Andy K
What we offer is a range of shoes with different levels of underfoot protection( cushioning)
The arrow system currently goes from a 4 arrow ( our max) down to a 2 arrow as on the X-Talon 212 & F-lite 230.
We don't claim these 2 arrow shoes to be " barefoot" shoes but they are recognised by some runners(POSE/Minimalists) to be some of the best shoes available where flexibility, grip & lower differential allows a more natural running style.
Now that's all very well saying we have one of the best available but we want to go even closer to barefoot as possible.
So we will soon have available the X-Talon 190 & F-lite 195 both these shoes will have our new 1 arrow midsole. This will mean that these shoes will be even lower to the ground & more flexible.
We will then have a 0 arrow shoe ( I did a 10k in this at Xmas)
And finally a new product that can be classed as a minus. This will be a very thin micro material that moulds to your foot but offers some protection.

So you can hopefully see we are trying to offer a range of products.
4 arrow- lower than most of the shoe brands but offers our max underfoot protection. This maybe the first proper off- road shoe for someone who is use to wearing the big road shoe brands.
3 arrow- as on Roclite 295/315. Lower heel our medium underfoot protection.
2 arrow- as all our fell shoes( mudclaw/x-talon/mudroc) lower heel than both the above. Very flexible enables good propreception which enhances balance.
1 arrow- the 2 new shoes. Lower again, more flexible and lighter.
0 arrow- Think a very light upper & a sole. No cushioning
Minus- as I described this moulds to your foot.

It's all about offering choice, some may swear that 4 arrow is what's needed others may prefer the new 1 arrow.
We are not saying everyone should go down the barefooting route, even in our own company some prefer more underfoot protection than others.

The good news there are lots of brands on the Market all offering their take ( or not) on barefoot/ minimalist footwear. Some are jumping on the band wagon while others have opposing views( big brands who need to justify their " technologies" )

Since the birth of inov-8 in 2003 we have always promoted natural running, it's what we have always advocated.