Anyone tried to race in some of the Inov8 minimalist shoes? Or just run in them? Any thoughts on how they perform?
Anyone tried to race in some of the Inov8 minimalist shoes? Or just run in them? Any thoughts on how they perform?
I recently switched from the Asics Hyperspeeds to the Inov8 Road-X 233.
I like them, I've run two races in them with no major issues. I chose the 233 because the heel drop was similar to the Hyperspeed. They have noticeably less cushioning than the Hyperspeed, but it doesn't really bother me. It was just something I was aware of on the first few runs with them.
Hope that helps.
I have the inov8 f lite 195's, I would definitely recommend them for training, but I can't say I've ever raced in them.
I've got the f-lite 195s and have been running in them all winter. They are very, very comfortable. I haven't raced in them but have done plenty of tempos and wouldn't hesitate to race in them. I also have a pair of 155s that are okay but not like the 195s, they don't feel as cushy (and have zero traction on snow and ice, not that that is very important now, but it was a month ago!)
Raced most XC races last season in Inov-8 X-Talon 212's.
Excellent.
The lugs made for good traction on dirt, but the real advantage came when I transitioned to a paved surface and could outpace people with spikes.
Highly recommended.
Agreed I race in the xtalon 190s and on one course there was a stretch of old sidewalk and I blew past the people wearing spikes. The lugs don't really hold in mud too.
Not trying to be a tool, but I don't totally get that. Of course you will pass people in spikes when running on pavement. But isn't the point of cross country that 95%-100% of the course will be on grass or natural terrain on which spikes will be beneficial? Though, if the shoe is intended for road racing, the answer makes more sense.