With it’s re-release of the original HFS (men’s and women’s), Xero Shoes has now given barefoot shoe fans two great minimalist running shoes to choose from. Many fans of the HFS 1 were worried the HFS 2 (men’s and women’s) would replace the original edition completely, but Xero Shoes has brought it back and the differences do matter!
Let’s compare the Xero Shoes HFS 1 vs the HFS 2 to find out which minimalist shoes makes the most sense for different use cases.
Features of the HFS Barefoot Shoes
The HFS are described as road running shoes but really check the box as versatile lifestyle shoes, good for athletic activities but also fun to wear around town, at the airport, or even just down to the mailbox. Many HFS fans, including myself mention feeling happy just putting the shoes on. This may seem silly, but Xero Shoes mentions the natural fit, feel, and motion of the shoes – and they make a difference.
Giving our feet a wide, grounded feel with plenty of flexibility lets us walk and run unencumbered. I’ve been wearing barefoot style shoes for over a decade and am shocked at how stiff, bulky, heavy and clunky traditional shoes now feel.
HFS Lacing System
The huarache lacing system Xero Shoes builds into it shoes is underrated. Considering how little weight the ingenious cinching system adds to the shoe, the lock down benefits are substantial. Notice how the laces route through two tabs on either side of the foot. Tighten up the laces and the tabs cinch up the shoe around the foot.
HFS Tread
For the purpose of road running, both shoes have plenty of great tread. The durability of these road models has been better than that of the trail models for me (see how I wore the lugs on the Scrambler Low).
The HFS 2 has a really fun new tread which can effortlessly transition from road to gravel.
Primary Differences Between the Xero Shoes HFS and HFS II
Stylistically speaking, these shoes look similar and have a very similar structure. The biggest change was to the sole of the shoe which adds a foam-like rubber called EVA to the HFS 2. The original HFS model was very lean and grounded, which could be punishing for longer road and treadmill running.
Xero Shoes wisely created a second version of the shoe which offers some lean, but noticeable extra cushion thanks to the EVA material. For me, this has reduced shock and fatigue when running. However, this does make the shoe less grounded and locked down for lateral activities. I think it also subtly diminishes some of the fitness returns the HFS 1 offers in the way of blasting the lower legs and arches! This difference is marginal but, if your goal is targeted barefoot training, you may want the original HFS in order to maximize gains.
HFS Weight
The first edition of the Xero Shoes HFS weighed in at 7.9oz for men (6.5oz for women) with a stack height of 7mm—a very lean shoe. The HFS II adds the two-part EVA outsole, which increases cushioning and raises the weight to 8.3oz for men (6.7oz for women) with a 9mm stack height—still quite lean.
Xero Shoes HFS 1 Pros
The strength of the original HFS is in its minimalism. The point is to maximize the benefits of barefoot shoes, which takes a level of determination and patience to do.
- Low grounded feel
- Unique style with wide, low look and some nice color options
- Nice tread for gym surfaces
Xero Shoes HFS 2 Pros
The strength of the HFS II is achieving a very lean running shoe with just enough cushion to take the edge of the minimalism of the HFS I while sacrificing very little. The tread upgrade also enables this shoe to tackle some surfaces other than road.
- Extra cushion makes running more comfortable while still barefoot style
- A more familiar look which may appeal for casual wear and nice color options
- Beefier and stylish tread capable of some trail or gravel use
Xero Shoes HFS 1 Cons
The strength of the HFS 1 is also its weakness in the minds of some, extreme minimalism.
- Lack of cushion can be unforgiving with an inelegant step or for high mileage
Xero Shoes HFS 2 Cons
Conversely, the extra cushion compromises the barefoot philosophy in the minds of others! I think it boils down to what your use case is.
- Extra cushion makes the shoe less locked down for activities with high lateral force
Who Should Buy the Xero Shoes HFS Barefoot Running Shoes?
The HFS line is worth trying if you:
- want to incorporate some barefoot style running into your road running
- want a shoe which works for exercising but also for general lifestyle use – it looks good around town
- read Born to Run and are curious about zero drop shoes
- are following the Kneesovertoesguy ATG training plans
- want to experiment with strengthening your arches and lower legs
Learn more about the HFS II (men’s and women’s) and the original HFS (men’s and women’s) on the Xero Shoes website.