The Xero Press Blog

New FeelTrue® MAX sole, X-Lock security and a women's-specific last  Xero Shoes launches the X2, the brand's second basketball shoe, built on the barefoot, natural movement philosophy of the X1, one of the first barefoot basketball shoes worn in the NBA and WNBA. While the category keeps stacking foam higher and locking the ankle down tighter, the X2 goes the other direction. Instead of adding bulk, it strips performance down to what the foot actually needs: ground connection, natural flex and a secure hold that moves with the player instead of against them. When the X1 launched in March 2025, core sizes sold out quickly as athletes, coaches and trainers responded to a shoe that was lightweight and connected to the court. Independent reviewers agreed: WearTesters scored the X1 8.5 out of 10 and wrote that it "proves that it absolutely can" work as a basketball shoe. The X2 keeps what players loved, including the foot-shaped toe box for balance and stability and the zero-drop platform that keeps the heel and forefoot level for a powerful push-off, but also features new upgrades. Upgraded Sole Engineered for Power The X2 debuts the brand's new FeelTrue® MAX sole. Its ultralight SPU outsole is thinner, lighter and grippier than rubber, engineered to maximize power transfer on every jump, cut, plant and hard drive down the court, game after game. A classic herringbone pattern, reimagined for hardwood, provides the grip for quick multi-directional movement. Court Connection Beneath the foot, a performance foam layer and a Poron® strobel layer add protection against impact. At 12.5mm, the X2 sits roughly half as high off the hardwood as the lowest-profile mainstream performance basketball shoes. Secure Lockdown Xero Shoes' X-Lock system, functional tensioning straps combined with a tongue gusset, locks the foot in place without limiting the natural range of motion needed to generate on-court power play after play. An engineered upper with 3D-printed overlays gives the X2 an evolved look in a single hybrid-height silhouette, replacing the X1's separate Mid and Low. One of the Lightest Performance Basketball Shoes The X2 weighs 10.6 oz (women's size 8) and 12.4 oz (men's size 10), putting it among the lightest true performance basketball shoes available. Independent lab testing by RunRepeat puts the average basketball shoe at 13.3 oz.  Women’s Specific Design Most women's basketball shoes, including many signature models, are built on unisex or men's lasts and offered in smaller sizes and different colors. The women's X2 is a rarity: it is built on a women's-specific performance last that keeps the same wide toe box as the men's shoe with a lower volume and a narrower heel to fit her foot.  NBA athlete Isaiah Stewart returns as a Xero Shoes partner for the X2 launch. He's worn the X1 in professional play and training since 2025. "I bring a lot of power to the court, in games and training. Most shoes get in the way of that, but not this one. With the X2 I feel low-to-the-court, fast and locked in." The X2 is available now at xeroshoes.eu for $169.99.  

45 Testers 44 Brands 160 Shoes And.... Xero Shoes' Forza Trainer is a winner for the 2023 SELF Sneaker Awards as the Best Weightlifting Sneaker.   Why SELF loves it: "The most minimal shoe on this list, the Xero Forza Trainer focuses on one thing and one thing alone: keeping you stable and comfortable. As it should: Weightlifting shoes are usually best without any added fluff, to keep you close to the ground and provide more power and control through the foot. This shoe ticks all those boxes. It also has a midfoot strap for a more custom fit, ensuring you stay secure and stable." One tester said: “I love that these shoes can snug down to my personal preference: They can fit like a glove or loosen up depending on the activity. They’re extremely light and easy to throw in my gym bag or bring along on a trip. Perfect for all of my weightlifting workouts.”

HEALTH Magazine reviewed fitness gear, equipment, apps and shoes for their annual Best in Fitness Awards and Xero Shoes Forza Trainer wins as one of the best sneakers.  ACSM certified trainer and Xero Shoes fan, Aimee Nicotera, recommends the Forza Trainer. "These help people actually feel the ground and give the toes lots of space." If you are a fan of strength training/weight lifting and CrossFit, these are worth trying as the straps keep your feet secure, and the heel's non-elevated "zero drop" allows you to firmly plant yourself and complete your weight-bearing moves.