Dude I recently discovered you and you're such a beast. Amazing high quality reviews of awesome models + an inspiring physique. Your channel is a gem. Keep it up! I hope you get to review more barefoot shoes. So many of them out there right now!
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
This comment made my day! I appreciate you saying that - thank you. Welcome and stoked to have you! 💪
@joeykarpel45972 жыл бұрын
Think I’m going to buy these, they look good for a barefoot sneaker. Also great mobility on the power cleans you really get your elbows up so high!
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Keep me posted on how you like them! Haha, thank you. That has been a constant work in progress to gain that front rack positioning!
@michaelalbrecht3395 Жыл бұрын
Nice videos I gotta grab a pair of those
@thatfitfriend Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@krakatoasundra2 жыл бұрын
great review.
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Thank you as always! Stoked you enjoyed this one.
@rick_slick882 жыл бұрын
Jake, hope you could create video learning content of your diet. 😉
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
I’ve had a few asks about nutrition before! That topic is always tough because it’s so individual and nuanced, but I could definitely share some videos discussing it in the future 💪
@bryanrivera99802 жыл бұрын
I already have a pair of hfs.....now these or another pair....that is the question! This tread design is the best for the gym in my opinion.
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
🤔🤔🤔
@bryanrivera99802 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend my only concern is how to zelen's will hold up since the straps are outside instead of sewn in like the other.
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
@@bryanrivera9980 IMO, if you're rotating them then I think they'd be fine!
@bryanrivera99802 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend thanks for the input!
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
@@bryanrivera9980 thanks for engaging with the vids as always! If you grab a pair, would love to hear your thoughts 💪
@AlvaTheSpurned2 жыл бұрын
Great review! I've watched several of your videos today and I really like what you're doing. But I'm a bit torn on what new barefoot shoe I should get. I've got a good daily wear shoe but I'm looking for a more athletic shoe for the gym and my light cardio (I'm no track star). The Xero Zellen and HFS seem like great options but so does the VIVO Primus lite 3. How do i choose between these three? Thanks!
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I'd go HFS because it's very similar to the Zelen with performance and you'll save a little bit of money if that's important for your buying experience. If you were just planning to just lift in the shoes, then I'd say opt for the PL3.
@AlvaTheSpurned2 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend Thank you! I'm curious why they made the Zellen when the HFS is so similar. Maybe just because it's more eco friendly?
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
@@AlvaTheSpurned The eco-friendliness would be my guess as more are wanting shoes with these properties!
@G.Bfit.932 жыл бұрын
So I like to do sprints, deadlifts, squats, leap frogs and assorted jumping exercises, sprints, short-mid distance interval runs and body-building exercises no olympic lifts no rope climbing. You previously recommended me the HFS but now I see this is very similar. Should I get the Zelen or HFS?
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Either or! Both are super similar, so in this context, I’d choose based on price/colorway you prefer.
@knowledgeRS2 жыл бұрын
Finally, a Barefoot/minimalist crossfitter type of review. Looking forward to your other reviews. Can you help me out with sizing? I saw your blog post but am trying to figure out my size because Vivo's can be very inconsistent (I've had a 41 with room and a 42 that was tight). With my last couple of Vivo's, I've been a 41, but I can't figure out if I just got a 41 that happened to fit like a 42 or if I truly am a 41 now in Vivo's only.
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yeah, which model are you looking into, the Zelen or a Vivo? Vivo and Xero Shoes have both had models that ran small, then they updated their sizing for the next iteration which has made sizing a complete pain point for many so you're not alone there!
@knowledgeRS2 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend I'm looking at the Zelen but it's my first pair of Xero's and I can't get it wrong as my gf is picking them up in the US and bringing it back to Bali for me. Would it be safe to say that if I'm a 41 in newer Vivos, I'm probably a 41 in Xeros?
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
@@knowledgeRS Yes, IMO! These run true-to-size so I think 41 would be a safe call here!
@knowledgeRS2 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend Thanks for that. You've got a new sub!
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
@@knowledgeRS Ayyy, thank you for that! Welcome and stoked to have you. Keep me posted on the Zelen when they arrive and how you like them!
@isaacragsdale9992 жыл бұрын
So appreciate the info! What’s your fav xero shoe?
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Right now, I’ve been digging the Zelen. Same hybrid features as the HFS but with better appearance and durability.
@hectordehesa2118 Жыл бұрын
What shoe do you feel is better looking for casual wear? Great info here man. I just picked these up today. Can’t wait to try them but I would like a shoe I can just wear all day for anything
@thatfitfriend Жыл бұрын
Currently, I’m liking the Tolos Archetype 1.0s, Primus Asana, and the Wildling Chestnut
@azizshavershian2065 Жыл бұрын
how did they work out?
@hectordehesa2118 Жыл бұрын
@@azizshavershian2065 absolutely love them! I prefer them over my Xero shoe prio suede. The zelen looks and feel like I can and do wear them all day long
@KremeOnHer2 жыл бұрын
For lifting, do you think this is superior then the primus lite 3?
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Hit you back on IG!
@bilaltahir9978 Жыл бұрын
Did you find the reply to this question?
@glennsak2 жыл бұрын
Love the review but disagree on the aesthetics. One of the better Xero shoe designs.
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Thank you - and I can behind that, especially relatively speaking!
@Rev0UK12 жыл бұрын
Looks wise...all they'd hav eto do is just drop an all white version If they look anything like the HFS on foot...i find the shape more ...aesthetically pleasing compared to Vivo's
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
That would be FIRE and I agree - less floppy toe box, which is a win for both training/looks
@Rev0UK12 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend have to get sending them feed back ^^ its odd because they've dropped a few all white colourways in some of their shoes but only the womens models They did launch the Kelso too, which looks good but wouldn't dual up a s a training shoe
@daveyadict_2 жыл бұрын
Maybe a dumb question, you always mention lace locking... What is that?
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Not dumb at all! It’s a lacing strategy that utilizes the top eyelet to promote more shoe security. I have an article that discusses it and how to do it, which I’m linking here if you want to check it out! thatfitfriend.com/heel-slip-shoes-how-to-fix/
@daveyadict_2 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend oh very indepth article. I also like that you mentioned the nano x's as they're my favorite shoe. Ever lol
@The_Monolith2 жыл бұрын
It'd be nice if you could also review the Xero Speed Force.
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
They're on my to-do list along with the Kelso! I need more hours in the day and more energy so I can train/work more, LOL.
@qilqilqil88632 жыл бұрын
Hey Jake, if I'm going to be doing short/interval sprints and gym (just lifting), how does the Zelen compare to the 360? You mentioned that the 360 are most cost efficient, but which would you prefer as someone who has used both?
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Great question - if you’re not tackling CrossFit-style sessions, then I’d probably go Zelen because it is a better looking model (relatively speaking) and they feel a tad better for sprints. However, I don’t think you can go wrong with either model, tbh, so if the price point and colorways/appearance of the 360 are a hit for you then those will work well also 💪
@qilqilqil88632 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend Thanks Jake. When you say CrossFit-style sessions, may I know exactly what you were referring to? My typical lifting sessions usually end of some hiit/cardio like rope jumps, box jumps and sometimes burpees/mountain climbers etc. Lifting wise, I tend to do more compound lifts. I see that you try to reply to the comments. Really appreciative of your efforts. Hope your channel takes off because the content is just *chef's kiss*
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
@@qilqilqil8863 sessions that involve things like rope climbs/handstand push-ups/burpees pretty regularly. These are movements that can wreck uppers and are more focused on this style of training so I try to differentiate standard cross-training from CrossFit per niche exercises like this at volume (for context)! In that case and your context, you should be safe with either model. I think the 360 will be a tad more durable, but the toe box in the Zelen should hold up well for you if you’re not hammering the upper on this model every day. Thank you so much - honestly, replying and getting to meet/interact with folks - even if it’s just briefly - makes it all worth it. I get to meet folks with similar interests who also don’t want to waste money on poor fitting products, it’s so cool, the community makes the channel fun! I really appreciate you saying that 💪
@Denali_Rebel2 жыл бұрын
Not great for winter…. I wear my speed forces when there is a foot of snow on the ground. My feet are always hot. I just want to know if it is actually wide or if the toe box is narrow like the HFS.
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Similar toe box width overall (Zelen does feel a bit roomier due to upper) - if you want, shoot me a DM on IG and I’ll send you a sizing side by side vid! Also, low-key envious of you hot feet - could use them on my hikes 😂
@Rev0UK12 жыл бұрын
noticed its the same sole as HFS so assuming very similar fit Does the Zelon breathe better than the HFS? that was the one main flaw with essentially my favourite barefoot training shoe (HFS)
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Similar fit and the Zelen breathes better, IMO! Prob my fave Xero model to date tbh.
@rovietka Жыл бұрын
My pair arrived today. In regards to sizing. I wear a euro 42 but compared to my vivobarefoot and splays (both 42) the Zelen is almost a full size smaller, so not sure if the other 2 run big or the Zelen’s run small??
@thatfitfriend Жыл бұрын
Vivo and splay both run a little large. Vivo is notorious for it, tbh
@rovietka Жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend thanks for your reply. I agree with your point about the vivos
@ChronicWatClesNarnia2 жыл бұрын
Do you think they’re trying to compete with the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite? Seems like it.
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
Potentially - IMO, this is a better model for running if we're going to compare those two!
@hansyali_2 жыл бұрын
Yeah and half the cost too
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
@@hansyali_ big facts - especially if you can find them on sale!
@bilaltahir9978 Жыл бұрын
How do these compare to the Xero speed force?
@thatfitfriend Жыл бұрын
Slightly wider fit, better breathability, and better looking, IMO!
@bilaltahir9978 Жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend thanks would you recommend the Zelens over the primus lite iiis for road running and gym work?
@DrBoFitCare2 жыл бұрын
Tempted to buy….
@thatfitfriend2 жыл бұрын
🤔 can you let you try them during our next PT session!
@DrBoFitCare2 жыл бұрын
@@thatfitfriend let’s do it!
@DanielleDunn-c9m24 күн бұрын
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?
@thatfitfriend21 күн бұрын
Both can work. HFS 2 will give you a bit more cushion, though, if you're newer to barefoot shoes! They'll give you a longer runway of protection
@DanielleDunn-c9m20 күн бұрын
Ahhh so maybe the HSF2 would be a better shoe option for me you think?
@thatfitfriend20 күн бұрын
@@DanielleDunn-c9m I’d start there! Amazon has them so you can return easily if you need, too!
@DanielleDunn-c9m20 күн бұрын
I'm actually being given a pair so was deciding which to get altogether.....but would like to run and lift in the them
@thatfitfriend20 күн бұрын
@@DanielleDunn-c9m nice! I’d start with them then. I wouldn’t overthink it, trial and error when you’re starting is inevitable