Putting inov-8 Footwear to the Test

inov-8 are one of the most popular brands on our website - and it's not hard to see why. They create footwear to help you perform more naturally in the box - with the foot controlling the shoe, not the other way round.

To give you more insight into how good they really are, we've put them to the test with some of the members at Form Leeds. If you're on the fence about buying a pair - this is a must read!

Interview One - Jade

KITBOX: How did you hear about inov-8?

JADE: Form Leeds (the place I train) stocks inov-8 in their gym.

What made you choose the brand?

I had tried a lot of different trainers and while they were suitable for one type of WOD, they were no good in another! After seeing all the coaches and a lot of the members at the gym wearing inov-8s I thought I’d give them a go!

My first pair was the F-Lite 235.

What do you think of your F-Lite 250's?

I prefer them to the F-Lite 235s.

The 235s were still a little too flat for me to comfortably wear in any WOD with lifting/squats. I would always want to switch to my lifters because my flexibility isn’t the best!

The 250’s feel a lot better – I'm able to wear them for most WODs, whether it be running or squats, and I wore them for the Rainhill Trials for every WOD (Before, I would’ve definitely switched to my lifters for some of these!)

How do they compare to other functional fitness shoes you've owned?

Again, other brands were good for certain WODs, but not comfortable to run in! The F-Lite 250s have been comfortable for the (very little!) running I do :) They don't feel as heavy as some other shoes I've tried, either.

What do you think of your Fastlifts?

They’re very comfortable (which is difficult for me to find with wide feet!). I find them great for any lifting I do - but there's also good flexibility in them so I can wear them in a WOD if I need to.

How do they compare to other lifting shoes you've tried?

I've only ever owned Fastlifts!

Would you continue to buy inov-8 products?

Yes, definitely. It’s difficult to find shoes to fit comfortably on my feet so I’m happy these do! :)

I will no doubt continue to buy more pairs than I need, and then have the stress each day of deciding what shoes to wear for the gym!

Interview Two - Danny

How did you hear about inov-8?

Form Leeds.. People kept buying these cool looking trainers, and then Form started stocking them!

What made you choose the brand?

Literally because everyone at Form started getting them... And because they look really stylish and funky!

What do you think of your Flite 250s?

The most comfortable work out trainers I have owned. They support my feet all the way around... Light enough for running in, and supportive enough for lifting!

How do they compare to other functional fitness shoes you've owned?

I threw my old trainers straight in the bin after wearing my inov-8s just once! They're comfortable, stylish and functional. A superb product!

What do you think of your Fastlifts?

Now, these are exciting!

The support is unreal, and they give you a solid base for lifting! They support my ankles really well, help me to push through my heels and give me so much more stability. They look cool too - another amazing product!

How do they compare to other lifting shoes you've tried?

They're in a totally different league! Others have pinched and hurt my feet, yet didn't give me any stability at all.

Would you continue to buy inov-8 products?

Definitely! For anyone on the fence with these trainers - take the plunge! You won't regret it.

Ready to check them out for yourself? 

This month, while stocks last, we're giving away a FREE pair of JAW Pullup Grips (worth £24.99) with each pair from the Autumn/Winter range!

Click here to take a look.

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