Inov-8 F-Lite G 290 review

Who should buy the Inov-8 F-Lite G 290

As the first trainer to ever use graphene, the Inov-8 F-Lite G 290 was
designed to keep pace with the fiercest and most demanding fitness regimen known to man. It is a solid choice if:

• You are into weightlifting and are looking for a trainer that brings confidence to the wearer through its sufficient stability.
• Your workout routine involves activities that are carried out both outdoors and indoors.
• You are after a shoe that offers a reliable grip during rope climbs. 

Extreme outsole durability

The Inov-8 F-Lite G 290 is one of the three products introduced using the Graphene Grip technology for the outsole. Graphene is the thinnest material on earth but is said to be stronger than steel. It is also lightweight, which makes it a sensible component of training footwear.

The forefoot section features the Meta-Flex component. These grooves facilitate multi-directional flexibility and enable the underfoot to adapt to various movements and surfaces.

Graphene Grip is a graphene-enhanced rubber that is engineered to be 50% more hardwearing, more elastic, and stronger than common rubber. It also offers a better grip on indoor and outdoor surfaces. The outsole extends to the front and is welded to the rubber toe bumper, protecting the toes during burpees, sled pushes, pushups, and more.

Energy-boosting mechanism

The outsole is equipped with the Dynamic Fascia Band (DFB) technology. It replicates the location of the plantar fascia ligament of the foot and mimics its windlass mechanism to boost the energy return with each step.

Optimized for rope climbs

The outsole of this model extends up at the lateral and medial sides of the midfoot, creating the Rope-Tec element. This extension grips the rope during rope climbs and ensures that the person doesn’t slide down too fast during descent, averting rope burns.

The Inov-8 F-Lite G 290's midsole

The Inov-8 F-Lite G 290 employs the Exteroflow midsole with the Powerheel stability. The Exteroflow falls under the one arrow shock category. It means that is has a minimal drop, 4 mm, which translates to a medium level of cushioning with higher responsiveness in Inov-8’s standards. As for the Powerheel component, it makes the heel 40% denser, providing steadiness and support during squats and weight training.

Abrasion-resistant upper

The upper of the Inov-8 F-Lite G 290 is made of mesh with the forefoot reinforced with Kevlar. The mesh fabric aerates the foot chamber. As for the Kevlar, this material increases the durability of the upper, protecting the foot against abrasions during workouts. Synthetic overlays are fused onto the upper to heighten the abrasion-resistance of high-friction areas such as the toe box and the quarters.

Snug lacing system

The midfoot is adorned with a lacing system that integrates with the Adapterweb Met-cradle innovation. The webbed eyelets create a cage-like structure that becomes taut when the laces are tightened. The fit becomes snug and the lateral stability is increased.

The Inov-8 F-Lite G 290's heel clip

Found at the rearfoot is the thermoplastic polyurethane heel clip. This element holds the heel steady during dynamic movements.

Anti-chafing collar

The tongue and collar are both lightly padded. The tongue protects the instep against the pressure created by the laces. Aside from keeping the back of the foot comfortable and free from chafing, the collar also locks the heel down to prevent accidental shoe removal.