Are you a crossfitter who loves to lift? Have you tried tons of weightlifting shoes for WODs or O-lifting but have been left wanting for more over the years? Do you complain of some shoes being heavy (Nike Remoleos come to mind) thus making double-unders or box jumps a big huge no?
Do you know that there is one particular super lightweight shoe that you will love to bits once you try it?
The Inov-8 Fastlift335 is not going to disappoint you especially since it has everything a shoe needs to have to match your lofty standards. Inov-8 Fastlift335 has really lived up to its billing as the best shoe on the planet when it comes to O-lifting.
All kinds of lifts are going to have a real ball out there with these shoes around your feet. Bottom squats would be fun while double-unders, rope climbs and box jumps would be something you would always look forward to.
Inov-8 has designed a cross trainer full of support and with a heel structure that makes the FastLift 335 cross trainer great for gym and weightlifting workouts. The upper is constructed from nylon ripstop material and includes synthetic welded overlays. These help stabilize the foot along with the hook-and-loop instep strap which can be adjusted for the perfect fit. The mesh lining allows the shoe to breath, keeping the foot drier, as the padded tongue and collar help stabilize the foot comfortably.
The Inov-8 Fastlift 335 takes its name from the lightweight design, 335 grams or just under 12 ounces. The outsole features suction cup-type construction in the heel for additional stability and increased grip. Furthering the intense traction is the inverse checker plate throughout the rest of the outsole, giving the lifter more support on the outer edge of the foot. Yet the Inov-8 FastLift 335 does not lose any flexibility overall due to the the Meta-Flex grooves in the forefoot. Making the shoe even better for weightlifting is the Inov-8 FastLift 335’s heel wedge (height of ¾ inch) made with a cylindrical tubes which stabilize the base, reduce weight and maintain power.
Why Inov-8 FastLift 335 are so good
Super lightweight
The name Inov-8 Fastlift335 is because the shoes actually weigh just 335 grams – superlight and the most well-rounded shoes born for all fitness needs. They might not be made for running but who cares when every activity at the gym and every WOD workout is going to be an enjoyable and productive experience with Inov-8 Fastlift335 on your feet?
Great flexibility and support
These are extra stable shoes to the core. Take a few squats and you’d see how stable they are. Fastlift makes up the upper synthetic material and with great support for the external heel cage and reinforced ankle stability, the heel remains locked in a strong position. In short, ankle injuries are unlikely to happen during the most strenuous workouts.
Most people complain that burpees aren’t a great experience provided by weightlifting shoes but the Inov-8 Fastlift335 will change the perception for good. Meta-flex design of the forefoot lets you perform a range of motions.
Rubber grip
While you’re rope climbing in lifters, the whole activity becomes tiring and annoying to say the least. You would usually keep losing your footing for most part of the climb. However, Inov-8 Fastlift335 have great grip. Rubber grip ensures that you gain strong footholds every time you are climbing.
A great array of color choices
Inov-8 Fastlift335 is a model that has been very sensitive about the likes and dislikes of crossfit junkies. Some like bright colors while some prefer donning less than in your face kind of colors. The shoes come in a glut of designs and colors so you will be torn for choice.
Final word
For athletes who are desperate to acquire a pair of lightweight, functional and flexible shoes, Inov-8 Fastlift335 are the best solution in the market. From heavy lifting to regular WODs or complex workouts, these shoes are perfectly suited for several activities. In the past, you might have been held back because the shoes you wore had limited functionality. The Inov-8 Fastlift335 however, are a different breed of lifters and will ensure that your workouts yield the best results for you on a daily basis.
Unlike many weightlifting shoes, the Inov-8 FastLift 335 does not limit the foots movement or flexibility with a heavy, stiff base throughout the shoe. The design is made for a stable stance while allowing natural movements. The External Heel Cage affords lateral stability and internal comfort. The ripstop upper can survive a beating such as rope climbs and the shoe allows bodyweight movements such as box jumps.
Reviewers on Amazon suggest ordering a half size larger than normal because stating the shoe runs small. Yet, many said the toe box is a comfortable width with lots of room at a half size up. Most all of them praise the shoe’s stability during lifting and the traction they obtained, allowing athletes to improve their performance. Although a few seemed to dislike the construction of the Velcro hook-and-loop instep strap, saying it comes loose after a few months. The shoe is offered in five colors and is described as a sleek design.
Doug Dupont, a coach in strength and conditioning, described his experience with the Inov-8 FastLift 335 in a review for the BreakingMuscle website. He praised the shoe’s stability and support, especially in the heel and outside edge of the foot during lifts. He described the Meta-Flex portion of the shoe as lighter with more flexibility than the heel, making it more reactive. He did not recommend this Inov-8 Fastlift 335 for running or jumping, after trying these himself. Dupont does state the shoe is great for lifting and any WOD that does not involve those two activities. He said the equivalent shoe for women is the Inov-8 FastLift 315. Checkout the other famous Cross Training Shoes for Men.
