INOV-8 F-LITE G 300 Training Shoe Review

Let’s look at INOV-8’s latest addition to their F-LITE line of cross training shoe – the INOV-8 F-LITE G 300 cross training shoe.

The G 300 is available now, and our review pair is on order.

Side view of the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe — The INOV08 F-LITE G 300 is new for 2020 – it’s a functional fitness training shoe – so you can use it for CrossFit – and other things.

While we wait for our hands-on test to being, we’ll review the features of the shoe here.

Inov-8 is entering a crowded space – how does the F-LITE line fare against the Nike Metcon 5 shoe line or the Reebok Nano 9 – that’s what we’ll figure out shortly

Stay tuned – we’ll have a full review in January 2020 when we receive our evaluation pair.

Here’s the shoes we are going to review.

INOV-8 F-LITE G 300 Training Shoe Men's The newest shoe in INOV-8's F-LITE line of training shoes, this shoe promises the stability to lift weights and the responsiveness and flexibility you need for cross training and functional fitness like CrossFit.

$149.95 (Road Runner Sports)

INOV-8 F-LITE G 300 Training Shoe Women's The newest shoe in INOV-8's F-LITE line of training shoes, this shoe promises the stability to lift weights and the responsiveness and flexibility you need for cross training and functional fitness like CrossFit.

$149.95 (Road Runner Sports)

Let’s take a closer look.

INOV-8 F-LITE G 300 – What Makes it a Great Training Shoe

The G-300 makes use of graphene for key parts of the shoe.

Graphene is a specific arrangement of carbon atoms – and it is thin, but tough.

This makes it a natural choice for a training shoe.

INOV-8 has used graphene to reinforce key areas of the shoe – because we want a tough shoe – but it can’t be too heavy either.

In the G 300, graphene is used in the outsole (or sole) – you can see it is labled “Graphene Grip.”

That’s because it’s thin, tough, AND flexible.

Side and sole of the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe — The graphene-enhanced outsole of the G 300 claims to deliver 50% more strength and flexibility.

You can also see there are “meta-flex” groovers in the forefoot of the shoe.

Like the other shoes in the F-LITE line, the G 300 includes the “Rope-Tec” technology.

This is an enhanced wrap around of the tough outsole right in the midfoot of the shoe.

What’s this for?

The name gives us a hint – it’s for giving you a tough and grippy traction area for rope climbs.

Here’s one important feature of a CrossFit shoe – is it secure and stable enough for lifting weights?

A heavy barbell (or dumbbells, or kettlebells) are a fact of life in the CrossFit WOD.

And when it comes to lifting weights – running shoes don’t make the cut.

Their soft, spongy soles offer great cushion for the repeated, jarring impacts of running – but that is the opposite of what you want for lifting weights.

You can’t see it here, but the G 300 has an internal lifting stabilizer built into the midsole. The midsole is the part that lies between your foot and the outsole. The lifting stabilizer provides a secure and stable foundation through the core of the shoe.

The G 300 has an internal lifting stabilizer in the midsole – you can’t see it here, but it makes this a good weightlifting shoe.

Here’s another factor you usually want in a CrossFit shoe – what’s the heel to toe drop?

The heel to toe drop, also known as the “drop” or “profile”, indicates how much higher your heel is from your toes.

Purpose designed weightlifting shoes usually have a sky-high heel raise (as well as other features for heavy lifting.)

But for a cross training shoe – we need something more versatile.

The heel to toe drop in the G 300 is 6 mm. This puts it somewhere on the spectrum of having much less heel to toe drop than your average running shoe (which is typically 10mm) or the Nike Metcon or Reebok Nano 9 – which have a 4mm heel to toe drop.

With a moderate heel raise, the G 300 gives us some of that heel – but not too much.

That means we can still box jump, sprint, etc. with ease.

Another feature that is helpful for weightlifting and other explosive activities is the TPU cage.

TPU is a tough, slick plastic with some flexibility. You can see the TPU cage integrates with the laces on this shoe.

This fills the role of a “mid-foot strap” that you might find on a weightlifting shoe.

When you tighten the laces, it tightens up the whole fit and feel of the shoe.

TPU Cage closeup of the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe — The G 300 has a tough TPU "cage" that integrates with the laces – this is like having a midfoot strap on a weightlifting shoe.

The G 300 also incorporates a welded toe bumper – which will give you more comfort and durability for burpees – which are everyone’s favorite exercise.

Mesh upper closeup of the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe — Here’s a closeup of the mesh upper – and that front toe bumper. These are very solidly constructed shoes.

The G 300 uses a knit upper that is both breathable and flexible.

Heel view of the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe — The stack height of this shoe looks to be quite tall. Here’s a heel view.

Inov-8 F-LITE G 300 vs Nike Metcon 5

How does this shoe compare to the Nike Metcon 5? Let’s take a look.

Nike Metcon 5 versus Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe - quarter view — The Nike Metcon 5 is the Cross Trainer to beat in 2020. How does the F-LITE G 300 compare? Let’s take a look.

Nike Metcon 5 vs Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe sole to sole — You can see that both shoes have a very indoors-focused gym shoe sole. There are flex grooves in the forefoot in both. Both shoes have an exceptionally stable heel for heavy weight lifting.

Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe vs Nike Metcon 5 - Top View 2 — From the top you can see the outline of the shoe. The G 300 looks to be wider in the toe area – but also seems to have a sharp "pinch". The Nike Metcon 5 is known for being a fairly narrow shoe.

INOV-8 F-LITE G 300 vs Reebok Nano 9

The other big CrossFit shoe in 2020 is the Reebok Nano 9.

Let’s take a look.

Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe vs Reebok Nano 9 - front view — The Reebok Nano 9 is a great CrossFit shoe for 2020. Let’s see how the G 300 stacks up.

Reebok Nano 9 versus Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe - sole to sole — Sole to sole – both shoes have a flat, stable heel – as they are cross trainers. Flex grooves up front. Both feel like they give lots of traction. Will "Graphene Grip" of the G 300 mean a more durable shoe? Only time will tell…

Reebok Nano 9 vs Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe heel view — Here’s a heel to heel view of the two shoes.

Reebok Nano 9 vs Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe front view — The Reebok Nano 9 is the wide toebox champ – and the shoe we normally recommend for those with wide feet.

Inov-8 F-LITE G 300 vs UA TriBase Reign 2

The UA TriBase Reign is another great functional fitness shoe – and UA has released a 2nd version for 2020.

Let’s take a look.

UA TriBase Reign 2 vs Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe - side view — The UA TriBase Reign is an excellent cross trainer. This is the newly released 2nd version.

UA TriBase Reign 2 versus Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe - front view — Here’s the rough outline from the top. The G 300 has a 6 mm heel to toe drop, while the UA TriBase Reign 2 is only 2 mm.

UA TriBase Reign 2 Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Training Shoe - sole to sole — Both have stable heels. The TriBase shoes the triangular base that gives the shoe the name.

INOV-8 F-LITE G 300 Training Shoe Review – In Summary

The INOV-8 F-LITE G 300 training shoe is available now.

We look forward to running a full test – and having a full hands on review results soon.

NOTE: We are a Road Runner Sports affiliate – so if you purchase shoes after clicking any links in this article we receive a small commission – at no additional cost to you.

Tim

Tim is the founder of FitAtMidlife.com – an avid gym rat for 30+ years, he’s a reviewer of many, many shoes – and founder of the Speed Bag Gathering – the world’s only gathering of speed bag punching enthusiasts. See more gym reviews at Tim’s YouTube channel.