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Are Cushioned Shoes Bad for Your Joints?
Big shoe companies will try to tell you that all that padding and “motion control” technology is helping to protect you from impact. A new study from Oregon State University found the opposite. You can read all about it in this New York Times article: “Super-Cushioned Running Shoes are All the Rage, But Aren’t Foolproof.” READ THE FULL ARTICLE If you hit the article-limit paywall, here are the big takeaways on why cushioned shoes are bad for your joints: Runners in “maximalist” cushioned running shoes hit the ground harder, and pronate more (roll their ankles inward), than runners in neutral shoes This tendency gets WORSE the more you run in those shoes Super-maximal shoes “tend to be more unstable” than low-to-the-ground barefoot running shoes, even on roads and track Xero Shoes Make Happier, Healthier Runners If there’s a common thread among the tens of thousands of Xero Shoes reviews, it’s this: Nobody started wearing Xero Shoes because of any special technology. They just wanted to move better, and feel better. And guess what: They do! Skeptic turned believer! “I love that I can feel the ground beneath me when I walk, and it has really increased my proprioception so I’m not wobbly or tripping. I usually would kick my shoes off and go barefoot as soon as I got home, but now they don’t come off until I go to bed.” - Timothy C Amazing, life-changing shoes “I bought them because I stand all day. They are perfect. Changed my life in two days! I will buy them again.” - Donna C. Amazingly comfortable “I feel safer walking the trails wearing Xero Shoes - especially navigating rocky areas. I own 5 pairs and love them.” - Linda T OMG Great shoes. They really do make my feet feel good. Thanks! - Shane T

The Perfect Summer Shoes to Go with Every Type of Adventure
Summer fun is just around the corner. Are you ready for days at the beach? Have you made plans to spend some time on your favorite trails? Or maybe you’re thinking of an urban getaway to a new city? Whatever you’ve got planned, having the right summer shoes to go with your adventures is essential. The right shoes have four key factors: They facilitate your fun. You wouldn’t want to wear a pair of hiking boots to wade in the ocean, and scrambling up a steep mountain trail in a pair of sandals might not be your speed. Pick a shoe that will help you get the most enjoyment from your activity. They leave your feet feeling good. If your feet don’t feel as good at the end of the day as they did at the beginning, then your shoes aren’t doing their job. You like the look of them. They’re easy to pack. Your summer shoes should be light and flexible so they’re easy to take with you anywhere. Whatever adventures the summer has in store for you, Xero Shoes has the right pair of summer shoes to help you maximize your fun. SUMMER SHOES FOR BEACHY FUN - AQUA CLOUD Whether you’re strolling along sandy shores, paddle boarding, or splashing around in the waves, the Aqua Cloud is so lightweight it’s barely there, but — wet or dry — it gives your feet a just-right amount of protection. Grippy rubber sole No thong strap pressure points Easy on and off lacing 3mm BareFoam for added comfort SHOP AQUA CLOUD CONQUERING AN URBAN JUNGLE - DILLON OR NEXUS KNIT Do you love exploring new cities in the summer months, but dread how your feet feel after walking around on concrete or cobblestones all day? There’s a simple solution. Pick a shoe that leaves your feet feeling as good at the end of the day as they did at the beginning... a shoe like the Dillon or the Nexus Knit. Soft, breathable mesh upper All day comfort in a classic sneaker Vegan friendly Super lightweight SHOP DILLONSHOP NEXUS KNIT SPENDING SUMMER DAYS ON YOUR FAVORITE TRAILS - SCRAMBLER MID II Enjoy your time in the mountains more when you’re not weighed down by heavy boots. Confidently tackle challenging terrain in the lightweight, flexible Scrambler Mid II. Rainy, muddy trails? The Scrambler Mid II WP, our waterproof version, means you’ll have fun, rain or shine. Grippy Michelin Fiberlite sole Mid height to keep out debris Mud shedding lugs for confident traction Lightweight comfort with the protection you need SHOP SCRAMBLER MID II TAKING ON A SUMMER RUN - HFS II Summertime isn’t just for traveling or hanging out by the lake. It’s also race season. If you’re gearing up for a competitive or fun summer run, don’t forget about your shoes! The HFS II from Xero Shoes may be the perfect road racing shoe. It’s lightweight, highly flexible, and oh-so-comfortable. So lightweight, you’ll feel like you’re flying Tire tread-inspired outsole Moisture-wicking lining for extra breathability Highly flexible sole SHOP HFS II TRAIL RUNNING... YOUR NEW SUMMER HOBBY? - SCRAMBLER LOW Flying down a trail, navigating the uneven terrain, soaking in the outdoors... what could be better? Doing it all in the most comfortable trail runners imaginable, that’s what. See how good your feet feel when you slip into a pair of Scrambler Lows. And if you need your feet to stay dry when the trails getting muddy, there’s a waterproof version, too. Grippy Michelin Fiberlite sole Breathable mesh upper Lightweight comfort Secure, adjustable fit SHOP SCRAMBLER LOW HAVE MORE FUN WITH HAPPY FEET Whatever adventure you find yourself on, you’ll have more fun when your feet feel good. And that means finding the perfect pair of summer shoes for each of your warm-weather activities. Xero Shoes has barefoot shoes for every summer adventure. Browse all shoes to find your next pair.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: The Perfect Xero Shoes For Every Woman in Your Life
Being a mom is many things, but “easy” generally isn’t one of them. But a truly comfortable pair of barefoot shoes for women make every daily challenge a little more manageable - and every fun activity just a little more enjoyable. Use this tool to match up the moms you care about with the shoes they’ll love. Not sure of someone’s size? Just send her this article, plus a Xero Shoes eGift Card. DILLON: For Style-Conscious WOMEN Light, comfortable, and they go with everything PAGOSA: FOR BUSY JETSETTERS WITH TIRED FEET Perfect for around town or around a campsite. https://www.xeroshoes.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pagosa-for-Mothers-Day.mp4 Xero Shoes PR Director (and Mom-to-be!) recommends the Pagosa for any expecting mothers. Prio Neo: For ACTIVE WomeN Fun and agile for the go-getter. SCRAMBLER MID II: For Women Who Get Outdoors If hiking, pushing a stroller down a trail, or carrying a baby backpack to the top of a hill is her idea of “fun,” she’ll enjoy the ultra-light Scrambler Mid II. Phoenix Leather: For Busy Professional Women All-day comfort in an elegant flat.

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.

“THE DREAM SHOE”: A PARTNERSHIP WITH XERO SHOES & BORN TO RUN 2 AUTHORS
Fifteen years ago, Christopher McDougall’s iconic book Born to Run changed our ideas of running technique, and running footwear, forever. But McDougall and Eric Orton, his running coach and recent co-author of Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide, haven’t ever officially partnered with a running shoe company. UNTIL NOW. On April 13th, Xero Shoes will release Born to Run shoes for both trails and roads. Both models will feature: Thin, tough soles that hit the sweet spot of flexibility and rock protection Wider toe boxes and zero heel elevation for natural movement Lightweight designs with breathable, soft uppers Christopher and Eric have been putting these shoes to the test for months, and they’re thrilled with their fit, feel, and overall functionality. “These have everything you need and nothing you don’t. This is the way!” McDougall raves. “If this is Christopher’s dream shoe, and it’s my shoe, this is YOUR dream shoe,” Orton says. We’ll provide additional details, images, and exclusive deals prior to launch. Stay tuned and spread the word in your running community! NOTIFY ME Why did Christopher & Eric Partner with Xero Shoes? Christopher McDougall: “After Born to Run came out, I was approached by a ton of shoe companies who all wanted to partner with some kind of collaboration. I uniformly said no, for two reasons. Number one: I never saw anything I really liked. And number two, I could never be sure they would continue creating the kind of shoe that I believed in. And then I put these Xero Shoes on my feet, and I basically didn’t take them off for the next two months. That’s why I’m so happy now to partner up with Xero Shoes, and I have 100% confidence in recommending them to anybody. If these shoes are on your shelf, you're going to be happy to pick them up.” Eric Orton: "This relationship all starts with the Xero Shoes’ overriding philosophy and focus on natural running and movement. We are in lock-step with this ethos, and it’s very exciting to be partnering with a company that is driven by their mission. Add this to the company’s eclectic staff of shoe industry experts, and you have a powerful combination of business principles and high-end performance shoes. I’m really excited about what Xero Shoes are doing.” Why did Xero Shoes Partner with Chris and Eric? Steven Sashen: “The original Born to Run was a huge inspiration for me when my wife Lena and I started Xero Shoes. And Christopher and Eric have continued to deliver their hard-earned wisdom for foot-friendly training and living ever since. They create happier, healthier runners, not just faster ones. Collaborating with them on a shoe was a personal dream of mine, but also a natural choice for the Xero Shoes brand. The Xero Shoes Born to Run shoes will satisfy the exacting expectations of minimalist diehards. But like all Xero Shoes, they’re also designed to be the most comfortable shoes you own, period. Take them out on your favorite road or trail, and experience the joy of running further, faster with ease – the way you were Born to Run.” Mark April 13th on your calendar, and get ready to feel the difference everywhere you run when you… Live Life Feet First

5 “MOVEMENT SNACKS” TO DO WITH A PARTNER
It’s time to rethink what a workout can be! Sure, there’s definitely still a time and place for a dedicated run, yoga class, or lifting session. But the movement in your life doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t) end there. Fill your life with purposeful, stimulating physicality, and it will pay off in ways you expect, and ways you can’t predict. You’ll perform better, think better, and simply feel better all day! The perfect place to start is with “movement snacks.” What are movement snacks? “Movement snacks” are a groundbreaking training concept from Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide by Chris McDougall and Eric Orton, the follow-up to McDougall’s iconic best-seller Born to Run. These easy-to-learn exercises help engrain crucial human movement patterns on both physiological and neurological levels. Borrowing a page from McDougall’s limitless exercise manifesto Natural Born Heroes: Mastering the Lost Secrets of Strength and Endurance, they also require no equipment and can be done anytime, anywhere. Another great thing about snacks? You can do them on your own, but they’re even better with a partner! Here’s why. For one, adding someone else to your movement practice has been shown in research (and by countless real-life examples) to help all types of workouts be more effective. It helps people stay more motivated to keep coming back. It even enhances exercise's stress-reducing benefits. Basically, adding another person (or two, or a few) instantly makes everything that makes movement great even better! Here are three movement snacks that are group-friendly, fun, and suitable for all fitness levels! These exercises are excerpts with permission from Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide. Get your own signed copy here, and get 10% off of any Xero Shoes purchase! 1. Braced Deep Squat: Solo or With Partner "How to: Face your partner and grab each other's wrists. Support each other by pulling backward, easing down into a squat at the same time. Pause a few beats, then pull each other back up. How many: 10-12, with a focus on range of motion and controlled technique, rather than speed. Pay special attention to: Focus on getting as deep as you can, with good form, keeping feet facing straight forward. Improve through time. Purpose: Deep Squats can unlock your entire range of motion, everything from your neck to the soles of your feet, while loosening tight hips and Achilles and easing lower back tension" 2. Bear Crawls: Solo or With Partner How to: Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders, knees under hips, and head in a comfortable position, eyes looking at least 1-2 feet ahead of you, ideally straight ahead. Press evenly onto your palms, tuck your toes under and lift your knees to hover just off the floor. Push onto your left toes and right hand, stepping forward with the left hand and right foot. Continue forward in a nice fluid motion. Keep the hips stable and avoid overly swaying form side to side. Repeat the same opposite arm-opposite leg pattern to move forward. Throughout your movement, keep your focus on easy breathing through the nose. WATCH HOW TO VIDEO How many: 20 steps (each time the right hand makes contact with the ground) to start, and build from there. Pay special attention to: Keeping the knees 2-3 inches off the floor. Work on keeping the hips stable and avoid shifting from side to side. Rest as needed. Purpose: Crawling builds full body strength and connects upper and lower body, as well as developing coordination. It's also a sneaky quad burn!" A movement snack from "Born To Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide" Make it a fun partner workout by bear crawling towards each other and then shaking your partner's hand. Then proceed to bear crawl backward and repeat. 3. Side Lift: With Partner "How to: Balance barefoot on your right forefoot using a wall or chair or partner to help you stabilize. Keeping your right leg straight, raise your left leg sideways (think of half a pair of scissors opening). Raise your left leg only as high as ou can while maintaining level hips, and then go back to the start position. Note: This is a stabilizing exercise for the stance leg, not a range-of-motion exercise for the moving leg. How many: 15-25 reps, then repeat with the opposite leg. 4. Knee Lift: With Partner How to: Balance barefoot on your right forefoot using a wall or chair or partner to help you stabilize. Keeping your right leg straight, raise your right heel slightly. Now, lift your knee in front of you as high as you can, and then go back to the start position. Keep your movements slow and controlled. The focus is on the stance leg, not the moving leg. Note: This is a stabilizing exercise for the stance leg, not a range-of-motion exercise for the moving leg. How many: 15-25 reps, then repeat with the opposite leg. 5. Quick Feet: With Partner How to: Facing a partner, raise your hands and place your palms against theirs. While maintaining palm-to-palm contact, the "lead" partner then tries to quickly step on the other person's toes. The following partner should dance away, doing everything possible to avoid foot contact while keeping palms connected. Switch How many: Just have fun with it and switch back and forth several times between leaders. Pay special attention to: Never breaking hand contact. Purpose: This is a fun group warm-up to get the heart rate up and simulate the central nervous system with some multidirectional, quick movement with the feet.

A Podiatrist Explains Why “Every Shoe Is A Walking Shoe”
It’s tempting to treat your shoe rack like a toolbox. For each situation, there’s a product in the $133 billion shoe industry to fit it, from workout shoes to hiking, running, and yes, even walking shoes! But do we need to have a specialized shoe for something as fundamental and human as walking? Massachusetts-based podiatrist Dr. Alissa Kuizinas isn't so sure. “We often have this perception that we need a special category of shoe to wear for walks,” she says. “There’s even a whole segment of footwear called ‘walking shoes,’ and there’s all kinds of technology involved in that. But every shoe can be a walking shoe, as long as it meets certain standards.”It took a long journey for this doctor to reach her current conclusions on walking shoes. Here’s how her personal experience led her to change her mind, and how she guides clients into finding the right shoe for their situation. “I knew there had to be a better solution”Dr. Kuizinas has more than a medical perspective on footwear. She struggled with foot discomfort for years, and found that she was repeatedly jamming her big toe inside her shoes with each step she took – “even with my ‘good shoes’ on,” she recalls.“Traditional medicine would recommend that I wear custom orthotics, limit my activity and wear stiff-soled shoes until the pain became bad enough to require surgery,” she says. “I knew there had to be a better solution.”The deeper this foot doctor delved, the more she found that her feet weren't the problem. It was her shoes!“Even though shoe companies spend millions of dollars on technology and design development, the shoes they produce and sell are doing a major disservice to human feet,” she explains. “From cushioning, to heel-toe drops, stiff soles, to narrow toe boxes, nearly every aspect of a modern shoe has a negative impact on foot movement. It leads to an epidemic of dysfunctional, weak, and malfunctioning feet. And most of us aren’t even aware this is happening!” She finally found her fit once she started wearing anatomically designed, flexible shoes with little to no padding, like Xero Shoes. In a matter of months, she wasn’t just feeling better; she had changed dramatically her perspective on what a shoe should be! Get Out of the Way of Your Feet“The primary purpose of shoes is to protect our feet from the elements and from different surfaces,” Dr. Kuizinas says. “They’re for when we are out in the world walking on a slippery or wet surface. Ultimately, shoes are really there JUST for that purpose. They don’t need to be bulky and restrictive, or supporting our feet. Our feet are designed to support themselves!” So… why not just walk barefoot all the time? Research has actually supported this idea of slight “protection” being beneficial. A study comparing outdoor barefoot walking with minimalist footwear found that the shoes actually improved walking form in both younger and older adults, and reduced risk of falling. To maximize on these benefits, Dr. Kuizinas recommends a ‘as little shoe as possible’ approach to footwear, and instead focusing on building resilient, capable feet. “Rather than building up the shoe to try to externally support the foot and limit motion, minimalist shoes get out of the way of our feet,” she says. “They allow feet to function naturally, to move, and bend. The transition to minimalist shoes involves stripping down the unnecessary and harmful components of modern shoes so that feet can be feet again!”When working with clients today, Dr. Kuizinas shies away from the term “minimalist shoes.” Instead, she likes to call them “functional shoes” or “natural shoes.” “Natural footwear is really on the leading edge of shoe technology,” she says. “By stripping away the unnecessary and downright harmful features of shoes, we allow feet to function effortlessly as they were designed to!”How to Find Your “Functional” Walking ShoeDr. Kuizinas has a three-point checklist of what she looks for in a functional shoe, which not-so-coincidentally match up with the three major functions of the human foot during walking. “The foot has three jobs: to be a ‘mobile adaptor’ or shock absorber when it first hits the ground, to be a rigid lever during push-off, and to be a sensor of the environment,” she explains. “As long as it can do these three things, it will function well.” Here’s how she says those functions should be reflected in the shoes you wear: Wide Toe Box: “Functional sneakers should have a wide, foot-shaped toe box. They’re broad enough to allow our big toe to sit in a proper alignment.”Flat & Flexible Soles: “Our feet contain 26 bones and 33 joints. And joints are designed to move! A flexible sole allows for natural foot movement. By contrast, stiff and rigid shoes with elevated heels prevent the joints from fully moving through their range of motion and limit the foot.”Minimal cushion and support: “A functional shoe should only be only as cushioned as you really need. Overly cushioned shoes dampen your perception of what's going on with your feet, and your ability to walk well.” If you follow those simple standards, Dr. Kuizinas says, every shoe can be a walking shoe!Be Patient and Build Up to BarefootBoth from her personal experience and in her professional practice, Dr. Kuiz recommends being patient when it comes to transitioning to full-time “functional” footwear. In the early days, she recommends a one-two approach of wearing functional shoes primarily for low-impact activities like walking and running errands, while also going barefoot around the house to help build resilience in the feet and ankles. “As your foot function improves, you’ll be able to tolerate less arch supportive shoes for greater amounts of time,” she explains. Need help finding your perfect pair of shoes? TAKE THE SHOE FINDER QUIZ
Can You Cure Plantar Fasciitis with Barefoot Running?
A new study by Michael Rathleff and his colleagues offer a new approach for treating plantar fasciitis: strength training. More specifically working on foot and calf strength.Click here to read about the research. I can't say I'm surprised by this. It's often the case that gaining strength cures many movement-related problems. But what's most interesting to me is that this research suggests why many barefoot runners report an elimination of plantar fasciitis. Specifically, when you look at the report about the research and read the recommendations for the type of strength training to do, you'll see that the movements are very similar to what you do when you run with a forefoot or midfoot landing. Running this way "pre-loads" your plantar fascia, positioning your foot in a strong position when it contacts the ground, rather than being in the pre-streteched and weak position that you're in when you heel strike, especially in a highly padded shoe. 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.

Get Fit and Healthy in 2023 with LivFitKarl's Expert Tips on Natural Movement and Minimalist Footwear
Make your new year's fitness routine even easier with the help of Instagram influencer LivFitKarl, a partner of Xero Shoes. With a focus on natural movement and minimalist footwear, Karl has some great insights on everything from preventing tightness from sitting all day to improving mobility and strength. And as a big fan of Xero Shoes (see here), Karl knows how to walk the walk (literally!) when it comes to staying fit and active. Follow LivFitKarl for some amazing advice on how to live your best, fittest life.

How to Winterproof Your Barefoot Shoes by Anya's Reviews
Once you experience the freedom of barefoot shoes it’s hard to go back to your old pinchy boots. And even though there are practical barefoot winter boots available, depending on your environment it might not be quite enough. I myself had a difficult time in extreme cold and ice before I learned a few hacks. Because my feet can’t tolerate uncomfortable shoes anymore, the old heavy boots in my closet just weren’t an option! Fortunately I found some useful hacks that made all the difference. Here are the practical tips I use to make my barefoot shoes even more functional for serious weather. Table of Contents: Waterproofing Insoles Socks/Boot Liners Ice Cleats 1. Waterproofing (Xero Shoes Denver Leather pictured above) It’s a great idea to have some waterproofing products on hand, even if the shoes you buy come pretreated. Waterproofing wears off over time, and you will stay much warmer if you’re dry. Here are my pro tips for waterproofing shoes: Spray’s are best for delicate materials you don’t want to change the look of. Waxes and oils are more effective, but might change the appearance of your shoes. Always test the product on a small inconspicuous spot and let dry for 24 hours before doing the whole shoe (in case you don’t like how it comes out). Expect to reapply. Sprays need to be reapplied every handful of wears, waxes can be applied once a season (maybe more or less depending on how much you use your shoes). 2. Insoles (Xero Shoes Gracie pictured above) Adding my own insoles is my favorite warmth hack. Because the soles on barefoot shoes are thin, they might feel cold in winter. Choosing warmer insoles can make a big difference, and you can easily swap them out or layer them on top inside the shoe. Here are my favorite warm insoles that are still zero drop and flexible: Felted wool (you can buy sheets of it and cut your own). Sheepskin Faux fur insoles (if you are vegan) Just keep in mind that adding thick insoles will take up more space inside your shoes. Felt insoles are thinner than sheepskin/faux fur, so might be a better option if you didn’t size up in your boots. 3. Socks/Boot Liners Socks can also make a big difference in your comfort level during the winter. I choose socks with a high wool content because they are warm and they conform to your foot over time. I also often wear a pair of leg warmers over the top of my socks for an extra layer that doesn’t take away toe box space. The boots I wear in the dead of winter are all a size bigger than my usual so I can fit thick cozy socks in them. An alternative to thick socks is a boot liner. But you need enough space for the liner to fit fully inside, so it works best in unlined boots like the Xero Gracie. And you probably will need a size up so your foot still fits (are you noticing a theme?). 4. Ice Cleats & Running Spikes (Xero Shoes Alpine pictured above) I walk outside every single day no matter the weather and most of the time the soles on my barefoot boots are perfectly adequate for me. But there are days when the conditions are such that I need more grip. That’s where ice cleats or running spikes come in. They can easily be put on over the top of your barefoot boots, and if you live in a place with lots of snow and ice they can really keep you moving safely through the winter. I like the ones with a security strap over the top of the shoe so they don’t fall off in the snow. And there you have it, my best tips for winterproofing your barefoot shoes. Here’s to happy feet through the coldest, wettest months of the year! This Guest Blog Post is By Anya's Reviews Anya first discovered barefoot shoes after a long history of foot issues. By changing her footwear and strengthening her body she was able to completely transform her life. Today Anya is trying to change the status quo of shoes and foot health by making natural footwear options more accessible around the world. Find everything you need to start your happy feet journey at her website AnyasReviews.com.
Gift Guide for Runners: Xero Shoes for Comfort and Performance
Are you looking for the perfect gift for the runner in your life? Whether they're just starting out or are a seasoned pro, we've got some great gift ideas that any runner is sure to love. Whether runners want to train in the shoes or just wear them for off-days and active recovery, reviewers say Xero Shoes are super comfortable with the wide toe box and foot-shaped design. Plus, research shows that just walking in minimalist shoes strengthens foot muscles as much as doing a foot-strengthening exercise program. And for runners logging long miles, Xero Shoes' has a 5,000 mile sole warranty, whereas most traditional running shoes must be replaced between 300-500 miles. FOR THE ROAD RUNNER Your feet will love the natural comfort of the wider toe box and zero-drop design in Xero Shoes’ best-selling HFS Road Running Shoe. Runners love this shoe because it's super lightweight, helping you run your way to your next PR. The moisture-wicking lining and breathable mesh help keep you cool in warmer months. FOR THE TRAIL RUNNER Thousands of Xero Shoes' customers loved the bestselling Mesa Trail's combination of lightweight comfort and trail-gripping security. The NEW 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. Plus, this lightweight trail runner is only 8.2oz (M9)/6.4oz (W7). To recover from your long runs, another gift to give your runner is the Naboso Neuro Ball. The Neuro Ball is a great massager that can be used as a release ball to roll under your feet, in the palms of your hands or over your calves to relieve muscle tightness post-run. FOR THE STYLISH RUNNER Road running is now even lighter with the NEW Forza Runner. We took our best-selling road runner, the HFS, reduced the weight, and added a sock-like, breathable, knit mesh upper that feels one with your foot. Even when you're not running you'll love showing off the sleek style. FOR THE ECO-CONSCIOUS RUNNER The Zelen Sustainable Running Shoe is made with more than 60% biodegradable and recycled materials including a breathable knit upper is made with rPET recycled material and a biodegradable sock liner. Rounding out a solid green story, recycled materials make up the webbing, laces, and mesh lining. Plus, the Zelen happens to be Born to Run author Chris McDougall’s favorite shoe. FOR THE BUDGET-MINDED RUNNER The Prio Running and Fitness Shoe is touted as the most comfortable shoe for anything you do, and working out is no exception. The Prio is made of ultra-light and durable materials, perfect for athletes. Plus, they won’t break the bank, as one of the few performance shoes out there that are under $90. Add in the Naboso insoles, which stimulate your feet to energize your foot step, improve balance and increase movement. FOR THE BEACH or WARM WEATHER RUNNER For those living in warm, humid environments, you need a shoe that's super breathable and water-friendly. The Aqua X Sport sheds water like there’s no tomorrow, with a water-friendly mesh upper, quick-dry lining, nonabsorbent tongue, and toe guard drain holes. Perfect for beach running or wet trails, the Aqua X Sport has all-terrain traction and the just-right amount of protection and ground feedback.






