Xero Shoes Forza Trainer Guides & Reviews
A lightweight, versatile, zero-drop training shoe that provides stability and support for cross-training days.
Xero Shoes Forza Trainer Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great training shoe for power lifting
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable
- Hybrid between a cross-training shoe and a barefoot shoe
- Versatile training
- Outsole has great traction
- Provides strong stability and support
- Close-to-the-ground feel
Cons
- Poor strap construction
- Laces are too thin
- Less breathability – shoe can get too warm trapping in heat
Xero Shoes Forza Trainer Features
Comfort and Fit
The Forza Trainer is a lightweight and versatile training shoe that provides maximum comfort and durability, especially for weight lifting workouts. These trainers gently hug your feet like socks, and customers have said that it’s so comfortable, they forget to take it off! These comfortable, minimalist, weightlifting shoes are perfect for casual lifters.
Traction
The outsole construction allows for great traction and a nice level of tread that provides grip and support on any surface.
Durability
For cross-training, weight lifting, or a casual workout at the gym, these shoes are durable and can withstand a great amount of weight. However, runners who wear them for road running or trail running find them not as durable as other traditional shoes.
Support
The Forza Trainer provides a great deal of support, especially with the velcro strap that goes over the laces to prevent your feet from moving too much. For weight lifting and cross-training especially, customers have praised its extreme stability and support.
Protection
The outsole construction and especially the toe box provides great protection for various activities and workouts.
Breathability
While the shoe is extremely lightweight and flexible with an upper mesh, it lacks breathability and heat tends to be trapped in, making feet warm without great moisture wicking ability.
Style
The Forza Trainer comes in three options: gray/red, white/blue sapphire, and all black. Customers love the gray/red and white/blue sapphire color selections as it is a stylish shoe and color pattern to wear while working out or just casually. Since the black shoes are all black, it can look a bit plain and simple.
Flexibility and Responsiveness
This minimalist, cross-training shoe is extremely flexible and allows you to truly feel the ground while working out. Whether it’s a casual run, hiking, or weight lifting, the Forza Trainer is a hybrid of a traditional lifting shoe and a barefoot shoe.
Xero Shoes Forza Trainer Construction
Outsole
The rubber outsole is constructed in a way that is durable and secure with a grippy tread but remains flexible and lightweight. The outsole tread also works well on rubber gym floors, wooden platforms, and machines while preventing slip issues.
Upper
Layered mesh upper provides some breathability but not as much as customers would like as heat does get trapped in causing your feet to get warm quickly.
Lacing System
The laces on the Forza Trainer may be a little too thin, especially for a cross-training and weight lifting shoe. Luckily, the velcro strap provides a bit more stability and support above the laces.
Conclusion
The Forza Trainer is a lightweight and comfortable shoe with great lateral stability for cross-training, weight lifting, and various gym workouts. While it lacks the durability and support for extreme powerlifters, this “all-in-one” style barefoot shoe is great for versatile workouts and activities, including short runs. The outsole has great traction and the overall construction of the shoe provides support and protection for various activities.