The Prio Neo is a lightweight fitness shoe. It features a welded construction, a mesh upper, and a moisture-wicking lining for all-day comfort. The shoe’s tensioning system keeps you secure during training, and the wider toe box allows for natural movement and balance.
The Prio Neo is a lightweight fitness shoe. It features a welded construction, a mesh upper, and a moisture-wicking lining for all-day comfort. The shoe’s tensioning system keeps you secure during training, and the wider toe box allows for natural movement and balance.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Xero Prio Neo Mens Asphalt/Black 9.5us right now is $218.77 at OzBarefoot, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $164.99 on 18 Nov 2025 — today's price is 33% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 15 May 2026.
Xero Prio Neo Mens Asphalt/Black 9.5us
The Prio Neo is a lightweight fitness shoe. It features a welded construction, a mesh upper, and a moisture-wicking lining for all-day comfort. The shoe’s tensioning system keeps you secure during training, and the wider toe box allows for natural movement and balance.
The Prio Neo is a lightweight fitness shoe. It features a welded construction, a mesh upper, and a moisture-wicking lining for all-day comfort. The shoe’s tensioning system keeps you secure during training, and the wider toe box allows for natural movement and balance.
Last updated at 15/05/2026 04:27:27
Xero Prio Neo - Men's Barefoot All‐Purpose Trainer 9.5 / Asphalt / Black
Delivery $9.90
Xero Prio Neo - Men's Barefoot All‐Purpose Trainer Asphalt / Black / Asphalt / Black / US 9.5
Delivery $10
Prio Neo - Men's Barefoot All‐Purpose Trainer 9.5 Asphalt / Black
Free delivery between Sat – Mon
originally posted on xeroshoes.com
I recently upgraded almost my whole shoe collection to Xero shoes. I started with Xero 360s and Z-Trail EV sandals. I fell in love with them instantly. I had made my transition to zero drop shoes from wearing Brook Ghosts to Altra Riveras. After researching Xero, I was excited about the less cushion and the wider toe box. I was tired of having running shoes that wore out after 400-500 miles. My first run the 360s was longer run and it left my feet "overstimulated." In researching further, this was because my strike was too intense given that now I was able to feel the ground more. Within a week I was adjusted and I wore my 360s and sandals for everything I could. It quickly became uncomfortable to wear anything else.I could tell a difference in running in these ... MoreI recently upgraded almost my whole shoe collection to Xero shoes. I started with Xero 360s and Z-Trail EV sandals. I fell in love with them instantly. I had made my transition to zero drop shoes from wearing Brook Ghosts to Altra Riveras. After researching Xero, I was excited about the less cushion and the wider toe box. I was tired of having running shoes that wore out after 400-500 miles. My first run the 360s was longer run and it left my feet "overstimulated." In researching further, this was because my strike was too intense given that now I was able to feel the ground more. Within a week I was adjusted and I wore my 360s and sandals for everything I could. It quickly became uncomfortable to wear anything else.I could tell a difference in running in these shoes than running in the 360s. These shoes are designed and build to optimize running. They feel to have more structure in the upper shoe than the 360. One key feature I don't see called out often about Xero shoes is the straps that the shoe laces run through. These straps cause the shoe to grip the foot so that the shoe feels like an extension of your foot. Beyond the less cushion and wider toe box, this is definitely a strong differentiator to other brands of shoe.I have enjoyed running on street in these on occasion running on rocky gravel. There is a sense of freedom in running in these shoes and a deeper connection to the environment. I recommend them for any runner or casual wearer who likes the appearance.
originally posted on xeroshoes.com
Fit: Snug, a little more narrow than other wide toe-box shoes. Very, very comfortable and easy to slip on and off.Utility: The sole is very hard, like a plasticky-rubber. I assume this was done to match their warranty claim of 5,000 miles or whatever it is. I've been wearing these in 80-90F weather and the toe-box gets a little warm and isn't super breathable, at least I felt that way while in direct sunlight. They are still very comfy on the foot. I went on a hike with these on an unmarked trail in desert terrain, jogging in jagged rocks to fist sized rocks and these had no issue trotting me along. Even with my foot slipping and sliding inside the shoe (inevitable in this terrain, shoe was not to blame), the sole shows no signs of coming unglued. I'm sure time ... MoreFit: Snug, a little more narrow than other wide toe-box shoes. Very, very comfortable and easy to slip on and off.Utility: The sole is very hard, like a plasticky-rubber. I assume this was done to match their warranty claim of 5,000 miles or whatever it is. I've been wearing these in 80-90F weather and the toe-box gets a little warm and isn't super breathable, at least I felt that way while in direct sunlight. They are still very comfy on the foot. I went on a hike with these on an unmarked trail in desert terrain, jogging in jagged rocks to fist sized rocks and these had no issue trotting me along. Even with my foot slipping and sliding inside the shoe (inevitable in this terrain, shoe was not to blame), the sole shows no signs of coming unglued. I'm sure time will tell and that repeated abuse like this will wear them down like any shoe. Due to the firm sole, it does not grip well at all for climbing up rocks outdoors and is actually quite slippery compared to any type of normal shoe with a thicker sole.Appearance: I got the gray ones and they are appropriate for just about all settings from the workplace to the gym.Value: While I believe barefoot shoes to be overpriced in general, I really like these shoes and was glad to get them on sale when they first came out.Did they change anything to address the unglued sole that is a common issue? I know the price went up, maybe that's their way to compensate. But I really hope these last a while and I look forward to my next pair in a year or so when these start to wear out.In summary, I've only had these about two weeks but am very happy with them and they seem like great shoes.
originally posted on xeroshoes.com
I didn’t think the Prios could get any lighter and then they came out with the Prio Neo! I am proud to have been a Xero Shoes affiliate for five years and in that time have worn several generations of this shoe and the Neo stands up to the test.The Prio Neo are my new favorite play shoe, whether running on the beach, climbing a tree, or racing the kitchen timer to the corner store for the forgotten ingredient (cilantro in my instance, but I didn’t want to be controversial) these shoes have the kick. While we’re on controversial ground, I am a socks and Xeros kind of woman. That doesn’t slow me down from splashing right through mud puddles and rinsing the whole kitten kaboodle in a stream or the ocean surf. Depending on the environment, they are typically dry by ... MoreI didn’t think the Prios could get any lighter and then they came out with the Prio Neo! I am proud to have been a Xero Shoes affiliate for five years and in that time have worn several generations of this shoe and the Neo stands up to the test.The Prio Neo are my new favorite play shoe, whether running on the beach, climbing a tree, or racing the kitchen timer to the corner store for the forgotten ingredient (cilantro in my instance, but I didn’t want to be controversial) these shoes have the kick. While we’re on controversial ground, I am a socks and Xeros kind of woman. That doesn’t slow me down from splashing right through mud puddles and rinsing the whole kitten kaboodle in a stream or the ocean surf. Depending on the environment, they are typically dry by the next day and ready for the next adventure!Full disclosure, it has been my experience with earlier versions of these shoes that they start to come apart around mile 300 in a thru-hiking environment (ie: relied upon as the only pair of shoes, long days, lots of dry/wet/dry/wet over heavy miles, and rarely washed except when splashing through rivers). I have only logged around 50 miles in this pair so cannot speak to their long term endurance at the time of writing but can whole heartedly back them for shorter adventures.
Xero Prio Neo - Men's Barefoot All‐Purpose Trainer 9.5 / Asphalt / Black
Delivery $9.90
Xero Prio Neo - Men's Barefoot All‐Purpose Trainer Asphalt / Black / Asphalt / Black / US 9.5
Delivery $10
Prio Neo - Men's Barefoot All‐Purpose Trainer 9.5 Asphalt / Black
Free delivery between Sat – Mon
I recently upgraded almost my whole shoe collection to Xero shoes. I started with Xero 360s and Z-Trail EV sandals. I fell in love with them instantly. I had made my transition to zero drop shoes from wearing Brook Ghosts to Altra Riveras. After researching Xero, I was excited about the less cushion and the wider toe box. I was tired of having running shoes that wore out after 400-500 miles. My first run the 360s was longer run and it left my feet "overstimulated." In researching further, this was because my strike was too intense given that now I was able to feel the ground more. Within a week I was adjusted and I wore my 360s and sandals for everything I could. It quickly became uncomfortable to wear anything else.I could tell a difference in running in these ... MoreI recently upgraded almost my whole shoe collection to Xero shoes. I started with Xero 360s and Z-Trail EV sandals. I fell in love with them instantly. I had made my transition to zero drop shoes from wearing Brook Ghosts to Altra Riveras. After researching Xero, I was excited about the less cushion and the wider toe box. I was tired of having running shoes that wore out after 400-500 miles. My first run the 360s was longer run and it left my feet "overstimulated." In researching further, this was because my strike was too intense given that now I was able to feel the ground more. Within a week I was adjusted and I wore my 360s and sandals for everything I could. It quickly became uncomfortable to wear anything else.I could tell a difference in running in these shoes than running in the 360s. These shoes are designed and build to optimize running. They feel to have more structure in the upper shoe than the 360. One key feature I don't see called out often about Xero shoes is the straps that the shoe laces run through. These straps cause the shoe to grip the foot so that the shoe feels like an extension of your foot. Beyond the less cushion and wider toe box, this is definitely a strong differentiator to other brands of shoe.I have enjoyed running on street in these on occasion running on rocky gravel. There is a sense of freedom in running in these shoes and a deeper connection to the environment. I recommend them for any runner or casual wearer who likes the appearance.
Fit: Snug, a little more narrow than other wide toe-box shoes. Very, very comfortable and easy to slip on and off.Utility: The sole is very hard, like a plasticky-rubber. I assume this was done to match their warranty claim of 5,000 miles or whatever it is. I've been wearing these in 80-90F weather and the toe-box gets a little warm and isn't super breathable, at least I felt that way while in direct sunlight. They are still very comfy on the foot. I went on a hike with these on an unmarked trail in desert terrain, jogging in jagged rocks to fist sized rocks and these had no issue trotting me along. Even with my foot slipping and sliding inside the shoe (inevitable in this terrain, shoe was not to blame), the sole shows no signs of coming unglued. I'm sure time ... MoreFit: Snug, a little more narrow than other wide toe-box shoes. Very, very comfortable and easy to slip on and off.Utility: The sole is very hard, like a plasticky-rubber. I assume this was done to match their warranty claim of 5,000 miles or whatever it is. I've been wearing these in 80-90F weather and the toe-box gets a little warm and isn't super breathable, at least I felt that way while in direct sunlight. They are still very comfy on the foot. I went on a hike with these on an unmarked trail in desert terrain, jogging in jagged rocks to fist sized rocks and these had no issue trotting me along. Even with my foot slipping and sliding inside the shoe (inevitable in this terrain, shoe was not to blame), the sole shows no signs of coming unglued. I'm sure time will tell and that repeated abuse like this will wear them down like any shoe. Due to the firm sole, it does not grip well at all for climbing up rocks outdoors and is actually quite slippery compared to any type of normal shoe with a thicker sole.Appearance: I got the gray ones and they are appropriate for just about all settings from the workplace to the gym.Value: While I believe barefoot shoes to be overpriced in general, I really like these shoes and was glad to get them on sale when they first came out.Did they change anything to address the unglued sole that is a common issue? I know the price went up, maybe that's their way to compensate. But I really hope these last a while and I look forward to my next pair in a year or so when these start to wear out.In summary, I've only had these about two weeks but am very happy with them and they seem like great shoes.
I didn’t think the Prios could get any lighter and then they came out with the Prio Neo! I am proud to have been a Xero Shoes affiliate for five years and in that time have worn several generations of this shoe and the Neo stands up to the test.The Prio Neo are my new favorite play shoe, whether running on the beach, climbing a tree, or racing the kitchen timer to the corner store for the forgotten ingredient (cilantro in my instance, but I didn’t want to be controversial) these shoes have the kick. While we’re on controversial ground, I am a socks and Xeros kind of woman. That doesn’t slow me down from splashing right through mud puddles and rinsing the whole kitten kaboodle in a stream or the ocean surf. Depending on the environment, they are typically dry by ... MoreI didn’t think the Prios could get any lighter and then they came out with the Prio Neo! I am proud to have been a Xero Shoes affiliate for five years and in that time have worn several generations of this shoe and the Neo stands up to the test.The Prio Neo are my new favorite play shoe, whether running on the beach, climbing a tree, or racing the kitchen timer to the corner store for the forgotten ingredient (cilantro in my instance, but I didn’t want to be controversial) these shoes have the kick. While we’re on controversial ground, I am a socks and Xeros kind of woman. That doesn’t slow me down from splashing right through mud puddles and rinsing the whole kitten kaboodle in a stream or the ocean surf. Depending on the environment, they are typically dry by the next day and ready for the next adventure!Full disclosure, it has been my experience with earlier versions of these shoes that they start to come apart around mile 300 in a thru-hiking environment (ie: relied upon as the only pair of shoes, long days, lots of dry/wet/dry/wet over heavy miles, and rarely washed except when splashing through rivers). I have only logged around 50 miles in this pair so cannot speak to their long term endurance at the time of writing but can whole heartedly back them for shorter adventures.
I have spent the majority of my time barefoot since the pandemic quarantine started in spring 2020 and my day job changed to remote/work from home permanently. In late 2022, I started amping up my activity levels and experienced quite a bit of discomfort while walking in my normal Brooks sneakers (even with a new pair!).I've had several foot/ankle surgeries, which have resulted in a lot of scar tissue on/near my feet and ankles. Because of this scar tissue, my feet are VERY particular about shoes! I realized that moving around without shoes was more comfortable than with sneakers, so I took the plunge and purchased the Prio Neo shoe after wistfully thinking about transitioning to barefoot for several years.HOLY **** these shoes are simply amazing! I can feel all ... MoreI have spent the majority of my time barefoot since the pandemic quarantine started in spring 2020 and my day job changed to remote/work from home permanently. In late 2022, I started amping up my activity levels and experienced quite a bit of discomfort while walking in my normal Brooks sneakers (even with a new pair!).I've had several foot/ankle surgeries, which have resulted in a lot of scar tissue on/near my feet and ankles. Because of this scar tissue, my feet are VERY particular about shoes! I realized that moving around without shoes was more comfortable than with sneakers, so I took the plunge and purchased the Prio Neo shoe after wistfully thinking about transitioning to barefoot for several years.HOLY **** these shoes are simply amazing! I can feel all sorts of things through the soles - textures of the asphalt/pavement, grass clumps, cracks in the dirt (thanks, Texas drought!) that are covered by the grass, etc.I've had these shoes for just over a week now. Transitioning to using them for walks has been easier than anticipated, likely because I've been mostly barefoot for so long otherwise. First walk was about 1.5 miles with shin discomfort, second walk was 2 miles with shin discomfort again, but less so. Last night I was able to take my normal 3 mile walk with very few issues!
Xero Shoes sent me a free pair of their new Spring ’23 shoe, the “Prio Neo”, in exchange for an honest review.The Neo is an all-around training shoe that is great for the gym, going for a run, or comfortable for all-day wear in a non-formal work environment. It has colorful designs that pop, but aren’t too loud for khakis. They are very lightweight, flexible, comfortable, and freeing – in any ways feel like being barefoot. They have a durable welded construction the high stress locations around the toe box and the lace holes, and that signature Xero tensioning system on the outside (the neon green and black strap shown in the picture) that holds your foot into the heel of the shoe as you tighten the laces. Like all Xero shoes, this model has that wonderful wide ... MoreXero Shoes sent me a free pair of their new Spring ’23 shoe, the “Prio Neo”, in exchange for an honest review.The Neo is an all-around training shoe that is great for the gym, going for a run, or comfortable for all-day wear in a non-formal work environment. It has colorful designs that pop, but aren’t too loud for khakis. They are very lightweight, flexible, comfortable, and freeing – in any ways feel like being barefoot. They have a durable welded construction the high stress locations around the toe box and the lace holes, and that signature Xero tensioning system on the outside (the neon green and black strap shown in the picture) that holds your foot into the heel of the shoe as you tighten the laces. Like all Xero shoes, this model has that wonderful wide toe box, big enough for fully splayed toes, but not so large that it looks funny.I really think the best way to review these is to compare them to two specific pre-existing Xero models. I know that’s not super helpful if you don’t know them, but if you’re familiar with the classic “Prio” from Xero Shoes, this is obviously a variety of that shoe, but I’d say with some improvements for durability and aesthetic, borrowed from another Xero model the “HFS”. If you are set on some Xero fitness shoes, but can’t decide between the popular HFS or the classic Prio, this is a nice merge of the two. If you’re not sure if you want your tensioning straps hidden within the walls of the shoe, or external, the Neo has one of each. The second set of straps lower on the foot are internal, like the HFS model, but that main one that goes around the heel is external like the classic Prio (and also the iconic look to most Xero shoes). I think this differentiation is mostly for looks, as both systems function well, but I like the compromise.Additionally, the Neo has a welded construction around the toe and near the laces, giving it that sleek glossy look shared by the HFS, but also extra durability. This is my favorite addition. Much like me, my 12 year old son also started with the classic Prio, and when he grew out of them he switched to the HFS. We found that for his all day school wear and playground razmataz, the leather front on the classic Prio wore out much faster than the welded construction on the HFS. However, when he switched to the HFS, he complained about the lack of a finger loop above the heel for quickly putting them on (which the Prio has). For those two reasons alone, I have a feeling his next pair will be the Prio Neo. Lastly, this shoe has the classic chevron sole pattern that is on most Xero shoes and the original DIY sandal kit – which is another thing differentiating it from the HFS, which has a tire-tread inspired running sole. I have not found either sole pattern to be better or worse for running or training in the gym.I try to be well rounded in my reviews and talk about the downsides. This is a solid shoe, and the only negative I can think of would be the lack of color choices. I don’t usually buy black shoes, I’m picky with the colors, and I’m looking forward to seeing this line take off and have more colors available in the future.
Received my size 12 shoes, quality seems nice and I liked the appearance in person. I wore them a bit a couple times indoors, but couldn't shake the feeling that maybe I should have gone with a half size up. The right shoe in particular seemed maybe a touch too small or cramped for that foot. Or maybe a shoe to shoe production size variance, where the right shoe was ever so slightly smaller than the left? I don't know.So my plan was to keep the 12's and bite the bullet by ordering the 12.5's and eat the additional shipping fee in order to compare the two sizes and be more confident as to which size would suit me better. Then return the other pair.However, the 12.5 were out of stock. Checking every few days more and more and more sizes kept disappearing, never to ... MoreReceived my size 12 shoes, quality seems nice and I liked the appearance in person. I wore them a bit a couple times indoors, but couldn't shake the feeling that maybe I should have gone with a half size up. The right shoe in particular seemed maybe a touch too small or cramped for that foot. Or maybe a shoe to shoe production size variance, where the right shoe was ever so slightly smaller than the left? I don't know.So my plan was to keep the 12's and bite the bullet by ordering the 12.5's and eat the additional shipping fee in order to compare the two sizes and be more confident as to which size would suit me better. Then return the other pair.However, the 12.5 were out of stock. Checking every few days more and more and more sizes kept disappearing, never to be restocked. Which I didn't anticipate. Especially for a relatively new shoe model. So time got away from me and the 45 return day window closed.Still haven't worn the shoes out but I guess I may as well start wearing them now since I'm stuck with them. But I'll always wonder if I chose correctly. Hopefully the right shoe will stretch a bit with wear and alleviate my comfort/sizing concern.Sorry to say, not a stellar experience overall, given these open questions.
I absolutely love these shoes! I need to disclose that I received these for free in exchange for my feedback, opinion, and a review. I can't say a single thing bad about this shoe. I own several other Xero running shoes and I think I'll even be buying a second pair of the Prio Neo in another colorway. I love the grey that I received so much and I think I need to add that stunning blue to my collection. I was worried at first that the light grey would get dirty. No issues there! I have gotten several dirt spots as you'd expect from having to run off sidewalk for any number of reasons. They've all cleaned up super easily...it's almost like they've added some stain protection to the fabrics. I don't know if they did, but I'm glad they've cleaned up so well any time ... MoreI absolutely love these shoes! I need to disclose that I received these for free in exchange for my feedback, opinion, and a review. I can't say a single thing bad about this shoe. I own several other Xero running shoes and I think I'll even be buying a second pair of the Prio Neo in another colorway. I love the grey that I received so much and I think I need to add that stunning blue to my collection. I was worried at first that the light grey would get dirty. No issues there! I have gotten several dirt spots as you'd expect from having to run off sidewalk for any number of reasons. They've all cleaned up super easily...it's almost like they've added some stain protection to the fabrics. I don't know if they did, but I'm glad they've cleaned up so well any time I've gotten things on them. I've got over 50 miles on them and they still look and feel brand new. Had no issue on a long run over 10 miles. They've improved the sole from the Prio Suede for these. With the Prio Suede I had issues running in wet conditions, but these are grippy and perfect rain or shine! You've got the foot shaped toe box and extra flexible sole allowing your feet to move naturally with every step just as you'd expect. I love these shoes and firmly believe they are a strong contender for best minimalist running shoe...they might have to take the throne from my HFS that I've had for years and love. 10/10 recommend this shoe...stop reading and order yours now!
This is an honest review- I wasn't given anything free.I own several Xero shoes, but the most pertinent to this review is a pair of the original Prio. I loved my Prios, but they share the same weakness with every pair of Xero Shoes I've owned- the sole separates from the upper where the balls of your feet bend. Since the shoes are zero drop, you will have water (even from dew on the grass) enter your shoes the moment this happens. It isn't a complete detachment, just a separation 1-2 inches long. The second weak point I've found is actually the strap that come up the sides and holds your heel. Eventually your laces will rub on this strap until it breaks. The Prio Neo changes nothing pertaining to these issues, and I already can tell they will fail on the Neo just ... MoreThis is an honest review- I wasn't given anything free.I own several Xero shoes, but the most pertinent to this review is a pair of the original Prio. I loved my Prios, but they share the same weakness with every pair of Xero Shoes I've owned- the sole separates from the upper where the balls of your feet bend. Since the shoes are zero drop, you will have water (even from dew on the grass) enter your shoes the moment this happens. It isn't a complete detachment, just a separation 1-2 inches long. The second weak point I've found is actually the strap that come up the sides and holds your heel. Eventually your laces will rub on this strap until it breaks. The Prio Neo changes nothing pertaining to these issues, and I already can tell they will fail on the Neo just like with the original Prio.Why do I give this shoe a 5-star rating with these glaring issues? Because they are the ONLY issues I've found. I bought my Prios on March 11th, 2021. They did not fail until March of 2023. I've worn them every day since purchasing them. To be clear, I am brutal on shoes. I am 275 lbs and over 6 feet tall. It is the norm in my life to blown out shoes within six months. These are the first shoes I've ever owned that were amazing straight out of the box, and after 2 years only had minor sole separation at the foot bend and friction tear on a piece that daily rubs against laces. That is nothing short of miraculous!In fact, if Xero shoes sold the heel strap separately, I wouldn't have even needed to order the Neos. However, since I had to, I am glad I did! The issues I mentioned are still issues (if you call lasting 2 years of abuse issues) but have been greatly upgraded in every other way. The mesh uppers are amazing! Airflow is great and I'm excited to do some running in them. The fact that these shoes are welded does lend to a tighter out of the box feel, but that is nothing loosing up the laces around the middle of the foot couldn't fix.You will always have a give and take with shoes. However, with the Prio Neo the give and take has to do with a 2-year life expectancy, not with comfort. There are two shoes that I readily recommend to everyone: Prio (and their derivatives such as the Neo etc.), and the DIY Xero shoes sandals. Best shoes ever!
Wake up, lace-up and go. Whether you go for a casual walk, for a run, or to a gym, Xero Neo will be your faithful companion.That's how I would sum up my experience with Xero Neo.I walk a lot, run, go to gym, and I don't like to have different shoes for all those occasions. So having a shoe like Xero Neo that I can wear for different occasions interested me. Not only are there comfortable, functional training partners, but they also look good.Sole:Xero Neo has a thin, flexible sole with chevron shaped thread. That works pretty well on most surfaces. I tried them on roads, frozen and slightly muddy gravel roads, ice, and on the gym floor.I think the traction is adequate for what they are trying to accomplish.They come with a removable sports insole, which is ... MoreWake up, lace-up and go. Whether you go for a casual walk, for a run, or to a gym, Xero Neo will be your faithful companion.That's how I would sum up my experience with Xero Neo.I walk a lot, run, go to gym, and I don't like to have different shoes for all those occasions. So having a shoe like Xero Neo that I can wear for different occasions interested me. Not only are there comfortable, functional training partners, but they also look good.Sole:Xero Neo has a thin, flexible sole with chevron shaped thread. That works pretty well on most surfaces. I tried them on roads, frozen and slightly muddy gravel roads, ice, and on the gym floor.I think the traction is adequate for what they are trying to accomplish.They come with a removable sports insole, which is perforated. It adds a little bit of cushion, it wicks moisture, and allows your feet to breathe.Upper:The upper is made of moisture wicking synthetic fabric mesh on top, meaning - they breathe. Even though the mesh is perforated, my feet did not get cold or hot when running in ~0C or while training in the gym. I also did get my feet wet during rain showers.The front of the shoe has a reinforced rubber tip that helps if you are clumsy as me and trip over things :D It also helps prevent occasional water from entering the shoe. Sides of the shoes are supported by laces, which will hold your feet secure, especially during dynamic movements such as jumping.Testing conditions:During my testing period, I've done several easy runs but also faster, tempo workouts and they felt great. While running, I did not feel any hot spots either and my feet felt comfortable. You will probably not run your fastest paces in them like in carbon-plated shoes, but if you are looking for minimalist shoes, I assume you already knew that.Some people, including myself noticed that wearing minimalist footwear helped them with strengthening their feet, and exercising correctly (squats). The idea is simple. When you can feel the ground, your feet can react. That is not possible if the shoes you wear are stiff.Words of caution: if this is your first minimalist shoe, your legs and feet will feel it, so transition into running in them slowly.Like most minimalistic shoes, Xero Neo are quite light, which you will notice quickly (or rather forget about) while wearing them all day.ConclusionXero Neo does not have fancy features like an elevated heel for squats, a carbon plate for running, or tread on the side for rope climbing. If you need these features, look for specialty shoes. But if you like to lift, run, jump, and anything in between, you will love the new Xero Neo.
I have a black pair of Prios as my everyday shoe, which I love, and wanted to get another pair of in a light color for summer running. The Neos appeared during the spring sale so I decided to try them out because why not and since they were cheaper during the promo than the standard Prios. These are good shoes but now, in hindsight, I can definitely say that I prefer the standard Prios. I don't need to go into detail here describing why barefoot shoes are great and all the features that make Xero shoes awesome. The Neos have all of that going for them as well as looking real sleek and smooth. They also feature flat laces which are good and tie extra securely (though standard tubular laces are fine too in most cases).But what I wish I could have known prior to ... MoreI have a black pair of Prios as my everyday shoe, which I love, and wanted to get another pair of in a light color for summer running. The Neos appeared during the spring sale so I decided to try them out because why not and since they were cheaper during the promo than the standard Prios. These are good shoes but now, in hindsight, I can definitely say that I prefer the standard Prios. I don't need to go into detail here describing why barefoot shoes are great and all the features that make Xero shoes awesome. The Neos have all of that going for them as well as looking real sleek and smooth. They also feature flat laces which are good and tie extra securely (though standard tubular laces are fine too in most cases).But what I wish I could have known prior to purchasing was how different the material of the upper is. It is inherently a bit stiffer compared to the Prio and HFS (no problem) but also it is way less breathable. I can put my mouth against the mesh of the Prios or the Mesa Trails (similar upper to HFS) and easily blow air through it. The mesh of the Neos is significantly more dense and harder to blow air through. Perhaps this will increase their durability but this makes the Neos a bit worse for hot weather in my opinion and slightly better for colder weather. But the standard Prios are fine for me from the hottest summer heat until 40 degrees F and sometimes even lower. So I think breathability is pretty important to me and I'd prefer the upper to be more like the Prios. These are still great shoes that will serve me for many years and I'm sure many people prefer this type of upper but it seems I'm more on the side of the super light mesh, very soft, and breathable models.
