This review is based on my 20 years of competitive International experience in the sport of Weightlifting and my 2.5 years of training in my Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOAs.
In fact, I won my 2018 Commonwealth Bronze medal in these shoes!
The Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA was first introduced in 2014 at the CrossFit games and has since seen new models come out such as the Fastlift 400 BOA. The 370 BOA is the most unique version in the Fastlift production line as it has two BOAs.
One for the laces and one for the foot strap. Unfortunately, the new versions of these shoes just aren’t the same.
Mainly, they removed the double BOA and replaced one with shoe laces. This is a sad change for us lazy Weightlifters who don’t want to tie shoe laces!
So, let’s dive into what makes the Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA unique compared to other Weightlifting shoes.
Table of Contents
Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA Features
Weight
These are the lightest shoes you will find. I weighed these myself and they are half the weight of most modern Weightlifting shoes at 250 g (8.8 oz) per shoe. Most Weightlifting shoes are around 500g+ per shoe so if you’re after something lightweight for speed, then these shoes are for you.
Heel Height
Other than the Asics TOW 727 which have the lowest heel height in a Weightlifting shoe, the Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA are not far behind with a 0.65” heel height. Most Weightlifting shoes have a standard heel height of 0.75”.
The lower heel as advantageous for lifters who suffer from bad knees as it reduces the angle of knee flexion placing less stress on the quads and also reduces the forward movement of the knee placing less stress there.
If you have poor mobility through the ankles or are a taller lifter, you may opt for a shoe with a higher heel such as the Velaasa Strake.
Heel Construction
The heel is made from tough and durable TPU plastic which what most modern Weightlifting shoes are made from. The heel has a unique hollow column design which was constructed to keep the shoe as lightweight as possible.
Shoe Material
The top is made from synthetic leather and mesh to keep the shoe sturdy but also breathable. The fabric around the ankle is soft and doesn’t cause any irritation.
The bottom of the shoe has a thin layer of rubber which covers the plastic sole. This thin layer provides ample grip when performing the Weightlifting movements.
Foot Straps
For me, the foot strap isn’t so important. It’s a personal preference to wear my shoe slightly loose. The foot strap can be tightened is tight as you need with the BOA and doesn’t come loose even when performing hard and fast movements such as split jerks.
Colors
Inov8 never skimp on color selection. Mine are pink, my favorite color for Weightlifting shoes and accessories. But you can also get these in plain black, black and red, and even a tri-color combination or black/teal/red.
Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA Build Quality
Durability
I’ve worn these Weightlifitng shoes for 2.5 years with competitions, double day training, and International travel in my hand luggage. Safe to say, these have been put through their paces regarding a quality check.
(@powerfulpretorius)They have held up just as well as any other quality Weightlifting shoe. Bare in mind the abuse I’ve put these through as an International Weightlifter. Don’t expect to see the wear and tear you see in my shoes if you are only training a few times a week and competing locally or nationally.
Both BOAs are still in perfect working condition. They fit exactly the same way as when I first got them. The thin rubber layer on the bottom of the shoe is starting to show some wear by the heel but nothing has affected their performance.
Sizing
Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOAs fit true to size. I am a women’s US Size 8 in my normal shoes and the same in these. I would recommend getting your normal size.
Comfort And Fit
The benefit of these Weightlifting shoes are the BOAs used to tighten the top of the foot and the foot strap. You can make little micro adjustments to get them just right. It also means the shoe gets tightened evenly.
When you tie shoe laces, sometimes you can tie them tight but it’s only tight at the top where the laces are tied and loose further down your foot. The BOA takes care of that.
Being lightweight and stable are highlights of these shoes.
Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA Price
For the quality, these shoes are a bargain. Priced at around $115, you’re getting the features, quality, comfort, and quality of a $200 shoe.
My Thoughts As An International Weightlifting Athlete
Pros
Cons
Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA Rating
Quality
construction
comfort
cost
Conclusion:
These are one of my favorite pairs of Weightlifting shoes that I have used and I still continually use to this day.
The toe box is spacious allowing my feet and toes to spread during the lifts and I love how light the shoes are.
The heavier Nike Romaleo 2 seemed to cause me knee pain from being so much heavier.
The Inov8s are snug but not to a point they are uncomfortable like some shoes can be.
I absolutely hate shoe laces. I don’t even tie my normal day to day shoes. The BOA is awesome to tighten the shoe with.