Did my first couple of training sessions this week. Wow. I can feel so much on the ground. Was standing on something as I was climbing and I swear I could wrap my toes around for more grip. It’s weird to explain. I’ve been finding myself this year going for more minimalistic shoes aside from runs over 30min duration. Even my every day shoes have a very low drop at 2mm. Lots less ankle and knee pain as I approach 40 wearing shoes with less drop and stack
Heck yeah, stoked they’re working well for you. I love that you’re exploring different footwear and footwear environments, too! I think it’s so important to utilize different types of footwear to expose the feet/ankles to different movement patterns/environments! Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts 💪
Are these more similar to Merrel vapor glove or the beefier trail glove? Im looking for an every day getting around shoe, ive owned 2 pairs of vapors and really liked them but I live in a concrete jungle so im wanting more cushion than the vapor. Great review btw.
Thanks for the review! Just how narrow are these? I’ve been doing CrossFit and tried the Xero Prio Neo true to size and it was way too wide for my feet
I’ve been wearing this shoe for about week and it’s been great for the CrossFit style workouts I’ve been doing. The only issue I have is after walking around in them for a while the insole tends to slide towards the heel and my toes hang off the front of the insole inside the shoe. Did you run into this problem?
At times depending on what I'm doing. I think it has to do with the sole and how it interacts the upper around the toe box. Definitely can be frustrating for some uses/foot anatomies more than others!
Toe box is too small. Will donate my pair. I’ve been on that Naboso Toe displays / Xero shoes / Vivobareboot kick. My toes have spread out since being in military boots for over 20 yrs.
@@incorectulpolitic Currently no issues with HFS model and the lower end model for the day to day walking etc. I wouldn't do any heavy type of training in the Xero selection as I've heard they will wear out quickly. I do use other minimilist footwear for running and functional strength training. Big fan of the Vivobareboot selection, however they can get pricey.
I don’t like narrow shoes so I wear a 12.5 in Nike Metcons so I purchased these shoes in a 12.5 too. They haven’t arrived yet. I have read that some people have went up in size because I wear a 12 in some shoes but a 12.5 in others for example my Olympic lifting shoes I wear a 12.5.What do you suggest going up in size or staying true to size?
I think you made the right call with the 12.5. I go TTS with these, but based on your context, I think 12.5 will be a solid call. However, really impossible to say until you try them on! Keep me posted on their sizing for you - I'm curious how you'll like their fit compared to your other shoes 🤝
Hi Jake, great review, I have a question, if you have to choose between this one or the vivo primus lite 3, which one do you choose? Cheers from France
Thank you and great question! Depends on your training asks. If you're wanting a model for daily wear and recreational lifting, then I'd say go Primus. If you're wanting a model for versatile training/cross-training, then go Inov-8. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong, tbh, so if budget is a concern, then I wouldn't sweat using that as the main means of deciding. These are both two of my fave barefoot shoes for day-to-day and training!
Yeah! My only complaint with sock wear in these is if you're rocking thicker socks, the slimmer toe box can feel a bit snug. Why Inov-8 didn't make the toe box wider in this model is beyond me, lol.
@@thatfitfriend - definitely a nice base but holy hell my feet don’t know what to do without the cushion. I gotta cycle into these things over a few weeks because my feet just ache all over. But a super wide toe box and I don’t think I feel a bad pain - just my foot adjusting.
@@arunesingh8155 definitely ease in slowly! Use soreness as a barometer. Going from trainers to barefoot shoes will change force/impact pretty drastically so take it slow when adjusting!
Sucks it seems they won't be making a v4. I absolutely love these shoes, so much so I purchased a pair for my other half and the little bro (both have become big fans of this company.).
Very different shoes and contexts! These will have wicked different feeling/performances compared to cross-training shoes, so that being said, my choice would be based on if I want to train with barefoot shoe or not for the day. I wouldn’t directly compare the two because they’re wicked different!
Close one, but I would not due to this shoe's toe box being a bit more snug. If you have a narrow foot, then I think the Bare-XF are a solid call, but for neutral/wide feet, Vivo will be a better bet
Great question. Full disclosure, I have not tested this model for that specific training modality. However, I think they'll be better than other comparable barefoot shoes. You may also want to look into the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail (I have a review on them on my site thatfitfriend.com/), they're designed for more trail running-style activities and have a bit better upper durability for outdoor sessions!
Varies based on the activity and build of the shoe. If I’m cross-training and the shoe’s toe box is narrow, then I like just under thumb width and if it’s wider, then I’m fine with less 💪
@@thatfitfriend thank you! This helps with my problem. Even though almost every review on the Metcon 6s advised to go half a size up, I still went tts for a snug fit. But when I got my pair, the allowance is a full thumb width which is uncomfortable. I feel my feet are sliding a bit inside especially when I am squating, so I am just considering this space of allowance as reference next time.
@@xnotmarcox that’s a great idea! Sizing is always hard to nail in reviews due to the individual anatomy differences. Plus, diff shoe lasts will perform better in certain settings for you so I like keeping a sliding sizing scale that accounts for context and preferences
Did my first couple of training sessions this week. Wow. I can feel so much on the ground. Was standing on something as I was climbing and I swear I could wrap my toes around for more grip. It’s weird to explain.
I’ve been finding myself this year going for more minimalistic shoes aside from runs over 30min duration. Even my every day shoes have a very low drop at 2mm. Lots less ankle and knee pain as I approach 40 wearing shoes with less drop and stack
Heck yeah, stoked they’re working well for you. I love that you’re exploring different footwear and footwear environments, too!
I think it’s so important to utilize different types of footwear to expose the feet/ankles to different movement patterns/environments! Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts 💪
Really great review!!!! Nice to see a review on this particular model.
Really enjoy this model! Looks so good, too
Are these more similar to Merrel vapor glove or the beefier trail glove? Im looking for an every day getting around shoe, ive owned 2 pairs of vapors and really liked them but I live in a concrete jungle so im wanting more cushion than the vapor. Great review btw.
Vapor for sure!
The new Bare XF is sick, too, btw. If you're open to that shoe, too.
Thank you!
Thanks for the review! Just how narrow are these? I’ve been doing CrossFit and tried the Xero Prio Neo true to size and it was way too wide for my feet
You’ll prob be okay in these then!
@@thatfitfriendthanks brother!
I’ve been wearing this shoe for about week and it’s been great for the CrossFit style workouts I’ve been doing. The only issue I have is after walking around in them for a while the insole tends to slide towards the heel and my toes hang off the front of the insole inside the shoe. Did you run into this problem?
At times depending on what I'm doing. I think it has to do with the sole and how it interacts the upper around the toe box. Definitely can be frustrating for some uses/foot anatomies more than others!
What's your favorite barefoot or zero drop road shoe?
If I'm doing any road running, I typically wear my Zelen or HFS 2. The new Bare XF is also solid!
Toe box is too small. Will donate my pair.
I’ve been on that Naboso Toe displays / Xero shoes / Vivobareboot kick. My toes have spread out since being in military boots for over 20 yrs.
I feel you there. The toe box in this model is oddly narrow 🤔
@@thatfitfriend spot on! Great / detailed reviews as always brother. Maintain!
Thank you! And thank you for sharing feedback, sincerely appreciate it 💪
@@The508ranger I read Xero is trash, what is your experience with them?
@@incorectulpolitic Currently no issues with HFS model and the lower end model for the day to day walking etc. I wouldn't do any heavy type of training in the Xero selection as I've heard they will wear out quickly. I do use other minimilist footwear for running and functional strength training. Big fan of the Vivobareboot selection, however they can get pricey.
Me watching this because my last pair of new balance minimus are giving out 🤣
I don’t like narrow shoes so I wear a 12.5 in Nike Metcons so I purchased these shoes in a 12.5 too. They haven’t arrived yet. I have read that some people have went up in size because I wear a 12 in some shoes but a 12.5 in others for example my Olympic lifting shoes I wear a 12.5.What do you suggest going up in size or staying true to size?
I think you made the right call with the 12.5. I go TTS with these, but based on your context, I think 12.5 will be a solid call.
However, really impossible to say until you try them on! Keep me posted on their sizing for you - I'm curious how you'll like their fit compared to your other shoes 🤝
@@thatfitfriend thank you for your help. I will subscribe to your channel.
@@anbs1682 my dude! I sincerely appreciate that. Always here to assist when you need it 💪
Hi Jake, great review, I have a question, if you have to choose between this one or the vivo primus lite 3, which one do you choose?
Cheers from France
Thank you and great question! Depends on your training asks. If you're wanting a model for daily wear and recreational lifting, then I'd say go Primus. If you're wanting a model for versatile training/cross-training, then go Inov-8.
Either way, I don't think you can go wrong, tbh, so if budget is a concern, then I wouldn't sweat using that as the main means of deciding. These are both two of my fave barefoot shoes for day-to-day and training!
@@thatfitfriend thanks a lot for your answer, it's for crossfit, walking et daily, so I might go for the inov-8.
Hey. New to barefoot. It's a bit cold in my country. Can I wear socks in these shoes?
Yeah! My only complaint with sock wear in these is if you're rocking thicker socks, the slimmer toe box can feel a bit snug. Why Inov-8 didn't make the toe box wider in this model is beyond me, lol.
Love the reviews - gonna give these a shot now! Found the Metcon way too narrow for my toe box. And a big fan of Ten Thousand shorts.
Hell yeah. Keep me posted!
@@thatfitfriend - definitely a nice base but holy hell my feet don’t know what to do without the cushion. I gotta cycle into these things over a few weeks because my feet just ache all over. But a super wide toe box and I don’t think I feel a bad pain - just my foot adjusting.
@@arunesingh8155 definitely ease in slowly! Use soreness as a barometer. Going from trainers to barefoot shoes will change force/impact pretty drastically so take it slow when adjusting!
@@thatfitfriend so glad I took the plunge. Love these - might go back for a Second pair!!!
Sucks it seems they won't be making a v4. I absolutely love these shoes, so much so I purchased a pair for my other half and the little bro (both have become big fans of this company.).
That’s whack…time to stock up now! Hopefully they get some discounts soon, too
These are awesome for indoor rowing I have found.
Would you chose these over the Inov-8 F-Lite 245 for Crossfit, running and lifting?
Very different shoes and contexts! These will have wicked different feeling/performances compared to cross-training shoes, so that being said, my choice would be based on if I want to train with barefoot shoe or not for the day. I wouldn’t directly compare the two because they’re wicked different!
Makes sense, thank you sir!
As soon as I saw them I liked them I don’t like the toe box
That’s their biggest downfall. A minimalist shoe with a narrower toe box…makes no sense Inov-8 😅
thanks for the help!
There is a sale on these right now and I got these for $60
Big W!
Would you choose these over Vivo shoes?
Close one, but I would not due to this shoe's toe box being a bit more snug. If you have a narrow foot, then I think the Bare-XF are a solid call, but for neutral/wide feet, Vivo will be a better bet
Where did you bought these from?
Inov-8’s site!
Thanks!
Any idea if these are more narrow than the xero shoes?
They are a bit!
@@thatfitfriend Thanks I just ordered a pair.
Do you use Instagram?
@@keegancan yeah, @jake_boly or @that_fit_friend!
Keep me updated on how you like them!
Do you know if these are durable long term for cross country running?
Great question. Full disclosure, I have not tested this model for that specific training modality. However, I think they'll be better than other comparable barefoot shoes. You may also want to look into the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail (I have a review on them on my site thatfitfriend.com/), they're designed for more trail running-style activities and have a bit better upper durability for outdoor sessions!
How much space allowance between your feet and the tip of your shoes do you prefer? Full thumb width or just half?
Varies based on the activity and build of the shoe. If I’m cross-training and the shoe’s toe box is narrow, then I like just under thumb width and if it’s wider, then I’m fine with less 💪
@@thatfitfriend thank you! This helps with my problem. Even though almost every review on the Metcon 6s advised to go half a size up, I still went tts for a snug fit. But when I got my pair, the allowance is a full thumb width which is uncomfortable. I feel my feet are sliding a bit inside especially when I am squating, so I am just considering this space of allowance as reference next time.
@@xnotmarcox that’s a great idea! Sizing is always hard to nail in reviews due to the individual anatomy differences. Plus, diff shoe lasts will perform better in certain settings for you so I like keeping a sliding sizing scale that accounts for context and preferences