MF Tests: Inov-8 F-LITE G 300

The Inov-8 F-LITE G 300 is a sturdy lifting shoe, but there are comfier trainers out there…

Inov-8 F-LITE G 300 

£140 / inov-8.com

PROS

• Stable base for heavy lifting 

CONS

• Tongue is quite loose fitting
• Not the lightest shoe
• Lace area slightly creased and uncomfortable

Fit: 3.5/5
Comfort: 3.5/5
Performance: 4/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

Branded as Inov-8’s number-one fitness shoe, the F-LITE G 300 is a versatile, sturdy bit of kit. It provides the support and stability needed for lifting, while retaining a lightweight, flexible feel that helps you move around a gym mat with ease.

Related: 5 Of The Best Specialist Weightlifting Shoes

There’s a strong, reinforced graphene heel, which means the F-LITE G 300 is great for squats and other movements that require you to keep a solid footing. Overall, it feels pleasantly robust, but that doesn’t stop you from moving around with speed.

Heels don’t get much sturdier than this – reinforced with the world’s strongest material, graphene

At 300g, it manages to avoid being too heavy, despite incorporating the world’s strongest material, graphene. Breathability is improved by the shoe’s lightweight upper, although this flexible material can get a little creased and squished up underneath the laces, which reduces comfort. More broadly, a little extra cushioning wouldn’t go amiss.

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That being said, the shoe does still give you a smooth workout. It fits snugly, while maintaining plenty of wriggle room in the toe box (in fact, the upper’s breathable mesh material is so thin and lightweight that you can see your toes moving around). 

On balance, the Inov-8 F-LITE G 300 is a tough trainer that offers a blend between stability and power, although there are a couple of areas where comfort is sacrificed slightly. A decent all-rounder with a sturdy, snug and breathable feel, but not the springiest shoe in the world.

Stable enough for heavy lifting, but a little cumbersome for anything too dynamic

Words: Fred Garratt-Stanley

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