Inov8 SS17 Road Test
We were pleased to invite Inov8 to CrossFit Central Staffs to run a test evening, previewing some of the Spring / Summer 2017 range to the members. We spoke to CSC member, Nick Fearnett, to find out more:
All photo credits: Martyn Jennings, Central Staffs CrossFit
Organised by Central Staffs CrossFit and Kitbox, it was a chance to try on and test a range of Inov8's latest trainers during a night of especially spicy workouts to really show what the trainers are capable of. The host box Central Staffs Crossfit has been my home for exercise for over two years now, and it keeps coming up with treats like this road test night, which for members like me is really important – as selecting the right kit to workout in makes all the difference to training hard but safe. When I arrived at the box it was exciting to see so many pairs of trainers, with nearly every member eager to try a pair on during the night to see what the fuss was about. We were all keen to test the brand new All Train 215's, a versatile trainer suitable for many different workouts from strength training to conditioning. My first challenge was to tackle the 6pm strength workout in a brand new pair of F-lite 235 V2's. As an updated version of the original F-lite, this shoe boasts improved flexibility, durability and versatility...all accolades that were essential during a beastly 6 rounds of multiple dumbbell box step overs, handstand press ups and dumbbell front squats. I'm pleased to say the shoes held up perfectly, offering a study support base and grip when stepping up on to the box whilst also lightweight. The V2 is a better fit than the original, and offers improved resistance against rope climbs and trainer toe killers like burpees – the 235's are my favourite Inov8 shoe and an all round win!
The second workout was a gruelling conditioning class at 7pm and involved testing the brand new All Train 215's in a class including a long list of varying exercises such as squats, lunges and press ups. The task was to take on sets of 2 or 3 of high rep exercises split with 1 minute high knee sprints – the perfect test for the new trainer. The results were as expected, totally conclusive that Inov8 know how to make a superb all round training shoe. The new 'Adapterfit' system worked brilliantly, offering midfoot support and a truly fitted feel but with flex for lateral movement. The second and probably more noticeable feature was the sole design, which included new all-train claw shaped cleats and sticky rubber compounds. The combination offered the perfect amount of grip on both rubber and wooden floor materials, completely removing any concern of slipping over during a fast paced, high intensity workout.
Overall I found the Inov8 test event at Central Staffs to be a very informative and useful chance to test some improved leading trainers from the Inov8 range, along with some brand new shoes that proved to be right up with the best of them. Personally, I have always found Inov8 trainer shoes to be light, comfortable and able to endure the toughest of environments and stress – a brand you can really rely on.
