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A Barefoot Winter Boot Review in -29° C
To Run 2 Co-Author and Xero Shoes partner, Eric Orton put the Alpine to the test in harsh Wyoming winter conditions, with temperatures dipping to -29 °C. "The Alpine is the perfect balance of performance and protection, and I've been searching for a boot like this for the last 20 years."DISCOVER THE ALPINE
Microdosing with Barefoot Shoes: What to Know
Do you find yourself constantly on your feet or on the move? Whether an athlete, a parent, a nurse, a teacher or anyone else, your feet are the unsung heroes of your daily grind. And they’re often neglected and constrained by conventional footwear. But there’s a unique approach to building foot strength and improving foot health – microdosing with barefoot shoes. These zero-drop shoes are designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot while providing a thin, flexible sole for protection. The idea is to allow the foot to move naturally, engaging the muscles and joints that are often ignored in traditional footwear. Traditionally, microdosing has been associated with the controlled and measured intake of psychedelics. However, if you apply the concept of microdosing to barefoot shoes, it makes sense: adopting a gradual and measured approach transitioning from traditional, highly cushioned and overly supportive footwear to minimalist, barefoot shoes. Here’s how you can “microdose” with barefoot shoes: Gradual Transition "Microdosing" implies taking small steps, both figuratively and literally, towards embracing the natural movement and biomechanics of the feet. One way to do this is simply by walking in barefoot shoes. A research study by Dr. Sarah Ridge found that over eight weeks, barefoot/minimalist shoe walking is as effective as foot strengthening exercises in increasing foot muscle size and strength. A 2021 research study in Nature suggests that six months of regular minimal footwear use is sufficient to gain full strength, which may aid healthy balance and gait. This gradual process allows the feet to adapt to the new movement patterns and build strength over time. Adapt Microdosing involves an adaptation period where users observe how their bodies respond. Transitioning to barefoot shoes requires an adaptation period during which foot, ankle and leg muscles adjust to the new conditions. You may feel tighter calves or feet as you adapt - this is normal. As you’re adapting to barefoot shoes, start incorporating “foot core” into your daily routine, like the tips in that blog from Xero Shoes Partner and Born to Run coach Eric Orton. You can actually train your foot core to help prevent running-related injuries according to a study by Dr. Sacco. Once you feel comfortable with everyday activities in barefoot shoes, you can try gradually transitioning to run. Eric has a fantastic video with tips to integrate barefoot shoes into your running routine. GET TIPS HERE Observe As you transition to barefoot shoes, observe your gait and balance. Our feet consist of numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments that play a crucial role in maintaining balance and supporting our body. Microdosing with barefoot shoes allows these muscles to engage and work harmoniously. Plus you may find they’re more comfortable with the zero-drop design, wide toe box and thin, flexible soles, that give your toes room to wiggle. Closing Out: Microdosing with Barefoot Shoes In essence, the concept of microdosing with barefoot shoes involves a mindful and gradual approach to allowing the feet to reconnect with their natural function. It's about taking small, intentional steps towards healthier, stronger feet.
Best Gifts For Fitness Lovers: Xero Shoes Guide
Best Gifts For Fitness Lovers: Xero Shoes Guide If your fitness-loving family and friends have it all, skip the ordinary gifts and give them barefoot shoes from Xero Shoes. Whether they like to lift weights, play pickleball, run or tackle bootcamps, you can surprise them with a barefoot fitness shoe for any activity. What makes Xero Shoes the perfect fitness gift? Our workout shoes are designed to fit like a sock on your foot, featuring a comfortable wider, foot-shaped toe box and zero-drop sole. When you hit the gym in Xero Shoes, did you know that you’re working your feet just as well as your muscles? Barefoot strength training can offer better balance and stability, improved proprioception, and better form. Plus, Xero Shoes are the gift that lasts longer, since all shoes have a 5,000 mile sole warranty. Find a Xero Shoe for the Fitness Lover in your Life Gift for the Lifter: Forza Trainer The Forza Trainer is made for weight lifting and CrossFit. The bootie-style construction and instep strap provides a more custom fit, ensuring you stay stable and secure. Forza Trainer - Men SHOP MEN Forza Trainer - Women SHOP WOMEN Gift for the Stylish Gym-Goer: Prio Neo The Prio Neo is a sleek performance training shoe that’s ready for action at the gym, your bootcamp or CrossFit class. Breathable, moisture-wicking mesh keeps feet cool for all-day comfort, so you can go from the gym to the rest of your day. Prio Neo - Men SHOP MEN Prio Neo - Women SHOP WOMEN
Xero Shoes Gift Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts Men and Women
Best Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Guide for Men & Women Find The Perfect Xero Shoe For Your Outdoor Adventurer If your outdoor-loving family and friends seem like they have all the gear they need – tents, stove, backpacks, jackets, etc – make their next outdoor adventure a little more comfortable with barefoot hiking shoes, boots, or sandals from Xero Shoes. Whether they backpack, camp, fish, trail run, surf, or snowshoe… they’re bound to be surprised. What makes Xero Shoes the perfect gift for outdoor enthusiasts? Our outdoor shoes, boots, and sandals are so that they’ll forget they’re wearing them. The wider, foot-shaped toe box and zero-drop sole makes it feel like you’re wearing nothing. Plus, Xero Shoes are the gift that lasts longer, since all shoes have a 5,000 mile sole warranty. Gift for the Stylish Hiker: Ridgeway The Ridgeway looks good and feels comfortable, perfect for that person who curates their hiking outfit and always looks put-together in their hiking photos. Waterproof suede keeps feet dry and a grippy sole performs on various hiking surfaces for epic pictures. Ridgeway - Mens SHOP MEN Ridgeway - Womens SHOP WOMEN Gift for the Camper: Sunrise For campers with chilly feet in the mornings or evenings, the Sunrise is easy to slip on or off when they’re getting in and out of their tent. The microfiber suede feels so soft and is even water-repellant, so they don’t have to worry about the morning dew. Sunrise - Men SHOP MEN Sunrise - Women SHOP WOMEN Gift for the Skier/Snowboarder: Alpine After a day of shredding the slopes, there is no better relief than taking off stiff, heavy boots. That’s where the Alpine snow boot is like a welcome hug for tired feet. Plus the 200g/sq. in. polyester insulation, heat-reflective insole, and a fully seam-sealed lining give you the warmth your feet need. Alpine - Men SHOP MEN Alpine - Women SHOP WOMEN Gift for the Lightweight Backpacker: Scrambler Mid The Scrambler Mid is a “do it all” lightweight hiking boot for the hikers in your life who are always looking to shed weight without sacrificing performance. A Special Michelin sole differentiates this boot and makes it more agile, flexible and lighter than others. Scrambler Mid - Men SHOP MEN Scrambler Mid - Women SHOP WOMEN Gift for the Surfer or SUPer: Aqua Cloud Before hitting the water or waves, they will arrive at theto the beach in style with the color-popping Aqua Cloud. The adjustable straps ensure the best fit for any foot, and this sandal even floats, so if they drop it in the water they won’t lose it. Aqua Cloud - Men SHOP MEN Aqua Cloud - Women SHOP WOMEN
Best Shoes for the Outdoors for 2023
Feel great all day no matter what you're doing in the best shoes, sandals, and boots for spring and summer adventures.Your version of “outdoors” might involve exploring different terrains, hiking a technical mountain, or relaxing by a campfire.Either way, you’ll enjoy it more in lightweight, foot-shaped shoes that bring maximum comfort while still providing needed protection from the elements. Here are shoes that will fit any outdoor adventure you have planned this summer.Sunrise: For Relaxing and Recovery You’ll look forward to slipping into the cozy microfiber upper when you're making your coffee in the morning and getting ready for your adventure. Leave them at the door of your tent or the door of your house, for any easy pair of shoes to slide on quickly.The Sunrise slip-on is the perfect shoe for kicking back and making memories.The Sunrise is perfect for summer travel since it's our lightest shoe at 5.6 oz (M9) and 4.6 oz. (W7). You can slip them in a backpack or clip it onto your bag to wear at the end of the day. Wear it as a slide or a shoe. Just step right on the back of the shoe and slide your foot in.“From the moment I put them on, the most comfortable shoe ever!” - Robyn N“The Sunrise is so comfortable, light & easy to walk around in. I love their flexibility & versatility. I wear them on a quick trip to the store or when traveling.” - Mike S VIEW THE SUNRISE Z-Trail EV: For Ultralight Hiking or Casual Strolls Our most versatile sandal works equally well on land or in water, if you’re out hiking or taking a leisurely walk. Z-Trail EV dials in the perfect combination of lightweight protection and natural flexibility. Enjoy trail-ready traction from a 11mm lugged FeelTrue™ sole with a middle layer of TrailFoam to even out the bumps and the top layer of BareFoam for added comfort, while still allowing you to bend, move and flex your feet. They’re comfortable and protective enough to wear all day, but at a miniscule 5.4 oz (M9) and 4.3 oz (W7), they can also be your perfect “other” footwear for an ultralight thru-hike or a river corssing.If camping for you is something that MUST happen along a lake, river or stream, this is your sandal.“I’m putting them to work. I’m using them as my camp shoes on an AT section hike. They’re working great!” - Gregg A VIEW THE Z-TRAIL EV SCRAMBLER MID: FOR HARD MILES ON AND OFF THE TRAIL The Scrambler Mid is the worlds lightest fully technical hiking boot. At just 11.3 oz. per shoe (M9) and 9.4 oz (W7), a pair weighs less than just one single boot from most other companies.Every hiker knows that feeling at the end of a hike where you simply can’t wait to kick off your heavy, stiff boots. You won't feel that again in the Scrambler Mid. This technical hiking boot is so light and flexible, you’ll forget to take it off once you make it to camp.Scrambler Mid is a collaboration with the car and bike tire company Michelin. If you could see inside the thin Michelin Fiberlite sole, you’d find an embedded textile layer, giving the sole unparalleled strength, flexibility and lightness. In fact, it's so light people even run in the Scrambler Mid.Add a breathable, abrasion-resistant mesh upper, and you have a mountain travel powerhouse that’s just as comfortable once you take the pack off.“These are great! So light but still a strong sole for hiking. Most barefoot shoes let you still feel rocks etc through them, which isn’t fun after 8 hours of hiking.” - Karl T“Wore these for the first time on a long backpack trip fresh out of the box - no break in period needed. GREAT traction - very comfortable. Didn’t feel the need to kick off my shoes at the end of a long hike day. :)) Worth every penny!” - Angela W. VIEW THE SCRAMBLER MID Aqua x Sport: For water and trail Paddle-boarding, canyon camping, river rafting or kayaking… they all require shoes that dry quickly, pack easily, and have grip on wet and dry surfaces. The Aqua X Sport thrives when things get wet. This super-powered water shoe starts with the lightweight, rock-gripping sole of the Mesa Trail II. On top you’ll find a light and breathable mesh upper, non-absorbent tongue, and toe guard drain holes that help you quickly shed water. Coming in at 7.5 oz (M9) and 5.9 oz (W7), it’s barely any heavier wet than dry. The included speed laces with adjustable lace locks mean you can dial in a custom fit in no-time flat, wet or dry. This shoe is your secret weapon for moving naturally through all the elements.“Out of all the water shoes I've owned over the years, these are by far the most comfortable and breathable. No need to change between two pairs of shoes when going to a water related activity.” - Paul R. “Excellent grip on the sole when traversing slick logs across streams and muddy hillsides without slipping one millimeter. LOVE!” - Danielle K. VIEW THE AQUA X SPORT Find The Perfect Outdoor Shoe For YouWhatever your idea of outdoors is, there is a barefoot shoe for every activity imaginable - from backpacking, to river rafting, to relaxing back at camp. Take the shoe finder quiz to see what shoe is best for you.
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE 2023: BEST SHOES FOR DAD
Here are two things we can pretty confidently say about men: They appreciate comfort Once they find something comfortable, they wear it… until it’s worn out A foot-friendly, durable pair of barefoot shoes fits the bill on both counts. No matter what activities he loves doing, naturally comfortable shoes can help him enjoy it even more. And he’ll appreciate his feet feeling as good at the end of the day as they did at the start. Use this guide to match up the dads you care about with the shoes they’ll love. Not sure of someone’s size? Just send him this article, plus a Xero Shoes gift certificate. The Sunrise: For Chilling & Grilling If a perfect “grilling shoe” exists, the Sunrise is it. It’s soft, cozy, and so light it feels like it’s barely there – the ideal vibe for making a dream meal on the patio. But just as importantly, it’s also the easiest shoe to take on and off when heading inside or outside. He can pull the back of the shoe up over his heel like a regular shoe or slipper. Or, just step right on the back and slide in. “I wear them to the store, around the house, in the garage, driving, and everywhere else. May toss out all of my other shoes. Nah, not my Prios and Glenns!” - Thomas C. These are my go to everyday shoes for traveling, walking the dog, grocery shopping. Has helped improve my posture and balance as well! - Nikhil M. “The Sunrise shoe is incredibly comfortable. It's a whole new experience.” - John F. VIEW THE SUNRISE Prio: For Working Out and Living In Prio is the go-to for men who don’t JUST work out in their athletic shoes. They live in them all day, every day. He’ll appreciate the low-to-the-ground build and grip for running or lifting, and the instep straps for lateral stability in any sport. The lightweight design and flexible, foot-shaped sole will help his feet feel as good at the end of the day as they did at the start. And for whatever else he wants or needs to do… there’s a Prio for that. Prio Neo: The Prio’s grip and lateral support in an even lighter, sleeker design. Prio Suede: Leather-accented style ready for the office or a night out. Prio All-Day SR brings slip resistance and full-grain leather to meet service industry standards. "Best shoes ever! I really don’t know why I didn’t purchase these earlier. So much better than commercial runners. Now my other shoes are now in the cupboard. Will definitely buy another pair.” - Richie R. “The most comfortable thing I've ever put on my feet. These things are awesome, and you've got a lifetime customer!” - Todd E. “I wear the prio for the gym, going out, at work, etc. It's the best all around shoe.” - Ryan A VIEW THE PRIO COLLECTION Scrambler Mid: The Ultimate Lightweight Hiking Shoe If getting out in the elements, hiking in the hills, or strapping on a backpack is how he likes to spend his free time, he’ll enjoy every step more in the ultra-light Scrambler Mid. This new collaboration between Xero Shoes and the car and bike tire company Michelin features a Michelin Fiber Lite® sole that brings mountain bike-inspired grip without sacrificing flexibility. The abrasion-resistant mesh upper keeps out trail debris while letting cool air in. He’ll love how light he feels in these. At just 11.3 oz. per shoe (M9), a pair weigh less than just one single boot from most other companies. “The best! I decided to take a chance on the Scrambler Mid and I couldn’t be happier. My first time ever wearing them was a 13-mile round trip hike into the Grand Canyon. No rubbing weird, no blisters, nothing. I barely noticed them on my feet. I highly recommend them.” – Michael D. “Lightweight, incredibly comfortable, and they look awesome!” - Jim “Just finished some backcountry hiking and the boots were great. Very stable tread and the mesh upper drained water quickly so the shoes would dry out.” - Rob J VIEW THE SCRAMBLER MID Naturally comfortable shoes for every season, activity… and every man Don’t see the perfect fit here? Explore our entire selection of men’s barefoot shoes, boots, and sandals available in different styles, colors and sizes to find even more options for the man on your list. Not comfortable picking shoes for him? Just send him this article, plus a Xero Shoes gift certificate.
Tips to Clean Your White Shoes
Use this three-step Xero Shoes-approved process to keep your shoes looking their best. No fancy equipment needed! If you have a brand new shoe and you want to give it the most dirt protection possible, consider using a protectant spray like Jason Markk Shoe Protector Shoe Repellant Spray. Cleaning Advice Here’s how the designers and Customer Happiness Team at Xero Shoes recommend keeping your shoes their cleanest and brightest. Step 1. Mix Some Dry Laundry Detergent with Cold Water This doesn’t have to be a strong solution. Two cups of water and around a teaspoon of dry non-bleach laundry detergent is sufficient. Make sure it’s non-bleach, because bleach is a powerful chemical that can permanently discolor some shoes. Mix the water and detergent in a small bucket or bowl until slightly sudsy, and you’re ready to go. Step 2. Spot-Clean Shoes with a Soft Bristle Brush Have an old toothbrush? It works great here. So does a small plastic-bristled cleaning brush. Avoid metal bristles, which can rip shoe fabric. Softly brush any discolored spots on the upper, sidewalls, or soles of your shoe. If you’ve been out in bad weather, this might be most of the shoe. Step 3. Air Dry Once you’re done cleaning your shoes, wipe off any excess detergent and then rinse the cleaned areas gently under cold water. Let them air dry completely before wearing them again. How Often Should I Clean My Shoes? Here’s the most important rule: The sooner you clean your shoes after they get dirty, the better. Stains that settle in over time are far harder to remove. Want to know how to care for a specific shoe? Check the 'care tab' on the product page for whatever style you are looking to clean. Now that you have this info, maybe now you'll feel more comfortable slipping on our whitest and brightest shoes.
BOSU Ball creator's favorite Xero Shoe?
David Weck, developed the BOSU ball and is all about helping people maximize their health and performance. What shoe does David, and his team at weckmethod.com wear? Check out the video, below, for the answer to that question plus his great (and FAST) advice on how to make the transition from a "normal" shoe to a minimalist, lightweight shoe that lets your feet do what's natural.
Hiking for Health
Want to improve your health AND have fun? Take a hike! Hiking has significant health benefits. Here are just 5: Hiking on rugged trail surfaces is a natural way to engage your core muscles, Burn calories -- Hiking on uneven terrain increases the amount of energy used by your body by 28 percent compared to walking on flat ground, Get strong -- Hiking helps to strengthen often neglected muscles in your hips, knees, ankles, and feet to improve balance and stability, Hiking is good for your brain: research shows that time spent in natural environments engages all five senses and calms brain activity, Instant meditation -- just being out in mother nature reduces your mind’s tendency to get stuck on negative, self-focused thought patterns – resulting in a happier, healthier you! So, go on a hike! Your body and mind will thank you. The content of this post does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.
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