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Sporting a host of new features and a bold design, here’s how the HFS fared as a strength trainer, a mid-distance runner, and a trail trekker.

Shoes CARINII B7969 037-000-000-F14

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.

According to the Xero website, these issues had been resolved in recent models to make them more comparable to traditional running shoe sizes. In this spirit, I ordered a size 11 to correspond to my default.

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.

If ordering from an online retailer, it may be wise to take a full size up from that which one measures to produce a solid fit, especially for those that prefer to wear midweight or woolen socks.

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 products, the huarache-style midfoot and heel straps feature a TPU covering with hi-visibility stripping for safety when training in twilight hours.

It also functions well to protect the system from fraying as I experienced in the Prio while running on trails and in the light to moderate brush when out for a wayward round of disc golf.

These straps are a staple in Xero models and do a fantastic job of providing a customized heel and midfoot fit while avoiding restriction of said midfoot and heel movement.

This ability to approximate shoe sole to foot on a flexible platform lends itself well to those seeking to improve their stride and biomechanics through better feel and feedback from the running surface.

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.

Insole cushioning system

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.

In previous Xero models, even from shoe to shoe, the insole varied from a more traditional EVA to a more spongy memory foam feeling option. In the HFS, the insole foam not only is more firm but features drainage ports along the bottom.

When performing workouts in a hot back basement room or running through water and snow-packed trails in efforts of maintaining appropriate social distancing, this feature proved exceedingly useful.

As mentioned earlier, the HFS is much like other offerings from Xero with little midsole to speak of. It does sport a mesh Strobel allowing one to remove the insole altogether for a closer to the ground feel or for improved balance when performing plyometric training.

However, after more than a mile or two on pavement, it feels like a bit too little underfoot, even for someone who has trained next to barefoot for several years.

One drawback to this lack of product underfoot is also something that could have long term effects on durability.

As XeroShoes are worn barefoot (and unlike offerings from Vibram and KEEN are not meant for machine washing), it would behoove the folks at Xero Shoes to consider adding some sort of anti-microbial feature to the insole or strobel board.

Otherwise, the bacteria that builds over time can have a deleterious effect on the seal between the upper and the sole. While the shoe has a standard 5000-mile warranty on the sole, it doesn’t mean much if the shoe breaks down from the inside out.

In sum, from a comfort and adjustability standpoint, the HFS gets quality marks but smells a bit like a teen spirit.

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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 strappy, 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 that mimics 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.”

In terms of durability, the only major complaint may be that the shoe’s bright colorway has led to some mild discoloration at the midfoot. Despite working through over two dozen morning training sessions, more than 15 trips to the course, as well as a full week trial in the PT office prior to going on leave, these shoes have shown little sign of initial wear and tear.

Nonetheless, as mentioned previously, with little antimicrobial integration, the longevity of the shoe may come into question outside the customary 6-12 month range.

Style

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.

In addition, with the TPU overlaying the lacing system as opposed to being exposed, the shoe has a much more streamlined look than its older cousins.

Overall, this model 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.

DISCLOSURE: For the purpose of review, I’d like to thank Xero Shoes for providing me with a pair of HFS shoes. No additional compensation was provided, and the review process objective over the course of a normal life cycle of my daily training shoes.

In addition, as noted in a previous review of minimal footwear, I have spent the past 4 years transitioning to intermittent use of minimal footwear with very low stack heights. 

If you have a history of stress fractures, peroneal and/or posterior tibialis discomfort (as well as other foot pathology), it is wise to consult with your coach, physiotherapist and/or a trained shoe fitting professional prior to extended usage of this class of footwear.

While it has documented benefits, it is best done gradually and with care to running technique and proper, a gradual increase in mileage.