Xero Shoes Prio Review (2024)

Wanna feel like you’re barefoot without actually being barefoot? Well… There’s a solution for that. Xero Shoes Prio.

Whether you’re just walking around, hitting the gym, or going for a run, the Prio gives you support and comfort without feeling bulky. They’re designed to let your feet move freely while still giving you the protection you’d receive from a regular sneaker.

Plus, with its flexible sole and durable construction, the Xero Prio shoes might just be the ideal match for anyone with an active lifestyle.  Let’s get into the Xero Prio review and find out if they’re any good!

Xero Shoes Prio

• Weight: 8.7 oz each (Men’s size 9)
• Sole: 5.5 mm FeelTrue® rubber sole
• Optional Insole: 3 mm for adjustable barefoot feel
• Design: Huarache-inspired heel and instep straps for a customizable fit
• Colors: Black, Black/White, Lunar, Faded Black, Insignia Blue
• Upper: Breathable mesh (not waterproof but quick-drying)
• Material: 100% vegan-friendly
• Sizing: Fits true to size; slightly wider than conventional shoes
• Zero-Drop Sole: Promotes natural posture and balance
• Activities: Suitable for hiking, working out, slacklining, biking, gym, and more
• Care: Hand wash with mild soap, air dry (not machine washable)
• Warranty: 5,000-mile sole warranty

CHECK LATEST PRICE

The Prio fitness shoe is designed to give you the best of both worlds – freedom of movement with just the right amount of protection. They’re lightweight, breathable, and make your feet feel comfortable and secure while still allowing them to move naturally.

One of the features we’re sure you’ll love is the huarache-inspired heel and instep straps. These straps allow you to customize the fit to what you like and they hold your foot securely in place without restricting the movement.

The heel strap keeps your ankles stable and the instep straps free up your toes for more flexibility. This design is really unique and it does an excellent job at creating a snug fit that’s still relaxed enough to make your free feel less confined compared to traditional training shoes. 

Their 5.5 FeelTrue rubber sole offers great protection but still gives you that ground feedback you’d expect from a minimalist shoe. If you’re after more or less of a barefoot feel, you can adjust it with the optional 3 mm insole.

The zero-drop Xero Prio stack height helps you improve balance and posture because it keeps your feet on a flat, natural plane. Plus, research has shown that minimalist shoes, like these, could have positive effects on muscle strength and running performance; however, further studies are required to get more conclusive data/evidence.

And considering that the Prio’s lack amortization, they’re not a great option if you’re a runner (especially for long-distance running).

There’s five color options available: black, black/white, lunar, faded black, and insignia blue. And while all of the options are very nice, the Xero Prio Lunar seems to be particularly special. 

The shoes aren’t waterproof, so don’t go out during heavy rain in them, but if you happen to get caught in a downpour, you’ll be happy to know that the breathable upper mesh makes them dry quickly even if they get wet.

And as far as cleaning goes, you’ll need to hand wash them with warm water and dry soap and then let them air dry. Don’t toss them in the washing machine or dryer because both can mess them up. 

In terms of sizing, they fit true to size and they’re a bit wider than your traditional training shoes, so they’re good for wide feet. But even if you get the wrong size, Xero Shoes will let you exchange them for free. 

At just 8.7 oz, they’re lightweight, which is great as they can help reduce fatigue during exercise. They’re also made from 100% vegan-friendly materials. They’re an excellent, eco-friendly choice for anyone that wants comfortable minimalist shoes.

Who and What Is the Xero Shoes Prio For?

These shoes will work for anyone that wants a versatile, minimalist shoe that can keep up with all kinds of activities. If you’re a runner, even though the zero-drop sole and flexible design promote natural motion and help you reduce the impact on your joints and improve form, the lack of amortization in the shoes makes them less of a good choice for running.

However, if your focus is more on movements demanding stability (e.g., deadlifts), their textured outsole and stable design make them a superb choice.

Trail runners and hikers will love how lightweight these are while still being super durable so that they can move easily over rough terrain. If you’re a gym-goer, you’ll like these because of the excellent ground feedback, which (as previously mentioned) makes them ideal for exercises that need balance and stability, like deadlifts and kettlebell swings.

Sole thickness can affect stability, so make sure to always wear proper shoes. Its breathable upper will keep your feet cool during intense workouts and the straps will give a secure fit.

Even if you’re not an athlete, the Prio is a great everyday shoe. If you spend a lot of time on your feet or if you like long walks, the wide toe box and natural fit allow your toes to spread and move comfortably, reduce fatigue, and improve foot health.

Xero Shoes Prio Review

Let’s get a bit deeper into the shoes’ main features and see how they perform across different activities.

1. Flexibility

This is one of their biggest selling points. The 5 mm FeelTrue rubber sole is designed to flex and bend with your foot and allows for a full range of motion. 

This flexibility is important because it’s what helps you feel more connected to the ground and gives your feet the freedom to move naturally.

Natural movement can improve your balance and agility whether you’re running, hiking, or lifting weights, so they’re ideal for a variety of activities (e.g., hiking, lifting weights, functional fitness exercises). Their lack of amortization, however, makes them less suitable for running.

2. Durability

You wouldn’t expect them to be so durable because they’re so lightweight, but they are. The sole is made from high-quality rubber and it can withstand anything you throw its way. 

The rugged design is great for outdoor activities like trail running or hiking, where rough terrain would quickly break down shoes that are flimsy and not as sturdy. Plus, the Prio comes with a 5,000-mile sole warranty, so you know they’re built to last. 

3. Breathability

In a word - excellent! The mesh upper is surprisingly breathable and you don’t have to worry about your feet getting cooked during intense workouts. 

This might not be a huge deal for everyone, but if you live in a hot and/or humid climate, breathability is something you’ll really appreciate because sweaty feet can lead to all kinds of problems. 

4. Comfort

The zero-drop promotes a natural posture and helps reduce the strain on your joints, while the wide toe box allows your feet to spread naturally and prevents them from feeling cramped. 

All in all, the Prio’s are extremely comfortable and are excellent for functional fitness activities or for those who prefer natural walking and low-profile shoes. But, due to their lack of amortization, they’re less suited for running.

5. Versatility

These shoes do well in many different environments and you can use them for a variety of exercises and activities. 

They’re lightweight, have minimalist design and they transition easily from one thing to another without you having to change shoes. 

Xero Shoes Prio Alternatives

Xero Shoes Prio Alternative

NOBULL Allday Ripstop Runner

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm for added cushioning and shock absorption.
• Midsole: High-rebound Phylon midsole for improved shock absorption during high-impact activities.
• Upper Material: Durable Ripstop upper for enhanced durability.
• Outsole: Luggage-style outsole for superior traction on various surfaces.
• Laces: Reflective laces for increased visibility during low-light conditions.
• Flexibility: Despite added cushioning and structure, the shoes remain flexible for versatile movement.
• Ideal Use: Designed for outdoor workouts, running, and activities in diverse conditions.

CHECK LATEST PRICE

Nobull’s Ripstop Runner is an excellent alternative to the Prio for those that want more traditional, but still lightweight shoes. They have more cushioning and support for high-impact activities.

The Prio is all about natural foot movement with its zero-drop sole and minimalistic feel, and the Ripstop Runner comes with a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop and high-rebound Phylon midsole, which means you get better shock absorption.

If you like long runs, you’ll probably prefer this over the zero-drop sole. Keep in mind, just because these have more structure and padding, they’re still really flexible.

The Ripstop Runner has a durable Ripstop upper, a luggage outsole for traction on different surfaces, and reflective laces for extra visibility. They’re excellent for outdoor workouts and running in different conditions. 

So, what should you choose if you can’t decide? It’s easy - go with the Prio if you're looking for ground feedback and almost a barefoot feel. If you want more cushioning (and don’t mind paying a higher price), go for the Ripstop Runner. 

Xero Shoes Prio Alternative

TYR DropZero Barefoot Trainer

• Zero-Drop Design: Promotes natural foot movement and balance.
• Outsole: Ultra-thin TYRTac rubber provides good sensory feedback and traction.
• Toe Box: Wide, anatomical design allows natural toe splay for comfort during strength training.
• Straps: Stability straps ensure midfoot security but may wear out over time.
• Upper Material: Breathable mesh upper for lightweight, comfortable wear.
• Ideal Use: Suitable for indoor and outdoor training, especially strength and functional fitness.
• Potential Issue: Velcro on straps may fail during excessive movement, particularly outdoors.

CHECK LATEST PRICE

TYR’s DropZero is another great alternative to the Prio. 

Like the Prio, the Dropzero has a zero-drop design, which allows your feet to move naturally and it promotes balance. The ultra-thin TYRTac (trademarked material) rubber outsole provides good sensory feedback and great traction.

So, for instance, if you’re doing strength training, powerlifting, or even doing functional fitness across varied surfaces, you should have enough grip.

The DropZero has stability straps for midfoot security and a wide, anatomical toe box so that your feet can naturally spread and feel more comfortable if you’re, say, lifting weights or doing other strength workouts.

The breathable mesh upper is excellent and the shoes are lightweight, so they’re good for both indoor and outdoor training.

The straps system could become an issue over time, since the straps don’t attach fully. So if the velcro gets dirty, or wears out a bit, the straps might come undone when doing anything that involves excessive movement (e.g., HIIT, functional fitness, etc.), especially if it’s being done on the outside.

FAQ

Can I use the Xero Shoes Prio to run long distances?

No, it’s not recommended. The Prio fitness shoe - men is very versatile and it’s made to be used for many different activities. But, they’re not exactly ideal for running long distances due to the lack of amortization, which will surely lead to discomfort during extended/long runs. You can still use them for short runs, light trail running, and other outdoor exercises.

But since it’s a minimalist shoe with a zero-drop sole, make sure to transition little by little if you’re new to barefoot-style running to avoid strains or getting injured. 

How does the Xero Shoes Prio perform in wet conditions?

The most accurate answer would be - good, not great. They’re not waterproof so, unless you really have to, don’t use them in a downpour. If you do, though, they’ll still be able to dry quickly because of the breathable mesh upper. 

They’re not ideal for heavy rain or waterlogged environments, but light rain or damp conditions won’t cause issues as long as you give them time to air out. 

How does the Prio sizing compare to traditional running shoes?

Xero Prio sizing is true to size, but it has a wider toe box than most conventional running shoes do. However, keep in mind that the Prio isn’t great for running, so calling them running shoes would be misleading. If your feet are narrow, you might want to size down or check out the women’s version because that one has a slightly narrower fit. 

Conclusion

The Prio is more than just a minimalist pair of shoes - it’s total freedom for your feet! Regardless of what you’re doing, the Prio will let your feet do what they were made to do: move naturally. The breathable upper keeps things cool, and the textured outsole provides you with great stability (especially for functional fitness and movements like deadlifts. While the Xero’s excel in stability-focused exercises, they’re less ideal for running due to minimal amortization.

The huarache-inspired straps aren’t just for looks but to lock your feet in place so you get that perfect balance of support and comfort. The best part? You can wear them all day without feeling the urge to kick them off as soon as you get home. If you’re tired of bulky, restrictive shoes that cost an arm and a leg, give the Prio a try. 

Have you tried the Prio already? Which color did you choose?  Do you use minimalist shoes? If you do, what made you want to switch? 

Hopefully, we’ve answered all your questions, from “How long do Xero shoes last?” to “What makes these shoes special?”.

Leave your thoughts, suggestions, and questions in the comment section, and we’ll get back to you!

References:

1. Helen Branthwaite, Nachiappan Chockalingam, and Andrew Greenhalgh, "The Effect of Shoe Toe Box Shape and Volume on Forefoot Interdigital and Plantar Pressures in Healthy Females," Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 6 (2013): 28.
2. Joe P. Warne and Allison H. Gruber, "Transitioning to Minimal Footwear: A Systematic Review of Methods and Future Clinical Recommendations," Sports Medicine - Open 3, no. 33 (2017).
3. Masen Zhang, Huijuan Shi, Hui Liu, and Xinglong Zhou, "Biomechanical Analysis of Running in Shoes with Different Heel-to-Toe Drops," Applied Sciences 11, no. 24 (2021): 12144.
4. Ron Evans “How to Handle Sweaty Feet,” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperhidrosis/how-to-handle-sweaty-feet (accessed October 1st, 2024)
5. Stephen M. Gillinov, Sara Laux, Thomas Kuivila, Daniel Hass, and Susan M. Joy, "Effect of Minimalist Footwear on Running Efficiency: A Randomized Crossover Trial," Sports Health 7, no. 3 (2015): 256-260.
6. Víctor Rodrigo-Carranza, Fernando González-Mohíno, Jordan Santos-Concejero, and Jose Maria González-Ravé, "Influence of Shoe Mass on Performance and Running Economy in Trained Runners," Front Physiol. 2020; 11: 573660.
7. All Photos Made by Torokhtiy Media Team.