Inov-8 bare-grip 200 review

Inov-8 Bare-Grip™ 200 review

I’ve been very lucky to “test” a pair of Inov-8’s new Bare-Grip™ 200 and boy….they’re good!
Here’s my initial review….

Outsole
This shoe, which is born for off trail and fell running, features deep, aggressive lugs (similar to the X-Talon 212). Inov-8’s Sticky Rubber compound gives the Bare-Grip outsole even more traction to optimize grip in wet conditions. The tradeoff of the soft rubber’s awesome traction is that it will wear down more quickly than Inov-8’s Endurance Rubber.
The entire outsole and shoe is extremely flexible, incredibly light and responsive. There’s nothing in the outsole to prevent or interfere with it flexing. You really get a good feel for the trail beneath your feet.

Midsole
The Bare-Grip™ 200 has NO midsole, NO cushioning and NO differential! Inov-8 indicates the level of cushioning in its various models by the number of arrows on the heel of the midsoles. The more arrows, the more cushioning. The Bare-Grip™ 200 has 0, yes, ZERO out of 4 possible arrows and is intended for racing and those wanting to experience a minimalist shoe . All this means is that the Bare-Grip™ 200 is extremely low profile and flexible, allowing maximum proprioception feedback.

Upper
The upper is primarily a super-soft woven mesh (similar to F-Lite 230). This allows the shoe to be ultra-flexible, breathe very well, while allowing water to drain. It’s also extremely comfortable!
With the Bare-Grip™ 200 you also get a new tongue design! The tongue is an extremely soft, suede-like material, which again is very comfortable.
Unlike the some of Inov-8’s range, such as the X-Talon, this shoe has hardly any rand. You get a bit on the front, but that’s it. This means that the shoe is a lot more comfortable and allows a bit more room in the toe-box. The obvious trade-off of to this is that there is less protection and probably will mean that they will be less durable than the Mudroc 290 for example.
The fit is based on Inov-8’s performance last, which is narrow through the toe, but soft upper allows the toe box to provide your toes with ample space. The upper is very secure and I didn’t notice my foot sliding around at all when bombing steep descents.
The heel is also super-soft and is fully collapsible, but keeps the heel securely in place.

Insole
The Bare-Grip™ 200 comes with a 3mm removable insole. It is very thin and relatively flat, so it doesn’t provide a great deal of support. You can customize the volume of the shoe by using Inov-8’s 3mm and 6mm footbeds. If you find there is too much room, you just add an extra footbed, not enough room, take the insoles out.

The Conclusion
The Bare-Grip™ 200 is very lightweight, extremely flexible and extremely grippy. If you’re looking for the ultimate off trail shoe, this is it! If you’re into barefoot/minimalist running, but need grip and a little protection for running in a harsh trail environment, this is the shoe for you!
This is the shoe that I’ve been searching for, for the last 2 years and I can’t wait to hit the trail again as soon as possible!

Run wild and free!

Picture please ;-)

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Originally Posted by nightingale

Picture please ;-)

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http://picasaweb.google.com/11317868...14102558408258 the lime green ones ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scott baistow 93

http://picasaweb.google.com/11317868...14102558408258 the lime green ones ;)

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Thanks Scott. Want some....

The BareGrip 200 won a Gold award at the Outdoor Show in Germany last week
Pics

BAREGRIP 200

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Inov-8 Insider

The BareGrip 200 won at the Outdoor Show in Germany last week
Pics

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And the Five finger condom type of thing the guy on the right is wearing ? :p

Evoskin

Insider, what do you think folk will wear these for? Training on relatively easy terrain? Racing over the same? Or would they be okay in Lakeland or Snowdonia say? :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Terry the Tortoise

Inov-8 Bare-Grip™ 200 review

I’ve been very lucky to “test” a pair of Inov-8’s new Bare-Grip™ 200 and boy….they’re good!
Here’s my initial review….

Outsole
This shoe, which is born for off trail and fell running, features deep, aggressive lugs (similar to the X-Talon 212). Inov-8’s Sticky Rubber compound gives the Bare-Grip outsole even more traction to optimize grip in wet conditions. The tradeoff of the soft rubber’s awesome traction is that it will wear down more quickly than Inov-8’s Endurance Rubber.
The entire outsole and shoe is extremely flexible, incredibly light and responsive. There’s nothing in the outsole to prevent or interfere with it flexing. You really get a good feel for the trail beneath your feet.

Midsole
The Bare-Grip™ 200 has NO midsole, NO cushioning and NO differential! Inov-8 indicates the level of cushioning in its various models by the number of arrows on the heel of the midsoles. The more arrows, the more cushioning. The Bare-Grip™ 200 has 0, yes, ZERO out of 4 possible arrows and is intended for racing and those wanting to experience a minimalist shoe . All this means is that the Bare-Grip™ 200 is extremely low profile and flexible, allowing maximum proprioception feedback.

Upper
The upper is primarily a super-soft woven mesh (similar to F-Lite 230). This allows the shoe to be ultra-flexible, breathe very well, while allowing water to drain. It’s also extremely comfortable!
With the Bare-Grip™ 200 you also get a new tongue design! The tongue is an extremely soft, suede-like material, which again is very comfortable.
Unlike the some of Inov-8’s range, such as the X-Talon, this shoe has hardly any rand. You get a bit on the front, but that’s it. This means that the shoe is a lot more comfortable and allows a bit more room in the toe-box. The obvious trade-off of to this is that there is less protection and probably will mean that they will be less durable than the Mudroc 290 for example.
The fit is based on Inov-8’s performance last, which is narrow through the toe, but soft upper allows the toe box to provide your toes with ample space. The upper is very secure and I didn’t notice my foot sliding around at all when bombing steep descents.
The heel is also super-soft and is fully collapsible, but keeps the heel securely in place.

Insole
The Bare-Grip™ 200 comes with a 3mm removable insole. It is very thin and relatively flat, so it doesn’t provide a great deal of support. You can customize the volume of the shoe by using Inov-8’s 3mm and 6mm footbeds. If you find there is too much room, you just add an extra footbed, not enough room, take the insoles out.

The Conclusion
The Bare-Grip™ 200 is very lightweight, extremely flexible and extremely grippy. If you’re looking for the ultimate off trail shoe, this is it! If you’re into barefoot/minimalist running, but need grip and a little protection for running in a harsh trail environment, this is the shoe for you!
This is the shoe that I’ve been searching for, for the last 2 years and I can’t wait to hit the trail again as soon as possible!

Run wild and free!

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How pray how much did they cost you.

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

Insider, what do you think folk will wear these for? Training on relatively easy terrain? Racing over the same? Or would they be okay in Lakeland or Snowdonia say? :)

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They are for anyone who wants to do anything barefoot but need some underfoot protection.( running, walking, slack lining, treadmill, beach running, surfing etc)

I have used mine for the last 4/5 months both off road( grassy deer park) and on the road ( 5 miles round Clifton Downs was the last road run)
They will be ideal for anyone who wants to strengthen their feet.

Think of them as a training tool.
I use to do hill sprints, track session, down hill decending drills, I even tried sprinting up short hills dragging a tyre behind me ( its now round my middle) I also use to do 10k treadmill sessions on a 10% incline.
The EVOSKINS are for conditioning/strengthening you feet and getting good posture.

I dont believe they will be right for everyone but its about offering choice.
I was very skeptical about them before I started using them.....Read the BAREFOOT THREAD

If ever I feel stiff or aches/twinges I then use Evoskins which seem to get rid of all the twinges.
This morning I did a 3 mile jog off road in Evoskins & tonight I went for walk across fields near my house in them.

They work for me, Ive binned my orthotics.

I've confused you Insider. What are the Bare-grip 200s for?

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

Insider, what do you think folk will wear these for? Training on relatively easy terrain? Racing over the same? Or would they be okay in Lakeland or Snowdonia say? :)

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In't bed. Not on't fells:D

DT the Baregrip is for anyone who wants a Zeroed shoe( No raised heel) that is very flexible but has got exceptional grip.
One of the comments about 5 toed shoes is that they lack grip in mud/ snow.
I would have worn mine today as it's been lashing down with rain for the last week and it's a wee bit slape , but I've lent them to a man doing the Lakeland 100 next week.

They look good, though notice they still have those awful laces. Thought these were meant to be getting changed II?

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Originally Posted by eavesy187

They look good, though notice they still have those awful laces. Thought these were meant to be getting changed II?

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What's up with Inov8 laces? I never use their daft lacing system, but the laces are fine once you rethread the top two holes.

Problem I have with the laces is that they stretch and slip a bit too much.... New Balance ones (with the lumps in them) are much better.

Any news on when the baregrip and evoskins are going to be available?

The deep lugs limit its usage in soft muddy terrain. If you run in hard trails, fireroads or tarmac, you will feel the lugs and not the terrain. I like the Inov8 shoes but they "insist" in producing models with big lugs which are not suitable for many types of terrain. I think the ones in this model are even bigger than the ones of the X-Talon.

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Originally Posted by Spyros76

.....they insist in producing models with big lugs which are not suitable for many types of terrain. I think the ones in this model are even bigger than the ones of the X-Talon.

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Hopefully :)

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

Hopefully :)

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It depends on the terrain you are running. I think in UK you have mostly soft muddy terrain and the big lugs are ideal for this. But for the terrain we have in southern Europe which is rocky and hard, the lugs don't help much. I was thinking of buying the new F-Lite 311 which has 3 arrow cushioning and no lugs, but the upper is the same as the X-Talon (no mesh) which means it will not breathe at all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spyros76

It depends on the terrain you are running. I think in UK you have mostly soft muddy terrain and the big lugs are ideal for this. But for the terrain we have in southern Europe which is rocky and hard, the lugs don't help much. I was thinking of buying the new F-Lite 311 which has 3 arrow cushioning and no lugs, but the upper is the same as the X-Talon (no mesh) which means it will not breathe at all.

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Spyros
The F-lite 230, F-Lite 195, FLYROC 310 would be ideal for the type of dry terrain your suggesting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spyros76

The deep lugs limit its usage in soft muddy terrain. If you run in hard trails, fireroads or tarmac, you will feel the lugs and not the terrain. I like the Inov8 shoes but they "insist" in producing models with big lugs which are not suitable for many types of terrain. I think the ones in this model are even bigger than the ones of the X-Talon.

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Thats because they're fell running shoes. Get a pair of roclite 285's, f-lite 230's or 195's and you'll get what you want.
Just seen your last post, I've had no breathabilty problems with my Talons, though if this is of concern to you again any of the above shoes will be fine.

Eavesy187 the Talons have a very thin layer of textile, no mesh upper as the F-Lite 230 or the Roclite 285.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spyros76

Eavesy187 the Talons have a very thin layer of textile, no mesh upper as the F-Lite 230 or the Roclite 285.

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Yeah i know, I own a pair. What I was saying is that despite the material i've had no breathability problems. Though if that material concerns you go for roclite 285's, f-lite 230's or 195's. These will be perfect for the terrain you describe.

My ideal shoe for the type of terrain in the uploaded pictures would be one with 3 arrow cushioning (beleive me, you can't run more than 3 hours in this type of terrain with 2 arrow cushioning shoes) a protective rand, sticky rubber outsole and breathable mesh upper. This type of shoe is missing from the Inov-8 range.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spyros76

My ideal shoe for the type of terrain in the uploaded pictures would be one with 3 arrow cushioning (beleive me, you can't run more than 3 hours in this type of terrain with 2 arrow cushioning shoes) a protective rand, sticky rubber outsole and breathable mesh upper. This type of shoe is missing from the Inov-8 range.

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I think you need cushioned insoles, not raised heels, for that sort of terrain.

Unfortunately most shoes that are caimed to be cushioned have raised heels. What i like in Inov-8 is that they have a small heel to toe differential. In most brands the toe area almost touches the ground while the heel is much higher.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spyros76

My ideal shoe for the type of terrain in the uploaded pictures would be one with 3 arrow cushioning (beleive me, you can't run more than 3 hours in this type of terrain with 2 arrow cushioning shoes) a protective rand, sticky rubber outsole and breathable mesh upper. This type of shoe is missing from the Inov-8 range.

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For that try having a look at the new balance mt101. Nice and low with a rock plate in the sole for protection

I have read about this shoe, butit has almost no cushioning at all, which is not the right choice for this type of terrain.

See this video at 3:40 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3QMtn7qES8 this guy is running Olympus marathon with mudclaw 270, maybe one of the worst choices this kind of terrain. Olympus marathon is certainly not a fell race, the lugs are useless for traction here, they might even cause problems.

Saw pair of these bare grips at Snowdon. Look really nice. I think when they're out I will purchase ;-)

Congratulations to Terry the Tortoise who finished the 100 mile route equal 4th in 27hours 10 minutes.
Terry wore the new zero cushioned, zeroed drop BAREGRIP 200.
http://live.sportident.co.uk/home/ev...6a&mobile=true

They look good!! I will drop it in my wishlist.

Updated review of the Bare-Grip 200:

http://terryconway.blogspot.com/

When are these on sale?

Cheers :)

Terry the tortoise - well done with the lakeland, much respect! have used the vff's on several shortish runs now and ive gotta say i love em, not too grippy on wet grass though. like the look of the 200's - if your having another shoe clearout, give me a shout ;)

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Originally Posted by ukhursty

When are these on sale?

Cheers :)

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Sadly not till 2011 :-(

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Originally Posted by lookmanohands

Terry the tortoise - well done with the lakeland, much respect! have used the vff's on several shortish runs now and ive gotta say i love em, not too grippy on wet grass though. like the look of the 200's - if your having another shoe clearout, give me a shout ;)

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Thanks Ian, glad you're enjoying the VFF's! They are fun to run in.

The Bare-Grips will be a popular shoe and will fly out. If I could buy shares in them I would!

2011 is a long time away.

Ah well.

Well done Terry thats an awesome result. I thought I was pushing it using X-talons in the L50 but they sound like veritable mattresses compared to the bare grips. Incidently, my feet were the healthiest they've been at the end of any ultra from using the talons. not one inkling of a hotspot or blister. next step is the x-talon 190s i suppose.
Who needs cushioning anyway? Let the legs and feet do the cushioning