10Shoe
Xero Shoes · training · 2022
Pulse 8.4/10 3 of 8 sources Too few training shoes to rank

Xero Shoes Forza Trainer Review

A lightweight, versatile, zero-drop training shoe that provides stability and support for cross-training days.

xero shoes forza trainer
xero forza trainer angle xero forza trainer front xero forza trainer instep xero forza trainer heel xero forza trainer upper xero forza trainer sole

Specifications

Heel-to-toe drop
0 mm
Weight
9.4 oz
Cushion
Minimal
Arch support
Neutral
Pronation
Neutral Pronation
Widths
Wide
Available in
Mens

Where to buy

Mens on Xero Shoes › Womens on Xero Shoes ›

Retail links may earn us a commission — it never touches the score. How scoring works.

How this score was built

  • thatfitfriend.com Independent review 8.6 → 8.7
  • tradeinn.com Retailer customers 8.0
  • xeroshoes.com Brand-site customers 9.4 → 8.4

Each source is re-centred against its own historical average, then weighted by tier and type. Full methodology.

What people like

  • 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

What people don't

  • Poor strap construction
  • Laces are too thin
  • Less breathability - shoe can get too warm trapping in heat

How it performs

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.

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.

Traction

The outsole construction allows for great traction and a nice level of tread that provides grip and support on any surface.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Video reviews

Sources consulted (5)

Carried over from the previous methodology. Ratings shown are historical and do not contribute to a current pulse score.