Xero Shoes Zelen Review | Good Eco-Friendly Hybrid Barefoot Shoe?

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READ XERO SHOES ZELEN REVIEW: thatfitfriend.com/xero-shoes-...
The Xero Shoes Zelen is the latest eco-friendly barefoot running shoe from Xero Shoes. This model is designed to tackle running and lifting workouts while also delivering an eco-friendly construction.
As a hybrid athlete, I was interested to see how the Xero Shoe Zelen held up for my training sessions. Personally, I enjoy hybrid barefoot shoes that work well for things like running, sprinting, and lifting.
In this Xero Shoes Zelen review, I'm going to cover a variety of topics to help you decide if this shoe is a good fit for your training.
0:00 Xero Shoes Zelen Pros
2:20 Xero Shoes Zelen Cons
3:47 Performance
6:18 Who are these best for?
6:51 Sizing and Fit
7:04 Price
7:37 Weight, Drop, and Insole
7:53 Construction
9:13 Final Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoy the Xero Shoes Zelen and think they're a good model to look into if you want a barefoot shoe for hybrid training.
This model works well for running and can hold its own in the gym. Plus, the eco-friendly materials are added perk of this shoe.
While this is better-looking performance-focused barefoot from Xero Shoes, I do think this model's appearance could be tweaked a little bit in regard to making them better for daily wear.
If you have any questions on the Xero Shoes Zelen, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram!
CONNECT: / jake_boly
#barefootshoes #xeroshoes #minimalistshoes
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Опубликовано:

26 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 76

@joeykarpel4597 2 года назад

Think I’m going to buy these, they look good for a barefoot sneaker. Also great mobility on the power cleans you really get your elbows up so high!

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Keep me posted on how you like them! Haha, thank you. That has been a constant work in progress to gain that front rack positioning!

@krakatoasundra 2 года назад

great review.

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Thank you as always! Stoked you enjoyed this one.

@michaelalbrecht3395 Год назад

Nice videos I gotta grab a pair of those

@thatfitfriend Год назад

Thank you!

@CptAngelKGaming 2 года назад

Dude I recently discovered you and you're such a beast. Amazing high quality reviews of awesome models + an inspiring physique. Your channel is a gem. Keep it up! I hope you get to review more barefoot shoes. So many of them out there right now!

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

This comment made my day! I appreciate you saying that - thank you. Welcome and stoked to have you! 💪

@rick_slick88 2 года назад

Jake, hope you could create video learning content of your diet. 😉

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

I’ve had a few asks about nutrition before! That topic is always tough because it’s so individual and nuanced, but I could definitely share some videos discussing it in the future 💪

@AlvaTheSpurned 2 года назад

Great review! I've watched several of your videos today and I really like what you're doing. But I'm a bit torn on what new barefoot shoe I should get. I've got a good daily wear shoe but I'm looking for a more athletic shoe for the gym and my light cardio (I'm no track star). The Xero Zellen and HFS seem like great options but so does the VIVO Primus lite 3. How do i choose between these three? Thanks!

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Thank you! I'd go HFS because it's very similar to the Zelen with performance and you'll save a little bit of money if that's important for your buying experience. If you were just planning to just lift in the shoes, then I'd say opt for the PL3.

@AlvaTheSpurned 2 года назад

@@thatfitfriend Thank you! I'm curious why they made the Zellen when the HFS is so similar. Maybe just because it's more eco friendly?

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

@@AlvaTheSpurned The eco-friendliness would be my guess as more are wanting shoes with these properties!

@knowledgeRS 2 года назад

Finally, a Barefoot/minimalist crossfitter type of review. Looking forward to your other reviews. Can you help me out with sizing? I saw your blog post but am trying to figure out my size because Vivo's can be very inconsistent (I've had a 41 with room and a 42 that was tight). With my last couple of Vivo's, I've been a 41, but I can't figure out if I just got a 41 that happened to fit like a 42 or if I truly am a 41 now in Vivo's only.

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Thank you! Yeah, which model are you looking into, the Zelen or a Vivo? Vivo and Xero Shoes have both had models that ran small, then they updated their sizing for the next iteration which has made sizing a complete pain point for many so you're not alone there!

@knowledgeRS 2 года назад

@@thatfitfriend I'm looking at the Zelen but it's my first pair of Xero's and I can't get it wrong as my gf is picking them up in the US and bringing it back to Bali for me. Would it be safe to say that if I'm a 41 in newer Vivos, I'm probably a 41 in Xeros?

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

@@knowledgeRS Yes, IMO! These run true-to-size so I think 41 would be a safe call here!

@knowledgeRS 2 года назад

@@thatfitfriend Thanks for that. You've got a new sub!

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

@@knowledgeRS Ayyy, thank you for that! Welcome and stoked to have you. Keep me posted on the Zelen when they arrive and how you like them!

@G.Bfit.93 2 года назад

So I like to do sprints, deadlifts, squats, leap frogs and assorted jumping exercises, sprints, short-mid distance interval runs and body-building exercises no olympic lifts no rope climbing. You previously recommended me the HFS but now I see this is very similar. Should I get the Zelen or HFS?

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Either or! Both are super similar, so in this context, I’d choose based on price/colorway you prefer.

@isaacragsdale999 Год назад

So appreciate the info! What’s your fav xero shoe?

@thatfitfriend Год назад

Right now, I’ve been digging the Zelen. Same hybrid features as the HFS but with better appearance and durability.

@The_Monolith 2 года назад

It'd be nice if you could also review the Xero Speed Force.

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

They're on my to-do list along with the Kelso! I need more hours in the day and more energy so I can train/work more, LOL.

@hectordehesa2118 Год назад

What shoe do you feel is better looking for casual wear? Great info here man. I just picked these up today. Can’t wait to try them but I would like a shoe I can just wear all day for anything

@thatfitfriend Год назад

Currently, I’m liking the Tolos Archetype 1.0s, Primus Asana, and the Wildling Chestnut

@azizshavershian2065 Год назад

how did they work out?

@hectordehesa2118 Год назад

@@azizshavershian2065 absolutely love them! I prefer them over my Xero shoe prio suede. The zelen looks and feel like I can and do wear them all day long

@qilqilqil8863 2 года назад

Hey Jake, if I'm going to be doing short/interval sprints and gym (just lifting), how does the Zelen compare to the 360? You mentioned that the 360 are most cost efficient, but which would you prefer as someone who has used both?

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Great question - if you’re not tackling CrossFit-style sessions, then I’d probably go Zelen because it is a better looking model (relatively speaking) and they feel a tad better for sprints. However, I don’t think you can go wrong with either model, tbh, so if the price point and colorways/appearance of the 360 are a hit for you then those will work well also 💪

@qilqilqil8863 2 года назад

@@thatfitfriend Thanks Jake. When you say CrossFit-style sessions, may I know exactly what you were referring to? My typical lifting sessions usually end of some hiit/cardio like rope jumps, box jumps and sometimes burpees/mountain climbers etc. Lifting wise, I tend to do more compound lifts. I see that you try to reply to the comments. Really appreciative of your efforts. Hope your channel takes off because the content is just *chef's kiss*

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

@@qilqilqil8863 sessions that involve things like rope climbs/handstand push-ups/burpees pretty regularly. These are movements that can wreck uppers and are more focused on this style of training so I try to differentiate standard cross-training from CrossFit per niche exercises like this at volume (for context)! In that case and your context, you should be safe with either model. I think the 360 will be a tad more durable, but the toe box in the Zelen should hold up well for you if you’re not hammering the upper on this model every day. Thank you so much - honestly, replying and getting to meet/interact with folks - even if it’s just briefly - makes it all worth it. I get to meet folks with similar interests who also don’t want to waste money on poor fitting products, it’s so cool, the community makes the channel fun! I really appreciate you saying that 💪

@Rev0UK1 2 года назад

noticed its the same sole as HFS so assuming very similar fit Does the Zelon breathe better than the HFS? that was the one main flaw with essentially my favourite barefoot training shoe (HFS)

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Similar fit and the Zelen breathes better, IMO! Prob my fave Xero model to date tbh.

@Denali_Rebel 2 года назад

Not great for winter…. I wear my speed forces when there is a foot of snow on the ground. My feet are always hot. I just want to know if it is actually wide or if the toe box is narrow like the HFS.

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Similar toe box width overall (Zelen does feel a bit roomier due to upper) - if you want, shoot me a DM on IG and I’ll send you a sizing side by side vid! Also, low-key envious of you hot feet - could use them on my hikes 😂

@bryanrivera9980 2 года назад

I already have a pair of hfs.....now these or another pair....that is the question! This tread design is the best for the gym in my opinion.

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

🤔🤔🤔

@bryanrivera9980 2 года назад

@@thatfitfriend my only concern is how to zelen's will hold up since the straps are outside instead of sewn in like the other.

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

@@bryanrivera9980 IMO, if you're rotating them then I think they'd be fine!

@bryanrivera9980 2 года назад

@@thatfitfriend thanks for the input!

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

@@bryanrivera9980 thanks for engaging with the vids as always! If you grab a pair, would love to hear your thoughts 💪

@KremeOnHer 2 года назад

For lifting, do you think this is superior then the primus lite 3?

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Hit you back on IG!

@bilaltahir9978 Год назад

Did you find the reply to this question?

@rovietka Год назад

My pair arrived today. In regards to sizing. I wear a euro 42 but compared to my vivobarefoot and splays (both 42) the Zelen is almost a full size smaller, so not sure if the other 2 run big or the Zelen’s run small??

@thatfitfriend Год назад

Vivo and splay both run a little large. Vivo is notorious for it, tbh

@rovietka Год назад

@@thatfitfriend thanks for your reply. I agree with your point about the vivos

@ChronicWatClesNarnia 2 года назад

Do you think they’re trying to compete with the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite? Seems like it.

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Potentially - IMO, this is a better model for running if we're going to compare those two!

@hansyali_ 2 года назад

Yeah and half the cost too

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

@@hansyali_ big facts - especially if you can find them on sale!

@daveyadict_ 2 года назад

Maybe a dumb question, you always mention lace locking... What is that?

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Not dumb at all! It’s a lacing strategy that utilizes the top eyelet to promote more shoe security. I have an article that discusses it and how to do it, which I’m linking here if you want to check it out! thatfitfriend.com/heel-slip-shoes-how-to-fix/

@daveyadict_ 2 года назад

@@thatfitfriend oh very indepth article. I also like that you mentioned the nano x's as they're my favorite shoe. Ever lol

@glennsak 2 года назад

Love the review but disagree on the aesthetics. One of the better Xero shoe designs.

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

Thank you - and I can behind that, especially relatively speaking!

@Rev0UK1 2 года назад

Looks wise...all they'd hav eto do is just drop an all white version If they look anything like the HFS on foot...i find the shape more ...aesthetically pleasing compared to Vivo's

@thatfitfriend 2 года назад

That would be FIRE and I agree - less floppy toe box, which is a win for both training/looks

@Rev0UK1 2 года назад

@@thatfitfriend have to get sending them feed back ^^ its odd because they've dropped a few all white colourways in some of their shoes but only the womens models They did launch the Kelso too, which looks good but wouldn't dual up a s a training shoe

@bilaltahir9978 Год назад

How do these compare to the Xero speed force?

@thatfitfriend Год назад

Slightly wider fit, better breathability, and better looking, IMO!

@bilaltahir9978 Год назад

@@thatfitfriend thanks would you recommend the Zelens over the primus lite iiis for road running and gym work?