Thanks for the helpful review, this helped me make my decision. I'm looking for a single gym shoe for treadmill & lifting - running shoes are too cushioned for lifting and my gym shoes (converse lol) don't work for my treadmill needs. I don't like switching shoes or taking my shoes off for lifts, so I'm gonna try these out!
Thank you sir for your review. I am glad you mentioned the slippage issue. I love the way these fit, but have noticed the same problem. Would you recommend a certain Xero shoes model with regards to this?
Great review (as always), Jake! I have the HFS 1s and really like them and have been curious about the V2s, so greatly appreciate the info! Unrelated to this shoe, but was wondering if you have any insight about if or when the second version of the Tolos may be coming out. I've been wanting to give those a go as I'm not so sure how long my "daily driver" Geo Racer Knits are going to last me, but will hold off for a bit if a new version will be coming out soon. Thanks!
In your opinion, what would be the best shoe for running a few miles that could still be somewhat used in the gym? The HFS 2 looks like a nice option...but is there an even better shoe?
@@thatfitfriend just regular weightlifting. It’s more of a try it out kind of thing. Maybe 100? Barefoot prices are hard to justify but A7 slippers I’ve heard are comparable.
Heya Jake. I've heard Vivo shoes tend to run narrower. Do you know if that's the case? Also are there any lifting shoes you would recommend for wide feet? I typically wear 4E width shoes and I bought the Adidas powerlift. My feet felt like they were getting crushed. I'm having a lot of trouble finding wide lifting shoes. Are there any models that you might know of?
Hey! They can run "narrower" compared to certain barefoot shoe models like Splay, Wildling, etc. I think you'd be fine in a Primus Lite III, though, imo. In terms of weightlifting shoes, your best bet would likely be the TYR L-1 Lifter and to remove its insole to give yourself more space/room.
Do you have a suggestion for an alternative for someone, who does have a wide foot (4E)? Barefoot trainers in extra wide seem to be hard to come by. Casual shoes, not a problem.
@@kitcraft9516 they’re smaller companies and bigger in the lifting space There’s also the issue with most sites/media companies just shoving crap picks based on affiliates and not truly exploring all options, especially from smaller brands
hey Jake, what shoes do you use for your longer runs? I use the HFS I for all my running, I am still a beginner runner and do about 15miles a week with the longest runs being just under 7 miles. I am curious what shoes you use for longer runs. Thanks.
I've been ripping my Bare XFs lately, but note, I'm not running more than 3 miles in BF shoes. I'll use running shoes for that distance. Hit up my main Barefoot Run Review for that ask - he crushes long runs in barefoot shoes!
I rotate to avoid staining them with sweat and getting stinky. I rock the cheap socks from Amazon called Motee and Zconia - I've done a review on them!
Hey there I just have a question. So first off I just want to say I use more machines in the gym than I do squatting, deadlifting etc. I’m looking for a more versatile shoe that I can use in the gym, for decent runs like 4-5 miles, and do agility / lateral training in. What do you recommend?
@@standi_0439 Bunch of models could work here! Reebok Nano X3, UA TriBase Reign 5, and RAD ONE would be 3 shoes to start exploring. Those models are all pretty well-rounded and can work for runs ranging from .5-3ish miles!
Peace & Love jake, I'm looking to purchase my first pair of Barefoot shoes. I will be using the shoes for everyday casual wear, Resistance Training (Weighted & Bodyweight , 5 mile Runs on (Concrete / Asphalt), Jumping Rope. What shoes would you recommend for me to start out with ? This is my list so far that i gather from watching & reading reviews (Xero HFS 2, Xero Prio, Xero Speed Force 2, Vivo Primus lite 3, Vivo Motus Strength, Vivo Primus Trail knit Fg). I was leaning towards the Xero HFS 2 or the Xero Prio to start out with.
Yeah, I think you're on the money. I'd suggest HFS 2 first. Since you're new and want to run in them, these will give you a bit more cushion. I'd also suggest starting with runs on grass/curved treadmill to avoid accumulating too much impact too fast!
Hey Jake, am interested in buying a Xero shoe for general gym training . Don’t want it for running. Would you say ANY of their models will suit my needs? I do want the shoe to be nice fitting and comfortable. Have been using Inov8 for the past 7 / 8 yrs. Cheers.
I got Xero Prios and I’m looking for something similar, but with a little bit less of a “barefoot feel” for when I’m out running… I don’t want to feel every little pebble or stick I step on… does this give more protection than the Prio?
Has anyone experienced top of the foot pain / injury from running in barefoots shoes? I have been running in the xero HFS for 2-3months and I am a beginner and I have this top of the foot pain and I have stopped running since a week. Would love to know if Andrew or anyone else had a similar experience. Thanks.
I’m older with wide, high instep feet and looking for a shoe to wear indoors doing low impact aerobics. I would like some lateral support and cushion. I bought a pair of Altra Torin shoes, but they do not have the forefoot flexibility to do calf raises. Do you think any of the xero shoes would fit my needs?
@tfriend I had my HFS I for 2 years of constant use, my only shoe for everything. I rather soon had the bottom rubber come off the sides of the shoe, but some super glue fixed that. They still work fine, have maybe 25% tread left. Im buying a set of new zero drop shoes but now need to go a half size larger since my foot has actually grown (or rather been allowed to open up). Kinda sad to see I cant get the HFS I anymore. They make you feel like a ninja, so much ground feel.
@EADYT I’ve had the prio, original HFS and Zelen all for over 2 years and zero durability issues. I also don’t really see any durability worries from online. Vivo is a different story.
@@hiddenleaf414 It's so interesting seeing comments with different experiences from various shoe companies. It would be cool to aggregate all of them from my videos to build up trends and averages, honestly.
@@slavasss2189 yeahhhhh, my toes are cramming in these, so again, as stated multiple times size per your foot width, imo. Try em and see. Let me know how your sizing goes!
As somone with both the hfs v1 and v2 it's night and day. The upper is quite similar but the sole is SIGNIFICANTLY thicker than the v1. To the point that I returned them and am liey ordering another pair of v1
They can be - but running, like plyos and other high-intensity activities, have a longer acclimation period. On top of this, you may find that you like rotating in other shoes. IMO, barefoot shoes for running 100% of the time isn't something everyone can do easily as lifestyle factors, training history, and training backgrounds can vary a ton. When in doubt, ease in and experiment. There isn't a hard and fast approach here and there's no rush
I don't have a wide foot, but my big toe is very close to the end in my 360s? Would you recommend a half size up? Also, what's your favorite between the HFS II and the Prio Neo?
Horrible shoes are GREAT at first and then the feet start hurting and then the joints, knees and hips and soon can barely walk. Got back in gel asics and knees and feet stopped hurting and the hips are healing up. Really bad idea, they lie to you about the benefits and in the beginning theyre really good but soon the bad comes roaring out. BEWARE
You have to transition to barefoot shoes, did you switch to them full time and not acclimate slowly and scale your activities slowly? That’s my gripe with some of these companies and their marketing/influencers not talking about this stuff ffs
