XeroShoes Prio vs HFS vs Zelen | Review and Comparison

[@darrylmchenryii809]

So happy to see you still making videos! After watching your videos on barefoot shoes and toe socks and spacers I made the switch. Saw fantastic results in just the first two weeks!

[@ForTeamTang]

I am making an effort on trying to make more content, my work has been particularly busy for a bit, these days I have more of an oppurtunity to get some video content out. Thank you for the support!

[@darrylmchenryii809]

@@ForTeamTang I work Healthcare IT, I know all about busy in our industry! Just keep doing what you do, we appreciate you here and I'm certain your patients appreciate you in person too

[@Owen2131_]

Have been looking at many reviews on minimalist shoes since the DDR/ITG community has boomed in popularity and they are so good for dance games, so thanks for this review as well!

[@captaincoyote1792]

Another great video on “zero drop” minimalist shoes. I have the Prios, and recently bought the HFS. I’m a male, mid-60s, retired from military and LEO occupations. I hike 30-40 miles per week. I used to run, and am slowly getting back into that groove. I am a little surprised, Doctor, that when playing basketball, you revert to conventional shoes. I am dedicated to never, ever going back, because since converting, Ive been amazed at how much better my balance is! I wore conventional shoes one day to run my dog, and everything hurt for 2-3 days…and putting on my Prios after I recovered was like “clouds” on my feet. If you’d like to try another shoe….I recently bought some Altra Solstice XT shoes, to use more for running (slightly more cushion than the Xero shoes). Also, the toe box is wider, so maybe that would be good for your toe spreaders. Speaking of which, I wear the spreaders at night, for a couple hours before sleep. I’m not sure I’d like them on my feet while wearing shoes. Again, Bravo-Zulu, well done on another informative video!

[@ForTeamTang]

Thank you for sharing your experience and continued support!

[@Kantar53]

I can share my experience. When I play basketball with friends by game 3 I almost always have a blister on my big toe from all the movement in the toe area when I wear my Prios. I’m assuming it’s because there’s a lot of freedom with your toes and then grabbing and splaying combined with very rapid direction changes causes this. This does not happen when I wear basketball shoes as they really lock down your entire feet - toes included.

[@captaincoyote1792]

@@Kantar53 Well, that is an exceptional point, regarding “too much space” for the toes. I used to play basketball, and you got me to thinking….remembering….on the court, your are constantly shifting laterally, to cover, run the court, dodging. So I can see where the wider toe box would not be good.

[@philipdrew10]

@@ForTeamTang Great someone is promoting these. They are the only shoe people should wear. Literally any other shoe gives back issue. Nice. Dont appreciate your use of steroids while giving advice about health though. :/

[@captaincoyote1792]

@@philipdrew10 Good point, Philip….I did not catch that, regarding the steroids. Aside from a Vitamin C Supplement, a multivitamin and glucosamine….I try hard to find alternative ways to stay away from prescription drugs. I lost both parents two years ago….as Executor, I was going through their records, between the two of them, they were on close to 30 prescriptions! I came close to reporting their Tennessee doctor….as my research showed that some of the drugs working with others they were taking, cause all sorts of problems. She (the doctor) has retired….I understand that she is a big game hunter….I entertained the thought of “hunting her”. Just kidding. Good catch on the steroids, Philip. Have a good New Year.

[@ingekaivola4685]

I have the Prio and the HFS .... and also the Mesa Trail 1 ... I love them all.

[@robbiep742]

How does the Prio handle on hiking trails?

[@the_flushjackson]

Awesome review -- would have to be sunny day / gym shoes, these would get absolutely wrecked in PNW weather (and that's not a knock, my Nike shoes do too.. have to wear my Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex religiously). I'm definitely going to give these shoes a try.

[@davemilke3110]

1) This was really good thanks - I have been thinking about the Zelen so this it the mark. 2) To begin with, I only wear barefoot shoes, having taken about 2 years to completely switch over from "normal" shoes. 3) I have HFS and Prio, as well as vivo barefoot, LEMs and Whitin. 4) For me, the Prio is the best casual(all day) shoe that I've ever worn. 5) I use the HFS for running, year-round, around 30miles/week - they are incredible. 6) I also use the Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail in the winter for warm [or] in rocky terrain - they are great too. 7) I have Vivo Barefoot hiking boots which I can use on mountain climbs with heavy pack, in any weather - never would have thought that was possible, but they are amazing. 8) I also have the LEM's hiking boot - good, but nothing compared to the Vivo Barefoot hiking boots - the 'gold standard'. 8) I have the same Whitin's that you showed - mine are black and used as slippers in the house. 9) I'll add one more thing that might be helpful to runners. When wearing the HFS for running, you must be cognizant of any pointed objects on the ground, else you can (as I did, stepping on a walnut) really damage your foot. Thanks again for this vid' - this was very helpful for my decision on the Zelen.

[@readlesspraymore4686]

I've only been wearing xero trek sandals for the last few years including the gym. what xero shoe is best for lifting in your opinion? I can't decide between the hfs and prio.l

[@davemilke3110]

@@readlesspraymore4686 Either one will work - note the HFS will give you a slightly more nimble feel.

[@janajana1485]

Thanks for your detailed review! It is helpful in my process of choosing. I'm torn between the HSF and the Prio. I think I would like the feel of the HSF and I like the design and colours. But maybe I would need the gidity when doing parkour. I'll see..maybe I just go for the one on discount, haha! 🤸‍♀️

[@thatssogaycouple7286]

The gibberish word you couldn’t pronounce is spanish(specifically Mexican Spanish) for sandal, and is pronounced wada-che. The xero brand used the running sandal of the tarahumara people in Mexico to design the lacing/support system on their shoes. It allows the sole to stay close to the bottom of you foot well leaving the toes/forefoot free to splay out.

[@jammersanimovieblog]

Came here to say the same thing lol.

[@dottyfulcrum]

We say whah ratchee.

[@hectordehesa2118]

Haha I was thinking how to sound that out for him! Thanks. I loved the hur-ache attempt.

[@crazycxr]

Wa ra che is the correct sound. Huarache is the correct Spanish grammar

[@andreyandreev303]

Thanks for the great comparison review! I have a question. Why you don't recommend use barefoot shoes to play basketball?

[@chriswho6794]

Good review! You think the Prio is going to be discontinued compared to the Prio Neo? Just wondering if you've tried the Neos since you have experience with the original.

[@denisewenke8323]

I have the leather Prios, so based on your descriptions, I would probably go with the HFS for times that I want a lighter shoe. If you want to know, the jawbreaker word is pronounced something like wuh RAH chee.

[@ForTeamTang]

Yes, the HFS in my opinion has a ligther feel. Mostly because it is a bit more snug than the prio. Wuh RAH Chee 😅🤷‍♂

[@denisewenke8323]

@Dr. Michael Tang PT, DPT, CSCS Native Spanish speakers would probably cringe, but what can you do?

[@slavasss2189]

not understood- did you size up in HFS as recommended on their web-site?

[@Monkey_G5]

I think I will go with the Prio, thanks.

[@an.20.24]

Thanks for the video. One thing I didn't get though...did you buy the HFS half size up or no?

[@spencergill848]

Really love your videos! I have the Vivo Primus Lite III that I use mainly at the gym (without insoles) and absolutely love them. I’m looking to get another pair for a kind of do it all outdoor casual shoe and I’m not sure if I should get another pair of Primus Lites or the HFS? What would you chose for casual use and pavement running? Do you think the HFS would hold up better than the Primus Lites? I also have the Primus Trail and find the sole a bit thick for casual use and running on pavement.

[@DingoEstrea96]

3:05 I just bought Xero shoes the HFS road running shoe and my pinky toes lightly touch the sides of the shoe. However, because of how flexible that Lateral part of the shoe is, I still have some move degree of movement of the pinky toe at size 9. Do you think its best to switch to a size 9.5 or jump straight to 10?

[@ForTeamTang]

Hard for me to answer, but you probably can make it slightly bigger and if it is too big maybe wear an extra sock

[@DingoEstrea96]

@@ForTeamTang Thankyou so much for actually responding😊 I'll definitely see what I can do about resizing.

[@CptAngelKGaming]

Half size up should be perfect

[@MrOlarry72]

thanks for the review. Thoughts on durability?

[@ForTeamTang]

They are not as durable as traditional shoes

[@dottyfulcrum]

Many thanks. The part about the width is very helpful. I had originally collected a list in a folder in my browser for a bunch of the women's shoes. But, I just measured the shoes I'm wearing now and they are 10.5cm at the widest point (toe box) and a so-called "men's" 7 (they're Soft Stars so really just 7U Wide). I think I'll go back and pick out a bunch of men's 7s? Not sure if I will be able to get a good width with the short length. Hmmmmmm . . . thinking.

[@ForTeamTang]

Good luck!

[@platypiandpuns]

I'll be choosing the Prio to exclusively walk around the large factory floor at work to help transition to bare foot shoes.

[@firazash]

I am considering a xero for playing squash - lots of speed lunges and direction changes with much momentum transfer towards the front and big toes. Could these shoes take the stress?

[@Kekoamanal]

For those of us with serious flat feet who needed custom arch support due to tendinitis in second toe and knee, back pain, would these shoes not be recommended? My cousin recommended for walking Japan 22,000 steps a day. I can barely walk barefoot in my house.

[@jbp48080]

I enjoy these barefoot shoes videos. I’m 51 active army and I use on cloud shoes. For primary running. I’ve tried Xero shoes in the past but couldn’t get over my foo slapping the ground when walking. Is this normal “foot slapping “. Or it felt odd walking barefoot. But as I watch these videos and read all the amazing comments. Makes me want to try Xero again. Not sure which one to get. 360, hfs etc. I’ve looked many times. But I do love the purpose of them. Again, thanks for making the videos

[@makloch]

Hey Michael! Just started looking into barefoot shoes and appreciate your comparisons! Question: I have narrow feet and have never worn them but want to. Which shoes do you think would be best?

[@ForTeamTang]

I am not sure if you will find "narrow " barefoot shoes , given the concept it to provide more space for the toes. That being said, there are some shoes like be lenka that are extra wide. I would consider the shoes in these video to be an "average" barefoot shoe

[@makloch]

@@ForTeamTang thank you!

[@raymondm227]

I have wide flat feet, especially wide midfoot and very low arch. It's very difficult to find shoes that fit me comfortably. Do you recommend Xeroshoes Prio or some other brands for weightlifting? I had to return my goruck trainers because it was tight around the midfoot for me. Thanks!

[@ForTeamTang]

I think it is worth a shot since its hard to know your exact foot dimensions. Both of the shoes mentioned are a bit wider than average

[@TOShorts]

What toe spacers did you use at 2:45? The link in your description is a different one

[@ForTeamTang]

Hmm... When I clicked on the link they direct me to the ones I use

[@hectordehesa2118]

I never thought to wear toe spacer under my sock! What a great idea. What type of spacers do you have? I have some gel ones that are not the best. Love this video and about to order the new prio neo.

[@fabrizioruiz9548]

Hi I need a reference, how long is your foot and what size you order? Thanks!!

[@ishanparekh5309]

Xero prio vs xero hfs vs primus lite 3 for gym and daily wear (lot of walking)? I currently got primes lite 3 but I am going to return them as they have a hole in the upper mesh just within 1 month so they don’t seem durable. However I did like how they felt. So confused between hfs and prio. I also see hfs 2 out but I have seen mixed reviews about those. Thanks

[@NopeNope78]

I kind of didnt understand if you finally decided to size up in the HFS as recommended on the Xero website or you just went for your regular 10? US?

[@ForTeamTang]

I went with half a size up, good fit for me

[@diagonals792]

6:30 - you got the shoes and the captions mixed up there mate

[@2006evita]

is it true that the HFS fit small and you have to buy a bigger size?

[@ForTeamTang]

yes

[@fransera]

Are these wider, narrower or on par compared to Vivo Primus Lite III?

[@ForTeamTang]

They are slightly more narrow

[@DiscoverTaiji]

@@ForTeamTang Any idea what are the widest available these days. Vivos?

[@ForTeamTang]

@@DiscoverTaiji "widest" is going to be splay, vivos, and be lenka. keep in mind, they are all different shapes

[@alexlonergan5096]

Check out the Altra Lone Peaks! I’m not a hiker but I found them to be a wide toe box and lower to the ground but still with some support! Would be interested in your input :)

[@beschterrowley3749]

first time here, but what the heck was that toe shaping chart and how accurate is it?

[@jobney]

Ancestry based on the toe profile seems to be pure pseudoscience.

[@emiliano.nucera]

Would you recommend for flat foot?

[@GF-gc2kq]

I miss 10v1 Vibram, wore them for almost 10 years. Best pair of shoes I've ever owned.

[@PastaMage]

I've been reluctant to buy a nice pair of barefoot shoes because of the price. I'm worried that with the thinner materials they're going to wear out faster and I'm going to be shelling out $100+ every 4-6 months. Can anyone speak to the durability? How long do they usually last?

[@ForTeamTang]

In my experience, they wear out roughly at the same rate of a more traditional shoe. It is mostly because the way I walk has changed making it less aggresive on the sole. Understandably, it varies person to person. You can try something like the whitins test it for yourself

[@PastaMage]

@@ForTeamTang thanks for the insight! I realized it'd vary from person to person, I was just curious on average. I'm thinking I'll end up picking up a pair of the Xero Prio's and hoping for the best. Thanks again!

[@ForTeamTang]

@@PastaMage No problem!

[@jgsk78]

No, not the case, I have mostly vivos and they last forever. Although for some people, deformation in gait can cause one particular part of sole wear out on barefoot shoes, like heel for example, that's common, but you won't know if that's your case untill you try..

[@kittygumdrop7442]

I've had my Prios since mid-2020. They've probably needed to retire for the last 6 months at least, but there's still some tread and the sole is still attached. I walked everywhere during 2020 since I lived in Japan and I used them to go on walks throughout 2021 and 2022. They're also my everyday shoes for errands and outings. I only swap them out when hiking with my Mesa Trail Xero Shoes, or if it's really warm, I'll wear my Z-trail sandals from Xero. Basically 99% of the time I leave the house it's in my original Prios.

[@black_number_one]

Have you tried Xero's new training shoe, Forza Trainer?

[@ForTeamTang]

I haven't had the oppurtunity yet !

[@jamieperi]

I actually bought the Forza trainer. They are really narrow on my feet. Not sure if I am keeping them. I don't have a wide foot either 😕. I actually have a few of the HFS, 360, and the Prio. The Forza is definitely more narrow than those. I know its sockliner but still so hard to get my foot in

[@ForTeamTang]

@@jamieperi Maybe it needs some time to break in 🤷‍♂

[@jamieperi]

@@ForTeamTang maybe your right but they are expensive so I don't know if I want to take that chance 🤷‍♀️

[@graikonungr7502]

5:03 Huarache isn't fancy gibberish. It's Spanish for the sandals created by the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico. "wuh-ra-chee" 6:29 You have the HFS and Zelen shoes reversed in the panels. Sure, the soles are identical, but... 🤷‍♂️

[@ForTeamTang]

I knew the word huarache is spanish for sandal. teh giberrish is in reference to the lacing system being a sandal in my opinion is a bit misleading. for the sole panels... mistakes were made :(

[@maxdipaola196]

my xero shoes prio lasted less than 700km of walking in two months, I'm quite disappointed because they are quite good loocking and confy.

[@ForTeamTang]

The nature of these type of shoes that they tend to not be as durable to for the sake of flexibility, unfortunately

[@robertsparks7244]

They stand behind their shoes you should contact them

[@robertsparks7244]

@@ForTeamTang I would contact them if you think they failed to early. I have prios about 7 years old I still wear around the yard.

[@DanielleDunn-c9m]

I am debating getting Zelen or HSF2....I have just signed up for a half ironman so plan to do 2-4 mile runs and one long a week so 6-9 miles but also like to lift....which is the better choice here for me?

[@sohosterable]

What’s the difference between the Prio and Prio Neo?

[@ForTeamTang]

Unfortunatley, I have not tried out the neo yet!

[@PigeonSmuggler]

Just tried on the neos earlier today, they use much lighter upper materials, the fit is less stable than the prios, highly recommend trying a pair on before buying

[@awesomedavid2012]

Love my zelens but I'm sure all three are great

[@geving4856]

Can you make a video on some of the best arch support inserts...benefits, etc.

[@ForTeamTang]

I will put that on the list, thank you for your suggestion

[@michaelm486]

Xero 360 goated

[@junbug1029]

Here in America hurache is pronounced her ah chee. .

[@shirin8609]

No, it isn't 🤣

[@DonnieBrubaker-p3b]

Miller Laura Harris Jennifer Young Sarah

[@lisacollins3304]

Dr. Tang, It is pronounced Her`a chee.

[@mattwyro7339]

This was super helpful thank you

[@nuxanderen7245]

I really enjoy how nobody in any of these videos realizes that Huarache is spanish. Thus the H is silent and the word is pronounced wa-ra-che.

[@DevelopingNL]

Xero still taper the big toe and little toe, please it is just too stupid. So many years in the game and they still dont develop…

[@mikechun4734]

"hur-ah-chee"

[@splinadero]

Xero is the worst Barefoot company. The quality is crap. Also when they made a mistake in the no size, the denied to send me the right size, saying it's no longer on discount. Never going to buy them again, and also I am taking to all my friends to avoid them.

[@kindpanda1075]

Xero shoes would not accept an exchange for the HFS, which they recommended to upsize and then they were too big!!! DO NOT BUY FROM THIS COMPANY!!!

[@kittygumdrop7442]

That's weird. Did you get a version that was being clearanced out so it was "final sale?" I don't remember if they ever did that with HFS. I've exchanged with them before, no problem.

[@kindpanda1075]

@@kittygumdrop7442 No, just a normal full price purchase. Eventually they offered for me to take pics and then they would decide if they were going to take them back for exchange or not. They claimed that simply trying them on was the same as wearing them. As others have asserted on here they referred to them as used because I tried them on. I decided to just give them to someone I know with bigger feet. They love them. Shoes are great, company is less so...

[@kittygumdrop7442]

@kindpanda1075 that is still odd. How else would you know if they fit? Lol I had tried mine on. They never even questioned that. Well, I'm glad your friend is enjoying them at least.

[@FatLarry-h4z]

they refunded mine

[@kindpanda1075]

@@FatLarry-h4z I am glad for you, just not for those who get treated like I did.

[@opgg1]

The fact that you brought specific brand which is a cheaper competition and smear them shows how biased this review is. I assume they wouldn't pay you when you send this review to xerox unless you mention that.

[@ivorypencil]

Thumbs down, not because there isn't information here but the info feels waffly and disorganized. Get to the point faster and keep message concise.

[@jamil027]

Also the frequent and minor zooming in and out during speech. Is this a KZbin creator thing?

[@stevechrisman3185]

Her-raw-chee