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

latest News

WIRED: Z-Trail EV Best Barefoot Trail Running Shoe

WIRED: Z-Trail EV Best Barefoot Trail Running Shoe

WIRED's list of "Our 6 Best Trail Running Shoes" includes Xero Shoes' Z-Trail EV as the best barefoot trail running sandal. Editor Scott Gilbertson swears by these in many other WIRED reviews.  The Z-Trail EVsandal stands out from other similar sandals because it's 70% lighter. The sandal's triple-layer sole, which includes a foam layer, offers protection and comfort while still allowing you to feel like you're barefoot. READ MORE

Travel + Leisure Names Xero Shoes' Z-Trail the Best Lightweight Hiking Sandal

Travel + Leisure Names Xero Shoes' Z-Trail the Best Lightweight Hiking Sandal

 It's summertime and that means some of us are hitting the trails in our hiking sandals. Travel + Leisure listed the Z-Trail EV as the best lightweight sandal in their roundup of Best Hiking Sandals for Men.

Which 2 Xero Shoes Made Runner's World Best Minimal Shoes?

Which 2 Xero Shoes Made Runner's World Best Minimal Shoes?

Runner's World lists Xero Shoes' Prio as the Best Stylish Comfort Minimal Shoe and Xero Shoes' Mesa Trail as the Best Road-to-Trail Shoe in their article featuring the Best Minimal Shoes.

Xero Shoes ranks #39 on Inc. Magazine’s List of the Rocky Mountain Region’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Xero Shoes ranks #39 on Inc. Magazine’s List of the Rocky Mountain Region’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

With 5 years on the national Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America, Feel The World, Inc. (dba Xero Shoes) adds another feather in its cap, ranking #39 for fastest growing private companies in the Rocky Mountain region.Co-founders Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix say, "We are SO grateful to our customers and employees who've helped Xero Shoes not only grow at this rate, year after year, but who've discovered the benefits, comfort, and FUN you experience when you get out of 'normal' shoes and Live Life Feet First!See more about the Rocky Mountain region's fastest growing companies here > https://www.inc.com/regionals/rocky-mountainAnd check out Xero Shoes' profile at https://www.inc.com/profile/xero-shoesSteven and Lena love to show what the company looked like at the beginning, back in late 2009, in this artist's rendering:Sashen points out, "This is not totally accurate... we only had 2 cats."But the company did start on the floor of a corner of a spare bedroom, making DIY barefoot running sandal kits that quickly sold to customers in more than 90 countries.Things have changed quite a bit since then (no more cats :-( ) ... Xero Shoes still sells the do-it-yourself sandals, but the product line now includes casual and performance shoes, boots, and sandals that people wear for almost every imaginable activity, from a stroll on the beach to climbing Kilimanjaro, to running ultra marathons, to a night on the town, or a day on your feet at work.

What Trail Shoe did Runner's World Recommend from Xero Shoes?

What Trail Shoe did Runner's World Recommend from Xero Shoes?

Xero Shoes' Mesa Trail was featured in Runner's World's Tester Notes column in the March print issue. RW Shoe Tester Don Kuntzman wrote about the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail running shoes after testing them out on a marathon. A small excerpt: “These are a good bridge for runners who want more grip on trails but also need a shoe for flat and even surfaces.”

Local Company Xero Shoes Donates Funds to Marshall Fire Recovery

Local Company Xero Shoes Donates Funds to Marshall Fire Recovery

Denver-Based Footwear Brand Offers Support to Those Struggling in the  Aftermath of the Deadly Boulder County FiresBroomfield, CO (February 15, 2022) – Xero Shoes, a Colorado-based footwear manufacturer, has made a $20,000 donation to the Marshall Fire Recovery in support of the  Boulder County community and the many who tragically lost their homes over the holidays. With more than 1,000 homes lost and nearly 10,000 people displaced, Xero Shoes hopes the funds can help recover from the devastating impact on local families. Additionally, Xero Shoes will also be taking applications from victims to receive a special 50 percent discount off a pair of Xero Shoes.“Xero Shoes’ donation will provide health, hope and a ‘home away from home’ for those who are getting back on their feet,” said CEO Steven Sashen. As a local to Boulder, and with nearby Denver the hometown of the Xero Shoes’ headquarters, the team is stepping up to serve others. “Throughout this devastating time, our team is working with local organizations to help those who lost everything in this fire. We depend on our community, and without the help of local companies like Xero Shoes, we would not be able to provide the love and support these families need each day.”Those who are interested in applying for a discounted pair of shoes can visit:  https://xeroshoes.com/pages/were-you-affected-by-the-marshall-fire/ The Marshall Fire Recovery with the Boulder County Wildlife Fund has assisted victims by offering a range of access to services including property loss and filing claims for assistance, financial and food assistance, mental health supports, transportation, and more.To learn more about Xero Shoes and its corporate philanthropy initiatives, please visit https://xeroshoes.com/.###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 helping people rediscover the comfort, fun, and benefits of natural movement so they can “Live Life Feet First”. Their goal is to get people out of thick, padded, motion-controlled shoes and into natural, barefoot-inspired footwear with their patented FeelTrue® soles. Xero Shoes was born out of necessity when its co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, discovered barefoot running as a solution to his constant running-induced injuries. Now a Masters All-American sprinter, Steven immediately recognized the value of natural movement and was determined to share that with the world. Xero Shoes launched in December 2009 and now has customers ages 1 to 92 in 97 countries who wear their shoes, sandals, and boots for all kinds of activities. 

Xero Shoes' Zelen Named in Women's Health Sneaker Awards

Xero Shoes' Zelen Named in Women's Health Sneaker Awards

Which of Xero's shoes made it into Women's Health Sneaker Awards? Our newest shoe, the Zelen, one of our performance running shoes.

Xero Shoes' Hiking Boots featured in Field & Stream

Xero Shoes' Hiking Boots featured in Field & Stream

Xero Shoes' DayLite Hiker Fusion is listed as one of the Best Hiking Shoes of 2022, according to outdoor magazine Field & Stream.If you like the comfort and streamlined fit of trail running shoes, our lightweight hiking boots are among the lightest on the market, weighing in less than 1.5 pounds total for the pair.Xero Shoes is changing the shoe industry by helping its customers “live life feet first.” The DayLite Hiker Fusion surprises many hikers with its lightweight design paired with extreme durability. It provides plenty of grip and traction for hiking on well-maintained trails, and the upper is durable enough to protect and support your feet. The minimal 10mm FeelTrue® sole features a 3.5mm lugged dual Chevron tread as a redesigned feature to provide more grip and traction when hiking.

Good Day DC Talks about Minimal Shoes for Marathons

Good Day DC Talks about Minimal Shoes for Marathons

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Our Life Logs, Xero Shoes and Animoto Announce: Remember My Story - Video Diaries from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our Life Logs, Xero Shoes and Animoto Announce: Remember My Story - Video Diaries from the COVID-19 Pandemic

(September 22, 2021) - Our Life Logs, an international story project sharing true-life journeys of resilience from around the globe, has partnered with Xero Shoes and Animoto for an inspired story-telling initiative. Together they will launch the Our Life Logs  video library with Remember My Story: Video Diaries from the COVID-19 Pandemic, inviting the public to share their own inspiring stories from this unprecedented time. Our Life Logs believes that humans have the strength and power to overcome adversity in unique and wonderful ways. Xero Shoes’ line of barefoot running-inspired shoes encourages natural movement, helping people to feel more fun and freedom in their lives - something everyone has been longing for during the isolating COVID lockdown. Watch the project video here.Remember My Story will encompass a wide range of pandemic related stories told in the form of Video Diaries: a first responder or other essential worker at the frontlines, a parent with children learning remotely, someone who has lost a job or loved one, a student handling major changes or anything else - all stories are welcome. These stories will showcase the power of the human spirit to persevere through incredible circumstances, creating empathy and connectivity to support everyone living through these transformational times. These stories will be enshrined in COVID history.  As a way to support the creators, the first 100 video diaries accepted into the archive will each receive a $100 grant, and the first 50 will also receive a $50 Xero Shoes gift certificate. To read all the details, the submission guidelines and rules, visit the microsite here: www.ourlifelogs.com/rms Remember My Story is also presented in partnership with Animoto, a video editing platform that makes it easy for anyone to create powerful and professional video, no experience required.  Animoto is offering a free month of Animoto Professional to Remember My Story video creators for a limited time - just email hello@blueloopllc.com with the subject line ANIMOTO to receive the promo code with more details.Kent Savage, Founder of Our Life Logs shares, "We all feel more connected when we hear stories from others who have overcome challenges similar to our own. That's the foundation of Our Life Logs - sharing our triumphs with others can uplift us in times of adversity and bring hope at a time when we can all use some positivity and good news. Since he shared his story with us in 2020,  Xero founder Steve Sashen has been a source of inspiration to all of us.  We're proud to be adding video to our collection, and to partner with Xero Shoes to bring even more impactful stories to the world during a time when so many of us have felt disconnected."In 2020, Xero Shoes CEO and co-founder Steven Sashen shared his story with Our Life Logs, called ‘No really, can you run in those?’ (Our Life Log #498), chronicling the twists and turns his life had taken before he found the inspiration to start Xero Shoes. You can read Steven’s story here. “Xero Shoes was inspired by the best-selling book, Born to Run, about how the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico run pain- and injury-free without traditional footwear. That sparked a worldwide movement in barefoot running. We know the power of storytelling and we're thrilled to partner with Our Life Logs to amplify personal stories of resilience and triumph from all walks of life," says Steven. "Just as the COVID-19 pandemic changed many people's lives, Xero Shoes is excited to give a voice for people to share their experiences with Our Life Logs' video diaries."Xero Shoes also donates a portion of their proceeds from their DIY Sandal Kit to the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital Fund.  The Indigenous people of the Copper Canyon in Mexico, the Tarahumara have been suffering under drought, food shortages, lack of access to health care, and other challenges. We’ll be sharing a story from the Tarahumara community as part of this project, in the coming weeks.# # # #About Our Life LogsOur Life Logs® started in the summer of 2017 in Mason, Ohio, with the goal of collecting inspiring stories from people of all different backgrounds. Since then, they have shared almost 600 stories from over 50 countries around the world. Struggle is universal, and Our Life Logs believes that when people share their journeys of overcoming the adversity  in their lives, they have the opportunity to inspire and comfort everyone else as we all navigate to our own destinations.About Xero ShoesFounded in 2009, Xero Shoes manufactures comfortable, lightweight, performance, and casual footwear built with a “foot-first design”. The company understands your foot is the foundation of human movement and the company's mission is helping people re-discover the fun and benefits of natural movement so they can “Live Life Feet First™”. Co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, created Xero Shoes after discovering that running naturally, without traditional footwear, resolved his constant running injuries and helped him become a Masters All-American sprinter. Xero Shoes has thousands of customers ages 1 to 92 in 97 countries who enjoy their products for almost every imaginable activity. Xero Shoes appeared on ABC’s hit reality-business show, Shark Tank, has made five consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000, and is the official footwear supplier of USA Artistic Swimming and USA Archery teams

Xero Shoes Makes the Inc. 5000 for the FIFTH Consecutive Time

Xero Shoes Makes the Inc. 5000 for the FIFTH Consecutive Time

Colorado-Based Xero Shoes Tops Inc. 5000 for the Fifth Year in a RowInc. Magazine Reveals Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000Broomfield, CO (August 17, 2021) – Inc. magazine today revealed that Xero Shoes ranked No. 1498 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. This is the fifth year in a row that Xero Shoes makes the listing, as the company has grown by 316 percent over three years, from 2017 to 2020, and added 20 jobs.Says co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, “Given how challenging the last few years have been, we’re grateful that both our incredible team and passionate customers have allowed us to continue growing at this rapid rate.”Xero Shoes has been a recipient of several other 2021 awards: Sashen was named on the 2021 Titan 100 list featuring Colorado’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives. Xero Shoes ranks number three in BizWest’s Mercury 100 and number 11 on Colorado Biz Magazine’s Top 100 WomenOwned Companies. Xero Shoes is the official footwear sponsor of the USA Olympic Artistic Swimming Team and USA Olympic Archery Team.Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but this year’s list also proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020’s unprecedented challenges. Xero Shoes in particular has overcome supply chain challenges while still growing their revenue by 88 percent in 2020.“Being named to the Inc. 5000 demonstrates our team’s resilience and commitment to provide the best customer experience to our community,” said Lena Phoenix, Co-Founder and CFO of Xero Shoes. Among the companies named by Inc. 5000, the average median three-year growth rate soared to 543 percent, and median revenue reached $11.1 million. Together, those companies added more than 610,000 jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.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 helping people rediscover the comfort, fun, and benefits of natural movement so they can “Live Life Feet First”. Their goal is to get people out of thick, padded, motion-controlled shoes and into natural, barefoot-inspired footwear with their patented FeelTrue® soles. Xero Shoes was born out of necessity when its co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, discovered barefoot running as a solution to his constant running-induced injuries. Now a Masters All-American sprinter, Steven immediately recognized the value of natural movement and was determined to share that with the world. Xero Shoes launched in December 2009 and now has customers ages 1 to 92 in 97 countries who wear their shoes, sandals, and boots for all kinds of activities.

Busting the Myths of Barefoot with Xero Shoes' Founder

Busting the Myths of Barefoot with Xero Shoes' Founder

Your browser does not support the video tag. Xero Shoes' founder and CEO Steven Sashen joins Fox Denver in-studio to bust the myths of barefoot running!