Customer Reviews inov-8 F-Lite™ 230

The 230 is quite an interesting feel. Definitely leans toward a minimalist design and feel which is what I was looking for. You will not find layers of "cushiony" support (or fluff) with this shoe that you find with other runners such as Asics, Nike or Saucony. Also, if tons of arch support is needed this is not the shoe for you. I wear these shoes for running and minimal cross-training. They shine brightest on the asphalt and treadmill - Sometimes I feel as if I'm running barefoot on the beach in the sand. I like them. They do run small - I'm a 12 but had to return for a 13.

So please listen to the other reviewers when they say to order a half size smaller then normal. I normally wear between a 6.5 to 7. I ordered the 6.5 and they fit perfectly. I bought these shoes specifically for Insanity Max 30. I normally wear Vibram FiveFingers but I needed a change. The fabric started pulling on my toes with certain moves and causing some minor pain. These shoes are perfect for Insanity or other high intensity interval training workouts.

The shoe is great. I bought a pair as a gift for someone and they loved how comfortable and light they are. Great shoe for everyday or working out. I bought myself the same pair and love them.

Super light, decent padding, very mild arch support. I have a lot of trouble finding a pair of shoes that doesn't interfere with my low arch. Most running shoes will poke me in the arch of the foot and cause significant discomfort. These shoes have very mild arch support, making them ideal for anyone with flatter-than-average feet. I have noticed that I have some discomfort if I tie them somewhat tight (the contour of the shoe changes, affecting my step), so that's why I docked them one star on comfort. I've taken them for several runs averaging about 3 miles each, have biked with them, and have done a short hike with them. I wouldn't do a long hike with them, but they're great for short trail runs. I've also worn them in casual situations, like walking around the airport and around malls and they're decently comfortable for that.

I love both the 195s and 155s but I was a little hesitant to try the 230s after not loving (at all!) the 220s. Fortunately, these turned out much better! I listened to the other reviewers who said to go down 1/2 size and the fit is great. I wear a ladies 9 in almost everything with the exception of a couple of brands, but the 8 1/2 in this shoe is perfect. If you have wide feet, you may not like this one- the toe box is a little narrow, but not more so than the 195s.

These shoes are my favorite pair in my lifetime! So lightweight, comfortable, and a good looking shoe too. They ran a 1/2 size big for me, I wear a size 12.5 (womens) had to return the first pair (size 13) and get a half size smaller (12.5).

My fourth pair or inov-8s and first pair of 230s. I love this brand! I should have ordered a 1/2 size smaller, had to return the shoes and get an 8. Every pair prior had been an 8.5. Great for CrossFit.

After a great experience with Zappos customer service I thought was time to write my first review. I followed everyone's advice and went down 1/2 size... bad idea! I am not sure if people recommending to downsize are only using these shoes for crossfit but my experience as a runner is that you need that additional 1/2 size. Do not downsize if you are using these for running, especially if running hills. You will end up like me exchanging them for larger size and thanking God for Zappos amazing return policy.

These are great shoes! I made the mistake of starting T25 workouts in my running shoes, and had some pain and injuries. On a recommendation I purchased these, and they really have made all the difference. Super lightweight, but stable and very comfortable. I do recommend the 1/2 size down. I wear a 9 women's, so initially I ordered the 9 and had to return them for 8 1/2. They also seemed a bit narrow, but conformed to my foot super quick. Love them!

I love these shoes! So comfortable and light, I've had them about a month and never had sore feet. These are my first pair of Inov's, I will be buying another pair.

These fit and feel great doing light activity and are heaven during runs. I do moderate runs maxing out at 4 miles but I like how they handle on the treadmill, track and mountain trails for running. They are comfortable, true to size (for me), and are light. New favorite workout shoe.

Great training shoe. I use this shoe for cross fit style training and trail runs. The shoe fits like a glove except for the toe box. it's a little broad and tends to dimple in which is kind of annoying. sure that's petty but its an obvious design error...that being said I will definitely get this shoe again...

Lightweight, comfortable and stylin'. They seem to run a little smaller than average and a little narrower around the arch, but that works for me. The toe box is plenty roomy, though. Great shoe. I would order again.

Great shoe overall, especially if you enjoy Crossfit style training. This is my second pair, my first pair of F230's lasted me almost 3 years of abuse.

I bought these shoes to help me transition to midfoot running. The fit of this shoe is pretty true to size. The toe box is a little wider than my other running shoes but it doesn't cause any problems. These also have great traction. These shoes look good too. Get yourself a pair!

Fantastic shoes. This is my first pair of Inov-8s and I've used them for weight lifting at the gym and running. A very versatile shoe for both activities, highly recommended.

Great shoes! I enjoy them a lot. The sizing is a little off so order either a full size smaller or at least half a size.

I bought for cross fit. They are very light weight. They breathe very well. Not as flat as a minimalist shoe but not as fat a heel as many traditional running shoes. I'm transitioning my running technique away from the heel to toe foot strike and this shoe is perfect for me.

I bought these as my first set of crossfit shoes. They work great. I'm a bigger guy (245 pounds), and they give me a sense of added stability doing olympic lifts. I also seem to be able to do the box jumps a little easier than before. I ordered them a little smaller per the other reviews (I wear 13.5 normally, and got a 13 that fits well).

As a trainer I am always looking for new shoes. When I found these I wasn't sure if I should get them because I am a complete Brooks girl. But eventually I got them and it was a great decision. They are super functional to train in and do all kinds of lifts in. They have the perfect amount of support I was looking for when doing my heavy lifts then transitioning to more jumping type movements. I love these shoes and I recommend them to anyone!

What I wanted: a very minimal running shoe with excellent traction that also doesn't have a color scheme that makes it look like a clown shoe. Additional features I like: the upper portion of the shoe is entirely mesh and the insole is vented: these shoes dry quickly, even in high humidity and the soles don't squeak on linoleum even when they're wet. This shoe is a little wider than the average running shoe (I appreciate this since I often get blisters around the ball of my foot from narrow running shoes). It's also SUPER light-weight, my beach slippers are heavier. The soles are highly textured and provide great traction, even on wet paving. The only thing I don't like is that the toe box collapses a bit after a couple of days of wearing, making the shoes look flimsy. The shoe has a very slight heel, which I find does not interfere with my running stride (I tend to "land" on the back of the ball of my foot and most running shoes have too much heel for this). There is essentially no padding: the ride is very responsive but will probably feel jarring for runners with a heel-strike gait. The sole is stiff enough to protect you from small rocks and still soft enough to allow your toes and arch to flex freely. Some of the minimalist shoes I've tried had bulkier, softer soles which give the shoe a sloppy feel AND make sure every rock on the road or trail leaves a mark on your foot (I'm looking at you, Nike). Will be buying myself a couple more pairs in the near future. This is now my go-to running shoe: the Brooks I bought at the same time just can't compete.

Excellent quality shoe but unfortunately it was just too narrow for my foot, I have tried several styles and fits of the Inov8 shoes but they just don't fit right. Although many say this shoe runs half size larger I did not find this to be the case.

Make sure you check the Inov-8 website to get a better understanding of the width's of these shoes. These are the Precision fit which I found to be a little more narrow than average.

Comfortable good looking shoe. Had several compliments, which is not common for a pair of athletic shoes. I have one other pair of this brand, lower model and I like these better, the have just a little more support, but are still very minimal, light shoe.

Probably the most comfortable shoe. Very lightweight. I'm a personal trainer so I'm in them all day and work out in them as well. They also stand out. Love the blue! Only con is if you have wide feet. Not probably the best choice.