The Xero Blog

Whether you’re headed out for an easy day on the trail, setting off on a multi-day trip or aiming for a new speed record, there’s a Xero Shoes Scrambler that will be the perfect fit for your adventure. This guide will help you choose which Scrambler is right for you.Like all our shoes, the Scrambler family is rooted in barefoot principles… Wider, foot-shaped toe box designed to let your toes splay for greater comfort and balance. Zero-drop heel promotes natural posture and movement for improved stability and agility. Thin, flexible sole gives you ground feedback to help you move better over any type of terrain. They’re also more lightweight than you would expect any hiking shoe to be. You know how, at the end of a long day of hiking, the first thing you want to do is take off your shoes? You won’t feel like that in any version of the Scrambler. Even after putting in the miles, your feet will still feel good.But each Scrambler has unique features that will determine the best choice for you…   *eVent Membrane: Designed to withstand any weather condition, eVent® BIO Footwear is a waterproof and planet-positive laminate that combines cutting edge technology with highly renewable plant-based materials. Derived from tall oil, a byproduct of wood pulp, BIO Footwear offers good abrasion resistance, ensuring your shoes stand the test of time.*Michelin Fiberlite: The thin Michelin fiberlite technology in the sole gives unparalleled strength, flexibility, and lightness. Plus, with mud-shedding lugs inspired by Michelin’s high-performance mountain bike tires, you feel the confidence that comes from incredible grip.The Scrambler Trail SeriesThe Scrambler Trail Series features a mix of mid- and low-cut, waterproof and non-waterproof hiking shoes made for day hikes and backpacking trips. The grippy lugged outsoles are up to tackling moderate terrain and the barefoot design means these are comfortable for long days on the trail.Scrambler Trail Mid – All-Day Comfort for Warm, Dry HikesThis hiking boot is highly breathable with an abrasion resistant upper that’s ready for tough terrain. The gusseted tongue keeps debris out. The durable mesh upper with welded overlays provides lightweight, flexible protection. The larger lugs give you ample traction for confidence and agility on the trail.The Scrambler Trail Mid keeps feet cool and comfortable throughout the day, even when you’re putting in a lot of miles.You’ll also enjoy good ankle protection that doesn’t feel too stiff. And the lacing system ensures a snug but not restrictive fit… important to feeling confident when you’re hiking on uneven ground.Bottom Line: This is our most comfortable hiking boot for warm, dry hiking conditions. If you’re putting in a lot of miles, hiking over uneven terrain, and enjoying a sunny day… that’s the perfect setting for the Scrambler Trail Mid.Scrambler Trail Mid WP – All-Day Comfort No Matter the Terrain or WeatherOur Scrambler Trail Mid WP is the waterproof version of the Scrambler Trail Mid.You’ll enjoy the same lightweight comfort, durability, and rugged traction, but with the added protection of being waterproof. The XeroTex™ membrane and gusseted tongue keep water and debris out. The mid-cut design offers the ankle protection you want for longer or more technical hikes. Even when you’re hiking a steep trail on a rainy day, you’ll feel secure on your feet… and your feet will feel dry and comfortable. Bottom Line: When you want to put in the miles no matter the terrain or the weather, the Scrambler Trail Mid WP is a great choice. This boot is waterproof and grippy — perfect for cool, wet conditions — but still comfortable on warmer days.Scrambler Trail Low WP - A Low-Profile, Waterproof Trail RunnerIf your favorite weekend activity is a long day hike exploring somewhere new, then the Scrambler Trail Low WP could be the perfect Scrambler for you. Featuring the same  abrasion-resistant mesh upper with welded overlays as the Scrambler Trail Mid, this trail runner gives you the lightweight, flexible protection you want on rough terrain.You’ll feel light and agile on your feet in any weather, and your feet will stay dry in soggy weather conditions and through stream crossings. Bottomline: A low-profile, waterproof trail runner that can handle serious hiking conditions.The Scrambler Michelin SeriesThe Scrambler Michelin Series features hiking boots and trail running shoes with our Michelin fiberlite sole. Made in collaboration with Michelin (the car and bike tire company), these soles boast unparalleled strength and flexibility while being unexpectedly light.Whether you’re out for a run on your favorite trail or tackling technical terrain, the combination of exceptional grip and lightweight design make the Michelin series a great choice.Scrambler Mid II – Ultra-Light Hiking Boot with a Michelin Fiberlite SoleThe Scrambler Mid II is up to the technical needs of an epic hike, but so comfortable, you won’t mind leaving them on when you finish your day.This boot’s Michelin fiberlite sole is combined with mud-shedding lugs so you have incredible grip on the trail.The Scrambler Mid II’s abrasion-resistant, vegan-friendly, breathable upper and welded sidewalls keep dirt and debris out of your boots. The moisture-wicking lining allows airflow even on the hottest days, so your feet stay dry and comfortable.Bottom Line: Whether you take it for a day trip or a speed hike, the Scrambler Mid II offers all the capability of a robust hiking boot while feeling more like a shoe.Scrambler Mid II WP – Ultralight Waterproof Hiking BootIn the Scrambler Mid II WP, you get a bio-based internal membrane that’s 100% waterproof but that allows moisture to escape. That means even when you’re working hard, your feet will remain dry and comfortable.We’ve paired the best in waterproof protection with the superior grip of our Michelin fiberlite sole and a tightly woven, abrasion-resistant, breathable mesh upper that keeps debris out and that’s durable in the face of rough terrain Bottom Line: Whatever you need, the Scrambler Mid II WP delivers… comfort on long hikes… grippy on technical terrain…  waterproof for when the weather gets soggy… and lightweight so you feel agile on the trail.Scrambler Low – Lightweight Trail Runner with Exceptional TractionRace, hike, scramble, and explore in the Scrambler Low.In addition to outstanding grip from the Michelin fiberlite sole, in the Scrambler Low you’ll also enjoy exceptional breathability, so your feet stay comfortable and dry, even when you’re working hard.When you’re running over distances, enjoying a leisurely walk, or putting in the miles on the trail, the Scrambler Low gives you all-day comfort on the road, trail, or gravel paths. Bottomline: Comfortable from the moment you put them on — great performance for a variety of activities and terrains.Scrambler Low EV – High-Performance Trail RunnerIf what you need is an all-terrain shoe with a barefoot feel and just the right amount of protection to feel the trail and enjoy every step, the Scrambler Low EV is the right call.The outsole, with Michelin Fiberlite technology, provides lightweight grip with unparalleled flexibility for confidence and agility on the trail. This shoe fits like a glove — so comfortable, you might forget you have it on.And they’re made to be tough, breathable, and quick drying, so whatever you do in them, you can count on doing it in comfort. Bottomline: This is our lightest trail runner yet. You’ll find it tough, breathable, and comfortable on or off the trail.Every Xero Shoes Scrambler gives you a true-to-barefoot experience. You’ll enjoy more room for your toes, zero drop for natural posture, and thin, flexible soles for good ground feel. That all adds up to all-day comfort no matter how you love to spend your time outdoors. For trail-running, day-hiking, and back-packing, you can’t beat the comfort, durability, and flexibility of the Scrambler series.

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!

Getting into better shape—and feeling better all around—is on a lot of people’s minds this time of the year.And with that (usually) comes getting back to the gym and setting some fitness goals. If you want to achieve the results you’re working toward, the key isn’t just getting back to the gym, but to keep going to the gym… not just for a few weeks, but as part of your routine throughout the year.Some of the reasons that people stop going to the gym just a few weeks into January is because they get sore—or even injured—as they’re trying to improve their fitness.David Freeman, Performance Coach and Xero Shoes partner, has a few tips to help you enjoy a more successful year, to stick with your fitness goals, and to feel good while you’re doing it.5 Tips for Getting Back to the Gym and Building a Successful Training Habit1.  Start Where You Are As the New Year starts, it’s common for your motivation to be high, which is great. But that high level of motivation can also turn into impatience for the outcome you’re after. And that impatience can lead to you pushing yourself harder than is healthy.David recommends starting where you are. He says, “Transitioning back into training isn’t about doing it all at once. It’s all about consistency. Just like Xero Shoes prioritizes natural movement and reconnecting with the ground, approach your training as a way to reconnect with your body. Begin with foundational movements and gradually build intensity once the mechanics have been mastered.”By focusing on small, steady gains and consistently showing up for your workouts, you’ll build a habit that sticks… and that’s going to deliver far better results than stopping and starting throughout the year because you get discouraged… or worse, injured. 2. Prioritize Form and Function.It’s so tempting to throw yourself into your workouts right from the start, to push yourself to lift more, go hard, and last longer. But that’s a recipe for injury and discouragement.What David recommends instead is to focus on form and function first, saying, “Before diving into heavy loads or complex movements, focus on perfecting your technique. Proper movement patterns not only prevent injuries but also ensure sustainable progress.”So, give yourself a break. Instead of trying to lift more or run further every week, spend the first weeks of the year learning the proper form and movement for your favorite exercises. Then once you have that down, you can start pushing for gains. 3. Listen to Your Body.A flexible mindset is key to building a successful workout habit. It’s helpful to schedule your workouts and to know ahead of time what you plan to accomplish in each session. But it’s equally important to pay attention to how you’re feeling, and to adjust your workouts as needed.David cites listening to your body as a key element to building a long-term workout habit. He says, “Training, like wearing minimalist footwear, is about awareness. If you’re feeling tight, tired, or stiff, incorporate mobility work or active recovery. Over time, this will enhance your performance and minimize your setbacks.”When you have to adjust a workout plan, remind yourself that you’re working smarter, and that will provide better results in the long run. 4. Set Achievable Fitness Goals.Having a big goal is great, but a big goal can take a long time to reach, which can be rough on your sense of motivation and accomplishment.Identify smaller fitness goals along the way that you can hit faster. David recommends you “break your fitness journey into milestones. Whether it’s completing a certain number of reps, increasing the weight on your squat, or mastering a movement, having tangible goals keeps you motivated.”These smaller goals help you see (and celebrate) the progress you’re making which can stoke your desire to hit the next milestone on your path. 5. Create a Strong Foundation.Starting with basic movements and strength helps you build safely into more advanced activities.David says, “Just as Xero Shoes promote natural stability, your training should begin with foundational movements that strengthen your core and balance. Build from there to increase strength and performance.”As you head back to the gym and start building your fitness routine for the year, keep these five tips in mind to create a consistent, healthy habit that will set you up for success.And to get started, try these exercises, recommended by David, to begin building your strong foundation.4 Exercises to Build Functional Strength and Put You on Track to Achieve Your Fitness GoalsBox JumpsBox jumps provide cardiovascular intensity while increasing your body’s ability to move explosively. They also help you work on balance, mobility, and coordination, making them an exercise that gives you layers of benefits.Start with a small box—six inches is a good place to begin if you’ve never done box jumps—and focus on your form and movement. Then, as you perfect your technique, add height in increments. David’s Tip: Focus on landing softly with control, keeping your feet under your hips and your knees slightly bent. Think about "floating" onto the box and minimizing impact… similar to how Xero Shoes encourage a light, natural step.Strength-Building Focus: Use your arms to generate momentum, engage your glutes and quads on the jump, and work on improving height over time while maintaining perfect form.Battle RopesYou’ve seen battle ropes in movie montages, but have you ever tried them? When you do, you’ll quickly discover they provide a full-body workout, challenging your strength and stamina. Battle ropes may look easy, but pace yourself. It might surprise how quickly you start to feel uncoordinated.David’s Tip: Stand grounded with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and core engaged. Move the ropes in fluid, powerful waves to work both upper body and cardio simultaneously.Strength-Building Focus: Incorporate intervals—go hard for 20-30 seconds, then rest. Over time, increase the duration or resistance to build endurance and upper-body strength.Barbell SquatsA squat is one of the most functional movements there is. You likely perform a squat motion multiple times during your day—any time you pick up something from the floor and lift it, you’re engaging in a squat (or you should be!). Improving your ability to do a squat—and to lift more when you do—increases your core strength and stability.David’s Tip: Keep your chest lifted, core braced, and feet hip-width apart with your toes slightly outturned. Imagine you're gripping the ground with your feet, just as you would in minimalist footwear, to maintain balance and alignment.Strength-Building Focus: Gradually increase the weight, focusing on depth and full range of motion. Add tempo work to improve control and stability.BurpeesBurpees combine functional movement with a broad range of motion and explosive energy, strengthening your body in many ways simultaneously.David’s Tip: Move explosively but stay in control. Focus on a solid push up position at the bottom with your chest making contact to the ground and then transitioning to a powerful jump at the top.Strength-Building Focus: Add variations like target jumps to increase intensity. For endurance, aim to increase the number of burpees you can complete in a set time.Focus on Your Foundation FirstWhen you focus on building a strong foundation and engaging in natural movement, you’ll set yourself up for more success in the coming year… and you’ll feel better and enjoy every moment more.“By combining these tips with Xero Shoes philosophy of natural movement, you'll develop strength, agility, and endurance that’s both functional and sustainable. Stay grounded, stay consistent, and go get after it!!” - Coach FreezyNatural movement starts with shoes that let your feet move the way nature intended. Check out these favorites for getting back to the gym…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.