Our most technical cross training shoe. Heavy lifting, functional fitness, cardio - the F-LITE MAX does it all.
A high performance gym shoe designed to handle whatever your workout throws at you.
But how did we design it? In this Q&A blog post we go behind the scenes with Luke McConnie, our Senior Footwear Designer.
DESIGNING THE F-LITE MAX
1. The F-LITE is one of our longest running, most-popular franchises. What F-LITE design heritage is carried through into the F-LITE MAX and, by the same token, how is the F-LITE MAX different to the others F-LITE shoes before it?
The F-LITE has evolved through various versions over the years, but one key feature that has remained constant is the distinctive met-cradle overlay. For INOV8 fans, the MET-CRADLE is well-known; for newcomers, it’s a supportive overlay in the midfoot area that hugs and secures the foot whilst protecting the shoe during rope climbs. While the TPU heel stabilizer and anatomical fit are the most notable new updates, the MET-CRADLE continues to be an essential part of the design.
2. The new patent-pending TPU heel stabiliser will draw a lot of technology attention. How did you incorporate this into the design and make it work seamlessly alongside the other technologies and key functions of the shoe?
To design a shoe that works for both running and heavy lifting, we needed to balance agility and comfort with stability and support. Running shoes and lifting shoes usually have very different requirements, so combining them was a fun challenge. That’s where our TPU heel stabilizer comes in. Unlike a simple plastic insert, we carefully positioned this stabilizer to follow the natural contours of the foot, providing solid support on the heel's outer edge while remaining hollow in the centre to maintain comfort.
3. The tagline for the F-LITE MAX is ‘Built to be Bold’. What three ‘bold’ design elements are you most proud of?
When it comes to bold design elements in the F-LITE MAX, the monochromatic neon blue and neon pink colourways immediately stand out, making a striking visual statement that couldn’t be more daring. From an innovation perspective, the aggressive, purpose-driven grooves on the MET-CRADLE not only enhance protection but also establish a distinct visual identity. Lastly, the angular, architectural form of the TPU heel, reinforces the bold character of the shoe.
4. The outsole is a work of art and could, essentially, be split into three different design segments – the rear-to-midfoot hexagons, the midfoot-to-forefoot metatarsal grooves wrapping up into the ROPE-TEC, then the horizontal META-FLEX band and toe grooves. Talk us through this design process and its complexities.
The outsole construction features a modular design, with each component serving a specific purpose. The forefoot-to-midfoot rubber is divided into two sections, which, combined with the ultra-stable TPU heel, creates a secure, grounded feel while allowing the flexibility necessary for full extension during heavy lifts. Whilst In the midfoot, the ROPE-TEC rubber wraps up to cup the arch, adding extra durability and grip for rope climbs.
5. How did working with the new-for-2024 INOV8 anatomical, foot-shaped fit influence other aspects of the design? Did you take any influences from outside the training/gym sphere in the design of the F-LITE MAX.
The anatomical fit inspired a slightly asymmetrical MET-CRADLE, allowing the support in the upper to follow the foot's natural physiology. By mirroring the foot’s unique contours, the MET-CRADLE offers enhanced support during high-intensity training. Whilst the wider toe box also encourages natural toe splay, which is key to improving balance and agility.
6. What was the feedback like in the testing process and how did this change the design?
During the testing phase, we received a broad and varied set of responses, as each tester used the shoe for different types of CrossFit workouts. This diversity in testing gave us a comprehensive view of how the shoe performed across various movements, allowing us to see what aspects of the design were working well and where there was room for improvement. Given that the TPU heel was an innovation, we went through multiple rounds of prototyping to fine-tune its positioning and orientation.
7. How long did the shoe take to design and (roughly) how many iterations of it were there through that process?
The design process for the shoe took approximately two years from the initial sketches to its launch. This came off the back of several failed attempts to update the much-loved F-LITE G 300, However, once we identified the core problem—designing a shoe that genuinely balanced the stability needed for lifting with the flexibility and cushioning required for running—the product gained a clear purpose. This focus led to multiple rounds of prototyping until we achieved the ideal balance, resulting in a product that stands apart as more than just an aesthetic update.
8. What three words would you use to describe the F-LITE MAX design?
Versatile / Robust / Workhorse
9. Finally, there are a lot of F-LITE MAX colourways to pick from, which is your personal favourite and why?
That’s a tough call since theres so many to choose from, yet if I had to pick just one, it would have to be the good ol reliable black/gum colourway since you can wear it with anything.
