Whether you’re hitting the trails, pounding the pavements, or hanging out in town, Xero Shoes has a range of barefoot shoe styles for every adventure. This guide shares the lowdown on the best Xero Shoes options for any given activity, so you can enjoy barefoot freedom, whatever you’re up to.
As an experienced former fitness professional and natural movement advocate, I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes exclusively for the past 9 years. I’m a long-time ambassador and fan of Xero Shoes, and today I’m excited to share my top recommendations with you.
Xero Shoes has evolved over the years, and the styles available on their website have changed. The following styles are all available in 2026.
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Page Contents
Barefoot Shoe Basics
If you’ve arrived at this page, you probably already know a bit about the benefits of barefoot shoes, so I’ll keep this brief. All the styles I cover from Xero Shoes have the following essential features:
- A wide toe box and foot-shaped design for natural toe splay
- Zero drop (a non-elevated heel), promoting natural posture
- A thin sole for maximum ground feel (hello sensory receptors!)
- Ultra flexible and without arch support, allowing for natural foot strengthening
For more info on the barefoot philosophy, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is a must-read.
Best Barefoot Trail Shoes
Xero Shoes offers some fantastic minimalist shoes for your hiking and trail-running adventures. I love the Mesa Trail II as an excellent all-rounder. It’s super lightweight with a low stack height and rugged toebox for the protection you need on the trails. The Xero Mesa Trail WP is the waterproof version of this style.
Read my Mesa Trail II review here.
The Xero Scrambler Low EV is a solid, minimalist hiking shoe or trail runner. You might choose it over the Mesa Trail II if you’re regularly tackling rugged, rocky trails. The sole is thicker, with a Michelin tire-inspired outsole, so it’s super hardy on tough trails. Choose the Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Trail WP if you’re after a waterproof option.
Finally, the Xero Ridgeway Mesh Low is a solid trail shoe with a hardy sole and toe cap. It creates the illusion of a thicker sole while still offering the same barefoot freedom I love and expect from Xero Shoes. These shoes have a slightly different look from the Mesa Trail and Scrambler, so you can go straight from the trails to chilling out around town.
Best Barefoot Sandals for Outdoor Adventures
Xero Shoes offers some unbeatable barefoot sandals, ideal for many types of outdoor adventures. They’re all super versatile, and I have tried, tested, and reviewed several of them.
Some of the best options include:
- Genesis, one of Xero Shoes’ original styles. They’re perfect for beach days, short hikes, and casual wear with a dress. Some people even wear these huarache sandals for ultra marathons!
- Z-trail, the very first pair of Xero Shoes I ever tried! Again, they’re great for hiking and might be just what you’re looking for in a trail-to-town sandal. They also have a kids’ version.
- Aqua Cloud, a barefoot sandal with a similar look to the Genesis, but more specifically designed for water adventures.
Read my Xero Shoes barefoot sandal reviews here:
- Z-trail review
- Kids Z-trail review
- Aqua Cloud review
- [Genesis review coming soon!)
Best Barefoot Hiking Boots
For those who prefer hiking boots to trail shoes, you’ve got two options, both of which are waterproof.
The Xero Scrambler Mid II WP is an ultra-light outdoor hiking boot featuring Michelin rubber technology for ultimate grip on even the most technical trails.
For a blast from the past, you’ll love the retro design of the Ridgeway Hiker. It has a classic rugged look with a canvas and suede upper and is comfortable to wear, even after your hike. The outsole lugs will help you approach almost any trail with confidence.
Best Minimalist Runners
If you’re looking for top-rated barefoot road running shoes that let your foot muscles work naturally, the HFS shoe is a top pick. The HFS II is a stylish upgrade from the original version. It has a new tire-inspired sole that’s grippier for all your outdoor runs, and it’s super comfortable to wear anytime, anywhere.
The Speed Force II is another excellent option. Stephen Sashen, Xero Shoes co-founder, CEO, and all-American sprinter, designed this shoe alongside a former Nike developer. It’s Xero Shoes’ lightest performance shoe, at only 5.3 oz for a women’s size 7, or even lighter without the removable insole. A dual-chevron tread pattern ensures the ultimate traction for all your road runs.
Best Barefoot Training Shoes
The Prio Neo is Xero Shoes’ “do anything” all-round fitness training shoe. It has all the features that made the original Prio so popular, plus it has a stylish new look.
The Prio Neo is perfect as a minimal shoe for hybrid training, the gym, or as cross-training shoes for whatever you’re into. With a moisture-wicking lining, breathable mesh, grippy outsole, and adjustable straps, it’s got you sorted for a wide range of activities.
Although I haven’t reviewed the Prio Neo yet, you can read my review of the original kids’ Prio here.
New for 2026, the Xero Shoes XT Max is just what you’re looking for in a minimalist training shoe. It has all the essential barefoot features, including a wide toe box, zero heel-to-toe drop, and maximum ground contact. If you’re after weightlifting shoes that perform just as well on your rope climbs and sprints as they do for your lifts, then check out the XT Max.
Best Barefoot Court Sports Shoes
If you want a court-specific shoe, you can’t go past the 360 Rally. This barefoot court shoe is ready for pickleball, tennis, squash, badminton, or anything in between. It offers the grip, security, and comfort you need for quick movements in any direction.
Looking for the best barefoot basketball shoe? Choose from a low or mid design in the Xero X1. Both are worn by pro ballers and designed to transform your game at any level.
Best Xero Shoes for Everyday Wear
Whether you’re looking for some classic barefoot walking shoes or stylish minimalist footwear for hitting the city streets, Xero Shoes has a wide range of barefoot shoes ideal for everyday wear.
The Xero Nexus Knit has a sleek look designed to take you seamlessly from workouts to hanging out with friends. Or, for a retro barefoot sneaker, check out the Wynn.
For a no-fuss option, the Xero Dillon Canvas Slip-On is a winner. Or, for a cute, classic Mary Jane-style sandal, try the Cassie.
Best Barefoot Winter Boots
Finally, the Xero Alpine is your best choice for barefoot winter boots. Whether you go for the laced version, or the pull-on style, they’re both waterproof and designed to keep you warm and cozy during all your cold-weather adventures.
Best Xero Shoes Guide | In Conclusion
Xero Shoes is one of the best barefoot shoe brands on the market with a huge range of styles to suit every activity. They stand by the durability of their footwear by offering a 5,000-mile sole warranty on all pairs purchased from their site with a FeelTrue® rubber sole.
So, if you want all the essential features of a great barefoot shoe:
- Foot-shaped, wide toebox for natural toe splay
- Low stack height for maximum ground feel
- Zero heel-to-toe drop for natural posture
- Flexible soles for natural foot strength and foot mobility)
…you can’t go past Xero Shoes.
Not only are you getting a performance-driven barefoot shoe or sandal, but their styles also look great and are ultra-comfortable (in my opinion!)
See the latest styles and prices at the official US and Australian stores.
Shopping from New Zealand or Aus? Enter the code ELLYMCGUINNESS at checkout (on the Australian site) for 10% off your order!
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