The Xero Blog

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.

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.

There is nothing like the feeling when you slip on your shoes to work out. Whether you’re getting ready to head to the gym for a sweaty session, or you’re taking the dog on your regular neighborhood walk, an enjoyable and comfortable workout starts feet first. So if you or a loved one are looking to enhance their fitness routine (no matter how serious you are about exercise) Xero Shoes has a great assortment of shoes for each activity.  Xero Shoes is all about natural movement, and no matter how you move, we’ve got the perfect footwear for everyone, from cross-trainers to yogis to weight lifters to a casual walker. A new pair of stylish workout shoes is just what you or your loved one needs to feel good while exercising, and maybe even help you check off your New Year’s fitness resolutions. FOR THE HIGH-INTENSITY FITNESS LOVER Looking for a great workout shoe that can do it all? The 360º Cross-Training Shoe was designed specifically for HIIT workouts, CrossFit and more. With superior traction and control, you’ll be able to handle any quick lateral movement with ease. Reviewers say these shoes are super comfortable, even when they’re sweating hard through box jumps, rope climbs or plyometrics.  FOR THE BUSY BODY (AT THE GYM OR ON THE GO) 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 or anyone on the go. Plus, they won’t break the bank, as one of the few performance shoes out there that are under $90. FOR THE LIFTER Weight trainers say that strength starts with your feet, and the NEW Forza Trainer gives you power from the ground up. You’ve never felt so secure as you do with the heel-and-instep lockdown strap. The bootie-like construction and moisture-wicking, silky smooth lining makes the Forza trainer so comfortable you can wear them to the gym, in the gym, from the gym, and everywhere else you go. FOR THE YOGI (OR FOR WALKING THE DOG) Okay, you don’t wear shoes in yoga, but when you’re coming to and from the studio, you want to wear something that you can easily slip on and off your feet. That’s why the Ashland Bootie is a perfect cold weather option. It’s also a sustainable boot, made with hemp, and a vegan faux-shearling lining that keeps your feet warm. FOR THE ULTIMATE RECOVERY Whether you’re protecting your feet from gross gym shower floors, or going for a hike in a warm climate, you’re going to love the foot-stimulating technology of the Naboso Trail Sandal. You don’t want to risk going into the gym showers barefoot... pack a super light sandal that will take up no space in your gym bag. With the evidenced-based foot stimulation technology, you can start your active recovery instantly. And if the sandal isn’t quite your style, try the Naboso Proprioceptive Insoles that you can slip into your favorite shoes.