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Sporting a host of new features and a bold design, the Xero Shoes HFS fared as a strength trainer, a mid-distance runner, and a trail trekker.
One of the first things that have plagued Xero Shoes in the closed-toe department has been issues with sizing. Since they are still a smaller company with limited model availability in brick and mortar stores, it is imperative to be able to discern a consistently comfortable fit.
While the width of the shoe is certainly improved from previous models such as the Prio, the toe box still seems mildly short, leading to discomfort and some light callusing on the second toe, but certainly not enough to compromise the nail beds on either foot.
These issues aside, the HFS features some wonderful new innovations in terms of the upper. With a dual-layered engineered mesh system, these trainers are just as comfortable to the barefoot as they are with my customary Injinjis.
More importantly, the moisture management on a shoe as low profile as the HFS is superb. In addition to the upper materials, the huarache-style midfoot and heel straps feature a TPU covering with hi-visibility stripping for safety when training in twilight hours.
The HFS also does away with the heavy stitching and stiff toe cap of models such as the TerraFlex in favor of a more supple and light printed overlay. While still a tight fit upfront, this feature does seem to raise the height of the toe box and allow for more freedom of movement.
Sizing aside, some serious advancements in tech and comfort are evident in this new kid on the block.
In a shoe as minimal as the HFS, unlike with most standard trainers, the insole has a great deal of importance during the first few days and weeks of wear, especially for those who have had limited experience with a shoe that has less than 6mm of the combined midsole and outsole thickness (a standard running shoe may have 3-5x that amount).
Even though the insole has just 2mm of cushion, it can help take the edge off of errors in one’s stride over harder surfaces like tarmac or hard concrete.
More than most trainers I have reviewed, the HFS tackled a wide variety of fitness activities as my ability to interact with the great outdoors waned in the past few weeks.
While most of the early time spent in the shoe featured up to 8 miles at a time over trails, local jogging track, and the roads, after the first 50 miles most of the action it saw was at the local disc golf course and performing in home programs such as P90X3 and T20.
Sporting a new outsole pattern designed to mimic that of a tire tread, I was skeptical at its lateral stability. However, after several rounds off of concrete tee pads and over very damp and uneven ground, I was able to pivot, turn, and throw with confidence and limited slippage on uphill and downhill shots.
Even over gym flooring and then the laminate in my home, the HFS outsole gripped the ground enough to remain confident in performing stair drills and hopping while remaining pliable and smooth enough to safely transition between movements without any catching or tripping over the dreaded, “turf monster.”
While Xero Shoes is no stranger to designing advancements, the HFS has everything you could want: either vanguard or versatile. While there is a grey and slate option for the working weekend warrior, the HFS also sports two alternate colorways with some serious flash and dash.
The reflective logo on the heel cup is a neat touch, and the first time the distinctive O and toes logo appears in an embossed style.
Overall, the Xero Shoes HFS has all the looks of a go-fast traditional running shoe, even with the flat sole required for near-barefoot running/training experiences. In addition to sound looks, the shoes boast a vegan-friendly construction to keep a sound mind at ease as well.
– Justin Helbing
RunRepeat Expert
