Xero Shoes Barefoot Sandals On Shark Tank

February 4th, 2013 by: — Barefoot Running Sandals

On February 1st, Lena and I had the honor and pleasure of appearing on the ABC hit reality-business show, Shark Tank.

Over 30,000 applied to be on the show and we were on pins and needles for months, waiting to see if our pitch would make it to the airwaves.

If you didn’t see the show, check it out here. I’ve set it up so that when you start the video, it’s cued up to our segment, at the end of the show.


    • http://twitter.com/JBJBarefootgal Jewels by Jan

      Barefoot means nothing on the bottom of the foot – these are not barefoot sandals – THESE are barefoot sandals!

      • http://www.xeroshoes.com/ Steven Sashen

        Jan “sandals” means “something under the foot” so you’re selling foot jewelry.

        “Barefoot Sandals” is a term that people have adopted for sandal-type footwear that allows for natural movement and as much ground feel as possible.

        (I know you know this because we’ve had this conversation repeatedly… you posted a link to your site on our previous website with the same comment ;-) )

    • XianLongShan

      Saw the Show.
      Classic Steven intro.
      Congrats to you two.

    • http://twitter.com/huaracheblog Huarache Blog

      Great comeback, like your style, good advertizing. Keep up the good work.

    • http://twitter.com/SeanDeminski SeanDeminski

      Great job guys! I just caught the show last night on DVR. I’ve read Born to Run and was waiting for something like this!

      I know there’s a lot of editing and way more dialogue going on then what is shown, but you guys really came out unscathed compared to how hard they hit you! If anything the edits really made Mark and Damond (usually my favorite sharks) really look like jerks. My absolute favorite moment was “What makes you think that? THE INDUSTRY?”….”um, yeah…”. It might be the producers pushing these guys to act like jerks, but I don’t know why they would trash experts in areas they don’t have expertise in themselves.

      My thoughts to Damond and the sharks when they were questioning copycats (besides your answer about a patent) was that what the product represents is the opposite of the entire shoe industry! It would be impossible for a shoe company to steal the idea- they would have to make it “better” and then ruin it. Same reason no shoe companies have been able to top Vibram with “better” minimalist shoes (until now). Its like Gibson guitars selling a make-your-own guitar kit and saying it sounds better- NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

      Anyway, I’ll be ordering soon, probably a couple pairs for gifts. Thanks Steven!

      • http://www.xeroshoes.com/ Steven Sashen

        Thanks, Sean.

        I agree with you about the big shoe companies not wanting to compete… in fact, 3 of them have told me exactly what you said.

        My line about competition is: Competition isn’t inherently a problem. I hear a rumor that there’s more than one shoe company in the world ;-)

      • Blaine Moore

        Vibram ran into the same thing…they *have* to charge more for their shoes than strictly necessary just to produce the margins that will make it worth retailers picking them up.

        If your business model doesn’t involve retail stores, then it’s a lot easier to sell cheaper shoes without having to worry about getting “crushed like a cockroach”….

    • Livia

      You did a great presentation – competent, clear, engaging! Too bad the sharks couldn’t think outside the box a little more…

    • Beaugars

      Awesome. I own a pair of Vibram five fingers and have encouraged my friends to with foot, ankle, and knee pains to get some all with the great results of getting rid of their (and my) pain. I do feel some strain between my big toes when I try wearing them during the day so when I recently read “Born to Run” I thought it would be great to find something like Xero Shoes. I hate flip flops, but these look perfect. And when I saw the Sharks’ uneducated responses, I have to support you. Thanks for making a great product. This is so going on my Wall.

    • Michael Sheppard

      I just wanted to say that I just watched the show and I have got to give it a try! I teach a birth class for dads (mainly for homebirth) and my wife is apprenticing to become a birthing assistant. So, these should definitely fit into our “crunchy” lifestyle! Haha!

      Thank you!

    • http://www.facebook.com/gidonariel Gidon Ariel

      the video was removed by owner. Durn.

      • http://www.xeroshoes.com/ Steven Sashen

        Just updated the video. Thanks for the heads up.

    • Bassam

      Don’t take this the wrong way Steven but you were adorable on the show. I know you two will be very successful. All the best!

    • e

      you guys rock! dont let the sharks get you down. sharks can run anyway

    • alan

      You two were clearly well prepared and brought your game, I think the sharks were myopic. I wish you both happiness and prosperity.

      • http://www.xeroshoes.com/ Steven Sashen

        Many thanks, Alan.

    • Randy

      I was trying my best not to see this as I am not one for the corporate business, but I have to say you guys really held it strong in there. I really am proud to wear your shoes (both Xeros and Invisible Shoes) and salivate just thinking about running in them! Now I want to go for a run!

      • http://www.xeroshoes.com/ Steven Sashen

        I just came back from a run! I highly recommend it ;-)

    • Marc

      You
      made the right decision to walk away. You have a great product and I’m sure
      spent too much time developing it to just give it away. Keep selling a great
      product and providing exceptional customer service and good things will come. Best of luck!

      • http://www.xeroshoes.com/ Steven Sashen

        Thanks so much, Marc.

    • Austin

      Those dang self centered, money oriented, close-minded, industrialist, capitalist pigs!