5 Xero Shoes to Consider for Walking, Training, and Running

Xero Shoes for Lifting

When it comes to Xero Shoes for lifting, I’m most concerned with three key performance elements. First, I’m interested in a shoe’s stability and connection with the ground for heavy sessions.

Second, I’m concerned with a shoe’s grip and traction on different floors and surfaces like machines. Third and lastly, I’m interested in a shoe’s articulation and how well it moves with the foot for lifting.

Top Pick: Xero Shoes Speed Force

• Best For: Heavy Lifting, Short Runs/Sprints, and Barbell Training
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 6.2 oz
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size for Narrower Feet, Neutral/Wide Feet Size Up a Half to Full Size.
• For More Info: Read My Review

A Tried and True Minimalist Model for Lifting

The Xero Shoes Speed Force is taking my top pick as the best Xero Shoes for lifting. Note, that a lot of Xero Shoes work well for lifting such as the 360, Zelen, HFS, and Prio, but the Speed force is taking the edge here for two key reasons.

First, the feel that you get with the Speed Force is great for lifting and heavy strength sessions. This model features a 4.5mm thick FeelTrue rubber sole which puts the stack height of this model slightly lower than other Xero Shoes.

Second, this model has a nice level of breathability for different lifting settings and the outsole has a nice level of traction. The arrow tread patterning on this shoe grips different surfaces really well and you shouldn’t have slip issues in this model.

For lighting, the Speed Force may seem like a controversial pick, especially with more “lifting-focused” models like the Forza Trainer. However, I haven’t been that impressed with that barefoot shoe, and sometimes tried and true shoes are still the best call.

Xero Shoes for CrossFit

When it comes to using barefoot shoes for CrossFit, it’s important to note that this style of footwear is still in its infancy stage for this context of training, in my opinion, so they may have some areas where they fall short for CrossFit.

For example, while there are multiple barefoot shoes for CrossFit, they could still use improvements for things in WODs like rope climbs and wall slide during handstand push-ups.

Top Pick: Xero Shoes 360

• Best For: CrossFit and Lifting
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 10.2 oz
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• For More Info: Read My Review

Decent for CrossFit, But Dang, Their Appearance Could Be Better

The Xero Shoes 360 is earning my top pick as the best Xero Shoes model for CrossFit. Of all the Xero Shoes designed for training, the 360 is purposely built with construction features designed for CrossFit.

For example, this model features rubber ribs around the toe box for additional abrasion resistance. I like this feature and it does an adequate job of prolonging the 360’s lifespan for things like rope climbs.

On top of its upper construction, I also like the 360’s sole construction. The sole in this model does a good job with traction and gives you a nice stable base to train on. You get good ground feedback with this shoe’s minimalist sole.

My only gripe with the 360 for CrossFit is that it be better regarding its heel construction for all slide during handstand push-ups, and it would be cool to see Xero Shoes update this model’s upper construction to improve its midfoot and appearance.

Xero Shoes for Cross-Training

When exploring barefoot shoes for cross-training, you’ll want to look into models that can do a little bit of everything. For cross-training specifically, I like to test a barefoot shoe’s ability to perform in hybrid settings.

For example, I’ll test shoes for things like lifting, running, and jumping, and assess how a shoe performs in all of those contexts. This way if you like to blend different training modalities into one session, you can have confidence in the shoe you’re wearing.

Top Pick: Xero Shoes Zelen

• Best For: Shorter to Mid-Range Runs and Lifting
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 8 oz
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• For More Info: Read My Review

Great for Cross-Training and Hybrid Sessions

The Xero Shoes Zelen is my top pick as the best Xero Shoes model for cross-training. While models like the Prio, 360, HFS, and Speed Force also work for cross-training, the Zelen takes the edge for me for three key reasons.

First, the Xero Shoes Zelen is a strong shoe for anyone who prioritizes hybrid training on a weekly basis. This shoe is stable and comfortable for lifting and it works really well for short to mid-range runs.

Second, the upper on the Xero Shoes Zelen is also a perk of this model for cross-training. The upper on this shoe breathes well, has a nice clean appearance, and has a durability that is pretty strong overall for the varied demands of most cross-training workouts. 

The third and last reason why I like the Zelen for cross-training is due to its sole construction and removable insole. This shoe’s outsole tread grips really well and feels lightweight and the removable insole gives you a nice level of variability regarding comfort.

Xero Shoes for Running

When reviewing and testing barefoot shoes for running, I’m paying close attention to a shoe’s ground feedback and articulation, breathability, and traction.

All three of these construction features will play an important role in short, mid-range, and long-distance runs. Whether you’re new to barefoot shoes for running or a weathered pro, finding models with these features is important.

Top Pick: Xero Shoes HFS 2

• Best For: Running and Lifting
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 8.5 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• For More Info: Read My Review

It’s Different From the OG HFS

The HFS 2 has been a pretty polarizing model regarding its reception from Xero Shoes fans. What I mean by this is that Xero Shoes changed this model’s DNA slightly, and it seems that others either LOVE it or DESPITE it. I’m in the former camp.

This shoe has a thicker stack height than its predecessor due to its internal midsole. I don’t think it takes away from this shoe’s running performance, though. If anything, I think this shoe will offer more protection for a wider range of users.

For example, I’ve enjoyed the HFS 2 for my fast interval runs on the curved treadmill, and it’s more forgiving for my outdoor runs. From a lifting perspective, this shoe is also consistent, and it still gives you a good ground feel when doing heavy strength work, in my opinion.

With its extra cushion, I can also see the usefulness of the HFS 2 for beginners who are just getting into barefoot shoe running. I’ve had a few newer barefoot shoe wearers on my YouTube channel report that they’ve enjoyed these for getting into running. All that to say, if you want maximal ground feel, go with the Zelen, OG HFS, or Speed Force.

Xero Shoes for Walking and Daily Wear

If you’re exploring Xero Shoes for walking and daily wear, then you’ll want to find models that deliver consistent performance, comfort, and durability. When testing for these contexts, I’m most concerned with a shoe’s overall consistency.

I also factor in a shoe’s price as shoes for daily wear will typically break down a little faster than performance-only shoes. Finding a good daily wear pair of barefoot shoes for a good price is high up on my priorities for this section.

Top Pick: Xero Shoes Prio

• Best For: Daily Wear, Lifting, and Light Runs
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 8.85 oz
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• For More Info: Read My Review

They’re Not the Prettiest, But They Consistent

The Xero Shoes Prio is my top Xero Shoes model for walking and daily wear. I like the Xero Shoes Prio for a few reasons and I often reference this model as being a good beginner-friendly barefoot shoe and is a good first model to invest in.

The first thing to like about the Xero Shoes Prio is its price point of $89.99 USD. This shoe has a good barrier to entry regarding its price and delivers a pretty strong construction for its more budget-friendly price.

I also like that the Prio’s upper construction tends to do a good job regarding durability and when using them for walking and daily wear, they should last a while. The sole of the Prio is also pretty durable for this performance ask as well.

Outside of walking and daily wear, the Prio is also a barefoot shoe that you can use for training and light running. If you’re wanting to spend $100 USD or less on a barefoot shoe that can do a little bit of everything, the Prio can be a good option to explore.

If you’re still confused about which Xero Shoes would be best for your training contexts and needs, drop a comment below and I can try to help you out accordingly, or check out my individual Xero Shoes reviews for additional information.

Takeaway Thoughts

There are a lot of different Xero Shoes on the market and every pair is subtly different than its peers. Whether you’re wanting a barefoot shoe for running, lifting, or CrossFit, there’s likely a Xero Shoes model for you.

As someone who’s constantly varying their training and testing different Xero Shoes, the above are some of my favorite picks for different training contexts.

If you have additional questions about the Xero Shoes featured in this round-up and which would be best for your needs, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).