Xero HFS Original vs. HFS II: A Comparison Review
By David Salas
 |
| HFS Original (Black) vs. HFS II (Blue) |
Xero HFS OriginalPrice: $119.99 at Xeroshoes.com
Weight: 7.9 oz, g (men's size 9), 6.5 oz, g (women's size 7)
Stack Height: 7 mm heel / 7 mm forefoot
Drop: 0 mm
Shoe Purpose: Minimalist Running Shoe
Xero HFS IIPrice: $119.99 at Xeroshoes.com
Weight: 8.3 oz, g (men's size 9), 6.7 oz, g (women's size 7)
Stack Height: 9 mm heel / 9 mm forefoot
Drop: 0 mm
Shoe Purpose: Minimalist Running Shoe with some off roading potential
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Despite being very similar, the two HFS models have some slight differences that could sway one person towards either the original or the II. The HFS Original does not use any EVA and gives you a lot of proprioception. This shoe caters more towards a pure road running or walking experience. The HFS II gives you an extra 2mm of stack height in the form of a layered EVA. That small increase in foam blends in with a lugged bottom and gives a little more appeal for off-roading. Both shoes offer a minimalist experience and great proprioception.
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
David: Both the Xero HFS Original and HFS II fit true to size in my men's 9.5. They certainly come as marketed and give you a very spacious fit, while still giving a great lockdown on the foot. The heel, midfoot, and forefoot are all decently wide. The tongue is moderately plush and does a good job of preventing biting from the laces in both models. There are many similarities, but there were some subtle differences that I noticed.
The HFS Original upper does feel a little more streamlined throughout. I noticed this in a couple of different ways. The first would be the heel collar. There is some padding in both models, but I would certainly say the HFS II presents with more padding throughout the heel collar. The HFS II also seems to have slightly more resistant overlays along the medial and lateral aspect of the shoe. The HFS Original feels like the overlays do just enough to keep the general shape of the shoe, but provide more flexibility. The HFS II feels like the overlays give you a little more support. The mesh material of the upper itself feels pretty comparable across both models, but the HFS II does seem to focus a little more on comfort. You can also feel this on foot. Though both models present with great fits, the HFS Original really lets your foot do whatever it wants. The HFS II is still pretty compliant, but does feel like your foot is locked in a little more with a touch more material.
This is consistent with the general constructions of the shoe. The HFS Original is meant to be a true road running and walking shoe, whereas the HFS II is designed to have a tad more versatility with footing and environment. I do feel like this comes off in the upper constructions. Those wanting a very minimal and streamlined fit will lean towards the HFS Original, whereas those wanting a touch more reinforcement and material will lean towards the HFS II. Both models are very breathable, and if you were looking for an upper to wear a shoe sockless, these both should be able to provide that for you.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Very
How Flexible is the Shoe: Very
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: N/A
Recommended for Haglunds: Yes
Recommended for Sockless: Yes
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
David: I felt that both shoes represented the minimalist category very well. The shoes share a lot of similarities in their general construction, but do have some subtle differences. The similarities that line up would be the lower stack height, flexible designs, and grippy outsoles. Both of these shoes have been excellent walking and clinic shoes for me. For running, one must be accustomed to running in something this minimal, but they did provide nice natural feeling experiences for that as well.
The Xero HFS Original is designed to be more road specific. This shoe really leans into minimalism and proprioception. There is no usage of EVA, and the only thing that is between your foot and the ground is the sock liner and outsole. Granted, there is a little thickness to it. The HFS Original has a stack height of 7mm, which still gives you some protection from the ground under you. This is just enough to shield you from most things on the road, while still being able to feel everything under you. The shoe does have some high abrasion rubber on the posterior lateral heel and medial forefoot. Those are the regions that we strike the most when running and walking. The outsole tread takes inspiration from the tread of tires. This shoe really wants you to be in full control of your mechanics. There is no heel bevel or toe spring, meaning that this is a very flat platform. For me, I love this shoe for standing and walking. For running, I think I do like a little more in between my feet and the road personally. You can feel just about everything under you in the HFS Original. For those looking for that you definitely have that.
The HFS II is designed to have a little bit more versatility with terrain. The biggest differences in the platform would be the 2mm of EVA midsole and the lug pattern outsole. This shoe is still meant to be minimal, but with the option of being able to go off road some. The flat geometry with high flexibility is consistent throughout this shoe. 2mm is not a lot of foam, but that slight difference is noticeable. I found that it was just enough to take away that "feeling everything" under foot. In the HFS Original, I would feel pebbles and other small things you may encounter on the road. In the HFS II, I would feel the objects presence, but it would be padded just enough to where I would not pay as much mind to it. The lug pattern does feel a little more grippy throughout. If you were running in grass or dirt, this would handle that better. If you wanted a little more traction for lateral movements, such as movements that may be experienced during strength and conditioning routines, this would give you a little more lateral support and grip as well. The increase in stack height combined with the lugs does give it an ever so slightly more stiff platform as well.
Similar to the HFS Original, this is a very good option for standing and walking. In large part you will have a similar experience, but the subtle differences above would be the things you would notice.
Bottom Line
David: The Xero HFS Original and HFS II have enough similarities where the minimalist crowd will be pleased with both. The subtle differences between models may make one person lean in one direction though.
The Xero HFS has a much more road specific design and focuses on proprioception. Between the two, this is the lighter and more minimalist of the options. You really feel everything under you and get the full experience. The outsole is more road specific and will work for streets and areas of good footing, but may not provide as much security with off road conditions or cutting/lateral motions. If you are using this as a workout shoe, this would do fine as a lifting shoe. The traction isn't as good though with turf or with agility and change of direction work.
The Xero HFS II focuses a little more on general comfort and versatility with footing. The upper is a tad more plush around the heel and feels somewhat softer all around. The midsole has 2mm of added foam and gives you just enough cushioning to be able to walk over pebbles with just mild pressure. The outsole has a lug design that gives you a little bit more grip with dynamic motions on grass, dirt, or with cutting/lateral motions. In strength and conditioning environments, this would be a solid shoe on turf and would do well with agility and change of direction. It is still minimal enough for lifting motions as well, though the HFS original would be a touch more grounded for things like that.
Both the Xero HFS Original and HFS II would serve your needs as a walking and standing shoe. Both of these shoes offer a great upper lockdown for how spacious the shoes are. Despite the 2mm increase in stack height on the HFS II, I still think both of these shoes offer excellent minimalist experiences. Both the Xero HFS and HFS II can be seen frequently on my feet in the clinic and when I am lifting.
SHOP | SUPPORT DORXero HFS IIPrice: $119.99 at Xeroshoes.com
Shop Men | Shop Women
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