The Xero Press

Xero Shoes Unveils the X1 Barefoot Basketball Shoe

Xero Shoes Unveils the X1 Barefoot Basketball Shoe

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  
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Best Xero Shoes Workout Shoes, According to Top Media

Best Xero Shoes Workout Shoes, According to Top Media

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
Read More Best Xero Shoes Workout Shoes, According to Top Media
Xero Shoes Becomes the Official Barefoot/Minimalist Training Shoe  of Select Training Programs at Life Time

Xero Shoes Becomes the Official Barefoot/Minimalist Training Shoe of Select Training Programs at Life Time

New footwear sponsor brings natural performance and comfort to training and fitnessBroomfield, CO (June 18, 2024) – As the world of fitness training continues to evolve, so does overall understanding of footwear’s impact on performance and natural movement. It’s with this at the forefront that today, Xero Shoes announced a new relationship with Life Time, the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand as the official barefoot/minimalist footwear of its Dynamic Personal Training and Alpha Signature Group Training programs.This new partnership introduces Xero Shoes’ natural comfort and performance to Life Time’s team of more than 3,500 Dynamic Personal Trainers and Alpha Coaches with the goal of inspiring and educating Life Time members on the benefits of minimalist shoes as part of their training programs and classes.Xero Shoes are crafted to mimic a natural, barefoot experience during workouts, designed with wider, foot-shaped​ toe boxes and zero-drop, flexible soles. According to Dr. Sarah Ridge’s research, walking in minimalist shoes has been shown to build foot strength as much as doing an 8-week foot strengthening exercise program.“We’re thrilled that Life Time recognized how Xero Shoes can help their team of Dynamic Personal Trainers, Coaches and members perform better and experience the benefits of natural movement both in and out of the gym,” says Xero Shoes Co-Founder Steven Sashen. “Life Time and Xero Shoes are bringing our shared communities together and, emphasizing positivity, health, and life-changing footwear.”As part of the relationship, Life Time members will have the opportunity to participate in events at select clubs to test a variety of Xero Shoes styles to understand the benefits and differences these shoes may provide for their desired goals. These events will showcase the shoes' unique features and educate attendees on the advantages of embracing natural movement in their fitness routines.“Given the expertise and experience of our Dynamic Personal Trainers, they recognize the benefits of training in a minimal shoe, and we couldn’t be more excited to work with the best in category, Xero Shoes, as trainers and to share with our clients,” said Ryan Sonnenburg, Vice President of Personal Training at Life Time. “We can’t wait to see how our clients increase their own performance and output as they incorporate Xero into their routines.”Details of the agreement were not disclosed. For more information on Life Time personal training programs and Alpha Signature Group Training programs, visit www.lifetime.life.# # #About Xero ShoesBorn in Boulder, Colorado, in 2009, Xero Shoes continues to revolutionize the footwear industry by offering innovative barefoot shoes, boots, and sandals. Crafted with the Xero Shoes’ DNA – wider, foot-shaped toe boxes and zero-drop, flexible soles, they are designed to mimic the natural, barefoot experience. Xero Shoes has more than 1.5 million loyal customers globally in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. From mountain trails to urban jungles, Xero Shoes help you... Live Life Feet First™. ​For more information, visit www.xeroshoes.com or follow @xeroshoes.About Life Time®Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 170 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The health and wellness pioneer also delivers a range of healthy way of life programs and information via its complimentary Life Time app. The Company's healthy living, healthy aging, healthy entertainment communities and ecosystem serve people 90 days to 90+ years old and is supported by a team of more than 39,000 dedicated professionals. In addition to delivering the best programs and experiences through its clubs, Life Time owns and produces nearly 30 of the most iconic athletic events in the country.
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latest News

Xero Shoes Launches Newest Footwear on November 16 

Xero Shoes Launches Newest Footwear on November 16 

Xero Shoes Launches Newest Footwear on November 16 Five New Performance and Casual Shoes Bring Natural Movement to Any Activity(Broomfield, CO) November 16, 2022 – Whether you’re running on trails or roads, working out at the gym, or just handling daily errands, your feet are meant to do what’s natural – bend, flex, move, and feel. Since 2009, Xero Shoes has dominated the natural footwear category and their line expands with five new radically lightweight, performance, and casual products. The new lineup includes the Forza Runner, a sleek road running shoe; Forza Trainer, a power and stability workout shoe; Mesa Trail II, an upgraded lightweight trail running shoe; Prio Suede, a men’s casual shoe; and the Denver Leather, a men’s leather boot. Each of these products features a wider, foot-shaped toe box, a low-to-the-ground profile for balance and agility, a flexible design for natural movement, and a patented FeelTrue® sole backed with a 5,000-mile sole warranty.High-Res Images available HERE.  Forza Runner - Sleek Speed Runner ($129.99) The lightweight Forza Runner combines performance and versatility in a super lightweight, running shoe that’s only 7.2oz (M9) / 6.4oz (W7). The bootie construction design makes this shoe feel like one with your foot, featuring a sock-like, breathable, knit mesh upper. Just as capable on a run with its versatile, road-gripping tread pattern, the Forza Runner is designed with eye-catching colors that will make you want to show off the sleek style even when you’re not running. Forza Trainer – Power and Stability Shoe ($129.99) Power and stability start by connecting your feet to the ground, and the Forza Trainer was specifically designed to give you that connection with an instep strap that locks down your foot securely and holds the laces in place. The bootie-style construction and silky smooth lining make workouts more comfortable than ever while making the shoe look stylish enough to tackle whatever the day takes you. Mesa Trail II – Lightweight Trail Runner ($119.99) Thousands of Xero Shoes customers loved the bestselling Mesa Trail's combination of lightweight comfort and trail-gripping security. The Mesa Trail II improves on that with more rugged, durable, and protective welded components, like a durable toe cap and sidewall welding to prevent dirt from getting in your shoes. This lightweight trail runner is only 8.2oz (M9)/6.4oz (W7) and features a breathable mesh upper and moisture-wicking lining. Prio Suede – “Do Everything” Stylish Shoe in Suede ($109.99) Taking athleisure to a new level, Xero put a smooth suede upper on the best-selling “do-everything” Prio. This retro-inspired design will take you from the office to a night out, providing comfort with the wider, foot-shaped toe box, non-elevated heel, and flexible FeelTrue® rubber sole that’s backed with our 5,000 mile sole warranty.  Denver Leather – Cold and Wet Weather Men’s Boot ($139.99) When it's a cold and damp day, the rugged, leather Denver Leather features a water-repellant full-grain leather upper, flannel lining, heat-reflective insole, and grippy lugged treads, you may wish that warm weather never comes. Xero Shoes’ made a leather version of our best-selling men's boot, the Denver, and kept it lightweight at only 11.6oz (M9) thanks to its barefoot-friendly design.###

WIRED Features Xero Shoes' Denver Leather in the Gift Guide

WIRED Features Xero Shoes' Denver Leather in the Gift Guide

WIRED recently listed their "Wish List 2022" for the holidays, and Xero Shoes' Denver Hemp and Denver Leather made it on the list as one of the best gifts to buy.

Muscle & Health Says Xero Shoes' Alpine is Best for Winter

Muscle & Health Says Xero Shoes' Alpine is Best for Winter

Xero Shoes Alpine Snow Boot "keeps the wet out" while remaining lightweight and grippy, as Muscle And Health states, in their Dressed to Descend article. And if you don't have the print edition, you can check out the Alpine and other gear in their article, Dressed to Descend. Search our full selection of barefoot winter boots, or find our best sellers below: MORE WINTER BOOTS FROM XERO SHOES Mika BUY HERE Xcursion Fusion BUY HERE Ashland BUY HERE Tari BUY HERE Denver Leather BUY HERE Gracie BUY HERE

VeryWell Fit Names Xero Shoes' Mesa Trail the Best Zero-Drop Shoe for Women

VeryWell Fit Names Xero Shoes' Mesa Trail the Best Zero-Drop Shoe for Women

VeryWell Fit names the 10 Best Zero Drop Running Shoes of 2022, and after extensive testing and reviews, Xero Shoes' Mesa Trail comes out on top as the best women's overall!For those who loved the original Mesa Trail, we now have the Mesa Trail II, featuring an updated design that boasts a thinner, stronger, more protective, durable toe cap and sidewall welding.

SGB Media Interviews Xero Founders Steven and Lena

SGB Media Interviews Xero Founders Steven and Lena

BIG things are happening at Xero Shoes and SGB Media caught up with our founders, Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, to learn more about how Xero Shoes got its start, how our product lineup has evolved, and what new products are on the horizon.Read the full EXEC Q&A. 

Starter Story: Xero Shoes Hit $33.6M In Net Sales in 2021

Starter Story: Xero Shoes Hit $33.6M In Net Sales in 2021

Several years ago, our founder/CEO Steven Sashen was interviewed on Starter Story. Recently, he provided an update: Xero Shoes Update: In 2021, We Hit $33.6M In Net SalesWe’re seeing more and more highly visible personalities – athletes, celebrities, etc. – discover the comfort, benefits, and fun of Xero Shoes. And we’re seeing continued adoption of our products in retail all around the world. 

Gear Patrol's Best Barefoot Running Shoes: Xero Shoes' HFS and Genesis

Gear Patrol's Best Barefoot Running Shoes: Xero Shoes' HFS and Genesis

Gear Patrol rounded up their best minimal running shoes, and Xero Shoes' HFS road running shoe and the Genesis sandal made the list!  Read the article:Leap Into Minimalism With the Best Barefoot Running ShoesAuthor Ben Emminger says of the HFS, "While I definitely admired the breathability baked into the mesh construction, I also appreciated how these barefoot running shoes resembled the fit of my go-to traditional road shoes. This made getting back into the barefoot discipline more appealing, sort of a bridge between the two."For the Genesis, known as the best barefoot running sandal, it's as close to the ground as you can get! 

John Wadley Joins Xero Shoes from Altra as VP of Product Development

John Wadley Joins Xero Shoes from Altra as VP of Product Development

Broomfield, CO (October 18, 2022) – Xero Shoes, a leading provider of natural movement footwear, welcomes John Wadley as the VP of Product Development. He comes to Xero Shoes from VF Corp.’s Altra brand, where he was Director of Product Innovation and Sustainability.Wadley will lead Xero Shoes’ product development staff, liaising with Product Design, Product Management and Operational counterparts to continue innovating the brand’s growing line of barefoot-inspired footwear. He brings extensive knowledge and experience in performance running, trail running, and hiking shoe construction,  which will build on Xero Shoes’ mission of providing life-changing footwear based on “foot first” designs.“Xero Shoes is growing at an impressive rate, and I’m excited to inject fresh, innovative ideas and solutions to capture new and retain existing customers who love natural movement,” says Wadley. “The brand has so much potential and I’m looking forward to using my expertise in product development and innovation to elevate their classic and new footwear styles.”Prior to Xero Shoes, Wadley played an instrumental role in fueling Altra’s hyper growth over the past 10 years, in roles as Senior Footwear Developer, and during the brand’s new ownership under VF Corp. as Director of Product Development, and most recently his aforementioned role as Director of Product.“We’re excited to welcome John to Xero Shoes where he will be a great addition to the Product Creation team,” says Dennis Driscoll, Chief Product Officer. “He brings a ‘can do’ spirit and has experience successfully navigating the type of rapid growth Xero Shoes has been experiencing.”###About Xero ShoesFounded in 2009, Xero Shoes manufactures comfortable, lightweight, performance and casual footwear built with a “foot-first design”. The company’s mission is to help people experience the comfort and benefits of barefoot-inspired footwear that lets them move naturally and “Live Life Feet First”. Co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, started Xero Shoes after discovering that running barefoot solved years of running injuries, but that being actually barefoot wasn't ideal in many situations. Xero Shoes launched in December 2009, in the EU in November 2021. The brand features a complete line of casual and performance shoes, boots, and sandals that customers ages 2-92 in 97 countries wear for almost any imaginable occasion and activity. Sashen, along with co-founder and President, Lena Phoenix, appeared on ABC's hit reality-business show, Shark Tank, where they turned down a $400,000 offer from Kevin "Mr. Wonderful" O'Leary.

Footwear Plus Asks: How is Xero Shoes Defining Comfort?

Footwear Plus Asks: How is Xero Shoes Defining Comfort?

Footwear Plus surveyed top footwear brands about how they define comfort to meet customer needs. Xero Shoes' CEO Steven Sashen speaks up about how our brand stands apart by designing comfortable footwear with a foot-shaped design and a low-to-the-ground feel.They ask, what’s new for next spring? One aspect of comfort is light weight, and our new casual and hiking boots are going to be a gamechanger.Check out the article: Defining Comfort.

USA Today Recommends Xero Shoes
MindBodyGreen Says Xero Shoes' Prio is the Best Running Shoe for Wide Feet

MindBodyGreen Says Xero Shoes' Prio is the Best Running Shoe for Wide Feet

If you have wide feet, you know that you need a shoe that allows your foot to bend and flex naturally and your toes to spread out. The good news is, all of Xero Shoes feature a wide, foot-shaped design and wide toe box.MindBodyGreen recommends the best minimalist running shoe for wide feet is Xero Shoes' Prio. The shoe is also super light and provides a barefoot feel while protecting your feet.Read the article: The 10 Best Running Shoes For Wide Feet of 2022, From A Certified Personal Trainer 

Oprah Daily's Podiatrist-Recommended Xero Shoes

Oprah Daily's Podiatrist-Recommended Xero Shoes

When you're looking for a shoe that's good for your feet, you turn to a podiatrist. One of our favorites is Dr. Ray McClanahan, who recommends Xero Shoes' Kelso court-style sneaker as a great shoe for bunions."This shoe checks all the boxes of a good foot-shaped design and has a minimal padding from a removable insert.Read the article 12 Best Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Bunions