Summary
We spent 6.8 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what training geeks think:
6 reasons to buy
- Numerous reviewers were impressed with how comfortable the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 was for everyday wear and workouts.
- The style of the trainer delighted many shoppers.
- Plenty of fitness enthusiasts stated that the upper delivered adequate support for various activities like CrossFit, HIIT, hiking, short runs, and walking.
- Multiple people appreciated the fit of the trainer; it was wide enough for toe splaying but not too much that it would cause slipping.
- Several gym-goers were impressed with how stable the shoe was during plyometrics and squats.
- The durability of the merchandise was commended by a handful of buyers.
2 reasons not to buy
- A couple of users reported that the rubber outsole ripped after several weeks of workouts.
- Some buyers found the trainer too expensive for what it has to offer.
Bottom line
The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 met the expectations of users when it came to its performance as a CrossFit trainer. Although some wearers faced durability issues, the majority were pleased with its versatility as a gym footgear.
Facts
| Use: | Crossfit |
|---|---|
| Price: | $130 |
| Weight: | Men: 9.2oz | Women: 9.2oz |
| Heel to toe drop: | Men: 8mm | Women: 8mm |
| Heel height: | Men: 14mm | Women: 14mm |
| Forefoot height: | Men: 6mm | Women: 6mm |
| Width: | Men: Normal | Women: Normal |
| Features: | Lightweight |
| Brand: | Inov-8 |
| Colorways: | Black, Blue, Grey |
| Special editions: | 1 special editions |
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are training geeks, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 is a new model in the brand’s F-Lite CrossFit series. The shoe is crafted to accommodate all sorts of CrossFit WODs and other high-intensity training activities.
The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 shares the same outsole design with the rest of the F-Lite models. Both vertical and horizontal flex grooves are used as part of the Meta-Flex. They allow for multidirectional flexibility of the shoe.
The Sticky Grip is an improved version of the brand’s Sticky rubber compound. The new rubber is meant to provide better traction on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
The outsole extends up to cover the front of the toe box. It forms a welded bumper to protect the toes against impact during burpees and other plyometric exercises.
The Powerflow foam makes up the middle unit of the F-Lite 260. The heel portion of this compound was created to be 10% more shock absorbing than the conventional EVA foam. The forefoot section of this unit is claimed to offer 15% better energy return.
The Dynamic Fascia Band is installed into the midsole. It mimics the windlass effect of the foot to provide athletes with a jolt of energy return upon every step.
A removable Power Footbed is placed for added cushioning. It is a 6-mm thick foam insole which is covered in mesh for enhanced aeration.
The Rope-Tec features rubber reinforcements which extend up from the outsole to cover the midsole in the midfoot area. They serve to protect the platform against abrasion and ensure grip during the rope climb.
A breathable mesh wraps the midfoot and the forefoot sections of the shoe. Its hexagonal pattern has both tight and wide perforations for a balance of sock-like fit and ventilation.
The rearfoot is hugged by a thick layer of synthetic material for stability. The TPU panels are added on both sides of the heel to form the External Heel Cage. They deliver lateral support during side-to-side movements and weightlifting.
The rubber overlays on the midfoot are part of the Rope-Tec. They are made lightweight yet wear resistant to protect the upper from the rope. They also create additional support to keep the midfoot in place.
A lace-up closure is used to provide an adjustable fit. The flat shoelaces are meant to stay securely tied throughout the training session and also spread pressure more evenly across the instep.