Xero ShoesMen's HFS II Barefoot Running Shoes

Honestly, it could be a little wider, just a little. Feels narrow for a wide toe box shoe, but at least it wider than your normal shoe. Other than that, I’ve enjoyed the shoe! Looks good! Feels pretty good. I like it more than the nexus knit I had

I have the previous version of this shoe as well. Both run small in size. Get a 1/2 size bigger than you normally would. The HFS II is very different from the original. Do *NOT* think this is an upgraded or improved or better shoe than the original. It's night and day. The original is an outstanding BAREFOOT running shoe with a very thin sole through which your feet can actually feel the surface of the ground. I love running in those shoes but they are tiresome walking around in all day for hiking or city walking. The opposite is true with the HFS II. The sole is clearly stiffer, possibly slightly thicker too. It's an awesome shoe for the whole day for minor hiking, city walking, going to work or going out. It's also dressy enough to use for social events. But for running, it's a big NO for me because there's no barefoot feel to them. IMO...

These are not true barefoot shoes. They are still tapered at the toes. Not enough space for pinky or big toe. Unfortunately this design still values aesthetics over function. If you want real barefoot shoes, you'll have to look for sellers outside of the US, like the Czech company RealFoot. To date I have still not found a single US company that sells proper barefoot shoes. People here seem to value looks over health, because proper barefoot shoes basically look like Crocs. Xeros are still better than regular tapered sneakers, but they won't allow full range of motion.

This is my 5th pair of Xero shoes. I was walking in the Prio but the heal tread isn't built to take the mileage. The HFSII has a reinforced heal and is a very comfortable walking shoe.

Good fit and comfortable

Returned Merrill’s I got and bought these. Way better. The arch of the Merrill’s was terrible. These are perfect right out of the box. Shoe laces are way too short but no biggie. I’ll buy a second pair since they will be worn as everyday shoes and durability is questionable.

I really wanted to like this shoe, but the toe box is not nearly as wide as vivobarefoot or Lems, even though xero advertises their shoes as having a wide toe box, it is only slightly wider than normal shoes. Xero is perfect for people who are just switching over to barefoot shoes, not for those who have already been barefoot for a while. Even though I took out the inner sole cushion, these shoes still don’t offer that close to the ground feel. The sole is just too thick. These shoes just feel like normal athletic shoes to be honest.

I'm about 5 runs in and I'm loving these. Exactly what I wanted. A couple of tips that are hopefully helpful for others.1. I would not advise that these be your first foray into minimal shoes. There is no cushioning or motion control at all. It's kind of like the soles of you feet got really tough and slip resistant. Suggest you start with an Altar until you get used to zero drop (unless you're willing to be very patient).2. If you use a runner's ankle cinch and/or double knots (who doesn't?), you're going to want some longer laces. I could just barely make it even after skipping the eyelets closest to the toes (my normal practice). A couple of bucks for some 50" laces and problem solved.