Xero Shoes Review

Xero Shoes Reviewed & Exposed

In this Xero shoes review I’ve left nothing out.

You’re about to find out:

  • What’s great about them.
  • The MAIN reason people have had a problem with Xero shoes
  • How to order the right size
  • How they are for sprints
  • Whether they’re good for distance running and more

What’s good about XERO Shoes?

I recently learned about Xero shoes from my brother.  He recently got a pair thinking as a toe shoe user, the extra cushioning provided by the thicker sole, and the wider toe box, might make them a good alternative for people that don’t like the heel to toe drop most traditional running shoes have.

I saw his, and thought I’d like to try a pair too.

What’s good?

After using them for a sprint and weight workout day, and a 5K run day, I can say the extra cushioning is the thing I like the most.

Being a barefoot shoe wearer since at least 2010, and trying to keep the sole to a bare minimum, the extra cushioning without the heel to toe drop is welcoming

They felt good on the bottoms of my feet and they felt relieving to my ankles.  I injured an ankle pretty badly awhile back and it’s been stiffer after my sprint and 5K run days.

My ankles felt better than usual after running with the XERO shoes.

In addition, the shoe is still very light, and the design is great.  It’s a real comfortable shoe to me, and in most of the reviews I’ve read about them people feel the same as I do.

The flexible sole design may have something to do with the comfort of Xero shoes as well.

Here’s an example of a typical good review from Amazon about Xero Shoes:

Alexander

“Excellent barefoot style shoe, size was small

I’ve been running barefoot style for 15 years. And I’ve bought two previous xero products with satisfaction (flat sole material cut into huarache with laces and the later molded sole material).

This full shoe is another great solution. The sole is basic and flat which is exactly what I’ve always appreciated about xero. But in our cold weather I needed the extra material this shoe provides. I wore socks with it. And I don’t know yet how it will feel in summer heat.

I would have preferred a slip on style but laces aren’t enough to ding the design. Regarding size, I am typically a 9.5 or 10 US mens but the 10 I first ordered was extremely too short.

I have an older Brooks barefoot style also in a 10 and it was a full 3/4 inch longer. So I ordered an 11 US mens and it fit perfectly. My experience was to buy larger than normal.”

BikeDaily

What about sizing your Xero Shoes?

Making sure you order the right size Xero shoe the 1st time will save you the hassle of disappointment and having to return them.

I’d heard before that you should order these shoes at least a half size larger than you are used to.  I did, and I’m happy with what I have.

The above being stated, a lot of people recommend you should order a whole size up, and I understand why.

At 1/2 size up, my Xero shoes are snug; I’m wearing a 9.5 when I normally where a 9 and they’re as snug as I want a shoe to be.  After wearing them once, they fit about perfect now, but some people might like them a full size larger than what they’re used to wearing.

What’s the worst thing about XERO shoes?

Although I haven’t experienced the downside of the shoes yet, a lot of people that have reviewed the shoes said they were a great idea, but they wore out or fell a part to quickly.  See my update about how long the Xero Prio lasts HERE!

Here’s a a typical  negative review from Amazon so you can get an idea of what people don’t like about XERO shoes.

“Interesting Design, Poor Build Quality

After almost 4 months of very light use (walking, gym, <30 mi city running) the upper is separating from the lower at the toe box.

The fine stitching on the heel loop started unraveling in the first month as well, I’ve trimmed that once with a razor but it kept coming.

It’s a great design, I really love the lateral stability that the outer webbing provides, but the quality just isn’t there for a shoe in this price range.

I’ve babied these shoes and they’re just coming apart on their own. Don’t know if that’s a problem with the initial run, but as it is I can’t recommend these to anyone.”

Alexander

I hope this review helps you decide whether XERO Shoes are a Good choice for you.

Click HERE to get your Xero Shoes on Amazon.
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