Inov8 F-Lite Men's - Black/Gum
The F-Lite is the perfect blend of stability and responsiveness. This model performs great for CrossFit, cross-training, and strength training.
SIZE
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
12
12.5
13
14
15
1
DETAILS
Go Up a Half-Size: Please check out my sizing section below for more details, but most athletes and lifters will want to go up a half-size in these.
POWERFLOW MAX Midsole: Delivers responsive cushioning for dynamic work and WODs while providing stability for heavy lifting.
Wide Toe Box: Allows for ample toe splay, enhancing stability during lifts and comfort while training.
Hybrid-Esque Design: Balances comfort for running with enough stability for strength training (I've tested up to 465 lbs in these).
Lightweight Construction: Breathable mesh upper with midfoot cage keeps your feet cool in warm gym settings.
Versatile Grip: Grippy rubber outsole with forefoot split to promote flexibility while training.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
CARE
I'm a big fan of washing most pieces of clothing on tap cold with a delicate cycle. This typically prolongs the lifespan of all articles of clothing.
You can wash these on a normal cycle with no issues. However, I want to make sure you get the most life
RETURNS AND EXCHANGES
All returns and exchanges are accepted for unworn, like-new shoes within 30-days.
Read more here.
Features Worth Knowing
The core construction details that I think are worth knowing before you buy!
1. ROPETEC ARCH SUPPORT
The ROPETEC around the midfoot does a fantastic job of providing additional bite and durability for rope climbs. It also provides some arch support for those who prefer some when training.
2. POWERFLOW MAX MIDSOLE
The POWERFLOW MAX midsole in this shoe does a good job of being a bridge between the softer midsole in the F-Fly and denser midsole in the F-Lite Max. Best-of-all-worlds midsole.
3. MET-CRADLE MIDFOOT PROTECTION
The MET-CRADLE provides an additional rubber/TPU overlay the locks the foot down and provides additional protection from abrasion. It also doesn't feel bulky which is awesome.
4. WIDE TOE BOX AND BREATHABLE
The wide toe box is fantastic for promoting toe splay and feet up to 3E widths should be fine in this model. The lightweight mesh upper does a great job of promoting breathability while training.
That Fit Friend's Performance Assessment
That Fit Friend's Performance Assessment
Lifting Thresholds and My Assessment
This shoe works well for recreational lifting and hypertrophy sessions. I've pushed them hard to assess where their stability starts to fall short.
Below are a few of the core and top lifting tests I've done in them.
455 lb deadlifts. Good performance. You'll start to feel the midsole compress a bit above this weight, but not enough to hinder performance.
550 lb leg press. Good outsole traction and the 4mm heel-to-toe drop gives these a solid feeling when doing heavy leg sessions.
215 lb reverse lunge. Great performance. The wide toe box and flexibility through the midsole are the star players for single-leg training.
Cross-Training Assessment
These work great for most CrossFit WODs. I'd put them into the same "all-in-one" category as shoes like the RAD ONE, TYR CXT-2, and Haze Trainer. If you've worn Inov8 shoes before, they're a sportier feeling F-Lite G 300 for CrossFit.
For cross-training, these work well in most contexts. Despite the upper being lighter weight, I didn't have issues with security. Whether it was kettlebell flows, agility work, or sled training, these shoes worked great.
Running, Walking, and Comfort Assessment
For running, my favorite distances to run in these are from 400 meters to 1 miles. At this mileage, they feel lively and plush enough to give you some comfort and pop.
For walking and daily wear, I've really liked these. They're a good do-it-all shoe and have made them my training shoes for travel fairly often. They're a good option for someone who wants a single shoe for training while traveling.
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