shoe’s outsole in 2018 with their GRAPHENE-GRIP™.

This feature was used in running, hiking, and training shoes like the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300. Personally, I’ve enjoyed the durability in the Inov-8 models that I’ve used that have utilized graphene construction.

For example, my Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 has been plenty durable, and if the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is anything like the other Inov-8 shoes that use GRAPHENE GRIP, then you should get plenty of durability out of this shoe for indoor and outdoor training.

Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 Cons

For hybrid training workouts, I like the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295, but there are a couple of cons worth noting about this model.

1. May Lack Cushion for Runners Who Prefer Maximal Cushion
2. Can Slip a Little On Turf and Grass
3. Arrive With a Little Rubbery Smell for a Week

The main caveat that I could see other runners having an issue with the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is that they don’t provide a ton of cushion for long-distance runs. The G-Fly+ Foam midsole construction provides a nice level of ground feedback, but I could see them feeling a little firm for those tackling serious mileage.

I think this is also why I naturally gravitate towards this model for circuit-style runs and short mid-range runs. If you’re used to maximal cushioning in something like a Hoka running shoe, then this would be a performance and construction feature worth noting.

The second performance drawback with this model is that this shoe can slip a little bit when tackling explosive lateral work on turf and grass. Since this model lacks more aggressive lugs on its outsole or a sticky rubber construction, you may slip a bit when using these in this context.

I don’t think this will be a huge issue for a majority of athletes’ workouts, but it’s worth mentioning especially if you plan to use these primarily on turf or grass for workouts.

The third subtle drawback that some may notice with the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is that they have a fairly strong smell to them when you’re breaking them in. They come out of the box with a rubbery smell which I think most will definitely notice.

This rubber smell seems to fade after about a week of wearing them and breaking them in. If I had to guess, this is due to the graphene construction and I’m curious if everyone will notice this or if it will last especially as models have more shelf time.

Performance

To discuss the performance of the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295, I’m going to break down this shoe’s performance in a variety of contexts. This way you can contextualize if investing in this shoe would be a good fit for your training needs and wants.

Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 for Sprints and Short Runs

For sprints and short runs, I think most will enjoy the feedback and energy return they get from the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295. I think the main claim to fame for this shoe in this performance context is its G-Fly+ midsole construction.

When tackling sprints and short runs, generally, you’ll want a shoe that gives you a nice level of energy return and responsiveness, and this shoe ticks that box really well. It’s not overly cushioned to where you feel like you’re wasting energy when exploding through the forefoot.

The GRAPHENE GRIP outsole also provides a nice level of traction for indoor running on treadmills and outdoor running on concrete and tracks. That being said, this model’s outsole may fall a bit short for turf and grass-based runs due to it lacking an aggressive lug patterning, so that may be worth keeping in mind if you regularly do sprints or agility work on these surfaces.

Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 for Walking and Mid-Range and Long-Distance Runs

For mid-range runs that consist of 3-5 miles, I like the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295. I think its stability and feel are definitely an acquired taste and I capped my distance in these shoes to about 5-miles.

I did this because I generally opt for a more cushioned shoe for my longer runs due to my personal preferences, which I mentioned in the cons for others who are similar. I think if you like running shoes that have a bit less cushion to them, then this model will work well for long-distance runs for you.

In regard to long-distance runs, this is a performance characteristic that I’m a bit limited on due at the moment to the bandwidth of my current training and how more “firm” running shoes can sometimes leave me feeling beat up when tackling long-distance runs.

For walking, I like the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 and the support and cushion it provides. It’s a decent-looking running shoe and it has good durability, so if you want to wear it as a daily wear shoe for walking and standing, then you should be safe doing so without them getting too uncomfortable.

Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 for Hybrid Training

Outside of running, I think another area where the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 performs really is for hybrid workouts. For example, if you love blending bodyweight exercises, plyometrics, and some running together, then this shoe will be a good pick for you.

It was stable enough to support kettlebell work up to 36kg/80 lbs and it was solid for split squats and lunges with dumbbells up to 60 lbs. You could likely go a little heavier with these, too, but I capped my loading and testing there.

I could see the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 as a great pick for track workout-loving athletes and lifters. They’re not so soft that you lose out on power production when jumping/sprinting and they’re not so stable to where they get uncomfortable for longer sessions.

Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 Sizing

For the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295, most lifters, runners, and athletes should be safe going true to size. The length of this shoe fits true and this model has a fit scale rating of 5 per Inov-8’s sizing scale.

If you’re new to Inov-8 shoes, they use a 1-5 fit scale to suggest width, and a rating of “5” indicates that this model runs wider for Inov-8 shoes. I think this shoe should work well for neutral and slightly wider feet.

• Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 Sizing Thoughts: Go true to size.

If you have additional sizing and fit questions on the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 or how they compare to other Inov-8 models sizing, drop a comment below and I can help you out accordingly.

Construction Details

With the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295, the devil’s in the details when it comes to their construction. Below are some of the biggest construction callouts for this model that influence its performance and durability.

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
• Weight: 11.45 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes

Construction Close-Up

The upper in this shoe is built with a 3D knit and as a whole, it breathes pretty well, especially through the forefoot. There is Inov-8 branding on the lateral heel and tongue loop.

The midfoot’s upper provides good security and the gusseted tongue has a light padding and an additional loop for security. There are nine core eyelets on this model with a tenth for lace-locking.

This model features Inov-8’s G-Fly+Foam construction which essentially is the blending of EVA foam in the midsole with the G-Fly tech that sits under the foam midsole.

The outsole is built with a graphene material and features Inov-8’s signature meta-flex in the forefoot and a dynamic-fascia band that runs through the sole.

These two components are intended to give Inov-8 shoes a more “natural” fit and feel to them as they’re supposed to replicate the structure of the foot and how it moves.

The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 also features Inov-8 BOOMERANG Footbed which is their proprietary insole that is designed to provide more bounce and responsiveness.

Takeaway Thoughts

The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 does a really good job at performing as a hybrid-style running and training shoe. This is a good shoe for anyone that likes to blend runs with circuit-style training and they need a shoe with a good level of responsiveness and stability.

I think this model will work best for short and mid-range runs. If you like a bit more stability and “pop” in your running shoes, then I think you could also use them for long-distance runs as well.

However, their slightly more stable feel may not align for tackling serious mileage if you like more cushioned running shoes.

If you have additional questions on the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).