| Xero Shoes | Lightweight Minimalist Footwear

Step into the world of natural movement with Xero Shoes – an American brand that has redefined the boundaries of barefoot footwear since its inception in 2009. Designed for runners, trekkers, fitness enthusiasts and everyday adventurers, Xero Shoes blend minimalist designs with functional style, offering a true-to-nature walking and running experience grounded in science, tradition and innovation.

Xero Shoes was born from the vision of co-founders Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, a wife and husband team. After returning to sprinting after a 30-year hiatus, Steven struggled with injuries wearing conventional running shoes and turned instead to the principles of barefoot running. Fuelled by the ideas introduced in Born To Run, a bestselling book by Christopher McDougall that explores the movement philosophy of the Tarahumara Indians (also referred to as the Rarámuri or ‘Running People’), Sashen crafted the earliest versions of Xero Shoes. 

Under the original name “Invisible Shoe”, these DIY huarache-style sandals resembled the simple, effective footwear worn by the Tarahumara - indigenous people of northern Mexico who were capable of endurance running well into their senior years, free of injury and pain. It was during the Leadville Trail 100 of 1993 and 1994, an ultramarathon that tests mental and physical resilience, that the endurance of the Tarahumara was cemented in history and recognised across the globe. Tarahumara runners traversed the challenging terrain and altitude to win the prestigious event, wearing traditional huarache sandals - a vast contrast to the cushioned running shoes of the time that they were up against. Traditional huarache sandals, often made with a woven leather upper with tie-on leather strap and thin sole crafted from tire treads, encourage natural splaying of the forefoot. They work in harmony with the runner’s biomechanics for natural stability and flexibility while being incredibly lightweight.

To give back to the Tarahumara people for an idea that has been life-changing for some, Xero Shoes help support their community through donations to the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital Fund - helping provide access to clean water, food, education and medical care for those in need. 

Honest to not only the feel of their barefoot shoes but their sustainability initiatives, the official business name Xero Shoes operates under is “Feel the World, Inc”. The company’s pursuit of greater sustainability focuses on extending the lifespan of their minimalist shoes through quality craftsmanship, using less components for reduced energy reliance in production and sourcing eco-friendly materials such as rPET (derived from recycled plastic). 

Xero Shoes have evolved well beyond their DIY sandal roots that modernised the traditional running sandal. In 2016, they launched their first line of closed-toe shoes, expanding their offerings to include a full range of footwear for various activities. Today, the Xero Shoes range includes:

• Xero running shoes – Lightweight and built for speed 
• Xero trail shoes & hiking boots – Rugged yet minimalist designs for outdoor exploration
• Xero training shoes - For gym, cross-training and reaching your fitness goals
• Xero casual shoes – Minimalist sandals and closed-toe shoes for everyday comfort with barefoot benefits - helping you “feel the world”

What sets Xero Shoes apart is their commitment to the barefoot lifestyle without sacrificing durability or design. Every shoe in the range features a zero drop platform, meaning the heel and forefoot are at the same height to promote a natural posture and stride. The non-elevated heel allows for proper body alignment and better balance, while wide toe boxes give your feet the room they need to move and splay naturally with each step.

At the heart of many women's Xero Shoes and men's Xero Shoes is the FeelTrue Sole – an exclusive outsole engineered in collaboration with former lead designers from Nike and Reebok. This sole enhances proprioception - your body’s ability to sense movement and position - giving you superior ground feedback and control. Whether you're hitting the trail, running on pavement or walking through the urban jungle, the low-to-the-ground profiles and flexible yet protective soles support agility and natural strides.

The unique benefits of Xero Shoes for men and women have not gone unnoticed in elite sports circles. At the 2020 Summer Olympics, the US Artistic Swimming team used Xero Shoes outside the pool, and several members of the US archery team also chose Xero Shoes for their off-field footwear. This high-level recognition speaks to the quality, comfort and functionality Xero Shoes delivers to professionals and everyday athletes alike.

Xero Shoes invites you to experience the fun and freedom of natural movement. Whether you're chasing a personal best, summiting trails or strolling through the city, Xero’s minimalist footwear reconnects you with the way nature intended you to move and reawakens your senses. Available now at Wildfire Sports & Trek, your journey to barefoot-inspired adventure begins here.