The Prio is the most comfortable shoe for everything you do. Whether you’re out on a run, trying out a new trail, hitting the gym, or toeing a slackline, you’ll love the Prio’s combination of freedom and protection. Revel in the freedom of movement with a breathable design and lightweight construction.
The Prio is the most comfortable shoe for everything you do. Whether you’re out on a run, trying out a new trail, hitting the gym, or toeing a slackline, you’ll love the Prio’s combination of freedom and protection. Revel in the freedom of movement with a breathable design and lightweight construction.
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The lowest price for Xero Shoes Prio White Blue Pink Women - 40 right now is $199.99.
Prices last updated 22 Jan 2026.
Xero Shoes Prio White Blue Pink Women - 40
The Prio is the most comfortable shoe for everything you do. Whether you’re out on a run, trying out a new trail, hitting the gym, or toeing a slackline, you’ll love the Prio’s combination of freedom and protection. Revel in the freedom of movement with a breathable design and lightweight construction.
The Prio is the most comfortable shoe for everything you do. Whether you’re out on a run, trying out a new trail, hitting the gym, or toeing a slackline, you’ll love the Prio’s combination of freedom and protection. Revel in the freedom of movement with a breathable design and lightweight construction.
Last updated at 22/01/2026 03:33:53
originally posted on xeroshoes.com
Really wish the insoles didn't pinch my heels and make me feet hurt. I'd like the little bit of extra cushion, but the insoles hurt so badly that my feet actually go numb with them in so I take the insoles out.Without the insoles they fit my feet much better. I don't have wide feet at all so the fact that I need the insoles out is weird.They do provide good protection while walking. While the mesh upper is nice in the summer I find my feet get cold very quickly other times of the year which I don't really like. I hate having more than one pair of sneakers and this is a necessity now that winter has come, which stinks.Construction send good enough, though my first pair had cracks in the leather within 6 months necessitating a warranty replacement. Hopefully this ... MoreReally wish the insoles didn't pinch my heels and make me feet hurt. I'd like the little bit of extra cushion, but the insoles hurt so badly that my feet actually go numb with them in so I take the insoles out.Without the insoles they fit my feet much better. I don't have wide feet at all so the fact that I need the insoles out is weird.They do provide good protection while walking. While the mesh upper is nice in the summer I find my feet get cold very quickly other times of the year which I don't really like. I hate having more than one pair of sneakers and this is a necessity now that winter has come, which stinks.Construction send good enough, though my first pair had cracks in the leather within 6 months necessitating a warranty replacement. Hopefully this new pair will last longer and do better.Honestly not sure if they're worth the price. I can just buy a normal pair of sneakers in wide for the extra toe room and I feel it would have the same effect.
originally posted on xeroshoes.com
Transitioning to such a minimalist shoe was weird. I was having such bad foot and back pain from 16 shifts (walking 10+miles on hard floors). I needed something I could wear my toe spacers in as needed to help correct some foot and posture alignment. These shoes helped with the wide toe box (working with the elderly and seeing how our shoes squish your toes over time was eye opening, so this is my favorite feature about this shoe). How lightweight they are helped with fatigue. The lack of heal is my next favorite feature, I hate inclined heals in shoes as it hurts my knees and feet and can cause flare ups in my plantar fasciitis. These minimalist shoes however don’t help much with shock absorption or protection from hitting the sides of your feet, so my feet do feel ... MoreTransitioning to such a minimalist shoe was weird. I was having such bad foot and back pain from 16 shifts (walking 10+miles on hard floors). I needed something I could wear my toe spacers in as needed to help correct some foot and posture alignment. These shoes helped with the wide toe box (working with the elderly and seeing how our shoes squish your toes over time was eye opening, so this is my favorite feature about this shoe). How lightweight they are helped with fatigue. The lack of heal is my next favorite feature, I hate inclined heals in shoes as it hurts my knees and feet and can cause flare ups in my plantar fasciitis. These minimalist shoes however don’t help much with shock absorption or protection from hitting the sides of your feet, so my feet do feel beat up at the end of the day at times (and also can flare up my plantar fasciitis). I have finally (after years) found a shock absorbing shoe insert that finally makes these my favorite shoes! (Wish you guys at zero shoes made your own just for these shoes so the fit is perfect. could help with transitioning to a minimalist shoe or people with other foot issues?!)These have off and on been my go to shoes for I think 4+ years (for work or for outside walks/biking/errands etc, can’t do hiking the terrain is too rough for me in a minimal shoe my feet feet like they’ve been in a boxing ring). I finally have to retire them after all this time (falling apart in places and I could glue it back together but they have seen so much sweat and puddles and hours of wet feet inside them I can no longer get the stink out even after a baking soda and vinegar bath this time around. Sure beats other shoes where the heals wear down and that creates more foot, knee and back pain. I really appreciate how long these lasted and how much of a beating they took as I don’t have a lot of disposable income. Buying shoes every 6 months for work was killing me, some I was ripping holes in within a month.My biggest con (only other one is the hard impact of these shoes does cause me foot pain without a shock absorbing insert) is sometimes I cannot stand driving in them or any activity I roll my foot back on my heel. The seam of the sole to soft upper part of the shoe just really irritates my back heel and becomes at times very painful! (even without the inserts I put in) Especially for something I have to hold that position for like driving. Maybe something to work on in future designs to help protect the bone and sensitive area there when it is rolled back on the heel? I seriously can’t wear these on road trips if I’m driving because of this and even sometimes switch for my commute drive home. Maybe it’s me (I’m maybe just not there with the flexibility and strength for this level of minimalist shoe?) or daily abuse of my feet cause otherwise these work well for everything but rough/rocky hiking trails.
originally posted on xeroshoes.com
I love my light blue Prios. I am over 70 and have had trouble with my arthritic feet for a long time. It has been hard to find shoes that allow enough room for my toes but don't slip in the heel. I have a small bunion on my left foot and my big toe has been sliding under my second toe on both feet for a long time. I really feel like these shoes are giving my feet another chance to behave normally. My only objection to these shoes is that most colors come with a white sole. I wear them out in my garden and yard - walking dogs, etc. I wish there were more colors available without the white (navy blue in particular but a green would be nice too). My arches were a little sore at first wearing these all day but that seems to be going away. I'm preparing to order a couple ... MoreI love my light blue Prios. I am over 70 and have had trouble with my arthritic feet for a long time. It has been hard to find shoes that allow enough room for my toes but don't slip in the heel. I have a small bunion on my left foot and my big toe has been sliding under my second toe on both feet for a long time. I really feel like these shoes are giving my feet another chance to behave normally. My only objection to these shoes is that most colors come with a white sole. I wear them out in my garden and yard - walking dogs, etc. I wish there were more colors available without the white (navy blue in particular but a green would be nice too). My arches were a little sore at first wearing these all day but that seems to be going away. I'm preparing to order a couple more pairs - one in leather for when cold weather arrives. I'd like to branch out and try some of the other styles but the Prios are just so awesome. It's hard to tell from the descriptions, which shoes are similar or the same - more or less padded - more or less toe space. The only way to guess is by reading the reviews. I'd also like some waterproof boots but the reviews scared me off.
Really wish the insoles didn't pinch my heels and make me feet hurt. I'd like the little bit of extra cushion, but the insoles hurt so badly that my feet actually go numb with them in so I take the insoles out.Without the insoles they fit my feet much better. I don't have wide feet at all so the fact that I need the insoles out is weird.They do provide good protection while walking. While the mesh upper is nice in the summer I find my feet get cold very quickly other times of the year which I don't really like. I hate having more than one pair of sneakers and this is a necessity now that winter has come, which stinks.Construction send good enough, though my first pair had cracks in the leather within 6 months necessitating a warranty replacement. Hopefully this ... MoreReally wish the insoles didn't pinch my heels and make me feet hurt. I'd like the little bit of extra cushion, but the insoles hurt so badly that my feet actually go numb with them in so I take the insoles out.Without the insoles they fit my feet much better. I don't have wide feet at all so the fact that I need the insoles out is weird.They do provide good protection while walking. While the mesh upper is nice in the summer I find my feet get cold very quickly other times of the year which I don't really like. I hate having more than one pair of sneakers and this is a necessity now that winter has come, which stinks.Construction send good enough, though my first pair had cracks in the leather within 6 months necessitating a warranty replacement. Hopefully this new pair will last longer and do better.Honestly not sure if they're worth the price. I can just buy a normal pair of sneakers in wide for the extra toe room and I feel it would have the same effect.
Transitioning to such a minimalist shoe was weird. I was having such bad foot and back pain from 16 shifts (walking 10+miles on hard floors). I needed something I could wear my toe spacers in as needed to help correct some foot and posture alignment. These shoes helped with the wide toe box (working with the elderly and seeing how our shoes squish your toes over time was eye opening, so this is my favorite feature about this shoe). How lightweight they are helped with fatigue. The lack of heal is my next favorite feature, I hate inclined heals in shoes as it hurts my knees and feet and can cause flare ups in my plantar fasciitis. These minimalist shoes however don’t help much with shock absorption or protection from hitting the sides of your feet, so my feet do feel ... MoreTransitioning to such a minimalist shoe was weird. I was having such bad foot and back pain from 16 shifts (walking 10+miles on hard floors). I needed something I could wear my toe spacers in as needed to help correct some foot and posture alignment. These shoes helped with the wide toe box (working with the elderly and seeing how our shoes squish your toes over time was eye opening, so this is my favorite feature about this shoe). How lightweight they are helped with fatigue. The lack of heal is my next favorite feature, I hate inclined heals in shoes as it hurts my knees and feet and can cause flare ups in my plantar fasciitis. These minimalist shoes however don’t help much with shock absorption or protection from hitting the sides of your feet, so my feet do feel beat up at the end of the day at times (and also can flare up my plantar fasciitis). I have finally (after years) found a shock absorbing shoe insert that finally makes these my favorite shoes! (Wish you guys at zero shoes made your own just for these shoes so the fit is perfect. could help with transitioning to a minimalist shoe or people with other foot issues?!)These have off and on been my go to shoes for I think 4+ years (for work or for outside walks/biking/errands etc, can’t do hiking the terrain is too rough for me in a minimal shoe my feet feet like they’ve been in a boxing ring). I finally have to retire them after all this time (falling apart in places and I could glue it back together but they have seen so much sweat and puddles and hours of wet feet inside them I can no longer get the stink out even after a baking soda and vinegar bath this time around. Sure beats other shoes where the heals wear down and that creates more foot, knee and back pain. I really appreciate how long these lasted and how much of a beating they took as I don’t have a lot of disposable income. Buying shoes every 6 months for work was killing me, some I was ripping holes in within a month.My biggest con (only other one is the hard impact of these shoes does cause me foot pain without a shock absorbing insert) is sometimes I cannot stand driving in them or any activity I roll my foot back on my heel. The seam of the sole to soft upper part of the shoe just really irritates my back heel and becomes at times very painful! (even without the inserts I put in) Especially for something I have to hold that position for like driving. Maybe something to work on in future designs to help protect the bone and sensitive area there when it is rolled back on the heel? I seriously can’t wear these on road trips if I’m driving because of this and even sometimes switch for my commute drive home. Maybe it’s me (I’m maybe just not there with the flexibility and strength for this level of minimalist shoe?) or daily abuse of my feet cause otherwise these work well for everything but rough/rocky hiking trails.
I love my light blue Prios. I am over 70 and have had trouble with my arthritic feet for a long time. It has been hard to find shoes that allow enough room for my toes but don't slip in the heel. I have a small bunion on my left foot and my big toe has been sliding under my second toe on both feet for a long time. I really feel like these shoes are giving my feet another chance to behave normally. My only objection to these shoes is that most colors come with a white sole. I wear them out in my garden and yard - walking dogs, etc. I wish there were more colors available without the white (navy blue in particular but a green would be nice too). My arches were a little sore at first wearing these all day but that seems to be going away. I'm preparing to order a couple ... MoreI love my light blue Prios. I am over 70 and have had trouble with my arthritic feet for a long time. It has been hard to find shoes that allow enough room for my toes but don't slip in the heel. I have a small bunion on my left foot and my big toe has been sliding under my second toe on both feet for a long time. I really feel like these shoes are giving my feet another chance to behave normally. My only objection to these shoes is that most colors come with a white sole. I wear them out in my garden and yard - walking dogs, etc. I wish there were more colors available without the white (navy blue in particular but a green would be nice too). My arches were a little sore at first wearing these all day but that seems to be going away. I'm preparing to order a couple more pairs - one in leather for when cold weather arrives. I'd like to branch out and try some of the other styles but the Prios are just so awesome. It's hard to tell from the descriptions, which shoes are similar or the same - more or less padded - more or less toe space. The only way to guess is by reading the reviews. I'd also like some waterproof boots but the reviews scared me off.
I’m not a runner but I am daily active in yard work, gardening, large dog handling , food production , house work etc…. I’ve had several foot and ankle injuries over the years and have worked hard on my feet in kitchens .Life changed and I found myself working at home , mostly wearing a soft sole slipper moccasin . So I got use to the no shoe type feel over the years by not needing to wear them much . When I would put my shoes onto leave, even go outside to do work I realized how much they hurt my foot and the injuries felt aggravated . I described my shoes feeling like bricks my feet were locked into and couldn’t move my toes or balance or I found my self using my toes to try to grip the shoe while I walked to compensate for how the shoe fit with injuries .This ... MoreI’m not a runner but I am daily active in yard work, gardening, large dog handling , food production , house work etc…. I’ve had several foot and ankle injuries over the years and have worked hard on my feet in kitchens .Life changed and I found myself working at home , mostly wearing a soft sole slipper moccasin . So I got use to the no shoe type feel over the years by not needing to wear them much . When I would put my shoes onto leave, even go outside to do work I realized how much they hurt my foot and the injuries felt aggravated . I described my shoes feeling like bricks my feet were locked into and couldn’t move my toes or balance or I found my self using my toes to try to grip the shoe while I walked to compensate for how the shoe fit with injuries .This year I started off the garden season having no idea what I was going to wear on my feet . Shoes are like tools you need to do a job and at points I was in tears because I had terrible tools that hurt and couldn’t do my job . I had to move a truck load of wood chips , a truckload of compost and the yard was a wet mess ….not the type of work like inside where I can just wear slippers …..though I have mowed the yard in them. I struggled through the early spring with rain boots , hiking shoes , closed toed sandals , trying whatever I had but it was stressful and frustrating to not be able to do the work I wanted because I didn’t have the right shoe and some of the days I’d cut short since my feet hurt so bad .I had got some new shoes last year hoping they would be well enough for casual activities and light work at least but I kinda hated them all and couldn’t make it a full day of outside work in anything . I would try to do all the work I needed shoes on for at one time so I could take the shoes off sooner .I knew a needed a wider toe area to spread out and be able to balance and I needed the shoe to stay secure on my foot so I didn’t need to walk weird to keep it on .I had been looking at Xero shoes for awhile thinking that’s what I’m looking for .I absolutely love them . As much as I didn’t want to take a brand new pair of shoes and go move a bunch of compost in them that’s exactly what I did the first day I got them. It is such a huge difference in my ability to do work . I can’t thank you enough for making a shoe that actually fits feet! My feet are protected but almost like I’m not wearing shoes. My feet are actually working with me instead of against me in everything I do because I can use them and balance with my toes. My injuries are not aggravated , even my posture and position is better when I move and work. One of my injuries actually feels better walking outside in these , like things are moving back into place . Since getting these I’ve been able to put in more work and I actually look forward to putting on these shoes to go outside. I’ve gotten them pretty dirty so far but I’m also surprised how they clean up . Seriously, I got a bunch of compost, grass clippings and bird poo all over them one day and wiped them off with a wet towel and they look like new.I kinda wanna sell all my shoes and replace everything with Xero shoes. I love that you have a variety of shoes ,boots and sandals because I need things for all types of weather . These shoes are kinda like freedom for me to be able to go out and not be in pain and just wanting to go home to my slippers. It’s not just physical freedom , being in pain has effects mentally and emotionally , thank you so much ,please never stop making shoes.
I own a pair of Prios since 2022 and it's been 2 years of comfy walking. Out of all the Xero's I've owned (Aqua X, TerraFlex II, Xcursion Fusion, Prio) this is the most comfortable pair I've worn so far. I am normally a 10 and this fits true to size. The toe box is wide enough so that my toes are not crunched. I was previously located in Texas and I felt like the Prios were too warm during the hot and humid summertime. The Aqua X with it's breathable mesh exterior was my to go summer shoe. However the Prios worked perfectly well for the mild Texas winters. I could even wear them without socks in winter. Now that I am in the Pacific Northwest I can see how this could be an all year round shoe for me. I wear them without socks in summer and with socks in winter. The ... MoreI own a pair of Prios since 2022 and it's been 2 years of comfy walking. Out of all the Xero's I've owned (Aqua X, TerraFlex II, Xcursion Fusion, Prio) this is the most comfortable pair I've worn so far. I am normally a 10 and this fits true to size. The toe box is wide enough so that my toes are not crunched. I was previously located in Texas and I felt like the Prios were too warm during the hot and humid summertime. The Aqua X with it's breathable mesh exterior was my to go summer shoe. However the Prios worked perfectly well for the mild Texas winters. I could even wear them without socks in winter. Now that I am in the Pacific Northwest I can see how this could be an all year round shoe for me. I wear them without socks in summer and with socks in winter. The shoe is not waterproof but I could wear this indoors or on dry days without any issue. I recently ordered a second pair in a different color.
I absolutely LOVE these shoes. My fitness instructor at Genesis Health Club in Wichita Kansas introduced them to me. He was a runner in college and still a runner as well as a trainer. He had such bad trouble with his legs that he ended up having calve surgery on both sides of each of his calves. He said he had researched shoes for 6 months and came across yours and hasn't looked back. He says they have literally changed his life. He believes that had he found these sooner he would not have needed the surgery that he had done. After trying them myself, I am a firm believer in his story. I tell everyone about them. I have never put on a pair of shoes that are so comfortable on my feet. Not only as soon as I put them on, but throughout the entire day. I am on my feet ... MoreI absolutely LOVE these shoes. My fitness instructor at Genesis Health Club in Wichita Kansas introduced them to me. He was a runner in college and still a runner as well as a trainer. He had such bad trouble with his legs that he ended up having calve surgery on both sides of each of his calves. He said he had researched shoes for 6 months and came across yours and hasn't looked back. He says they have literally changed his life. He believes that had he found these sooner he would not have needed the surgery that he had done. After trying them myself, I am a firm believer in his story. I tell everyone about them. I have never put on a pair of shoes that are so comfortable on my feet. Not only as soon as I put them on, but throughout the entire day. I am on my feet all day at work, getting up and down, squatting and climbing. My balance is exceptional now. I have several pairs and I also love the sandals. I am 61 years old and have always walked around barefoot, which makes the bottom of my feet pretty unsightly. Not only do these shoes and sandals make me feel like I'm barefoot, but now my feet also look good when not wearing anything on them.
First, sizing: I am a female and my shoe size is 10.5. I ordered a full size up, 11.5, based on other reviews and I’m very glad I did or they would have been too small. So if you’re a woman with size 10 or higher I would recommend ordering 1/2 to a full size up. I ordered the Astro style and they are soooo cute. I walk my dogs miles per day on mostly city streets and my feet feel nothing but great in these. I wore them for the first time on a three mile walk and I felt like I was… wait for it.. barefoot. I use toe spacers as well to help strengthen my feet and there is plenty of room for them in the toe box. Also, I just wanted to say that I work out almost every morning and walk my dogs miles each day and I was starting to have really bad lower leg and back pain by ... MoreFirst, sizing: I am a female and my shoe size is 10.5. I ordered a full size up, 11.5, based on other reviews and I’m very glad I did or they would have been too small. So if you’re a woman with size 10 or higher I would recommend ordering 1/2 to a full size up. I ordered the Astro style and they are soooo cute. I walk my dogs miles per day on mostly city streets and my feet feel nothing but great in these. I wore them for the first time on a three mile walk and I felt like I was… wait for it.. barefoot. I use toe spacers as well to help strengthen my feet and there is plenty of room for them in the toe box. Also, I just wanted to say that I work out almost every morning and walk my dogs miles each day and I was starting to have really bad lower leg and back pain by the afternoon each day. I promise you that since I switched to barefoot shoes, the pain has stopped. And my Xeros are now my favorite of all my barefoot shoes.
This is the third pair of Prios that I've purchased, one being the non-slip version. I love Xero shoes, Inow own 9 pairs and won't wear anything else. A couple 5 years ago when I discovered Xero shoes it was when I was trying to find something to help heal from severe plantar fasciitis in both feet. The only problem I had with my last two pair, is that they were just a little too large and the big toe would occasionally drag, pulling the sole from the upper. When I originally purchased this new pair, I thought I was ordering a half size smaller than my original purchases. Turns out I got it wrong. Luckily, the Xero shoe folks took them back and exchanged them for a half size smaller. When I tried the new pair on, they seemed perfect. However, when I walk around in ... MoreThis is the third pair of Prios that I've purchased, one being the non-slip version. I love Xero shoes, Inow own 9 pairs and won't wear anything else. A couple 5 years ago when I discovered Xero shoes it was when I was trying to find something to help heal from severe plantar fasciitis in both feet. The only problem I had with my last two pair, is that they were just a little too large and the big toe would occasionally drag, pulling the sole from the upper. When I originally purchased this new pair, I thought I was ordering a half size smaller than my original purchases. Turns out I got it wrong. Luckily, the Xero shoe folks took them back and exchanged them for a half size smaller. When I tried the new pair on, they seemed perfect. However, when I walk around in them, my big toe touches the front of the shoe, actually making them a bit small. They're not something I can't live with, and I've with them often. But I would not wear them on a long walk and chance my toes getting sore. Apparently, what I really need is an 8¾ size. Oh well, that's no one's fault, it's just my anatomy. ♀
tl;dr: Xero really hit a home run with these. Close to perfect; I give it 4.9 stars (read on to find out why!).I'm a women's size 8.5, but I purchased the men's 7.0 for a bit of extra (a quarter to half of an inch) width in May 2020. Since then, I have hiked in them all over NorCal, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii over different types of terrain. I prefer my Prios to traditional Merrell hiking boots, and find them surprisingly stable even on rough/ uneven surfaces and steep inclines/ declines. They are really comfortable to walk/hike/exercise/lounge in. I've also played pickleball and tennis in these, and used them while cross-training and weight lifting. They can do it all. The material is also very breathable, and my feet never stay too hot in them.I recently ... Moretl;dr: Xero really hit a home run with these. Close to perfect; I give it 4.9 stars (read on to find out why!).I'm a women's size 8.5, but I purchased the men's 7.0 for a bit of extra (a quarter to half of an inch) width in May 2020. Since then, I have hiked in them all over NorCal, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii over different types of terrain. I prefer my Prios to traditional Merrell hiking boots, and find them surprisingly stable even on rough/ uneven surfaces and steep inclines/ declines. They are really comfortable to walk/hike/exercise/lounge in. I've also played pickleball and tennis in these, and used them while cross-training and weight lifting. They can do it all. The material is also very breathable, and my feet never stay too hot in them.I recently took advantage of the recent sale to get a new pair since mine are pretty beat up, but I bought the Women's version this time so I thought I'd do a quick review, and point out just one small knock on an otherwise perfect shoe (in my book!).(1) Width difference comparing the Women's to Men's Prios (I sized down by 1.5 as recommended by Xero)This isn't really a knock, more so an FYI for any ladies thinking about buying the Men's version (do it!). I didn't think a fraction of an inch would make a big difference, but once I put on the Women's 8.5, I immediately missed the full splay and extra room of the Men's 7.0. If you are looking for maximum splay, I would recommend buying the Men's version instead, although I should also mention that my old Prios did stretch/ expand a little over time. I'm too used to the extra width, so I may return the Women's version and get another pair of the Men's instead.(2) I'm not sure if Xero has updated the Prio's design and shape over time, or if there are small differences between the Men and Women's versions. Visually comparing my old pair from 2020 (Men's) and the new pair (Women's), the old toe cap on the Men's looks just a touch more rounded than the Women's. Maybe this is also why the Men's "feels" slightly roomier (see my comments in #1)?(3) The material on the sides of the toe caps (where the shoe bends the most for toe off) ripped on my old pair (both sides) fairly early on, hence my 4.9-star rating. I hope the new pair holds up a little better!Overall, the Prios are still my go-to, everything shoe, and have held up well over the last 2+ years. I've tried the Mesa Trail and Terraflex models on at a store, and they didn't fit my feet right or offer the same level of comfort. I also have a pair of Hana (Men's) which I'll review separately, but still prefer my Prios!
I walk 5-10 miles a day on country highway, across fields, and/or on gravel/dirt roads.These shoes are 'barefoot', but quite sturdy. I can walk on gravel, rocks, etc. and not get poked. I've had other barefoots that are more like gloves and they barely (LOL) protected the soles of my footsies.I don't have to think about stepping on the front-ish part of my foot. My heel does not strike first, or at all really, whether I'm going uphill or down.Bonus: I love that I can easily walk backwards!I walk across fields in the morning and the dew has gotten them wet. They air dry as good as new and, hopefully, are not being harmed by it.The only flaw, for me, is that the tongue presses on the top of my foot/shin part.I'm almost tempted to cut a half an inch off, but ... MoreI walk 5-10 miles a day on country highway, across fields, and/or on gravel/dirt roads.These shoes are 'barefoot', but quite sturdy. I can walk on gravel, rocks, etc. and not get poked. I've had other barefoots that are more like gloves and they barely (LOL) protected the soles of my footsies.I don't have to think about stepping on the front-ish part of my foot. My heel does not strike first, or at all really, whether I'm going uphill or down.Bonus: I love that I can easily walk backwards!I walk across fields in the morning and the dew has gotten them wet. They air dry as good as new and, hopefully, are not being harmed by it.The only flaw, for me, is that the tongue presses on the top of my foot/shin part.I'm almost tempted to cut a half an inch off, but not yet. It's annoying, but not painful.I had been wearing Tevas prior to my Xeros, and I had Xero difficulty going flat from the start.
