Xero Shoes HFS II review

After testing the Xero Shoes HFS II, we found it’s a fantastic choice for:

• Runners looking for an ultra-flexible, ultra-grounded, ultra-comfortable minimalist shoe. But wait, don’t run an ultra in them!
• Those seeking a breathable barefoot option for working, walking, and occasional running.
• Newcomers to the minimalist world who want a well-priced, versatile shoe to start their journey.

The Xero Shoes HFS II lacks arch support and stability features, making it unsuitable for those dealing with pronation or needing even mild support. We think the Altra Paradigm 7 is a better pick for these runners, offering zero-drop geometry combined with exceptional stability.

Additionally, we found the HFS II’s weight to be higher than expected for a minimalist shoe, which some runners may find unjustified, just like we do. For a lighter option, we recommend the Merrell Vapour Glove 6. It offers a real-barefoot design with the added benefit of a Vibram outsole.

Minimalist shoes focus on keeping you as close to the ground as possible, and the Xero XFS II excels in this. With only 13.1 mm at the heel, ground feel is fully assured.

Cushioning is minimal, support is nonexistent, and whether you're a heel striker or not, you must rely on your tendons and muscles to thrive without any safety net.

The forefoot measures just 12.1 mm—only 1 mm less than the heel—creating a perfectly balanced underfoot feeling.

With just a thin layer of firm rubber separating the ball of your foot and toes from the ground, every stride feels wonderfully natural. In our experience, this barefoot-like sensation it's especially fun when running at faster paces.

The Xero Shoes HFS II is marketed as a zero-drop shoe, and in our experience, it fits that category despite measuring 1.0 mm in the lab. One millimetre is a barely noticeable difference—likely due to manufacturing tolerances or outsole design.

That said, this is the perfect moment to issue a major warning—this shoe requires exceptional foot and Achilles tendon strength. Transitioning too quickly from average daily trainers could lead to major injuries, and we believe that starting gradually is essential for building the strength needed to thrive in the HFS II.

The Xero Shoes HFS II, contrary to what it might seem at first sight, does include a midsole. It’s made from Xero’s BareFoam—a firm-as-rock layer that provides a touch of cushioning and support, especially in the midfoot area.

We tested its softness using our durometer and found it measured 49.0 HA—more than twice the average and among the highest results we’ve ever recorded in the lab. For this reason, don’t expect any plush or cloud-soft sensation underfoot. But, isn’t that the point of a minimalist shoe?

The insole adds only 3.7 mm of thickness, but it’s remarkably noticeable, as it makes up a significant portion of the cushioning in this minimalist shoe.

In terms of outsole durability, we expected slightly more from the HFS II. A wear of 1.3 mm feels excessive for such hard rubber, but fortunately, the substantial thickness of the outsole prevents any real durability concerns.

Let’s take a closer look at the toebox. First, we evaluated the vertical space, which is fairly limited compared to a road running shoe. However, this is typical for minimalist options designed to offer a snug, sock-like fit.

Our first measurement in the toebox showed 98.0 mm—a result that might seem underwhelming for a shoe marketed as wide-feet-friendly. In our experience, though, minimalist shoes often follow this pattern: a snug fit around the ball of the foot paired with an anatomic toebox design. And it works.

As expected, the big toe area is where the toebox truly shines—it tapers only slightly, measuring an impressive 86.7 mm in our second test.

This design allows excellent toe splay and provides ample space for those with wide feet. Therefore, this is a case where taking two measurements is absolutely essential to understand the shoe's fit. If we had taken only one, it might seem like this shoe isn’t suitable for wide feet, and it's actually the opposite.

One of the defining features of minimalist shoes is that they essentially say, “Hey, you’re on your own.” This means no stability-enhancing elements—no midsole sidewalls, medial posts, rockered soles, or heel bevels. Instead, you get a flat sole, leaving your feet to handle everything, and whether that’s good or bad depends entirely on you and your preferences.

Despite being a minimalist shoe, the Xero Shoes HFS II didn’t score 1/5 on our manual scale but achieved a 2/5.

In our view, this is due to its full-length rubber outsole and thin midsole, which add a touch of subtle rigidity. While these elements slightly stiffen the shoe, we found the difference to be barely noticeable while walking or running.

The HFS II doesn’t include a rigid heel piece like average daily trainers. Instead, it features a thick, structured upper that, in our opinion, provides a secure heel lockdown. We tested it and gave it a 3/5 for its balanced design.

In our experience, shoe designs often mislead—whether due to materials, the absence of ventilation holes, or deceptive design. That’s why we trust our smoke-pumping machine, which rigorously tests the upper’s performance.

After testing, we found that the Xero Shoes HFS II excels in ventilation, earning a top-notch 5/5 for breathability.

Once we removed the smoke machine, we examined the upper under a light to pinpoint its most ventilated areas. It was clear that Xero used an ultra-breathable mesh paired with strategically thicker sections to enhance durability and structure, effectively wrapping the foot.

Using a microscope, we confirmed the upper is made of a dual-layer engineered mesh—a common design we’ve seen in many shoes here in the lab. And there’s a good reason for this material choice—it’s cost-effective, highly ventilated, and offers good durability.

Contrary to the shoe’s minimalist appearance, the upper provides impressive comfort, particularly in the tongue and heel areas.

We believe this added padding contributes to the shoe’s slightly heavier weight, but could be a valuable trade-off for those seeking the HFS II for all-day comfort and extended wear.

The heel is notably narrow, which aligns perfectly with the principles of minimalist shoe design. Landing on this area in a zero-drop shoe isn’t ideal, and the 79.9 mm width—reminiscent of road competition shoes—makes perfect sense for the HFS II.

At 10.5N, the Xero HFS II is impressively flexible, promoting a natural-feeling stride whether walking or running. We’re convinced that a higher result would have undermined this model’s purpose, so it’s a relief for fans of minimalism.

By the way, did you know that the HFS stands for "Highly Flexible Shoe"? It’s a simple yet perfectly descriptive name.

If there’s one area where we believe Xero Shoes could really improve the HFS series, it’s the weight. In our view, it’s surprising that this shoe weighs 8.6 oz or 244g—the same as the Nike Pegasus Plus, a comfort-packed, well-cushioned daily trainer.

Sure, the shoe’s full rubber coverage across the outsole, combined with its reinforced upper, adds noticeable heft. While these durability-focused features have their merits, the result is a shoe that feels unnecessarily heavy for its size. In our opinion, a weight of 6 or 7 oz would be far more reasonable for a minimalist model like this.

In our experience, shoe designs often mislead—whether due to materials, the absence of ventilation holes, or deceptive design. That’s why we trust our smoke-pumping machine, which rigorously tests the upper’s performance.

After testing, we found that the Xero Shoes HFS II excels in ventilation, earning a top-notch 5/5 for breathability.

Once we removed the smoke machine, we examined the upper under a light to pinpoint its most ventilated areas. It was clear that Xero used an ultra-breathable mesh paired with strategically thicker sections to enhance durability and structure, effectively wrapping the foot.

Using a microscope, we confirmed the upper is made of a dual-layer engineered mesh—a common design we’ve seen in many shoes here in the lab. And there’s a good reason for this material choice—it’s cost-effective, highly ventilated, and offers good durability.

Contrary to the shoe’s minimalist appearance, the upper provides impressive comfort, particularly in the tongue and heel areas.

We believe this added padding contributes to the shoe’s slightly heavier weight, but could be a valuable trade-off for those seeking the HFS II for all-day comfort and extended wear.

After testing the Xero Shoes HFS II with the Dremel, we have no major concerns about toebox durability. A 3/5 may not be a top-tier result, but it’s sufficient for everyday use, especially with the reinforced toecap.

On the other hand, we were disappointed by the heel padding. In our testing, it earned a poor 1/5 due to its soft, comfort-focused lining, which, while plush and cosy, proved to be unexpectedly fragile.

Moving to the outsole, we found a highly durable rubber compound (92.5 HC) that strikes a balance between road and trail shoes. The design incorporates arrow-shaped lugs in the forefoot and midfoot areas, paired with a completely different pattern in the centre and heel.

This versatile configuration is designed to enhance traction, particularly on dirt roads and light trails, though a road-focused outsole would likely provide superior performance for runners sticking to pavement.

In terms of outsole durability, we expected slightly more from the HFS II. A wear of 1.3 mm feels excessive for such hard rubber, but fortunately, the substantial thickness of the outsole prevents any real durability concerns.

And here it is: a hefty 4.5 mm outsole that surpasses most running shoes on the market. While unusual for a minimalist shoe, it compensates for the lack of a protective midsole, providing extra shielding against small rocks and sharp elements. That said, this added thickness increases the shoe's weight, making it a bit of a trade-off.

It might seem counterintuitive that minimalist shoes can sometimes cost more than regular running shoes despite using less material. However, this is common, and some barefoot shoes even reach prices nearing £200.

We believe the Xero HFS II is reasonably priced. It checks most of the boxes for minimalist enthusiasts, and the quality of its materials is solid and satisfactory.

Discovering some sleek reflective elements was unexpected, but it’s a fantastic bonus!

The HFS II features a mixed lacing system that combines classic eyelets with lace loops, offering a secure and effective way to cinch down the round laces. Additionally, it includes an extra eyelet closer to the ankle.

At 5.8 mm, the tongue is generously padded, delivering excellent comfort with no issues from our perspective. However, those prioritising a lighter shoe might not appreciate this design choice as much.

The tongue isn’t gusseted, but in minimalist shoes, this is somewhat expected. And thanks to its snug fit and low-volume upper, the tongue stays securely in place even without being fixed to the sides.

This shoe isn’t just minimalist due to its low stack height and zero drop—it also embodies this philosophy with the absence of a heel tab, a feature you can easily live without.

Those looking to fully embrace minimalism can remove the insole, making the HFS II even thinner and closer to the ground. However, we advise against running on anything other than roads or super-smooth trails without the sockliner.