Inov8 F-Lite 260 V2 Women's Training Shoes - AW22

Product Information

The lower the number on our scale, the narrower the fit, which ensures minimal internal movement of the foot when running fast on technical terrain. Shoes with the higher numbers on our scale will suit athletes with a wider foot and those wanting that extra comfort in the toe box. This wider toe box allows the toes to splay for increased stability when lifting heavy weights. It’s also perfect for longer runs and races when toes begin to swell. The outer construction of the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 Knit Trainer is composed of multiple materials. Throughout the toe and mid-foot, Inov-8 has equipped this model with their knit material, which is form fitting, lightweight, and breathable. The knit moves with the foot well and provides the outer construction with a reactive feeling.

This model features Under Armour’s signature Micro G Foam midsole which does a great job for both stability and versatility. You can squat over 400 lbs in this model and expect them to feel stable, then use them for double-unders and expect a nice “bounce” to them. The F-Lite G 300 is breathable and lightweight at only 300g with a Graphene PowerHeel for a great lifting foundation and a Graphene-enhanced rubber sole compound for incredible grip and traction. A wrap-around upper cage delivers comprehensive support, and Rope-Tec™ protection adds a boost of confidence to every rope climb.This version is versatile, durable, and breathable, with a knitted upper material that allows the shoe to conform while the foot is in motion. The Rope-Tec technology gives you confidence on rope climbs, while the PowerFlow midsole delivers both comfort and reliable support during lifts. To provide additional context about this shoe’s upper construction, the forefoot of this model has a 3D rubber construction for rope climb support, and the toe has a suede overlay for abrasion resistance from toe dragging movements. The Xero Shoes 360 has been one of my favorite barefoot shoes for CrossFit. This model has multiple features that make it a solid option for the avid barefoot-focused CrossFit athlete. I’ve been testing training shoes for over 6 years and have been a trainer for over a decade. When testing shoes for CrossFit, I have a battery of performance tests that I put every shoe through.

In addition, the SuperFabric upper in the NOBULL Trainer does a really good job with abrasion resistance from rope friction. If there’s one area that NOBULL has figured out with their trainers, it’s durability. We’d recommend looking at the size guide which shows the approximate length of each size’s midsole in centimetres. Inov-8 develops footwear, clothing, and equipment and is devoted to the trail and off-road runners, fitness athletes, and adventure-seeking hikers who push boundaries and stretch limits. They design shoes believing that an athlete’s interaction with the environment is significant. I also think the TriBase outsole adds to the Reign 5’s performance for CrossFit and the additional midfoot outsole wraps are great for rope climbing durability. The WARP upper is also an improvement in the context of fit and abrasion resistance, in my opinion. Nothing can tear down a shoe as rope climbs in CrossFit workouts. Nothing is more frustrating than coming off the rope after a successful CrossFit workout only to find your CrossFit shoe’s upper construction destroyed from your climbs.Thus far, I’ve trained up to 505 lbs in the Haze Trainer and have had no issues with the stability. On top of the midsole, the Cross-Platform 2™ outsole provides a nice blend of traction and maneuverability. Best for Wide Feet I would even take the RopePro in the Nanoflex V2 and its performance over its more premium peers, the Reebok Nano X2 and Nano X1. The midsole in this model also provides a nice blend of stability and versatility for different types of WODs. When determining the best CrossFit shoes for budget-friendly shoppers, a shoe’s price point is the main factor I’m considering. In many cases, niche strength sports shoes like CrossFit shoes can be a little more pricey. The sole of the Xero Shoes 360 on the lateral and medial side of the base of the toes wraps up the shoe further than other Xero Shoes training models to provide added grip and durability when moving laterally. This makes the Xero Shoes 360 a solid model for multi-directional activity, and the toe box is plenty wide for accommodating toe splay. Best for Rope Climbing

Outside of my construction tests, I’m also looking at a shoe’s midsole, outsole, upper, and overall fit and feel. At this point in my career, I have personally tested hundreds of shoes so being able to recognize the context between different CrossFit shoes is helpful. I also like how this performs for most WODs regarding its versatility and overall durability. That’s not to say the PUMA Fuse 2 doesn’t have its shortcomings. For example, the upper in this shoe for rope climbs needs a buff and can be a little hit or miss. We have meticulously studied the foot and its function during the gait cycle and also the interaction between the foot and the terrain. We have used this knowledge to develop our fitting scale. For technical footwear a good fit is essential to enhance your performance. CrossFit shoes are created to support various exercises like lifting, climbing, jumping, and more. They’re also lightweight and flexible enough for runs and other cardio. Compared to running shoes, CrossFit shoes have more protection and have a lower heel-to-toe drop. Their purpose is to guarantee utmost athletic performance while avoiding injuries. Cross-training shoes work satisfactorily for most workouts at the gym, including CrossFit, HIIT, lifting, and Boot camp workouts. In this review, I took the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 Knit Trainer through a variety of tests to see how it performed compared to the best cross training shoes on the market. There are three stand out construction characteristics that I think this cross training shoe has going for it.When considering the best CrossFit shoes for flat feet, I’m mostly concerned with a shoe’s ability to accommodate the anatomical asks that typically come along with flat feet. One of the brands that manufacture CrossFit shoes is Inov-8. Inov-8 is a sportswear brand focused on technical off-road running, functional fitness, and minimalist road running products. The distinctive design principle around Inov-8 products is to keep the foot close to the ground when performing so you can feel and adjust to the terrain beneath you while allowing enhanced performance. The UA TriBase Reign 5 is another good CrossFit-focused shoe for flat feet. This model’s width was increased from prior models, and if you need a fair amount of forefoot width and a little midfoot support, then you should find that this model does a good job on this front. If you already have a hiking boot, running shoe, or training shoe that fits you well, you could measure the length of the shoe’s insole and match this with the size guide. If you like having a snugger fit, then aim for the lower end of that range, and if you like having a bit more room or if you have a wider foot, then you may want to size accordingly to the larger side of the range.