Xero Shoes Prio

Love at first step Review by Andreas

I really like these shoes! They are comfortable, light and great for running and walking! I've been wearing Hanas for a while now and while they are comfortable, I find them a bit too "loose" to run in them.
I ventured on a pair of TerraFlex when they first came out, and while I like them as shoes, I didn't find them quite as comfortable on non-trail environments. They are more of a trail shoe. The Prios however...I put them on and don't want to take them off again! They behave great on road and (light) trail. I can run, jog or walk to the shops in them. Overall, a great pair of shoes! (Posted on 21/09/2020)

Great intro to barefoot shoes Review by Dave

These are my first barefoot shoes and the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. So far I’ve run 60 miles in the them with no injuries, so transition from regular trainers to these has been straight forward. I followed the tips on how to change your running technique on the Xero website e.g. making sure you land centre of body and that has been good advice and no occurrence of an old knee injury.

Follow the sizing information on the site and you’ll be fine, I needed a US 14 though usually wear size 12 UK shoes. I just wish the more funky colours like black and yellow are available in the larger size rather than just black.

I plan to buy another pair for indoor gym use too. (Posted on 20/02/2019)

Great but... Review by Andrew

I've purchased 2 pairs of Prios in the last year. Are they functional, comfortable and all-round great on your feet? Yes. Will they last more than a few hundred miles of wear? No. The uppers, unfortunately, begin to fray and disintegrate within a few months of what in my case has been moderate use ( 5 - 6 miles daily) - a huge shame. It hasn't stopped me buying another pair but come on Xero, give us uppers which will last even a decent portion of the 5000-mile sole guarantee. I've had identical issues with the Hana btw, another great shoe with average durability. There's so much to love about the brand but give us shoes to match the lifetime of the sandals. (Posted on 26/11/2018)

Superb product and service Review by AndyF

Super comfortable and wearable straight out of the box, so much so that I wear them for work now and not just for running. I love the 'barefoot' feel. These also make a great Tai Chi shoe.
Brilliant service and response also from Simon, many thanks. (Posted on 22/06/2018)

Long lasting and comfy Review by Andy

I have had these shoes for about 10 months now and finally at 850 miles they are dead.. Such a shame as the sole looks like it has hardly worn but the uppers have come away completely.

Don't take that as a negative as they outlasted many other shoes over all sorts of terrain (rocks, mud, roads etc) and have been my running buddy for some time and I am sad to see them go (fyi i will be ordering another pair and the more trial focussed ones as well)

Positives:
The fit assuming you size up is roomy and comfy meaning you are blister free and no problems over long runs.
I run mine fairly loose so can slip on and off for runs making them a wear and forget shoe once you get the tension just so.
The sole is a great balance of flexible and sturdy - you still feel the rocks if you stand on one but they give decent protection for how light they feel.
More protection through brambles etc than the sandals (obviously) without feeling heavy
They dry out pretty quick after running through flooding etc

Negatives:
They wore out - hey 850 miles for a pair is great though
The uppers started fraying a bit at 650 miles BUT again most shoes i have owned are toast by this point
The sole can be a bit slippy on wet rock but once adjusted for is okay
Slick sloppy mud is a no go for these as not enough tread (hence why i will get the trail versions for horrible days)

Overall:
A great shoe that maintains a lightweight minimal feel while still being a shoe, that works well for 90% of my running.
And the sole looks like it would reach 5,000 miles if the uppers hadn't died
(Posted on 29/05/2018)

Feet are still happy Review by Christian

I bought my first blue Prio shoes 8 months ago and wear them at least 4 times a week as my gym shoes (treadmills and weight training) also for my 5k runs along foot paths, I can't fault them at all and I'm amazed how hard wearing they are as the soles show hardly any wear. I was so pleased I purchased a pair of black Prio's recently for walking around in. I'm so pleased I found Xero Shoes UK. I highly recommend these products and this company :) (Posted on 21/05/2018)

For running and walking Review by Luc

I have been using xero shoes for years now, and these shoes meet my expectations. It is striking that the shoe without the optional insole still has an extra thin soft padding under the lining, this I would rather not, for this still serves the insole. Fortunately, this is the only point of criticism. The size I have chosen is one size bigger than my Coaltons and this fits perfectly. (Posted on 20/04/2018)

Well Done Xeroshoes! Review by William

I'm so pleased i bought these shoes - they run really nicely and enable a good barefoot running form. In the summer months, i run with the open-toed, laced Custom and that's fine. but in the UK during the winter months, the woods and field tracks become muddy and sludgy, so that an open sandal is a no-go. And this is where these shoes excel: I don't quite know how they've done it, but there seems to be very little slip on mud, despite the shallow grip on the sole. It really is unexpected! Perhaps it is down to the contact patch of the sole being maximised with a well structured edge? and also that if you run with a true barefoot form, you plant you foot vertically and so would not experience so much slip sideways or back and front. I also run with another barefoot shoe brand, which has more rounded edges to the sole, and that has less grip, so it must be the design. So come on Xero Shoes - let's have a Prio Trophy, with the thinnest 4mm sole from the Connect sandal! (Posted on 12/01/2018)

Game changers Review by Glenn

Having tried and failed many times over the past 7 years to change from heel striking to forefoot landing I bought these as a last hurrah, they do come up small and I had to send the first pair back so postage cost me almost £12 to get the right size which was a shame, the original size 9 shoes looked like 7.5 so if you are between sizes go for the larger option.

If you have tried to change your running style then these shoes may just do the trick, you simply cannot land on your heels as it hurts, you will get aches and pains so be patient, I found I had to alternate between these and Newton Gravity shoes in order to give my calves and tendons some respite, having now had these 5 weeks I can do an hour in Prios with no aches other than stiffness in my heels which is an old injury that seems to have come back but may well go over time.

I haven't tried running fast in these yet as I am waiting to try it ache free and that day should be soon.

If you want to finally give up heel striking then buy a pair of these, they will do the trick but it won't be overnight, Keith Bateman's Older Yet Faster book/videos put me onto these shoes and I'm pleased he did. (Posted on 26/12/2017)

Wow! Just Wow! Review by Pablo

One has been conditioning oneself to walk barefoot as much as possible, yet sometimes in certain environments it's not so comfortable or viable shall we say. Therefore, I purchased the Ipari Prio in yellow that were quickly delivered and well packaged. Also very attractive in my opinion, and my goodness! Hands down the most comfortable footwear I have ever worn with the thin sole in. When I realised the soles were in haha! I took them out and it is almost like being barefoot. So much room to move. The soles are great for those in the earlier stages of conditioning the feet back to natural. Basically, the Prio is as described, definitely recommend giving them a try. So much so, I have even requested to affiliate them. So so pleased. Thank you you amazing creators of Xeroshoes :D (Posted on 23/10/2017)

Happy feet Review by Christian

I have had my Prio's for 4 weeks and I'm very pleased with them. I did lots of research before purchasing them as I was getting a lot of knee pain when running in typical training shoes (I've only been running for a few months) and put it down to bad form and excessive heel strike. The Prio's took a bit of getting used to as I'd never worn barefoot style shoes before; but I find myself jogging along with good posture and a mid foot/fore foot strike which does not hurt my knee at all :) I'm really enjoying my morning runs and think my Prio's are superb. The shoes are well made and very comfortable they also look nice with jeans. I can't fault them! (Posted on 10/10/2017)

Outsanding Review by Matt

Had my blue Prio's for just 3 days and I'm seriously impressed so far.
I bought them to wear at work all day in my role as a musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, and for Kettlebell training.
They are probably the most comfortable trainers I've ever had, and the heel lock system works very well indeed with no internal shifting.
Nice and flat, nice and wide, nice and comfy. Slightly more comfy then the Hana version, but only by a small margin.
My clients are also showing interest in them, either as gym-goers or as runners.
Well done.
I'll be back for more...... (Posted on 22/07/2017)

Superb multi-use shoe with added Mel Gibson Review by Toby

I love this shoe!! I've worn them to work and run mountains in them. I've recently used them for some longer (20mile+) trail runs and they remained comfortable throughout. I also wore them to walk to the chip shop the other day and they worked fine for that too. I'm adding this just in case you thought I was all about that other aspirational stuff. Yes, they are also good for middle age men to purchase junk food in. A truly versatile product.

I like the removable insole, a great idea and welcome on those days when you just need a little extra comfort, like a tiny hug from a small furry rodent, but for your feet, obviously. However, unlike a ferret down the trouser leg the insoles can easily be removed when you don't want them, and that's a good thing.

They have loads of room in the toe box to let your feet spread naturally (I often have to size up because of my wide feet but not here). They feel really stable over rough ground as the sole conforms to the terrain so well and the lacing system keep your foot very secure. Ground feel is better than any other shoe of this style I have used and they really are crazy light too, you hardly know you have them on.

I've put in a fair few miles already and there are no visible signs of wear to the tread or uppers, which is reassuring as not so much stuff seems built to last these days. So far I can't fault them, super comfortable and well made minimal shoes that delivers on its promise.

Putting all the comfort, quality, performance and value aside for just one moment, I'm forgetting the best Xero feature of all, Steven Sashen - It's like 80's Mel Gibson fell through time to sell you barefoot shoes, and who doesn't want that, right?

Buy some!

(Posted on 30/05/2017)

Fantastic Review by Richard

These really are great if you want a simple and comfortable zero drop running shoe. I have short, wide and deep feet (size 6 UK) I bought the UK 7.5 size and they are perfect . Having had them a few weeks I have run about 40 miles on roads and trails and they are so light and comfortable I feel like I could run all day in them. They are a great all purpose and durable shoe so possibly not suitable for more specialist use and I do need to test them out on a longer route and in different conditions. However I am very pleased that I appear to have found my perfect running shoe at last. (Posted on 14/05/2017)

Amazing - honestly best shoes I've ever worn Review by Martyn

I have never written a review about anything before never mind a pair of shoes!
These shoes are such a good fit and soooo comfortable I had to write a review!
They make me move well and fit like a glove on my feet! Thank you xero shoes, please don't stop making them! (Posted on 12/04/2017)

Amazing - best shoes I've ever worn Review by Scottydog40

These shoes are amazing! Straight out of the box they are instantly comfortable. I've searched for, and tried on so many pairs of trainers but never have I had a pair like these. I'm so impressed with them, I've already recommended them to friends and this is the first time I have liked anything so much that I have felt the need to write a review. Thank you Xero shoes, please don't stop making them!
(Posted on 12/04/2017)

Run Small Review by Gonk

I must admit I'd been looking forward to Xero's running shoe for a long time.

First off do be aware that these run small, and I could have sized up one whole size no problem. I wear the Venture and Z-Trek in US size 9 and have often wished over the course of last year that I'd ordered a smaller size. This is not the case with the Prio. I'm a UK 8.5 in Clarks, Walsh, Inov-8. The Prio in US 9/UK 8.5 leaves me with well under 1 cm between toes and the end of the shoe. The forefoot area is only just wide enough for my foot. So just OK for casual use or the odd jog/fast run as long as thin socks (or no socks - the interior of the shoe is plenty soft enough for that) are worn. I didn't even try the supplied extra insole.

The uppers feel sturdy and soft, the styling is definitely a little quaint and there is quite a bit of padding around the ankle (I would have preferred far less). The huarache style straps, if I may permit myself this observation, are more part of the structure of the upper than true functioning huarache straps. Still, a nod to Xero's origins, a fun design element, and reflective (always a good thing in my opinion).

The soles are excellent, great grip and protection, I still think Xero has the best soles in the business. I cannot stress this enough

In sum: small sizing, warm upper, styling a matter of taste, first-rate soles. I feel this is more of a general fitness or parkour shoe than a 'proper' runner. For most running I reckon the sandals, especially the outstanding Z-Trails, are more suitable.

My plan was to use these where sandals are not always quite as acceptable (workplace etc.), and for this they will be fine. If you are planning long runs or walks in them though, do be generous with your size. (Posted on 14/03/2017)