Inov-8 Men's Bare-xf 210 V3 Barefoot Cross Training Shoes

I use these shoes for deadifting...they are perfect! Zero drop is awesome and they are super comfortable and light weight. Feels like you are very well grounded under the bar. Size is true to what you normally wear.

I've had four pairs of these so far, and I just can't find any other shoe that does the job of these. I went through a few pair recently and had to send them back due to sizing issues. Tried to find an alternative, but no one else really does a minimalist shoe like Inov-8. Tried again, and this newest pair is a keeper. I will have to put a dab of fabric glue under the insole, though, as it had a tendency to move a bit too much, which wasn't an issue with my original red pair. With the sizing problems and insole slipping around, I suspect supply problems forced them to work with other manufacturers. Total guess. Maybe that's all coincidental, but the bottom line at this point is this is a great shoe. Customer service is excellent, as well.

I really liked these shoes in the beginning. The barefoot platform was perfect for lifting and the reenforced area on the instep worked well for rope climbs. But less than year after I purchased them and started to use them, the soles started to peel off. I only wear them at the gym, changing them out there from my street shoes. After speaking with several other gym members who owned Invo8 in the past, quality control and durability isn't what it used to be. Too bad. I won't be reordering another pair.

This is my second pair after having my first pair of Inov8 barefoot shoes for 4 years. They are still perfectly usable, but starting to show some wear. Any athletic shoe that can last more than a year is worth it, 4 years is insane. These shoes are the best for squats if you don’t have ankle mobility issues. They are not great for running as they dont have shock absorption, unless you know how to properly run barefooted (by not heel striking). I think lifting barefoot or in shoes like this will make you stronger overall by building foot stability and allowing you to push more weight by making better contact with the ground and not having to push through the cushion of running shoes. May take some getting used to if you arent used to zero drop shoes, like converse. I will never lift in anything else though.

Feels kind of like a rugged slipper. Bought as a replacement for Reebok Nano 2.0. Much lighter and more flexible than the Nano, but significantly less support laterally. I would consider this more of a “minimalist” than a “barefoot” shoe. I have much more balance with bare feet, since I can spread my toes and use the whole bottom surface of my foot.Also, the insole of the left shoe kept sliding toward my heel until I finally superglued it down. You could also take the insoles out for even more minimal feel and a little bit more space, since it is rather form-fitting.The outer sole provides good traction and flexibility. Good for movements where the foot and toes are flexing, like lunges and Turkish get ups.

This is my 5th pair of this shoe. Other than squats and Olympic lifts these are my go-to shoe for strongman, cross training, and especially deadlifts.The differences from the previous version are minor. The laces are longer and it appears the tongue has less padding. The longer laces are odd but fine. The less padding across the top is an issue rarely but for quad extensions with a lazy bar it hurts a little more.The biggest issue is the toe box and the heel. It feels a little narrower than the V2’s. After a few workouts it’s wearing in but I’m going to end up with unsightly pinky-toe bulges eventually. Once again, the heel feels a little narrower but it wasn’t noticeable after a few workouts.The upgrade here is that the insole doesn’t slip when I’m dragging and pulling things. I’ve had to glue (and re-glue) the insoles in previous pairs.

They made some modifications to the shoe like the lacing is shorter which is a bit, well…how do I say this….the lacing size was better before. I’ve been wearing these shoes for training for the last 12 years so…Yup! Great pair of shoes. Pricey but worth it, but be careful with the sizing. A half size to one size feel better on me now. Seems that also what has changed. Seems the sizes run smaller now.

THIS IS NOT THE SELLERS FAULT!The seller seems fine. This model of shoe has many issues that Inov-8 is aware of where the insoles (super thin material) slide back during normal use and bunch up behind the heel. End up having your toes hanging over the insoles. I looked at Inov-8's website for customer reviews, in the last month ALONE (this shoe has been out since 2022) I found 4 reviews that specifically point out the issue with the insoles and Inov-8 responding telling them that customer care would be contacting them.Mine actually ended up having the material under the insole at the heel of BOTH shoes split and rip open. Thankfully no tacks, nails etc. pierced the material. Upper and outer seem fine and havent had any issues. They look good. I have had them since May of 2023 and this is the first pair of ANY shoes I have bought in the last 5-6 years that I have had this kind of poor experience with.I am talking with seller about a warranty repair through Inov-8. I didn't want a refund or to return them, just to have the rips in both shoes at both heels fixed as it seems REALLY clear this is a manufacturing or material issue.