inov-8 Bare-XF™ 210 SKU: #7882286

Charles

from Irvine, CA

I usually wear 10(US) in Inov-8s but like previous reviewer stated, I'd recommend going a half size up. Still need to test shoes out but they feel a lot different than the F-Lite 230s.

Anonymous

This is a well designed minimalist fitness shoe and I gave the style and comfort 4 stars. However, the sizing is off and seems shorter in length compared to the F-Lite 195/230. This is my second pair of Bare-XF 210's in size 10.5UK/11.5US. The first pair was too short in size 10UK/11US. I have two pairs of Inov8's; F-Lite 230 and F-Lite 195 both in size 10UK/11US. The F-Lite 195 is about a half size+ wider and longer than the F-Lite 230 in the same size. If the F-Lite 230's fit you well I would go up half a size for the Bare-XF 210. If the F-Lite 195s fit you well I would go up at least half size to a full size on the Bare-XF 210. The toe area is slightly wider than the F-Lites, however, it's not as flexible. I gave it an overall of 3 stars due to the inconsistent sizing compared to the F-Lites 195/230. Inov-8 needs to be more consistent with their sizing.

Brands I'd also recommend: F-Lite 195, Vibram Five Fingers; Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove

Carlos r

from gilroy, ca

These shoes do not run small. For reference I wear a 10 in Vans and a 10.5 in pretty much all Nike shoes. I ordered this shoe in a 10.5 and it fits great. I do like having a bit of extra room in my toe area for my gym shoes. I could probably also squeeze into a 10 in this shoe, but it would be uncomfortable after 100 jump ropes or a few sprints. I have flat feet, so I like shoes that are flat and do not have a high arch. These shoes are close to vibrams in the sense that you are barely walking on anything with no arch support. I will do my first cross fit workout with these shoes tomorrow, I will update on how well they work. I will make sure to get a rope climb in as well.

Vincent C

This shoe is awesome! I was previously using the f-lite 230 for crossfit, which are also great, but these are much better for crossfit; they're light, flat and super sticky. I ordered the same size as I wear in a f-lite 230, and they fit perfectly.

Ronald R

from Huntington, WV

This shoe is the F Lite 230s without the midsole. I exaggerate not, these are perfect for the minimalist athlete . Out-of- the-box performance from double unders to heavy dead lifts. These are my fourth pair of Inov-8s and all have been consistent with the sizing. Not for the faint hearted, these shoes will expose foot weakness like the Vibram Fivefingers.

Cyndi

from New Jersey

I just received my Bare-XF 210's and upon putting them on my feet, knew immediately that these would be the best shoes for Cross-fitting ever! I had the 230s which I liked but had trouble getting my weight in my heals with them. These totally corrected that for me. I can see that my form will be much better with these shoes. Can't wait to try the rope climb with them as they have what looks to be much better construction. Super light, very flat, comfy and true to size!

Steve

from Bakersfield, CA

The first workout I did in these was a 5RM Deadlift, followed by a conditioning workout consisting of Rope Climbs, Wall Balls, and 200m runs. These worked great for all of it! A bit of a change from my 230s and 195s as far as cushioning. I would recommend the individual having some training in Pose running before wearing these for distance. Overall another great shoe by Inov-8.

SEEj0WNZ

from California

I have tried various barefoot shoes over the last few years (Nike Free, New Balance MT-10, Minimus Life, VFF KSO, and Merrell Sonic Glove) and have found that the Vibrams provided to best feedback to the ground when doing any kind of athletic activity. That was until I purchased the 210s. I have heard great things about Inov-8 as far as having similar characteristics to the VFF and can confirm that these are the best barefoot trainers available. I am a strength trainer and frequently perform both the power lifts and Olympic lifts while wearing these shoes. The durability and protection these shoes provide is unlike any other shoes. The thick rubbery overlays protect and support both the medial and lateral sides of the mid foot and provide a nice solid ground feel when dead lifting, squatting, lunging, jumping, sprinting, and walking. While these shoes were designed for xfit, they can be used for any athletic purpose. I am very happy with this purchase and look forward to continuously putting the hurt on these bad boys. In the wise words of Mark Rippetoe, "Strong people are harder to kill than weak people, and more useful in general." Enjoy these shoes!

Wade D

from Jacksonville, FL

I purchased these over the Reebok Crossfit Nano due to a sizing issue and they are completely different animals. Inov-8 "designed this shoe for Crossfit" with rope climbing in mind as well as all the other fun stuff we do. Today was the first day I rope climbed with them and I'm pretty disappointed. They were very slick feeling; however, they did not show the usual signs of rope climbing I've seen on other shoes. I would also not wear them for WOD's that involve any running as you feel everything. I was looking for a pretty flat shoe to WOD in but I will have to save these for box jumps and double unders - the only movements that I've found they stand out in. If you're looking for a durable shoe, this appears to be it; just don't expect them the perform well running or rope climbing.

Brands I'd also recommend: Inov8, Mizuno, Brooks

Matt S

from Moorhead, MN

Superb shoes for CrossFit. I will admit that I have not rope climbed or box jumped in them. But after 2 weeks I am convinced they are great. Fellow CrossFitters know the significance of my saying, "These are the first shoes in which I actually came close to enjoying performing burpees." Seriously! The zero drop and sticky sole of the shoe make it made for burpees. Terrific looking and fits true to size. It feels narrow at first, but lacing it up looser helps solve the problem. Great shoe and Zappos was awesome as usual. Try it and you will be happy!

Brands I'd also recommend: vibram five fingers

Peter Z

from Saint Robert, MO

These looked like they were going to be the ultimate shoes. When I got them, I found them to be possibly the best shoes ever but they were so narrow that I was unable to even debate keeping it. I own the 195s and RoadX 155, all in 10½. Both are perfectly comfortable in length and width. The XF 210 was so narrow that I barely was able to tie the laces. I have moderately wide feet, not extremely wide too, so it surprised me. I wanted to make them work, but I had to send them back. It would have been nice to know this in advance and not waste my time. The length was the same as other Inov-8 shoes I own. Everything about the shoe looks good though; tread, protection in the toe area, etc. Just like the ads say.

Tink

from CrossFit 254

I always wore Vibrams for my CrossFit workouts but I recently purchased the 210s. I am more than pleased with their feel and durability. I still get the bare foot feel that I love but for me the level of comfort surpasses Vibrams. Having done several WODs in both shoe I can say that the 210s are my pick hands down.

Devin G

from San Diego, Ca

These are great shoes: extremely light and a true minimalist shoe. The sole is flat, making it perfect for squat exercises. They're not really built for those with wider feet or high arches, but the overall shoe is a great design.

Brands I'd also recommend: mizuno

Anonymous

from Jeffersonville, Indiana

Just got these yesterday. Feet hurt a bit while getting used to them, and you can really feel the lack of cushioning in high impact motions, like box jumps. That said, one workout in I completely forgot I was wearing them. The wide toebox keeps you from feeling restricted under heavy loads, and the traction is incredible. I wouldn't run much more than a 400 in them, but for WODs in the gym, they're going to be fantastic. They practically climb a rope for you, too; the plastic guard sheets have so much grip.

Anonymous

from St. Paul, MN

My third pair of inov-8's, first of the XF model. Fits more snugly than the 230's (I own two pairs), and feels a little shorter due to the toe box curling up slightly. Like the 230, a great shoe for CrossFit. The sole is flatter and thinner than the 230, with some stickiness to it. This is great and noticeable in a good way for jumping. They work well for rope climbing without shredding the sole.

Gary O

from Hendersonville, Tennessee

I love my new 210's! I have had them about a month now and they are everything I had hoped. Great for X-Fitting! The No-Rise heel might take some getting used to, if you haven't owned a pair before. Overall, very satisfied!

Ronin S

from Naptown

Was super stoked to get these shoes and with good reason; they have lived up to expectations. A couple of things: For me personally I have a wide foot and I find these shoes to run about as narrow as a pair of Nike and although I will keep these, I am about to order extra wide NB MX20s. The Inov8 shoes gets about as close to the ground as I think one should expect and take away the arch support. I have used them exclusively for weigh training but find myself still preferring to go barefoot for dead lifts, squats, etc. But the feel of walking and training in them for the other 4 days of the week is worth it. A great shoe for plyo work as well. I would strongly recommend that if wearing socks, you order the ones that are recommended on the shoes page down at the bottom - a stack of 3 pair ran me a lot but has been well worth the price as my feet run wet after the first 20 mins and wearing ankle highs cause my feet not to fit in the shoe.

Brands I'd also recommend: New Balance MX20

Matt W

from United States

Got these shoes for Crossfit, been great so far. Also, ordered on a Friday and they showed up on Monday!