Xero Shoes Women's Prio Neo Barefoot Training Shoe

These are the shoes I chose as my first barefoot shoes so I don't have any reference point for other barefoot shoes but I have to say, I am loving these so far. For the past few years I have been wearing the Brooks Glycerine GTS 20's and loved them however this year I started having a lot of new issues with my feet and ankles which on top of the existing knee and hip issues, was concerning. I saw a foot doctor who after treating the inflammation, ultimately recommended some orthotic insoles. It took a while but my feet adjusted to the insoles and I thought things would get better. However, I was still getting pain trying to get over 7k steps a day. My knees hurt, my feet were sore, and my ankle was still getting stiff. After 3 months of physical therapy for the hip issues and a follow up with that foot doctor, I started wondering if I had some issue with my gait or how I walked. Neither the PT or foot doctor offered gait analysis when I asked so I did some further digging on my own. I came to learn that I had a heavy heel strike and didn't feel balanced when I walked. I also was noticing that since wearing the Brooks all the time, my feet would start hurting a lot when walking barefoot or standing for even short periods of time barefoot. I used to not have that issue. For context, I do have flat feet (Native American here) however I have never had feet issues that didn't stem from just being on my feet all day or uncomfortable shoes. Last year my hip issues started then this year my knees, ankles, and feet were constantly bothering me when I would try to walk. I do have a very weak left hip abductor which I am doing strengthening for to help address this systemic issue. I incorporated warmups and stretches before walking which has also helped. The final piece was finding shoes that helped me walk better. I was looking at some Altra 0 drop shoes and may purchase a pair in the future but I ultimately ended up choosing the Prio Neo after trying them on at REI. They were immediately so comfortable so I took those home even though they ended up being a 1/2 size too big (hence why I bought this pair from Amazon that I'm reviewing). Something that I did not consider before purchasing these shoes was the adjustment period of going from a heavily cushioned, highly supportive shoe with a 10mm drop to a barefoot shoe with 0mm drop. My calves were protesting, my knees were hurting in all new areas, and I found out I could not heel strike in these new shoes so I had to relearn how to walk and I also had to walk slower. I did end up putting my orthotic insole in these for the time being which immediately relieved some of the pain. I'm hoping to not need the insole in the future but I'm not in a hurry to take them out. While I'm still in the adjustment period and I do still have knee pain, I just love the way these feel when I walk in them. It feels like my feet but better. I also feel more stable when walking which could be a result of me not heel striking anymore. I like the smaller profile of these and how flexible they are. After walking exclusively in these for a couple of weeks, I tried on my Brooks to see if I could tell a difference. I almost immediately noticed my calves were aching and the bottom of my foot and my arch was getting a shooting pain. This could just be from the completely different structure and my foot having adjusted to the Prio Neo but it made me not look forward to walking in the Brooks anymore. This is all just my experience so far and only time will tell if the Prio Neo is actually better for my walking health.

Love these shoes! I purchased these to wear at the gym only, mostly for weightlifting, but I also wear them for walking on the treadmill. I previously owned the Forza Trainer and was really happy with those, so much so that I had the velcro replaced after two years so I could continue to wear them since the shoes were in otherwise great shape. While my old shoes were getting repaired, I purchased these. Very satisfied with the style and comfort. These are also only worn indoors for weightlifting and walking on the treadmill and I anticipate they will last several years. It took a while for me to get used to not having the cushioning I was used to from regular tennis shoes when I was on the treadmill, but now I find them very comfortable. I'm not sure I'd like them for running, but I don't do much of that anyway. Overall, I would highly recommend these. The extra toe room feels great, they hold up well in the gym, and I think they're super cute as well. I typically buy a 1/2 size up for boots and athletic shoes (basically any shoes that require socks). I usually wear a 6 1/2 in pumps and sandals but bought these in a 7. I feel like a 6 1/2 or 7 would have both worked for me.

Seems like a good shoe but you definitely need to get used to the fit. Flat foot. My foot hurt after the first day but I think that was a matter of the muscles in my foot adjusting.

Was a bit hesitant after reading some of the reviews, but I’m a longtime fan of the brand and bought a pair for the gym and HIGHLY recommend if you’re looking for a comfortable wide shoe that lets youyou extend your toes for a natural “barefoot” grip/feel. Excellent shoe!

The shoes are nice and comfortable. I would have given at least a 4 star, but they run really small. I’m an 8.5, but for tennis shoes I’m a 9. So I ordered a 9, but they still fit too small. Had to return. I would advise to go one whole size larger - not half.

My first barefoot shoe. Important to break them in carefully because it's an adjustment for the body. Start with shorter walks before wearing full time. I love them. Seem to be holding up well, true to size, very lightweight. I enjoy walking and jogging in them. I like the way they look and value for money is what I would expect. Bought my husband a pair too!

If you have already been doing work outs barefoot and need something to go to the gym in. This shoe is perfect. I have been doing home workouts barefoot for many months and want to get back to the gym. After doing some research I picked these. They are perfect.

Cute enough to cuddle! Love the feel, the texture is soft and cozy. The cor is as pictured. Fit was perfect. BUT...The toe box is narrow. Too narrow and pinch..sadly I had to return them. If they ever make a wide toe box..I'd buy them and never change brands again.

They are full of dirt. Not impressed

Das ist bisher der einzige Schuh, der mir richtig passt. Ich habe ihn für Spaziergänge gekauft. Wer breitere Füße hat, sollte aber die Variante für Männer nehmen (eigentlich sind beide Schuhe unisex, nur dass der eine schmaler ist als der andere).

Wish I would have bought them years ago. They give stability and comfort. The wide toe box is an absolute delight for my toes. I play hardcourt volleyball in them and cannot recommend them enough to anyone who's thinking about minimalist shoes for volleyball. I was concerned about the cushioning of my feet (heel area) when jumping and landing and the extra space for my toes felt like the shoe would be loose but have absolutely no issues. My feet don't hurt any more after playing volleyball for 3 hours. I have the feeling that running and jumping in them has improved. Amazing shoe!

Las zapatillas son muy cómodas además de muy bonitas. Se ajusta perfectamente al pie. Muy contenta con la compra. No es la primera zapatilla de esta marca que compro, ni será la última.

Got a sprained ankle so wanted some more comfortable shoes-I ordered a size 6 but sent a size 6.5 but I’m happy with them. So far so good.