Customer Reviews inov-8 F-Lite™ 195 W/RopeTec

This is the updated version of Inov-8's venerable F-Lite series. What's been updated? First, the soft foam around the arch has been reinforced to protect against rope damage (I would still think twice about rope climbing in them, or at least have a second pair dedicated to the task). The laces have been updated to a thinner, lighter style, and the insole is softer and more luxurious looking than the old one. Finally, the heel is a bit more firm and dense than the old one (better stability under load). F-Lites are extremely light, comfortable trainers, with flexible, almost sock-like upper. They work extremely well almost all gym and cross-training applications as well as POSE style running. They are extremely flat, stable, and do not provide motion control or arch support. They are also not supposed to, so if you feel as though you need such things, you really shouldn't be looking at Inov-8s in the first place (again, you are supposed to running with an efficient, POSE strike, not a heel-to-toe clydesdale slam). F-Lites are extremely popular with the CrossFit crowd as they are well suited to mixed modality workouts, allowing you to switch between weightlifting, gymnastic, and running movements without changing shoes. The only other shoe I have found that is as comfortable and well suited to this style of training is the New Balance Minimus MT10s, which are also superb shoes (I alternate between those and these Inov-8s personally). F-Lites run a smidge large in the toe box, which means you have lots of room, but you might have to come down a half-size if you wear thin socks. In the NBs, I wear an 11.5-US. I've found that an 11-US/10-UK in the Inov-8 gives me a comparable fit.

Overall this is a great trail running and cross-training shoe. This is my third pair of Inov-8 195's and I plan on getting a fourth when I finally wear out this pair. That being said, here are a few things I've realized about these shoes. First, if they are going to fail anywhere it is where the fabric meets the sole of the shoe. I had my first pair for about a year before tears started to develop on the fabric near the sole. On my second pair, the fabric started to tear away from the sole of the shoe after only about 9 months (I started to look like a clown with my toes sticking out of my shoe). Second, there are now two versions of the 195: with and without RopeTec. If you're doing rope climbing you probably want the RopeTec so that climbing rope doesn't destroy part of the sole of the shoe. That being said, when Inov-8 added the RopeTec part they also increased the overall weight of the shoe. If you're not climbing rope at all I recommend the version without RopeTec. Overall a great shoe.

This was my first time purchasing a shoe for a specific purpose. I usually just buy lightweight running shoes and or tennis shoes and keep it moving. However, I do Cross Fit now and wanted a shoe to cater to my day to day WOD's and that's exactly what this shoe does. Great shoe for Cross Fit!

Not the cross trainer I was looking for. After doing jumping jacks and high impact aerobics, my heels were hurting from the impact. Very flat. No cushioning. However , I moved these on to a walking shoe and they work great. Very flexible and comfortable so your feet are stretched to the fullest extent with your stride. Have to hold off in the frigid winter here in IA and use it again in the spring. Pretty neutral design, so universally flattering with casual attire.

Started my CrossFit journey last year and these were my first pair of CF shoes. Now, I also own a pair of Nano-2s. Very light-weight shoes. The toe box is narrowed compared to Nano-2s. The rope-tec worked great, if my Box programs a rope climb, I wear these shoes. I had to order a 1/2 size larger than other shoes.

After a few months of training with these, I pretty much hate training in any other shoe. These are great for the gym and for learning proper stability. I have always been a running shoe girl, but now that I've had these a couple months, I don't want to train in anything else. They did hurt for about a month - my feet feel achy and my legs felt tired. It took about 3-4 weeks to adjust. Can't go wrong with these in the gym!

Before buying these shoes I did months of research because I wasn't about to spend a lot on just any shoes. I've been doing Crossfit for about 6 months and my old PT shoes from prior to enlisting 10 years ago were falling apart. These have been a blessing, I swear that just by wearing them my squat has gotten better, I'm lighter on my feet and I feel more responsive in movements. The lightweight material and low drop in the sole take some getting used too and I would suggest suddenly wearing these every second of every day, but for 90 minutes a day at my gym for the last month, these have been amazing!

These shoes are great!I bought them for CrossFit and they are a lot better than nanos. They're really light and are great for wods with running, box jumps, and double unders. I love them.

I love these shoes! I had been using "barefoot" shoes for the past year because they are so light, but the second that I tried these on I fell in love! These shoes are super light but they give you great support. They are great for Crossfit or just about any other activity. The color is cool too.

Shoe came in and I thought they were going to be too narrow. My foot is a little wider than standard. After wearing them for a few WOD's, they have become my favorite shoe. More practical then my Vibrams and better transition for lifting vs my Brooks running shoes. They haven't replaced my running shoes, but that's due to my form, not the short comings of the shoe. Love this shoe.

I do everything in the 195 from sprinting to weight lifting to crossfit style workouts. Plus I wear them every day (I own four pair). Zappos is the best.

Buy Inov-8 Shoes! I absolutely love these shoes. I bought them to use for training in Krav Maga and they couldn't be more comfortable or give me a better no shoe feel with all the protection of wearing a shoe. I was concerned that they may hurt my feet due to some lingering plantar fasciitis but these make my feet feel great. I'll be ordering more to use outside of the gym!

Bought these as workout shoes. These are my second pair and I think they are one of the best made shoes in the world. They are perfect to workout in because of their shorter sole and rise. They are also great to get in a mile or so without causing any discomfort.

I am in love with these shoes as much as anyone can be in love with shoes! I bought these for the bootcamp class I take 3 days a week at the gym. It is my first experience with inov8. I've worn them on the basketball court during drills, outside on the sidewalks and on the field and in the group fitness room. They've been great in all locations. They have great grip on the floor while doing burpies, planks and lifting weights. They are the lightest shoe I've owned and have helped increase my speed during sprints. I have used these for aprox. 5 workouts since I've received them. I am a very happy customer. I highly recommend them and will buy this brand again.

These are my first Inov8 shoes. Excellent fit, light, good support, breathable and overall great functional shoes for hills, interval training and light off-road running. I used them to run Camel-Back in Arizona, soles provided secure grip up and down the rocks and the breathable fabric kept feet cool. I highly recommend these shoes for this type of training. I suggest to go half a size smaller than normal. The fit will be perfect.

Very comfortable, breathable and light shoes. This is my second pair and I will defiantly be getting a third when these wear out. My first pair lasted 3 years with fairly heavy use, so I'm hoping this set will last that long. Fairly expensive, but worth it.

These are great! I got them for crossfit, they are super breath-ey due to the mesh upper, are wonderfully light, great for running, jump roping, lifting, box jumps, everything. I have not tested the rope-tec yet. I feel fashionable and athletic in them (I got black.) I got a UK size 6.5 and probably could have went down to a UK 6. My American shoe size is is a ladies 9.5/10 usually, so I would say they run sort of big. I highly recommend these! I will definitely buy another pair when these wear out, but in the meantime I also want to get some f-lite 182s in the orange and red for a different color on my feet some days. I feel these don't have very much arch support, which is great because too much arch support hurts my feet. These are very minimalistic. I love them. My husband also bought a pair for an upcoming trip we have in the tropics/rainforest where we think they will be great for the light hiking and all the water we will be going thru, not to mention keeping his feet cool!

Bought these for Crossfit. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. They breathe really well and it feels like I'm not even wearing shoes. They fit true to size. Definitely recommend!

Terrific looking shoes. They won't be serving their purpose with me. But I will certainly be putting them to other useful purposes. Living in the desert southwest, I wanted a shoe that allows my feet to breathe. I also needed a shoe that allows me to bend and flex easily. I have found these attributes in these shoes.

Fits well out of the box. Doesn't look robust as far as wear but time will tell. Not sure if the Rope-Tec helps; still can't climb to the top.

Great shoe! I own many inov's, from cleated trail runners to this shoe, and haven't found a pair I dislike. They are extremely durable and comfortable while still maintaining the barefoot feel. Being a box owner and CF coach, I highly recommend them to everyone as a all around workout shoe!

Inov-8 - I have been wanting to purchase a pair of '8s for awhile now. Needless to say it has been worth the wait! Perfect shoe for Crossfit style workouts - or for any type or workout for that matter. The shoe is very light yet provides great support. I was so impressed with the shoe that I purchased the MudClaw for racing. I normally wear a US 9, however in minimalist shoes I tend to drop a half size - my other shoes, NB Minimalist, were the same story. The 8.5s fit perfect and I took them right out the box and hit workouts!

I've only had these shoes for about 3-4 weeks. Use them at the gym 3-4 days per week which includes running and plyometric workouts. Comfortable shoe that seems durable. I believe it will perform outdoors as well as it seems sturdy.

I am on my 2nd pair. The last pair made it through almost 2 years of crossfit workouts and an uphill half. When they finally broke down, there really weren't any other options. These are a great all around shoe.

I really enjoy these shoes so far. They definitely are suited to the various exercises that crossfit involves. I'm still waiting to see how they hold up but so far so good. They would not be good for any long distance running.