Xero Barefoot Trainers Guide

Minimalist Shoes for Running, Walking & Workouts

Why people love training in Xero Shoes, and how to pick the perfect pair for your movement style.

Xero have become our ‘go to’ brand for barefoot trainers for sports use. They have perfect options whether you are looking for something for road running, trail running, wearing in the gym or just for casual use. Each of the trainers has a different sole specification designed for different applications and we thought it would be helpful to explain the differences in the models.

The Xero Prio

^{Xero Women's Prio Neo Athletic Shoe White}

This is the all-rounder! The Xero Prio athletic shoe is Xero’s best-selling minimalist trainer, perfect for running, fitness, and all-day, everyday wear.

^{Xero Women's Prio Neo Athletic Shoe Asphalt Blue}

Designed for natural movement, this lightweight barefoot shoe delivers comfort, flexibility, and versatility for all activities.

^{Xero Men's Prio Athletic Shoe Black}

Built on a zero-drop, 5mm highly flexible sole, the Prio allows for maximum ground feel and natural foot movement. A removable 2mm insole lets you customise the fit and support based on your preference. Overall Stack Height is 7mm.

^{Xero Men's Prio Athletic Shoe Black White}

Choose the Xero Prio for a great value, everyday trainer that blends style, comfort, and barefoot freedom.

The Xero HFS

^{Xero Women's HFS II Trainers Black Frost Grey}

The road running shoe! The Xero HFS trainers are designed as a road running shoe, offering enhanced traction, comfort, and a sleek design.

^{Xero Women's HFS II Trainers Black Frost Grey}

The zero drop 5mm outsole has a unique tyre inspired tread to give enhanced traction whilst running.

A thin BareFoam™ layer has been added for extra protection and comfort, and the overall stack height is therefore a little more than the Prio at 9mm. Ideal if you are looking for some cushioning on harder surfaces. Despite this the HFS still has excellent ground feel and is even lighter in weight than the Prio for enhanced performance.

^{Xero Men's HFS II Trainers Tidal Wave}

HFS might be built for road running, but it is also perfect for fitness, and everyday wear with a wrapped cup-like design to give the shoe a mainstream aesthetic.

^{Xero Women's HFS II Barefoot Trainers Gradient Purple}

Choose the Xero HFS for a high-performance barefoot running shoe that’s perfect for training, running, and all-day comfort.

^{Xero Women's HFS II Trainers Gradient Purple}

The Xero Nexus Knit

^{Xero Men's Nexus Knit Shoe Olive}

The gym shoe! The Xero Nexus Knit is a multi-purpose barefoot trainer, perfect for the gym, fitness activities, and everyday wear. Combining minimalist comfort with a sleek, modern design, this shoe offers natural foot movement and exceptional breathability.

^{Xero Men's Nexus Knit Shoe Olive}

It is built on a super-thin 3mm zero-drop sole, the Nexus Knit maintains maximum flexibility and ground feel. The cup sole design gives the illusion of a thicker sole for a great mainstream look whilst remaining lightweight and flexible.

^{Xero Women's Nexus Knit Shoe Black}

Choose the Xero Nexus Knit for a versatile, minimalist trainer that blends style, comfort, and barefoot functionality with maximum ground feel. It is ideal for both workouts and daily life.

The Mesa Trail

^{Xero Ladies Mesa Trail II Lily Pad}

The hiking and trail running shoe.The Xero Mesa Trail is a lightweight barefoot trail running shoe, designed for off-road adventures with maximum comfort and protection.

^{Xero Women's Waterproof Mesa Trail Grisaille}

Built with a zero-drop, 5mm rubber sole and 3mm lugged tread, the Mesa Trail II offers excellent grip while maintaining flexibility and ground feel.It features a reinforced toe cap and sidewall welding for enhanced performance on rugged terrain. The dual-chevron tread pattern on the sole enhances traction, giving you confidence on uneven and slippery surfaces.

There is a TrailFoam™ layer to provide just the right amount of cushioning and protection for trail running and hiking on uneven surfaces. This gives an overall stack height of 11mm total. The shoe comes in both waterproof and non-waterproof options, depending on whether breathability or dry feet are the priority.

^{Xero Men's Mesa Trail II in Steel Grey Orange}

Choose the Xero Mesa Trail for a high-performance, barefoot trail running shoe that delivers grip, comfort, and natural movement.