The Xero Press

NBA and WNBA Athletes and Performance Trainers Partner with the Brand (Broomfield, CO) March 6, 2025 – Xero Shoes reveals the X1, a barefoot basketball shoe worn in the NBA and WNBA. Designed with input from players and trainers and rooted in barefoot principles, the X1 will launch to consumers on March 26, 2025. The brand aims to redefine basketball footwear with an innovative “foot-forward” lightweight design to maximize performance and comfort.  Power forward Isaiah Stewart is the latest NBA athlete to sign with Xero Shoes and wear the X1 on the court this season. "I feel like I’m gaining a lot by switching from a standard basketball shoe,” said Stewart. “I feel very grounded. I play with a lot of force, strength and power, and the Xero Shoes X1 allow me to function as the human body should." The groundbreaking X1 shoe debuted in the NBA Playoffs in May 2024 on shooting guard Justin Holiday. WNBA center Temi Fagbenle will continue to wear the X1 during her 2025 season. Basketball trainers, Mike Guevara and Felix Flores, who train several NBA athletes with a focus on foot strength, have partnered with the brand to help players transition to, and get the most value from, the X1. “I’ve been wearing Xero Shoes on and off the court. My feet and ankles feel indestructible!” says Fagbenle. The X1 brings the brand’s iconic natural movement DNA to the court: a foot-shaped toe box for balance and stability, a low-to-the-court design for quick cuts and pivots, and a zero-drop heel for a powerful push-off. The X1’s minimal design is lightweight for more energy throughout the game. The women’s-specific version of the X1 used data from thousands of 3D foot scans to create a shoe that matches the anatomy of a woman’s foot.  “For years, athletes and trainers requested basketball shoes after seeing the benefits of barefoot training off the court,” says John Wadley, Xero Shoes VP of Product Development and a longtime basketball player. “Xero Shoes is not just stepping into the world of basketball, we are making a bold statement to evolve the sport by embracing footwear that enhances natural movement. Our goal is to give players more healthy games in a season and more seasons in a career.” Xero Shoes X1 Mid and X1 Low Basketball Shoe X1 Mid MSRP: $170 X1 Low MSRP: $160 Colorways: White, Black, Sunny Lime Men Sizes: 7-13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Women Sizes: 5-12, 13, 14 Weight (each shoe): 11.2 oz (men’s size 9), 9.8 oz (women’s size 7) Launch Date: March 26, 2025 Updates on Xero Shoes’ X1 release and more info is available at xeroshoes.com/basketball. ### MEDIA CONTACT Alexa Lampasona Xero Shoes PR Director alexa@xeroshoes.com  

Media are constantly looking for the best workout shoes and spend months testing in the gym, at Boot Camp, and at CrossFit. Xero Shoes' workout shoes like the Prio Neo, Forza Trainer and Prio provide natural comfort for maximum performance, while feeling lightweight and breathable. Check out the list below of media's top-rated, best Xero Shoes workout shoes. Prio Neo CNN Underscored: Best Weightlifting Shoes “These are great for lifting and training on the gym floor — and for everyday use,” says Lauren Martin, a certified group fitness instructor in Colorado. Read More Men's Journal: Best Workout Shoes "Minimalist shoes aim to give users the most ‘barefoot’ experience possible without actually being barefoot. Xero is one of the more popular minimalist brands, and the Prio Neo is the brand’s most versatile shoe." Read More Livestrong: Best Barefoot Lifting Shoes "An evolution of the popular Prio, these barefoot lifting shoes from Xero Shoes combine gym functionality with athleisure style." Read More Sports Illustrated: Best Shoes for Circuit Training "The Xero Prio Neo is our pick as one of the best “barefoot” choices for circuit training because the shoes have a flexible, but stable, fit that allows full mobility while still supporting you from the bottom up." Read More Forza Trainer HEALTH Best in Fitness Awards 2023 Best Sneakers A favorite of ACE-certified fitness instructor Aimee Nicotera, she said "These help people actually feel the ground and give the toes lots of space." If you are a fan of strength training/weight lifting and CrossFit, these are worth trying... Read More Women's Health Sneaker Awards 2023 Best Weight Lifting Shoes with Added Support Like all Xero barefoot-style shoes, you feel one with the ground thanks to the thin and flat sole. What's more: “The Velcro strap right below the ankle helps me feel extra locked in and stable when strength training,” says Jacqueline Andriakos, Editor in Chief. Read More SELF: Best Weightlifting Shoes "This flat-soled sneaker also features a wide toe box, which should allow your toes to spread and bend freely for more balance." Read More Woman's World: Best Workout Shoes for Women Over 50 “The Prio Neo is a sleek performance training shoe that’s ready for action and all-day comfort,” Maria Pro says. “A moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet cool.“ Read More Prio HuffPost: Best Sneakers for Working Out "If you're looking for a good "barefoot" sneaker, online fitness instructor Bianca Russo recommended seeking brands that explicitly say their designs include a spacious toe box, so that your toes have the space to move and leverage their innate dexterity." Russo's favorite brand of barefoot-feeling shoes for working out and daily wear are from Xero." Read More Barbend: Best Cross-Training Shoes For barefoot enthusiasts, these minimalist workout shoes can be just the ticket thanks to their 0-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, thick and durable upper, and a removable insole that can allow for an even closer ground contact. Read More

Media are constantly looking for the best sandals and spend months testing different types of sandals for hiking, walking, wearing casually and travel.Media rave about Xero Shoes' sandals, citing the lightweight, barefoot-inspired design and versatility as two of the key differentiators.Check out the list below of media's top-rated, best Xero Shoes sandals.GenesisVOGUE: 6 Summer Sandal Trends All Terrain Sandals"City dwellers or those who appreciate functional fashion will love these sporty rope sandals. Seen on the runways at Miu Miu, these hiking-inspired thongs have both technical components (an adjustable strap) and fashion relevance (Muiccia’s approval). You won’t ever have to worry about them slipping off, which despite their adventure-ready aesthetic, look surprisingly cool with a sundress."Read MoreWho What Wear: The Viral Sandals of 2024 Sporty Rope SandalsAs seen on celebs, influencers and the SS24 runways."The name says it all: These are made to be packed in your suitcase for your next adventure—beach or otherwise."Read MoreWIRED: Best Barefoot Shoes for Minimalists "Modeled (somewhat) on the running sandal of the famous Tarahumara runners, the Genesis sandal was my first exposure to Xero Shoes. You buy either a DIY kit to make your own sandals or opt for the premade Genesis. These are fast becoming my favorite shoes."Read MoreGood Housekeeping: Best Barefoot Sandals "These minimalist sandals from Xero Shoes are the perfect choice for anyone who loves letting their feet breathe. They’re about as close to barefoot as it gets while still giving you some protection from the ground thanks to a thin rubber outsole."Read MoreSELF: Best Barefoot Hiking Sandals "If you’re ready to dive into the world of barefoot-style shoes (popularized by the running shoe world), Xero is one of the best budget-friendly brands to try, with lots of fans in the hiking community."Read MoreThe Modest Man: Best Barefoot Sandals "The Genesis combines elements of a flip-flop and a sandal, offering a practical barefoot sandal design."Read MoreZ-Trail EVGear Patrol: Best Sandal for Shorter Hikes "Weighing in at a scant 5.4 ounces, the Z-Trail EV is as light as a hiking sandal gets... The Z-Trail EV is best for shorter hikes and water activities, or for people who want a protected barefoot walking feel."Read MoreTravel + Leisure: Best Barefoot Sandals "For hikers and water sports enthusiasts looking for a trail sandal that doesn’t weigh you down, the Xero Shoes Z-trail EV Sandals for women and men are your answer. This minimal-yet-supportive shoe is built with a three-part underfoot construction... which offers just enough protection and rebound without losing the natural feel of the ground."Read MoreOutdoor Life: Best Ultralight Hiking Sandals "This barefoot sandal is the lightest sandal on our list at around 8 ounces.... Its shining qualities are freedom of movement, comfort, traction, and lightweight."Read MoreGearJunkie: Best Minimalist Hiking Sandals "Riding low and providing an absolutely grounded experience, these sandals take obvious cues from the huarache running sandals of the American Southwest and Mexico, and anyone who embraces the barefoot movement will immediately respect the idea behind them. "Read MoreHiConsumption: Best Zero Drop Hiking Sandals "For those who want a lightweight option without sacrificing any comfort or support, Xero Shoes’ Z-Trail EV Sandals are your best bet."Read moreField & Stream: Best Thru-Hiking Shoes for Camp "The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV sandal has long been one of the best camp shoes for its lightweight design and comfort. ... after extensive interviews, the Z-Trail emerged as a resounding favorite for those valuing happy feet during well-deserved breaks."Read MorePackable Life: Best Barefoot Running Sandal "My pick for the best barefoot running sandal for those who don’t like ‘thong-style footwear’ is from Xero Shoes — the Z-Trail EV, a standard sandal style without frills and weight."Read MoreTreeline Review: Best Camp Sandal "Geared towards hikers, runners, and campers looking for a minimalist approach to the outdoors, Xero offers us a way to get just a little bit closer to nature with a zero-drop, barefoot feel."Read MoreField Mag: Best Ultralight Hiking Sandals "Xero Z-Trail sandals are super flexible and wildly light, with the comfort of a sportier sandal and lightweight packability of your old flip flops."Read MoreInsideHook: Best Ultralight Hiking Sandals "Xero sandals are incredibly lightweight and as close to barefoot hiking as you’ll get (without actually hiking barefoot). But their ultralight status doesn’t mean they skimp on comfort or performance."Read MoreH-Trail SandalStylecaster: Podiatrist-Recommended Beach Sandals "They’re designed to promote the natural movement of barefoot walking with a little protection, and the black color looks stylish.”- Recommended by Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, DPMRead MoreGearJunkie: Best Hiking Sandals "It’s tough to improve upon a classic, but Xero about nailed it with these new kicks. Testers loved the all-rubber outsole design that's nice and thin for a grounded feel. The 4x adjustments with a secure huarache strap system offer a connected feeling to the ground."Read MoreZ-Trek SandalOutdoors.com: Best Lightweight Water Shoes "The Z-Treks are the perfect packable sport sandals for a day hike or a backpacking trip and make a great lightweight camp shoe."Read MoreStylecaster: Podiatrist-Recommended Walking Sandals It’s a natural shape for people who have wide feet, and adjustable straps around the ankle provide heel stabilization. Another benefit is the 5,000 mile sole warranty, so you can get a lot of wear testing out of them.”- Dr. Stephen Bui, board-certified in sports medicine and podiatric surgeryRead More