Choosing the Right Inov-8 Shoes for Parkour

Inov-8 shoes carry a philosophy that is based on staying true to the human foot. The design for every pair of shoes ensures that they allow the foot to move freely as it does without any impeding structure. At the same time, Inov-8 shoes aim to protect the foot from the elements of off-road running. This makes these shoes popular with off-road runners and especially with parkour practitioners.

For those who practice parkour, there is a whole line of Inov-8 shoes devoted to urban running, known as the F-Lite line. Numbered according to weight, the shoes in the line are all made for the sport. Made to give the feet ample mobility and feel of the environment, the F-Lite series already fulfills a basic requirement for any good parkour shoe.

The Inov-8 F-Lite line offers different kinds of support for its different weights. For example, the 320 offers more support with its underfoot cushioning and is therefore ideal for jumping. In the mid-range is the 301 which offers cushioning, but is made to be a more versatile shoe for both running and jumping. Those who prefer running over jumping, though, would probably look to the 220 and the new 195, which both come with low-profile soles. These soles by Inov-8 give the wearer a better sense of the ground and environment.

The final decision on what to choose for parkour depends on what the practitioner needs. Some practitioners would recommend lighter shoes, as shoes with thicker soles might encourage poor form. They may even need different pairs of shoes for different training days. This is also why Inov-8 provides a variety of shoe designs with particular strengths.