2022 ROAD RUNNING SHOE REVIEW
Xero Shoes Zelen
$189 W 6.5 oz. | 0 mm Drop
www.xeroshoes.com
Xero Shoes Zelen
$189 M 7.8 oz. | 0 mm Drop
www.xeroshoes.com
These shoes deliver exactly as promised. They have maximum flexibility, minimum cushion and pure freedom of movement. The rubber outsole provides adequate protection from debris, and I was able to run with a natural stride without concern for bruising my foot on a rock. These shoes have a wide forefoot and secure heel. My only complaint was that I could feel the outer seam on the upper, so I had to wear socks with the shoes instead of going barefoot.
I'm a big fan of minimalist running. I took them out for a light seven kilometres where the shoes felt comfortable, followed by 25 kilometres on varied surfaces and they performed well. On both runs, I had the minimalist sensory feeling in my soles but didn't have issues on any surface, from pavement, to hardpacked tails, to gravel roads. They are roomy in the toe box but did not hug my feet. Amazing for casual running, walking, or wearing all day but not for speedwork/racing.
JOANNA FORD, Calgary, AB – Ultramarathon runner with a passion for running long distances in the mountains.
JED GRIEVE, Victoria, B.C. – Proud father and husband, and long-time distance runner who is always working to be competitive in his age group.
TRAIN WITH US • One-on-one online run and nutrition coaching
Coach Jacob Puzey
Photo: Peter Collins Photography
• Tailored training plans for runners of all ages, abilities, ambitions, distances, and surfaces
66 I Running Issue I IMPACT MAGAZINE
PeakRunPerformance.ca