The Xero Blog

When you’re out on the trails, you need a hiking boot or shoe that is lightweight but still offers support and protection from the elements, whether that’s a creek crossing or a rock scramble. Xero Shoes has a range of lightweight hiking boots that are designed to provide a barefoot-inspired experience, allowing your feet to move, bend, and flex naturally. These boots are perfect for hikers who want to forget they're even wearing boots. While most hiking boots may take some time to get used to, there’s no break-in period for Xero Shoes barefoot hiking boots, because the boot’s design naturally fits your feet with a wider, foot-shaped toe box and non-elevated heel. That means your toes will spread out instead of scrunch together, providing balance when rock scrambling or dodging roots. Hikers who have tried Xero's hiking boots have praised their comfort, flexibility, and durability. The boots are perfect for beginners and experienced hikers who want to explore the great outdoors comfortably. Xcursion Fusion Waterproof Hiking Boot The Xcursion Fusion hiking boot keeps your feet dry with a fully waterproof design, including a seam-sealed inner bootie and water-resistant membrane. While these are barefoot hiking boots and provide a balance of ground feedback, an embedded foam layer adds comfort and protection. SHOP Scrambler Mid Ultralight Hiking Boot The Scrambler Mid has a thin layer of fiberlite technology in the Michelin sole that gives the boot unparalleled strength, flexibility and lightness. Rounding out the ultralight hiking boot are truncated lugs inspired by mountain bike tires, guaranteeing grip and shedding mud on any hiking adventure. SHOP Ridgeway Stylish Waterproof Hiking Boot As stylish as they are functional, the retro-inspired Ridgeway hiking boot is versatile, whether you’re doing an all-day hike or going to a brewery. The rugged canvas upper with suede accents are waterproof for wet days on the trails. The durable sole's regrind rubber flecking looks great but also provides traction on the trails. SHOP

Feel great all day no matter what you're doing in the best shoes, sandals, and boots for spring and summer adventures. Your version of “outdoors” might involve exploring different terrains, hiking a technical mountain, or relaxing by a campfire. Either way, you’ll enjoy it more in lightweight, foot-shaped shoes that bring maximum comfort while still providing needed protection from the elements. Here are shoes that will fit any outdoor adventure you have planned this summer. Sunrise: For Relaxing and Recovery You’ll look forward to slipping into the cozy microfiber upper when you're making your coffee in the morning and getting ready for your adventure. Leave them at the door of your tent or the door of your house, for any easy pair of shoes to slide on quickly. The Sunrise slip-on is the perfect shoe for kicking back and making memories. The Sunrise is perfect for summer travel since it's our lightest shoe at 5.6 oz (M9) and 4.6 oz. (W7). You can slip them in a backpack or clip it onto your bag to wear at the end of the day. Wear it as a slide or a shoe. Just step right on the back of the shoe and slide your foot in. “From the moment I put them on, the most comfortable shoe ever!” - Robyn N   “The Sunrise is so comfortable, light & easy to walk around in. I love their flexibility & versatility. I wear them on a quick trip to the store or when traveling.” - Mike S VIEW THE SUNRISE Z-Trail EV: For Ultralight Hiking or Casual Strolls Our most versatile sandal works equally well on land or in water, if you’re out hiking or taking a leisurely walk. Z-Trail EV dials in the perfect combination of lightweight protection and natural flexibility. Enjoy trail-ready traction from a 11mm lugged FeelTrue™ sole with a middle layer of TrailFoam to even out the bumps and the top layer of BareFoam for added comfort, while still allowing you to bend, move and flex your feet. They’re comfortable and protective enough to wear all day, but at a miniscule 5.4 oz (M9) and 4.3 oz (W7), they can also be your perfect “other” footwear for an ultralight thru-hike or a river corssing. If camping for you is something that MUST happen along a lake, river or stream, this is your sandal. “I’m putting them to work. I’m using them as my camp shoes on an AT section hike. They’re working great!” - Gregg A VIEW THE Z-TRAIL EV Scrambler Mid: For Hard Miles On and Off the Trail The Scrambler Mid is the worlds lightest fully technical hiking boot. At just 11.3 oz. per shoe (M9) and 9.4 oz (W7), a pair weighs less than just one single boot from most other companies. Every hiker knows that feeling at the end of a hike where you simply can’t wait to kick off your heavy, stiff boots. You won't feel that again in the Scrambler Mid. This technical hiking boot is so light and flexible, you’ll forget to take it off once you make it to camp. Scrambler Mid is a collaboration with the car and bike tire company Michelin. If you could see inside the thin Michelin Fiberlite sole, you’d find an embedded textile layer, giving the sole unparalleled strength, flexibility and lightness. In fact, it's so light people even run in the Scrambler Mid. Add a breathable, abrasion-resistant mesh upper, and you have a mountain travel powerhouse that’s just as comfortable once you take the pack off. “These are great! So light but still a strong sole for hiking. Most barefoot shoes let you still feel rocks etc through them, which isn’t fun after 8 hours of hiking.” - Karl T “Wore these for the first time on a long backpack trip fresh out of the box - no break in period needed. GREAT traction - very comfortable. Didn’t feel the need to kick off my shoes at the end of a long hike day. :)) Worth every penny!” - Angela W. VIEW THE SCRAMBLER MID Aqua x Sport: For Water and Trail Paddle-boarding, canyon camping, river rafting or kayaking… they all require shoes that dry quickly, pack easily, and have grip on wet and dry surfaces. The Aqua X Sport thrives when things get wet. This super-powered water shoe starts with the lightweight, rock-gripping sole of the Mesa Trail II. On top you’ll find a light and breathable mesh upper, non-absorbent tongue, and toe guard drain holes that help you quickly shed water. Coming in at 7.5 oz (M9) and 5.9 oz (W7), it’s barely any heavier wet than dry. The included speed laces with adjustable lace locks mean you can dial in a custom fit in no-time flat, wet or dry. This shoe is your secret weapon for moving naturally through all the elements. “Out of all the water shoes I've owned over the years, these are by far the most comfortable and breathable. No need to change between two pairs of shoes when going to a water related activity.” - Paul R. “Excellent grip on the sole when traversing slick logs across streams and muddy hillsides without slipping one millimeter. LOVE!” - Danielle K. VIEW THE AQUA X SPORT Find The Perfect Outdoor Shoe For You Whatever your idea of outdoors is, there is a barefoot shoe for every activity imaginable - from backpacking, to river rafting, to relaxing back at camp. Take the shoe finder quiz to see what shoe is best for you. TAKE THE SHOE FINDER QUIZ

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024: Best Shoes for Dad With Father’s Day coming up fast, you may be searching high and low for a gift that will bring a smile to the face of the dad in your life. It’s safe to say that most dads.... Appreciate comfort Will wear their favorite comfortable things… and keeping on wearing them until they wear out. A foot-friendly, durable pair of barefoot shoes fits the bill on both counts. No matter what activities he loves doing, your dad will enjoy doing them even more when he’s wearing a pair of naturally comfortable shoes. And he’ll appreciate his feet feeling as good at the end of the day as they did at the start. As for wearing them out? He’ll be able to wear his Xero Shoes day in and day out for a long time before that happens. Xero Shoes are built to last — we even back our soles with a 5,000-mile sole warranty. Really, the question is, which pair of Xero Shoes is the one your dad will love most? Use this guide to match up the dads you care about with the perfect pair of shoes. (Not sure of his size? Just send him this article, plus a Xero Shoes eGift Card.) The Sunrise: For Chilling It’s soft, cozy, and so light it feels like it’s barely there – the ideal vibe for making a relaxed meal on the patio.  But just as importantly, it’s also the easiest shoe to take on and off when your dad is making trips between the kitchen and the grill. He can pull the back of the shoe up over his heel like a regular shoe or slipper. Or, just step right on the back and slide in. "These are my go-to everyday shoes for traveling, walking the dog, grocery shopping. Has helped improve my posture and balance as well! – Nikhil M. VIEW THE SUNRISE Prio Neo: For Working Out and Living In The Prio Neo is the go-to for men who don’t just work out in their athletic shoes. They live in them all day, every day... and they want to look good at the gym and anywhere else they go.  Your dad will appreciate the low-to-the-ground build and grip for running or lifting, and the instep straps for lateral stability in any sport. The lightweight design and flexible, foot-shaped sole will help his feet feel as good at the end of the day as they did at the start.  The sleek design and multiple color options means he’ll look great at the gym, when he’s out for a bite at the local bistro, or for whatever else he gets up to.   And for whatever else he wants or needs to do… there’s a Prio for that, too. “I feel like Superman because it feels like I’m walking on air in my new Xero Prio Neo shoes...” – Stef D. VIEW THE PRIO COLLECTION Scrambler Mid II: Ultra-Like Hiker with a Michelin Fiber Lite® Sole If getting out in the elements, hiking in the hills, or strapping on a backpack is how your dad likes to spend his free time, he’ll enjoy every step more in the ultra-light  Scrambler Mid II. Xero Shoes’ collaborated with Michelin, the car and bike tire company, to create the  Michelin Fiber Lite® sole. Your dad will enjoy mountain bike-inspired grip without sacrificing flexibility. The abrasion-resistant mesh upper keeps out trail debris while letting cool air in.  He’ll love how light he feels in these. At just 11.7 oz. per shoe (M9), a pair weigh less than just one single boot from most other companies. “Very comfortable and lightweight. I wear them everyday for work, home and outdoors. I am someone who absolutely despises wearing shoes. I am usually barefoot if I can be, but these are almost like I'm not wearing shoes at all and that is fantastic!.” – Brian B. VIEW THE SCRAMBLER MID II Kona: A Beach-Style Slip-On If your dad’s idea of the perfect day is relaxing by the pool or strolling along the beach, the Kona is just what he needs.  When he slips into the Kona, he’ll instantly feel the essence of the Hawaiian beach it’s named after. With moccasin-inspired construction, this slip-on gives him a “barely there” feel in with an effortlessly casual look.  “These are lightweight, breathable, and easy to get on and off. I wear them inside and outside the house. They are my summer slippers that can also be my summer casual shoes.” – Benjamin H. VIEW THE KONA Glenn: Work-Friendly Leather Style This fashionable Oxford-style shoe dresses up to go with a suit, but also looks great paired with jeans. The nubuck leather molds to your dad’s foot, creating a slipper-like fit for wherever his day takes him. The Glenn is so lightweight, your dad may forget he’s wearing them. Available in three classic colors, there’s a perfect option for the man on your list.  “These are absolutely perfect! And they look great for nice events. Very comfy and roomy.” – Aaron T. VIEW THE GLENN Naturally comfortable shoes for every season, activity… and every man Don’t see the perfect fit here? Explore our entire selection of men’s barefoot shoes, boots, and sandals available in different styles, colors and sizes to find even more options for the men on your Father’s Day gift list. Not comfortable picking shoes for him? Give him a Xero Shoes eGift Card to let him find his perfect fit.