Inov-8 Trailroc vs Inov-8 f -Lite 195

Hi everyone, been researching a bit more about barefoot running and the shoes I love are from Inov-8, really like the specs and looks of these shoes.  The F lites have good reviews and have been out longer, the Trailrocs are new and not due to be realeased until August...

The terrain i run on isn´t really mountainous as such, but its dry, dustry and rocky - your typical countryside in Spain. We run on a dried out river bed which can have big rocks, sand and soft parts to it too, the roads are well i´d consider trail its dirt track, gravel.  I don´t really run much or tarmac either, mostly those dirt tracks and grassland though we do not get much rain here.  I will also use these for the gym, walking and mountain biking, if possibe??  They are mimimalist shoes so i don´t see any problem in using them for other activities?

I am thinking these may be ideal?

Say it´s a minimalist racer..and has 1 point arrow (3mm) it doesn´t seem like much to effect my barefoot running? Also I wonder how long these shoes will hold up.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/inov-8-f-lite-195-shoes-ss12/

And the other...

This is quite similar but with an anatomic fit (my feet are quite narrow, and i am not sure if there will be a lot of space?)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/inov-8-trailroc-245-shoes/

They also have the zero version too...with no shoc zone.  I suppose if it became really uncomfortable at first i could always add insoles when i am building myself up to them??

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/inov-8-trailroc-235-shoes/

Thanks everyone.

Hello,

Only just joined Runners World after finding your post regarding the Inov-8 F-lites and trail-rocs. I have exactly the same dilemma and was wondering if you made a decision between the two?

I started with a pair of Bare-Grip 200s for orienteering which are great; though find that for everyday training, that involves a mixture of road, gravel and mud, there is too much grip. 

Therefore, I want a pair of inov-8s that can deal with more hard pack terrain without  a load of bulk and support (can't go back from barefoot running after using the Bare Grips- which are AWESOME). 

After visiting a store the sales assistant gave impression that F-lites were solely for X-over indoor gym use- not for trail, and proceeded to recommend me the FLYROC 310s which were way too bulky and insisted there was no point in trying the F-lites.

Even the brochure says the F-Lites are for 'sprinting, wieghtlifting, rope climbing and gym work'- however most user reviews cliam they're perfect for trail?! 

I'm really confused and would be greatful if somebody could shed some light?

Cheers!

Hi there, welcome!

I went for the f lites in the end.  I called Inov8 and they advised me that the 195s are a trail shoe too, basically an all rounded for everything as I run on a mix of trail. rock/gravel and road.

They are fantastic and in the rain wonderful (tried them out in Scotland)

You are looking at the 220s which are different from mine, I did not like the sole on those.

I bought mine from Wiggle they are fantastic and quick.

These shoes are also the lightest (195g)

I hope that helps

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/inov-8-f-lite-195-shoes-2/

Hey,

Went out today and bought the black F-Lite 195s. New sales assistant said they're suitable for trail as long as I am used to minimal support shoes, which is fine. 

Yet to try them out, but will this evening- then off to Australia for the summer for a few trail events!

Again, thanks for your advice- helped me make the decision to buy some (fingers crossed!) great shoes : D

Nice, you won´t be disappointed.  I live in the Málaga region of Andalucía, Spain and they´re fantastic there too.