The Xero Blog

Five years ago we launched the HFS road-running shoe, which became a huge favorite with barefoot enthusiasts for running and many other activities, as well.Then a little over a year ago, we launched the updated HFS II.Since many people owned both versions, we did a survey and asked which they liked better, the HFS Original or the HFS II… And the clear winner was… both.Survey results were 50/50 almost down to the number. You spoke. We listened.That’s right, the HFS Original is back!  But that brings up a question…What’s the Difference Between the HFS Original and the HFS II? HFS Original vs HFS II - Which Is For You?Which HFS is right for you will depend on what you want from your running shoe…HFS Original – For a More Barefoot FeelIf you want as little as possible between you and the road when you run, then the HFS Original is the shoe for you. The HFS Original gives you: A closer connection to the ground A more responsive feel More ground feedback for more natural movement and agility. When we designed the HFS II, we added a thin BareFoam™ layer to the sole for some extra protection.If you’re a barefoot purist, or an experienced barefoot runner, this layer may be more than you want in your shoe. And indeed, some of our “most barefoot”Xero Shoes fans are the ones who asked us to bring back the HFS Original.HFS II – An Extra Layer of ProtectionThe HFS II has that thin BareFoam™ layer to provide an added bit of protection. If you’re newer to barefoot running or just prefer a different balance between protection and ground feel, then the HFS II can be your go-to shoe, not just for running, but for pretty much any activity.We also added a new, lugged tread tread to make the HFS IImore off-road friendly. If you do a mix of road and off-road running, then the HFS II may suit your needs better.While the HFS II has a slightly thicker stack height than the HFS Original, its sole looks thicker than it actually is. We’ve wrapped the BareFoam™ layer, cup-like, around the upper, giving the HFS II the illusion of a thicker sole while staying true to our barefoot ethos.Choose What’s Best for YOU!The HFS Original and the HFS II both give you barefoot-inspired comfort and performance. They each look great on your feet. And they’re both built to last and backed by our 5000-mile sole warranty.Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy the benefits of Xero Shoes’ barefoot-inspired DNA. Wider, foot-shaped toe box that lets your toes relax and splay. Zero-drop, non-elevated heel for natural posture, which your joints will appreciate. A thin, flexible sole that lets your feet bend, move, and feel the way nature intended. So lightweight you might forget you’re even wearing them. Some people have asked if HFS means "Happy Face Shoe" or "Happy Feet Shoe" or something else. Whether you prefer the most barefoot feel possible or like the added protection that comes with a thin layer of BareFoam™, there’s an HFS that will give you happy feet and a happy face!

Becoming a better runner isn’t just about running.Runners constantly push themselves, chasing after their next personal best – but when post-run soreness lingers, it can derail your training. If you’re constantly feeling fatigued or sore after you run, it may be time to evaluate your recovery routine.When it comes to training as a runner, recovery is so much more than rest.Proper recovery takes an all-encompassing approach that spans diet, sleep, strength training, and cardio. Of course, making time for a proper recovery routine can be challenging. Busy schedules make it tempting to cut your post-run recovery short.But neglecting your recovery is a mistake.The bottom line is, if you want to improve your performance, rest and recovery are just as important as the running itself. If you want to improve your speed, endurance, and hit new personal records, prioritize your recovery.Why Is Recovery Important for Runners?After a long run, the muscles in your body need to rest, rejuvenate, and replenish, so that they can adapt to your training. It takes time to recover from an intense workout. By allowing for running recovery you help the body withstand more training in the future. This allows you to become stronger, faster, and less injury prone.Without proper recovery, muscle damage can accumulate and you risk overtraining, which may lead to injury, stress fractures, soreness, and pain. When you do not allow for the full repair from your previous training, that can lead to compromised performance or injury.No matter your age or experience level, here are a few simple running recovery tips to implement as part of your running plan.8 Post-Run Recovery StrategiesWant your body to bounce back quicker after a run? Try incorporating these tips into your recovery routine.1. Do a Cool DownProper running recovery begins with a post-run cool-down. A cool-down period after running keeps the body moving but allows the heart rate to come down and your body to readjust after a grueling workout. A slow jog or a walk are both good cool down activities, and it only takes five to ten minutes to get the benefits.2. StretchMany runners do not spend enough time stretching after a workout. If you don’t take time post-run to stretch. It may be affecting your recovery. Stretching after a workout can prevent muscle soreness and injury and help speed up recovery. Spend a minute targeting each major muscle group in your legs: your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.3. Use a Foam RollerFoam rolling should be part of your post-run recovery. Using a foam roller after every run can help prevent soreness by preventing your muscles from tightening up. They provide soothing self-massage to relax muscles and help you recover more quickly so you’re ready for your next run sooner.4. Hydrate and ReplenishRunning increases the amount of fluid you need. Dehydration during and after your run will not only affect the performance of your run, but how well you recover. Ideally, you should drink at least 400 ml of water per hour while running. After a run, it’s best to drink 16–24 fluid ounces for every pound lost during your run.Urine color can indicate your level of hydration. Monitor the color to see whether you’re dehydrated. A pale yellow or light-colored urine typically means you’re sufficiently hydrated, while a darker or amber urine indicates dehydration.5. Do Light Cardio on Your Recovery DaysNot every recovery day should be a day of full rest. Active recovery days, where you do some light cardio,  can help you recover more fully from your intense runs. Activities like walking, slowly jogging, doing yoga, or swimming, can help improve blood flow and keep muscles loose and limber without adding significant stress. Cardio is important for helping your body properly recover after a long run and improving your performance.6. Eat the Right FoodsPost-run nutrition is essential for run recovery. Eating the right foods will help with muscle repair and growth, while replacing energy expended during your workout. Ideally, you should eat a meal or snack on something shortly after your post-run cool down and stretching routine.Choose a meal or snack that contains carbs to replenish your lost glycogen stores, and protein to help repair and rebuild your muscles. Consuming carbohydrates after a workout helps to restore your energy reserves and aids in muscle recovery. Regular protein intake plays a vital role in muscle recovery and growth.To speed up recovery, consider adding anti-inflammatory foods like tomatoes, spinach, kale, collards, almonds, walnuts, salmon, strawberries, and blueberries.7. SleepFor optimal recovery, plan to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. But sleep is not just about quantity. The quality of your sleep is extremely important for recovery. For better quality sleep, avoid using your phone before bed, and don’t consume foods with sugar or caffeine. You may also consider investing in blackout curtains.8. Wear Recovery FootwearIf you want to recover faster, consider your choice of footwear when you’re not training. Recovery shoes and sandals provide comfort after a long run, making them a smart choice for avid and long-distance runners. They could help you recover faster and reduce post-exercise leg and foot discomfort after a grueling run or workout.Your shoes should be designed to let your feet move freely, allowing them to bend, flex and feel. Xero Shoes are made with a thin and flexible sole that lets you receive ground feedback, so that your feet are more engaged when you move – think of them as providing a little light cardio for your feet. Barefoot shoes provide the natural comfort you need to recover better after a long run. Your feet will thank you!Browse recovery shoes and footwear from Xero Shoes.

Wearing super-light shoes can make you powerful as your connection to Earth grows with each step. Barefoot-inspired shoes fit this bill for nearly any use, whether on the trail, on the treadmill, on sandy shores or in your bedroom. Versatility and comfort are critical nowadays, so you need the best barefoot shoes for digital nomads.Here are eight excellent options from Xero Shoes. HFS II Speed Force II Ridgeway Z-Trail EV Kona Mika Prio Pagosa 1. HFS IIImagine going for a run and attending a birthday dinner afterward. You don’t have much time to change or room for extra clothes, so you need a versatile shoe for both occasions. Fortunately, the HFS II has your back with comfort and style.Xero Shoes upgraded the original HFS to produce an even more stylish sneaker for your lifestyle. The HFS II weighs only 8.3 ounces and is easy to run in due to its outsole inspired by tire treads. Plus, the top-tier comfort makes it one of the premier barefoot shoes for digital nomads.How can the HFS II feel super light but remain comfortable on your feet? The shoe equips a BareFoamTM layer to protect your feet and make your journeys easier. 2. Speed Force IIWhen high performance is necessary, you need the Speed Force II. This super-light shoe mimics the barefoot experience for your workout, morning commute and any other task you need to get done. At just 6.5 ounces per shoe, the Speed Force II is what you need for style, breathability and durability.Xero Shoes co-founder Steven Sashen designed the shoe with a Nike developer. He says it’s his preferred sneaker for training and racing. The Speed Force II joins other Xero Shoes with its wider toe box and non-elevated heel to aid your posture.3. RidgewayHitting the trail means you need maximum durability from the shoe and protection for your feet. Mud, rocks, dirt and more tax your boots and make them wear quickly, leaving you vulnerable to the terrain. You need hiking boots you can wear on your mountain adventures and at the restaurant for a friendly rendezvous.Xero Shoes presents retro-inspired Ridgeway, one of many barefoot hiking boots for men and women. . These shoes are waterproof and ready for the trail with their rugged construction and creative design. The 13-ounce boots are lighter than most running shoes you’ll find on the market, yet their comfort and functionality make them ideal for your trail-running needs.4. Z-Trail EVSometimes, the temperature gets too warm for tennis shoes. Your socks are necessary for comfort and protection, but the scorching ground makes you wish you had something lighter. Sandals are often too flimsy for athletic use, so how can you find a happy medium? The Z-Trail EV combines the versatility and durability of sandals for everyday use.While you might not associate sandals with hiking, the Z-Trail EV is ideal for the trail. The FeelLiteTM sole and the TrailFoamTM team up to provide traction, comfort and flexibility with your shoes. Each sandal weighs about 5.4 ounces, giving you the super-light feeling beneath your feet. Plus, the Z-Trail EV eliminates 70% of the unnecessary materials you typically see in sports sandals. These shoes utilize nylon sourced from recycled water bottles in their webbing, making them soft and quick-drying. You’ll enhance your comfort on the trail and support the planet with eco-conscious sports sandals.5. KonaFinding versatile shoes for casual wear is essential, as you need mobility when traveling from one place to the next. The Kona satisfies your flexibility needs as one of the best barefoot shoes for digital nomads. Pick up a pair for the beach, work or whatever your day calls for. This shoe reminds you of Hawaii’s Kona Beach and stays cool with its moccasin-inspired construction.The Kona is a solid shoe option for men because it blends into your desired style. Business casual meetings, friendly hangouts and dancing are only some of the occasions this shoe is appropriate for. The Kona provides flexibility thanks to the removable insole. The FeelTrueTM outsole protects your feet while feeling barely there as you stroll.6. MikaFreezing temperatures typically mean getting your snow boots from the closet. While practical, your shoes could lack in the style department or make you feel sluggish. Mika turns the tide by providing comfort, warmth and style in one boot.Heavy-duty boots could weigh multiple pounds and make walking in the snow feel arduous. However, the Mika only checks in at 12.3 ounces per boot, making each winter stroll much more manageable. These boots feel like they’re barely there, but the heat-reflecting warming insole and interior lining warm your feet. Plus, you get a water-repellant canvas for mitigating the cold precipitation on your path.The Mika from Xero Shoes is an excellent shoe choice for women because of its practicality and style. Its pink and black styles suit numerous winter occasions wherever you go.7. PrioWhile finding comfort in your shoes is one battle, getting the same for your kids can be even more challenging. Children’s feet are still growing, so they need flexibility and ergonomic design to ensure they can walk around school, the playground and your home without trouble. Some parents opt for barefoot shoes because research suggests children reap benefits from them.The kids’ version of the Prio makes shoes easier for your children, featuring a wide toe box and a natural fit. This shoe for children has more space between the lugs and a thinner sole to increase flexibility while protecting their feet from the ground. Plus, the shoe uses inspiration from huarache sandals with straps to prevent slipping on their heels. Your kids can use these shoes for playtime, running, climbing and other fun activities.8. PagosaCold mornings require a warm cup of joe and a comfortable pair of slippers. How can you combine comfort and functionality with slip-on shoes? The Pagosa’s faux wool warms your feet while providing flexibility through its collapsible heel. Step on the heel to make it a slipper, or slide your feet in to mimic a regular shoe. The Pagosa from Xero Shoes makes walking easy, whether around the house, the campsite or wherever your nomadic adventures take you.Comfort is key for the Pagosa, as its cozy feeling is unforgettable. The softness is ideal for older adults who desire increased comfort from their shoes but don’t want to go barefoot. A 2020 BMC Geriatrics research article suggests minimalist shoes could provide a suitable transition between shoes and barefoot for older adults.Finding the Best Barefoot Shoes for Digital NomadsShoe functionality is critical for the modern digital nomad. You need footwear to support your adventures on the beach, in the living room or at the office. Xero Shoes emphasize versatility with innovative style and design, ensuring you can take them from one scene to another. These eight barefoot shoes for digital nomads demonstrate flexibility without compromising comfort.The content of this post does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.  Beth is the Managing Editor at Body+Mind and a lover of all things health and wellness. She is a well-respected writer in the personal wellness space and shares knowledge on a variety of topics related to nutrition, fitness, holistic health and disease prevention. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking healthy recipes and trying out new fitness trends.