New Shoes: Inov-8 f-lite 230 in Black

No, the black version of Inov-8's f-lite 230 is not actually a new color. It's been around for as long as the blues ones have been available. It's just been a little harder to find.

But, with the release of three new colors for the f-lite 230 this past December, the black ones are suddenly more common. They don't last long in the online stores, though, with common sizes usually selling out within a couple of days.


What's more is that RunningWarehouse.com, my favorite online running shoe retailer, didn't have any f-lite 230s in their inventory until a week and a half ago. It's funny that RW received a shipment of f-lites this month, because I actually asked the customer service rep whether they expected to have some in stock soon. And, the answer I received was "no". Perhaps this was a surprise shipment.

So, long and boring story short, I'm excited to have a new pair of f-lite 230s in my rotation. I've been wanting them in black for a while. And, being that the f-lite 230 is fantastically comfortable and suitable for both trails and pavement, I'm definitely going to get some use out of this new pair.

My photos at right compare a blue 230, which has 200-plus miles on it, with a brand new black 230, which, obviously, has 0 miles under it's tread. The f-lite is pretty durable, don't you think?

Prior to ordering the black one, I was a little nervous that it might be a slightly different shoe due to the fact that it's usually listed as the Parkour (PK) version. I'm happy to report that there is no difference, apart from color, between the PK and regular f-lite 230. A men's US size 11.5 fits me just as well as it does in my blue f-lites. The outsole is the same, too. There's just the aesthetic difference in color with which to concern yourself.

When you put on a new pair of f-lites, you might be concerned, because they'll feel a little more snug than the ones you've been wearing already. Don't worry. Just remember that it took a little time for that first pair of f-lites to really fit the form of your foot so well. They're still flexible and comfy right out of the box.

So, that's all I wanted to say, really. It's exciting for some of us to get new shoes. And, I just thought I'd share the news. I mean, really, it's not about the shoes, is it?

Happy running everyone!

Thanks to runningwarehouse.com, shoemart.com, and zappos.com for making such great images of the f-lite 230 available for public consumption online.