Xero Shoes HFS – Lightweight Road Running Shoe

Detailed Review

Check out the complete review! Tested and reviewed by Randy Kreill.

The Xero HFS is well-loved among those looking into barefoot running and training because its many features encourage a better ground feel. It has enough flexibility and a zero-drop design to improve your posture while keeping you agile and balanced. It also has a Huarache-inspired design that Xero is known for with its other models, looking attractive and stylish. 

Materials

The Xero HFS is made with vegan-friendly materials. Most Xero Shoes are not made of animal materials because the company believes in “Environmentally Intelligent” designs to help the planet. Not only are some of their shoe models made of vegan or renewable materials, but their minimalist designs use fewer materials compared to traditional footwear. They also have simpler designs with no midsole layers, which don’t require as much energy during the manufacturing process. 

These lightweight shoes feature a stack height of 8.5mm, which is a bit higher than your typical barefoot shoe. However, without the 3mm high-density EVA foam insole, you get 5.5mm of FeelTrue rubber, which encourages a better and truer feel of the surface. The 3mm removable insole is a nice option if you are still transitioning to going barefoot or needing a little cushioning for protection. 

Xero shoes also offer a 5,000-mile warranty on shoes that have FeelTrue outsoles, including the Xero HFS. This means that if you wear their FeelTrue outsoles down to less than 1mm thick at the heel or ball of your foot, then Xero can replace your shoes with the same model at 60% off its listed retail price. Take note that the program only covers the heel of the shoe and not the edges.

As for its overall design, the Xero HFS is reinforced in vital areas for better durability and a longer lifespan. The outsole has a stiffer rubber under the shoe’s outside heel and big toe, which receive the most impact and wear out quicker. With the stiffer rubber, the impacted area stays strong and won’t wear out quickly.

Performance

Xero HFS reviewers described the traction of the Xero HFS as exceptional, as it is designed with an outsole design inspired by tire treads. It also has v-shaped directional lugs, reversing the pattern at the front of the forefoot. You get more of a natural running form since the grip originates in the toes and not on the heel’s lug pattern.

The Xero HFS’ outsole design makes it for both the road and trail. The lugs have proper traction for braking as you go downhill or when on steep and loose terrain. With that said, these aren’t the best shoes for the off-trails and are more suitable to use on paved and gravel roads. Xero HFS reviews say that off-trail surfaces are rough on the shoe’s outsoles, with the rubber wearing out after a dozen miles or so. On the other hand, running on roads is a bit friendlier and will help the sole’s longevity. 

Fit and Sizing

Xero recommends getting half a size higher for a more accurate and comfortable fit when discussing sizing. The mesh upper makes it a bit snugger, hence why users should order half a size up.

A few Xero HFS reviewers have mentioned experiencing a tight fit the first time they tried the shoes on, but after loosening their shoelaces and using it a few times, the shoes felt better.

How It Feels

What’s beneficial about the Xero HFS is how it’s more athletically inclined. It has the zero-drop feature Xero shoes are known to have, encouraging a more natural fit, motion, and feel. While it may look a bit bulky and have a substantial build, the shoes are flexible and provide more freedom of movement. Its flexion improves one’s ground feel as well, so it’s much easier to flex and propel through the toes.

The Xero HFS has a wide toe box with an airier feel, significantly better than the Xero Prio. Thanks to the double-layer mesh, a thin liner around the ankle helps wicking moisture away from the feet. Combine the wide toe box and liner; then, you have improved breathability to run or exercise comfortably, even during hot days.

It also features a double-mesh upper that doesn’t have much TPU or reinforcements, giving it a lighter feel and better swing weight. The shoes are both lightweight and breathable, making them optimal for runners. 

That said, these shoes are actually a bit heavier compared to other barefoot minimalist trainer shoes. It’s still significantly lighter than conventional shoes and still has a more natural feel.  

Final Call: Is It the Best Barefoot Training Shoe?

The HFS Xero has a low-profile sole with a wide toe box, suitable for weightlifting and running.

We can’t conclude that it’s the absolute best, but it’s definitely a versatile shoe that meets most requirements barefoot trainers and runners desire. You can use it running on roads and tracks, as well as workouts in the gym. Furthermore, the Xero HFS has stellar flexibility, lightweight, breathable uppers, spacious toe boxes, along with no conventional support points on the outsole. But if you have just begun your journey towards barefoot training or running, there is a removable insole to help with the transition.