HFS II - Men

A good minimalist running shoe, but doesn't live up to the original

I've had the first iteration of the HFS for a little over three years, and with over 1700 miles of running in them, they're always going to be one of my favorites. I wanted to love the HFS 2, despite what I'd heard about it feeling stiff or clunky compared to the original. I liked the idea of just a tiny bit of extra protection, which seemed like it could really open up using Xero's lineup for longer races. Sadly, it took me a long time to get used to the feel of the HFS 2, and even now it still doesn't dazzle me. There's something about it that feels a bit too stiff and restrictive, especially comparing it to the original or to the Speed Force 2. My guess is that the wraparound effect of the outsole plays a role there, but the outsole is also just more robust and treaded than the original, making it feel like a compromise with a trail shoe. Perhaps I need to size up a bit, but I haven't noticed any of the usual issues associated with improper fit. There are definitely plenty of things this shoe does right. One is that they seem to make me *very* aware of my heel contact with the ground when I'm running. This could be a great selling point, as their design could serve as a technique-honing mechanism for runners. I do still take them out for runs of all kinds, and I have never noticed a drop in performance compared to other minimalist shoes, other than doing speed work in super light shoes like the Speed Force 2. The outsole does seem quite a bit more durable than on the first version of the HFS. Finally, I should note that this is a fantastic casual and walking shoe. That extra bit of robustness in the sole makes walking around on pavement a breeze. I'll have them for a long time to come (unless I decide to sell them), though I do wish I had picked up a pair of the HFS Originals in one of those snazzy new colorways instead. For my fellow runners: do what you can to try before you buy. Even if you think you want that extra stiffness, make sure you *really* like them before committing to them with an outdoor run.

update***: I ordered two pairs, one in black, one in white. The right shoe of the black pair feels completely different, like the shoe is narrower in the arch which causes a wierd rubbing sensation and a blister. The white pair fits fine and is fantastic. As always; the cost of the shoes, plus shipping & duties to Canada is very steep. But once again, xero has delivered me a beautiful product. I own several pairs, from trainers to boots. They are perfect. I only wish Xero covered duties, its always a tough one to swallow after the inital purchas upon delivery.

I’m a nurse and do a lot of running around, these have been great while working. Very comfortable and breath very well!