It has been almost four years since I ran in a “closed huarache” running shoe – the Xero Shoes Ipari Prio. With temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s, running sockless, I would have to wear a pair of five finger socks (Injinji) or Japanese tabi socks with a traditional huarache – no.
Xero Shoes now has a closed huarache, the Speed Force, which in my opinion is an improved racing version of the Ipari Prio. It’s the closest to a huarache in a running shoe configuration. It is billed as a racer (light & zero drop) and definitely will give your legs a full workout or a personal best in any distance.
Running sockless on the Speed Force, I never got blisters or have any hot spots. I was warm enough without wearing socks but I did wear running gloves and compression calf sleeves.
It bears repeating why you need to run in huarache or minimalist running shoes at least once a week. Running with the Speed Force gives you one of the best workout for your body. Wide toe box lets your toes splay, zero drop, soft, flexible, and FeelTrue rubber for natural movement. Improve your proprioception by enabling the 200,000+ nerves in each of your feet to send your brain the sensory feedback you need to move. I guarantee you that after running in the Speed Force, your calves will be sore if you haven’t been running with huaraches or barefoot or minimalist running shoes at least one day a week. The biggest upside of running in a non-huarache or five-fingers looking running shoe is that you won’t get stopped with curious runners asking you questions.
For advanced minimalist runners only: To go even lower to the ground (closer to barefoot), you can remove the 2mm insert (removable insole). Go natural, go barefoot!
Let me remind you that running barefoot or in huaraches or in cushion-less zero drop racing shoes reinforce your natural running form muscle memory – slightly lean forward, mid-foot to fore-foot striking gait. See Dr. Mark perfect barefoot running form in this popular YouTube video, Principles of Natural Running.
Data gathered from my RunScribe pods are telling.
My go to running shoes are the Altra Escalante Racer for road running and Altra Superior 4 for trail running. Compare the running analytics between the Escalante Racer and Speed Force – less shock and imbalance with the Speed Force.
Technical Specifications
- Lightweight – only 5.8 ounces (Men’s size 9)
- Grippy – FeelTrue® rubber sole feels super sure-footed
- “Bare-ly There” – mesh upper with its silky smooth lining gives you a real barefoot-feeling
- Wide Toe Box – spread & splay your toes to move naturally
- Zero Drop – ensure proper posture & form
- Flexible Sole – feet bend & move naturally
- Removable Insole (2mm) – customize amount of barefoot feel needed
- 100% Vegan-friendly – no animal products are used
- Warranty – 5,000 mile sole
The Speed Force runs small. Xero Shoes recommend choosing 1/2 size larger than your usual size. Speed Force is available in Red, Gray, Black for Women, and in Red, Blue, Black for Men at Xero Shoes online shop.