Xero Shoes has taken their best-selling roadrunner and updated it, resulting in their Fall/Winter 23 release: the HFS II.
Note: the sizing has been updated from the original to be closer to true-to-size. Scroll to sizing for details.
Features:
- Breathable 37.5 Degree mesh uppers material
- Vegan
- Not water-resistant
- 37.5 Degrees material helps you stay cool when you're running and working out
- Updated sole design wraps up around the foot for durability
- Tready road-running sole
- Zero drop: no raised heel, you are flat on the ground
- Foot-shaped: wide toe box
- Medium to high ground feel: wear with or without the insole
Sizing
Most customers take their regular size in this model- it fits more generously than the original HFS. Some may decide to go half a size up anyways for width or an an extra-roomy fit.
Xero uses gendered American sizing. A W9 = a M10.5 in the same model (1.5 sizes' difference).
Fit Notes:
- Does not stretch out
- Rectangular footprint shape
- Medium volume fit (width and height of shoe)
- Average width model
- Laces help adjust the fit around the midfoot
- Sloping toebox shape
- Width in the forefoot area is centered
- Compared to the original model, the HFS will not accomodate spilling over the side of the shoe if you have wider feet, due to the cup-design sole
Ground Feel
The HFS II offers high to medium-high groundfeel and flexibility.
The new sole design is slightly thicker than before. However, wearing them without the insoles is much closer in groundfeel to the original HFS's groundfeel.
This makes the HFS II suitable for a wider variety of wearers than before, but overall they are still among our most barefoot options.
If you are new to barefoot shoes and are used to shoes with a heel lift, lots of cushioning, and/or support, you may wish to work your way up to a shoe like the HFS II.
Care
Spot clean the uppers. You can wipe the soles with a damp cloth. Do not put in the washing machine. Handwash sparingly (lay flat to dry).
Best Uses
The most popular uses for the HFS II are for everyday wear, weight lifting and stationary gym exercises, and of course running! If you are new to running in minimal shoes please research how to transition to avoid injury before diving in with a very barefoot shoe like the HFS II.
Xero has made some really thoughtful and eyecatching updates to this beloved model, which should improve durability and make them more accessible to a wider section of the barefoot community! We expect them to continue to be a no-brainer for runners and lifters!
