Started in 2009 by husband and wife team Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, Xero Shoes was an answer to Steven’s constant running injuries. Originally called Invisible Shoes, it started with homemade huarache running sandals. Xero Shoes is the most consistent minimalist shoe brand and now makes 50+ styles of shoes, boots, and sandals. With such a big portfolio of options, we wanted to create our own list of Best Xero Shoes.
But before we get to the list, let’s talk about what Xero Shoes is aiming to accomplish and how Xero Shoes may help you.
Xero Shoes’ mission is to let your feet do what they do naturally while letting you enter places that require shoes and protecting the bottoms of your feet from rocks and other obstacles in our largely paved world. Xero Shoes can be used for running, walking, hiking or just everyday life. Low to the ground, flexible shoes like Xero will build up foot muscles and improve foot strength thus making the base of all athletic movements stronger.
Xero calls it natural movement but you’ve likely heard it called minimalist or barefoot. Whatever you call it, the idea is getting your feet more connected to the ground. Think of Xero Shoes as a tool to improve foot health and find your most natural movement patterns.
One note of caution. After you buy your first pair of Xero Shoes, integrate them into your shoe rotation slowly. Light walking, very short runs (really short…like 30 seconds to a minute), or wearing them for a small part of a gym session are all great ways to start. Your feet will need time to adapt.
As your foot muscles build and your gait adapts, you’ll be able to wear the shoes for longer. Eventually you’ll be wearing Xero Shoes all day, for an entire workout, or a difficult trail run. Once you get there, your foot health should be on a whole new level.
Updated: 03.26.2025
Best Xero Shoes Show
Xero Shoes – Top Tier
Xero X1
The Xero X1 is possibly the weirdest basketball shoe on the market but is impressively stable and comfortable. The X1 is way different from normal basketball shoes in terms of the zero drop geometry, minimal cushion under the feet, and foot shaped last. The X1 also comes in Mid and Low versions so you can choose according to your preference. The traction can pick up a lot of dust but wiping often will solve that. Whether used as a foot strengthening tool or a go-to basketball shoe, the X1 performs well on court and finally delivers a quality zero drop option for basketball. Watch the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 0mm, Price: $160 or $170
Xero Nexus Knit
The Xero Nexus Knit is our favorite Xero shoe mainly because of how comfortable it is. If you’re going to start going down the minimalist footwear road, the Nexus Knit is a great first step. The outsole is protective and grippy but the upper is where the magic happens. The knit molds to your foot, assisted by generous achilles pillows. It’s a very comfortable sock-like fit that works just as well casually as it does in the gym.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 0mm, Price: $110
Xero Scrambler Low
The Xero Scrambler Low is Xero’s best trail shoe. The outsole is grippy Michelin rubber with nice sized lugs. The outsole extends up slightly on the lateral and medial sides to create sidewalls that help keep the foot secure on the footbed. The lacing system also allows great lockdown through the two anchor points that extend all the way below the foot. It’s a well thought out hiking or trail running shoe and even looks good enough for daily wear.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 0mm, Price: $150
Xero Forza Trainer
The Xero Forza Trainer is not only one of the best Xero shoes, but one of the best weightlifting shoes on the market. Since it’s Xero, there’s not much cushion, but the stability is elite with sidewalls at the heel, TPU wings at the lateral and medial arch, and a lockdown strap. Also, the outsole stickily grips the gym floor. You can trust the Forza Trainer won’t move anywhere you don’t want it to while you’re trying to PR an olympic style lift or hefting tons of weight via squats or deadlifts. If you want a zero drop gym shoe for lifting heavy, you won’t find anything better.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 0mm, Price: $130
Xero 360
The Xero 360 has proven itself sufficient after months of on and off again testing. For players that have the discipline to not jump at any point in a pickleball game or match (something I recommend avoiding if you strive to play at higher levels), the 360 works very well as a court shoe. The overall flexibility of the shoe is nearly perfect for pickleball and it provides natural stability, a necessity I feel is often overlooked in many pickleball shoes.
There’s a physical adjustment period so ramp up slowly. But once you’re used to the 360, giving it more time on court results in feeling better overall. The Xero 360 has earned our trust for a ground bound style of pickleball play.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 0mm, Price: $100
Xero Dillon
The Xero Dillon is Xero’s best casual shoe. Even Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler rocks them on occasion. The Dillon has a classic look and a minimalist feel but also includes some cushion so it’s great for starting the minimalist transition. The knit upper is breathable and molds to your foot just like the Nexus Knit. That the Dillon looks great casually while helping strengthen your feet in between your training sessions means the $100 price point is a good value.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 0mm, Price: $100
Xero Shoes – Second Tier
Xero HFS II
The Xero HFS II isn’t one of our favorite Xero shoes but it’s reliable and durable. It is one of Xero’s best sellers so it has a lot of fans. The HFS II features a bit more cushion than you normally get with Xero and a well-built durable outsole. The competitive price doesn’t hurt either.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 0mm, Price $120
Xero Zelen
The Xero Zelen is a lightweight running shoe with a car tire inspired outsole. Could the Zelen be even lighter without some of the overlays? Yes. It’d also look better. But even as it exists now the Zelen is a good fitting shoe. Though the lack of a cushion means it’s not the best place to start if you want a minimalist runner. Start with the Scrambler Low or HFS II and then transition to the Zelen when your legs are ready.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 0mm, Price: $130
Xero Shoes to Avoid
No current models are on the avoid list.
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Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best Xero shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram.
Mens Prio Failed after two months. warranty claim denied. Stay away.
I really liked these Prio shoes. This was my first purchase of a Xero product. They were great for 2 months, the rubber slit where the strap loops through the soul broke after about eight 5 mile hikes on easy trails.
The worst part is Xero refused their warranty claim because I bought it on amazon. As if the person who shipped it to me is responsible for a poorly made shoe with manufacturing defects.
They claim that they cannot guarantee quality control from “unauthorized” resellers. The shoes came to me in brand new unused undamaged condition in OEM packaging and packing materials. This failure was CLERLY AND OBVIOUSLY due to poor manufacturing and or design.
I requested a replacement. after 8 back and forth emails they refuse to stand behind the shoe that they designed and manufactured because they don’t like the guy that shipped it to me. They promptly offered to sell me another pair from their website and thanked me for understanding that they do not value their customers, the reputation of their company, or the concept of “word of mouth” advertising. They clearly value the quarterly bottom line of long term brand loyalty and customer base grwoth. How many loyal lifetime customers would I have generated by wearing, demonstrating, and talking about their products? I was already getting excited and showing off my Xero shoes to people and frineds on the trails. that sort of viral advertising is “crucial” building a brand and loyalty.
I initially attempted to purchase from Xero shoes website but their inventory is very limited and there was only one style of the Prio available in my size. So I found a pair on amazon with free 2 day shipping. The seller that I purchased from had a lot of Xero shoes styles and sizes in stock. way more than Xero themselves.
I have to ask myself how this “unauthorized” reseller got their hands on so much brand new Xero product in original packaging. Does Xero sell the factory reject shoes to “unauthorized” retailers and then not support their customers by denying warranty claims? Something doesn’t add up there. how a
Please see the images to see the poor quality product that the company wont stand behind.
Prios aren’t one of our preferred Xero Shoes. Fakes or shoes rejected by brands for factory QC issues are rampant on Amazon and can look and claim to be the real thing because Amazon doesn’t police that well enough. Buying from Amazon sellers is a BIG risk when it comes to footwear.