Xero Shoes Forza Runner Guides & Reviews
The Forza Runner is a minimalist, zero-drop shoe with a wide range of versatility, agility, and comfort on the road.
Xero Shoes Forza Runner Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Comfortable
- Hugs like a sock
- Moisture wicking
- Great agility
- Sole is thin and flexible
- Truly feels barefoot
Cons
- Difficult to put on if you have high volume feet
- Not as durable as other Xero shoes
- Sloping on the big toe is too aggressive for some
Xero Shoes Forza Runner Features
Comfort and Fit
The Forza Runner is extremely lightweight and hugs the foot like a sock, providing full comfort with a breathable mesh knit. Its flexibility allows for more agility than traditional running shoes while the heel is also more fitted and narrower than other Xero shoes, so it’s recommended to order a ½ size up than your normal running shoes.
Traction
Traction is excellent across a wide range of terrains. While the sole is thin, the road gripping tread pattern and durability is strong with a 5,000 mile sole warranty.
Durability
Because it’s an extremely lightweight shoe, the Forza Runner is not as durable as other Xero shoes. However, the build quality is high so it’s unlikely to wear and tear in a short amount of time.
Support
The sole is thin but still provides overall protection to the feet, especially on gravel and rough surfaces. However, if you have a higher arch, the flat sole may provide minimal arch support.
Protection
While the shoe is extremely lightweight, there is just enough padding to protect your feet while running. The mesh knit material is slightly more plastic than fabric so it thoroughly protects against rips and scuffs on the exterior. The overlays also cover all of the fragile areas so while it may seem too thin and fragile, the materials do provide quite a bit of protection on the road
Breathability
The Forza Runner is made with a breathable mesh knit that’s also moisture wicking.
Style
The Forza Runner comes in three color options: black, white, and a bright blue/sulphur color, which many runners love due to its high visibility on the road. It’s also stylish to wear casually and young runners love the look!
Flexibility and Responsiveness
Extremely lightweight and flexible, you can even scrunch up the entire shoe in a ball with your hands. Runners rave about how much agility and freedom their feet have on the road.
Xero Shoes Forza Runner Construction
Outsole
Outsole has good traction and thickness, which provides a great road gripping tread pattern without compromising its flexibility.
Upper
Upper sole is breathable and lightweight while providing support and protection for the heel and achilles. There’s also a removable 3.5mm insole that you can leave in for extra protection or remove to feel the ground while running.
Lacing System
Because the Forza Runner already fits like a sock, you don’t need to tie the laces too tight. However, some runners enjoy tightening just a bit to prevent too much movement and sliding while running.
Conclusion
The Forza Runner is proving to be an improvement from other Xero shoes with even more flexibility and breathability on the road. Compared to other popular Xero running shoes, this one is even more lightweight. Runners rave about its comfort and never wanting to take it off even after a long day.