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I’ve tested a lot of barefoot shoes over the years. Seriously, A LOT. If you’ve been following my channel for any length of time, you know that barefoot shoes are some of my favorite shoes for training and daily use. Through all those different brands and models, the INOV8 Bare XF has remained one of my favorite barefoot shoes.
So, when INOV8 brought the Bare XF Pro to the arena, I was equal parts excited and skeptical. Is the XF Pro a worthy successor (read: level up) to the Bare XF?
For me, the Bare XF has always struck that perfect balance between minimalism and gym readiness. It’s low to the ground, grippy, and has just enough structure to lock down the feet when training.
So, what happens when INOV8 decides to level up and drop a premium, more expensive “Pro” version? They kept a lot of what worked in this shoe, gave it a redesigned boot, and added more width and space in the forefoot. They also made some changes that, frankly, are questionable.
Author’s Note: If you do decide to give the Bare-XF Pro a try, use “TFF15” at checkout and it will save you 15% on your purchase!
Inov8 Bare XF Pro
$150
Pros
- Good tongue security
- Great forefoot width
- Highly flexible and lightweight
Cons
- No Boomerang insole option
- Can lack lateral security
- Narrower heel
Best For
- Strength Workouts
- Hypertrophy Sessions
- Barefoot Purists
- Cross-Training/CrossFit
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0mm |
| Weight | 9.8 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Wide |
| Lifting Threshold | ~500 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | 2-miles (at one time) |
Who Should Buy the INOV8 Bare XF Pro?
The easy answer here is that if you enjoy barefoot shoes, these are worth at least a look. Obviously, there’s a bit more nuance to it than that. So, the Bare XF Pro’s are worth checking out if…
- You have a 3E or 4E foot width and have struggled to find a shoe that feels truly comfortable and fits without being too snug.
- You want maximum ground feel and proprioception in your training shoe and you loved the “feel” of shoes like the tried and true Bare XF 210 V3.
- You want a versatile barefoot shoe that can transition seamlessly from general strength and hypertrophy training to cross-training and CrossFit without sacrificing performance.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the INOV8 Bare XF Pro?
- You’re new to barefoot shoes and training. I’d suggest checking out the original Bare XF’s that have the Boomerang insole for a gentler introduction to barefoot style training.
- You have narrow feet. These are exceptionally wide through the toe box and, honestly, you should probably pass altogether because I could see forefoot security being a major deterrent for you
- You want a barefoot shoe for daily wear or longer runs. Again, the removal of the Boomerang insole sacrifices a lot of comfort, and you could probably find a better-looking barefoot shoe for casual wear.
Fit and Sizing Suggestions
About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.
Fit Breakdown:
- Narrow (<D) feet: Pass on these entirely.
- Medium (D) width: True to size, just expect an excessive amount of room in the forefoot.
- E and EE Wifth Feet: True to size.
- 3E+ Width Feet: True to size.
I went true to size in the INOV8 Bare XF Pro and found the fit to be much more forgiving than the F-Lite series, which runs about a half-size small if you’re familiar with Inov8 workout shoes. I have an E/EE foot width, and these fit well with some extra room in the toe box. The forefoot is noticeably wide, borderline too much for my foot shape. If you’re rocking a 3E or 4E width, you’ll probably find the fit perfect.
The midfoot is also more spacious than the original Bare XF, partly due to the gusseted tongue and knit construction. That said, the added Met-Cradle and rubber supports on the medial and lateral sides help with lockdown. I didn’t experience any sliding into the knit or spill over during lateral or dynamic movements.
Just keep in mind: if you have a narrow foot, you may want to stick with the OG Bare XF instead.
Performance Assessment
The Bare XF Pro, I tested them in a similar format that I do for all of my barefoot shoes. However, since this shoe does have a bias towards cross-training, I made a point to hit a bit more dynamic work than normal in these.
Solid Lifting Performance
I put these through multiple body days with sled drags, RDLs, heavy deadlifts, and single-leg work. The Bare XF Pro delivered with strong performance through everything I asked of them. The ground feel in these is especially excellent. Traditional gym flooring or turf, it didn’t matter, the outsole offered amazing grip with no slippage.
The zero-drop platform and low stack height let you feel every bit of the floor. These feel like the Bare XF 210 V3, which were notorious for giving you a super minimalist feeling. The outsole in the Pro is a smidge thicker, which I like for durability, and I don’t think that hinders feel whatsoever.
The toe box also allows for full toe splay, and if you’ve worn other Inov8 barefoot shoes and found them snug, I think these should be a nice change-up. These also have a similar upper vibe to the F-Lite G 300. I was impressed with the lockdown provided by the midfoot construction and lacing, and think if you’re using these for general strength and hypertrophy sessions then you’ll be plenty fine on overall security.
Good Option for Cross-Training (for the most part)
This is where the Bare XF Pro really shines — in most aspects. With dynamic work like sled drags and kettlebell flows, this shoe moved really well with my feet. For this type of work, I didn’t get a ton of spillover that some barefoot shoes, especially the knit, sock-like constructed ones, give during explosive movements. I was a bit concerned about sliding into the knit and losing integrity from pushing into the toes during the sled drags.
The added Met-Cradle on the upper provides solid lockdown. And the reinforced rubber on the lateral and medial sides of the midfoot outsole should help you grip the rope during rope climbs a little better while protecting the knit upper from excessive wear.
The midfoot support and addition of the gusseted tongue help the shoe hold its shape better than some other barefoot trainers I’ve used. It reminds me of the Motus Strength in terms of foot containment in a very good way.
My only issue with this shoe and cross-training is that I can see the knit forefoot having issues for those who don’t get a ton of lockdown through the midfoot. More specifically, I think narrower and exceptionally low-volume feet may run into some issues here.
Good for Short Bouts
For short intervals, warmups, or cool-downs under a mile, the Pro should perform fine. The grip is there, and the flexibility and breathability of the outsole are all on point.
However, without the Boomerang insole, you’ll feel everything. This is not the shoe I’d grab for a 5K or beyond. It’ll be especially noticeable on concrete or gravel. It’s not going to be ideal for longer sessions or uneven terrain unless you’re fully acclimated to barefoot running. The lack of cushion could make it too harsh for extended mileage unless you’re an experienced barefoot runner.
If that’s your jam, great. For most, though, this model is best used for your more traditional strength training, cross-training, and CrossFit-style workouts.
Decent for Daily Wear
It’s breathable, sleek, and low-profile, but not built for all-day wear. Without the Boomerang insole or any real underfoot cushion, walking around in the Bare XF Pro for hours may leave you wishing for something softer or more forgiving.
If you’re just commuting to and from the gym or grabbing coffee post-workout, it’ll be perfectly suitable. Anything longer and your feet will feel it.
Construction Details
The INOV8 Bare XF Pro keeps the brand’s minimalist DNA intact while incorporating some new features into the upper construction.
The full rubber outsole has INOV8’s Dynamic Fascia Band-like structure. It feels flexible, durable, and built for traction across various surfaces.
The stretchy knit upper uses a booty-style construction with a gusseted tongue for a true sock-like feel and better lockdown. It pulls from the Met-Cradle system found in the F-Lite and F-Lite Max, giving the midfoot better structure and lateral support without adding uncomfortable bulk. The toe box is extra wide for maximum toe splay and, as an added bonus, the midfoot taper is not as aggressive as some other barefoot models.
The midfoot features 5 core eyelets for lacing, plus a 6th for a lace lock setup. The laces themselves are a bit long, I had to tuck them to avoid tripping or having them slap around during workouts, so most will likely want to use all of the eyelets. Not a true deal breaker, just something to be aware of.
The interior features an entirely finished out construction with no removable insole. Inov8 used a saschetto method to create a seamless and smooth feeling internal construction with this shoe. That’s great for ground feel and barefoot purists, but if you liked the original for its versatility and comfort, this might be a step back.
Heel-to-toe drop is 0mm, standard for a barefoot shoe, stack height is low, and weight wasn’t measured but it feels featherlight underfoot.
Closing Remarks
The INOV8 Bare XF Pro isn’t trying to be your go-to-do-everything barefoot shoe. And that’s why it shines as bright as it does.
It’s a premium, refined tool for experienced barefoot athletes and wide-footed lifters who want ground connection without sacrificing gym performance. It’s breathable, grippy, zero-drop, and capable across multiple training modalities.
The wider fit and flexible upper will be a massive win for some, and a frustrating miss for others. I’m thinking specifically of those with narrow feet or who loved the OG Bare XF’s snugger fit and comfort.
If you’re looking for a minimalist training shoe with elite ground feel and wide-foot comfort, the Bare XF Pro delivers. Just know what you’re signing up for.
This is barefoot minimalism turned up a notch. Not a shoe built for beginners or casual all-day wear. I’ll no doubt be keeping this one in my rotation.
Time will tell if the XF Pro can truly replace the OG XF as my go-to. But right now, it’s earning its spot.
Jay
hey I have the 2024 bare xf and love them. the fit is perfect. would you recommend the same size for these as inov8’s website suggests sizing down half a size. how would you compare these to the tolos archetype type 2?
Yep, size down a half-size in these, I’ll confirm that rec.
These are a little more “loose” in the upper whereas the Tolos have less flex to them. Both are great, but Tolos will give you a better crossover for daily wear with a little less breathability in the gym.