Facts
-
Use
Workout
Shoes with optimum cushioning, lateral support, and flexibility for daily workouts and studio sessions. See workout shoes
CrossFit
Versatile, low-profile shoes for constantly varied exercises including plyometrics, sprinting, weightlifting, and rope climbing. See CrossFit shoes
Weightlifting
Heavy-duty shoes with a wedge and an elevated heel that create a sturdy platform and promote ankle mobility. See weightlifting shoes
Walking
Shoes for daily wear that ensure a smooth walking gait cycle. Check out walking shoes
-
Arch support
Neutral
For people with normal pronation. Also provide support for high-arched feet with underpronation (excessive outward rolling of the foot). See neutral training shoes
Stability
For people with low-arched or flat feet and moderate overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). See stability training shoes
Motion control
Shoes feature stabilizing technologies for people with severe overpronation. See motion control training shoes
Good to know
Stability and motion control add-ons are uncommon for workout shoes and are never present in CrossFit or weightlifting footwear. They are mostly found in walking shoes where the gait is easier to correct.
-
Price$130
-
WeightMen: 9.2ozWomen: 9.2oz
Weight
Training footwear typically weighs between 200g and 300g per shoe to accommodate agile workouts. Minimalist trainers go as low as 150g, while weightlifting shoes can go as high as 500g.
-
Heel to toe dropMen: 8mmWomen: 8mm
-
Heel heightMen: 14mmWomen: 14mm
-
Forefoot heightMen: 6mmWomen: 6mm
-
WidthMen: NormalWomen: Normal
-
Release dateUnknown
-
Special editions
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.
5 reasons not to buy
- A few testers complained that the measurements of the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 were inconsistent with other models of the same size and fit; it was narrow and long at the toe box.
- When tightened, the upper bunches up at the instep and caused discomfort, according to a commenter.
- One person griped about something inside that dug under the arch.
- The threads on this model did not hold up after a few months of regular use, said an individual.
- A critic wished that there were more color options to choose from.
Bottom line
The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 met the expectations of users when it came to its performance as a workout trainer. It was stable during plyometrics and durable to withstand high-intensity exercises. Though consumers liked the fit, there were complaints that the toe box was too narrow. Other issues with the footwear included the durability and the few color variants. But overall, many were pleased with its versatility as a gym and everyday footgear.
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.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
Updates to Inov-8 F-Lite 260
- The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 is a new model in the brand’s F-Lite series. The shoe is crafted to accommodate all sorts of CrossFit WODs and other high-intensity training activities.
- The upper unit employs a breathable mesh with a hexagonal pattern. It is designed to provide a snug fit while keeping the foot chamber sufficiently ventilated.
- The trainer inherits the Rope-Tec rubber compound to improve traction and shield the footwear during rope climbs. In this model, the rubber extends to wrap the midfoot for a 360-degree grip and protection.
- The shoe incorporates the brand’s proprietary Powerflow midsole. It was created to be more responsive than the standard EVA cushioning.
- A boost of energy is delivered by the Dynamic Fascia Band shank. It simulates the windlass mechanism of the foot to help the wearer move more efficiently.
- Guarding the platform is the Sticky Grip rubber outsole. It ensures grip on various surfaces.
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 size and fit
The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 tends to run true to the sizing scheme. The men’s version is offered in US sizes 8 to 15, while the women’s comes in US sizes 5.5 to 11. The width follows Inov-8’s Standard Fit, where the toe box is designed to be spacious while the rearfoot is made close-fitting.
Outsole
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.
Midsole
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.
Upper
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.
