I Found The Only Barefoot Shoe You'll Ever Need

What if you only had one pair of shoes?
The first installment in a series about finding the minimal barefoot shoe collection. I've first found the everyday sneaker. The goal is three total pairs of footwear: everyday shoe, sandal, and boot.
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[@captaincoyote1792]

Funny that I stumbled across your video….as just this week, I lamented discovering “zero drop, wide toe box” late in my life (I’m approaching my late 60s, and retired from two careers in the military and federal law enforcement). For four years now, I’ve worn only zero drop, wide toe box minimalist shoes. Before you said “Prio”, I was mentally yelling “XERO PRIO”. So, you found a “Goldilocks” shoe! And now they have a leather version for dressier occasions. I’m still active - I run, backpack, hike daily and bikepack. - and I live in New England, so winter plays havoc with the right shoe for various weather conditions. The ONLY problem I found with my first pair of Prios was that the “upper” partially delaminated from the sole before the sole wore out….still, I run my Aussie daily in them, because they are still comfortable! I also have a pair of Xero sandals, a new pair of HFS in stand by for when my Prios fully die, and I’m waiting for a pair of Sunrise slip-ons. Bravo-Zulu, young man….a good video to get people thinking about their feet….and how proper footwear will improve balance and posture!

[@ArialTheCat]

I had two pairs of Prio, they were my first barefoot shoes. I wore them for two years. Unfortunately, after my toe splay improved, they became too narrow. I sold almost all of my Xero shoes, only the sandals still fit.

[@vlvr]

I've worn tons of VivoBarefoot, Muki Shoes, Feelgrounds, and a few other brands. Xero are the worst barefoot shoe I've ever worn. Mind you, I tried them in 2017, so maybe they've come a long way since then, but they were SO bad and their guarantee was so worthless that I cannot see myself ever giving them another dime.Their sandals literally fell apart in a matter of weeks and they refused to replace them without me paying to ship them back and paying shipping on the new pair. Absurd. Their shoes felt like kleenex boxes on my feet. Terrible. In my opinion, Feelgrounds make the best casual slip-on shoe for errands and such; Muki make the best casual lace-up. Vivo make the best activity shoe. Feelgrounds make the best winter boot (the Patrol) by a long distance (I've never fallen in a Canadian winter in 4 years of the Patrol whereas every other boot I've fallen multiple times per year). One thing I don't understand is that for Wildling you complain that they're not waterproof, but they specifically say they're not water proof and in fact their site says they're water permeable. Expecting a product to be the opposite of what it's marketed as is just plain silly.

[@guilmon999]

Wish this was true for me. I've bought two pairs of Xeros and they're always too narrow. I've gone with whitin and been pretty impressed. They're 1/3 the price of most barefoot shoes, wide enough for my feet, and they look pretty good.

[@carlosjosejimenezbermudez9255]

Have you tried removing the insole and using Xeros that way? For me it was what made them from a good shoe to a great one.

[@guilmon999]

@@carlosjosejimenezbermudez9255 Unfortunately, removing the insole doesn't fix the narrow toe box problem (I tried).

[@tanty2475]

I agree. I own 2 pairs of Whitin walking shoes. They are super comfortable, look like Vivobarefoot shoes, and most of all very affordable. I got them from Amazon. I also own Xero HFS but they are a bit narrow, harder, and ... just not as comfortable.

[@Yoshua-Robinson]

Yes, the funny thing with Within they are really super wide, they look good, really confortable and a good way to get into barefoot for little money…

[@lukemothug]

I have Hobibear Which is twin sister label of whitin selling the same shoe I purchased vegan black leather for work only issue I had when I 1st wore them the heel lining was rubbing on the back of my heel but since there broken in I no longer have this problem. Great shoes.

[@sauseeaseer7923]

I bought the Xero Prio all day SR for work, and I love them! My balance and coordination has improved, and I no longer leave work with knee pain or an achy back. They’re my only barefoot shoes at the moment, which makes me look forward to going to work, because I get to wear them!

[@randybowman]

Whitin is great because it's minimal shoes at a minimal price. Most minimal shoes come at a maximal price.

[@DankMemes-xq2xm]

I just got the Xero Prio Neo a month and a half ago and have been wearing them every single day (RIP to my shoe collection). They are the most comfortable shoes I've worn, and in general I'd super highly recommend them, even over the slightly cheaper Prio because the Neo has a softer upper that doesn't rub against the top of your foot / toes. With that said, there are two issues. The first really major issue is that they are dangerously slippery on wet surfaces, you will actually risk death if you happen to walk on something wet with water or oil, so don't even think about wearing them in a kitchen. This is really the biggest issue and I think it should be Xero's top priority to redesign the out sole to be more grippy, even at the risk of lowering durability. The second issue is that they're not very wide for barefoot standards, which hasn't affected me because I have narrow feet, but if you're a big lad and you're used to Vivo or something, they might feel too narrow.

[@randybowman]

I think whitin shoes are pretty high up. I've hiked in them, trail running, street running, casual wear, etc. I've also had some pairs last for years. They're just basic canvas or knit sneakers so they look somewhat normal.

[@lukemothug]

I use Hobibear Which the twin sister label of whitin selling the same shoe I use them for work great shoe and for the price.

[@randybowman]

@@lukemothug Looks like they're the same price and everything. One thing I have noticed is that my most recent pair of whitin have not lasted as long. I've been more rough on them, but I think it's also the newer sole. The old ones had a kind of trail ish sole that is better in my opinion.

[@claudioclaudio8383]

I wear Fivefingers V-Trek everyday, in the office, at meetings at weddings, simply everywhere and with everything. I have black ones and blue ones and “military” ones. I don’t care what people think, I don’t care if they look at me strange. It’s my health and it’s my life, I don’t tell others what they have to wear. So I am not interested on the opinion of others. The day I will die I don’t want to regret things because I listened to others.

[@ladmandiola8868]

Good video, but all of Xero's shoes is not one size width fits all. So, no... they're NOT the only barefoot shoe you'll need. That is a misleading title. This title is what brought me here. Maybe to YOU they are perfect, but I when I switched from pointed shoes and sneakers to Xero, they were fine at first, but as soon as my toes started to splay out more I needed a wider shoe; like Vivobarefoot and Lems shoes. If Xero sold a wide version of their medium width sized shoes, THEN they would be one of the best shoe companies out there. I LOVE their quality and 5,000 mile tread warranty, BUT again, they need a wider version of shoes, so you can pick between Medium or Wide. They would have a ton more customers if they did. Hope this info helps.

[@monsterchoon]

I have the lunar prios and love how they look , compared to most barefoot show the xero prios and hfs don’t look like Ronald McDonald walking

[@yashawal]

Yeah these really are the ultimate all purpose shoes.... unless you have extra wide feet...

[@yusof_ayran1804]

i think these new balance shoes are Good to wear onc or twice a week.

[@kbuzbee]

Great vid! I wear Prios as well and they are great. I wish they were a tad longer and wider. I love sites that say ‘order 1/2 size up…’ Yeah, I wear a 15+ WIDE. Very WIDE. Xero tops out at 15. Few barefoot companies even go that large. If they were a TINY bit wider and a TINY bit longer they’d be perfect, but they’re “okay”. I can squeeze into them. But, I did just order a pair of Primal Zen. Supposedly their widest platform in 15, so, we’ll see…

[@CasimiroLuengo]

For me is the primus lite 3. I wear them everywhere all year around.

[@campirano2]

Kinda agree. But it's definitely not an every day shoe. They are not durable at all. The only pair that I purchased, in 3 months stared to fell apart and I only used it to walk the dog and do some light training (squats and lunges). But confort is the best, I want to use it all day every day, but they just look so bit down just by been walking. if you have an excessive wide foot maybe not the best option.

[@alexanderstevens145]

What’s the grip like on those man? I have primus lites 3 and they are sub par on grip and look like clown shoes

[@jacquelinehamer6280]

Sorry, but Xero Shoes blew it. They are making their lasts smaller and they are no longer wide enough for me. Also, I find that the interior of the synthetic Prios wear out really quickly.

[@That-Kevin]

I’m wearing the Prio Neo right now. My favorite, barefoot shoes are the speed force shoes by Xero

[@Smattyy]

Xero prio is too much of a shoe. It doesnt give that snug barefoot feeling that you are connected to the ground imo.

[@MaximC]

This is interesting, thank you for the video. Although I would've preferred just all black as color scheme. What about winter barefoot boots? I'm looking for those at this point. I presume barefoot boots can't be very warm, because of their think sole, can they?

[@simplelucas]

Great question, I’ve actually got a video coming out next month about just that. Check out the Lems Waterproof Boulder Boot.

[@Derekthetau]

From a Prio wearer of 3 years, I bought the Xero Shoes Alpine boots, and they're simply fantastic. My favourite pair of winter boots I have ever owned. This will be my second year with them and there's no real signs of wear as of yet. Canadian winter approved 👌

[@MaximC]

@@Derekthetau Thank you for the suggestion and for sharing your experience. I'll consider them.

[@NancyHuntington-zj9op]

@@Derekthetau Exact same experience with the Alpine; absolutely love them.

[@latashawiller8559]

5.20 time stamp of getting to the choice

[@matriaxpunk]

The Prio are still pretty heavy for a barefoot shoe tbh. If you still want to go for a xero shoe, then I think the HFS is a much better option. They're basically an improved version of the Prio.

[@HoosierVeteran]

Prio Neo is an improved version

[@extrasmack]

Way too narrow

[@spa1ktc]

I like my prios too but the quality is really their weak point. I have the black/white version and the upper material has begun cracking along the sole. Used them quite heavily and that wear is starting to show. Good thing they're not that pricey.

[@dennisw.5372]

I hated the prios... The toebox get a freaky shape over time... Nothing can beat the wildling ninja style.. Take a dark one 👍

[@alexzeek8985]

only vivo

[@tigerjazz61]

I currently have the Xero HFS and the Kelso. I love the HSF for versatility and do agree the Kelso has limited use. I mainly use them for casual wear because I really love their look and they are comfortable.

[@matriaxpunk]

HFS>>>>Prio

[@claybowser698]

I have two pair of Xero shoes. One is a cold weather boot and the other is made as a casual work shoe. I wear the work shoe for every type of activity. I even go to the gym with them. Xero shoes are the first and only barefoot type shoes I've ever worn so I really can't compare them to others but I sure love both pair and I really can't see wearing regular shoes again period.

[@joshgies1869]

My sister loves her Prios. I ordered some earlier this year but had to return since they were much too narrow for my wide feet. Still on the hunt for the "one" all around shoe that fits me.

[@ivobagnara9860]

Freet connect 3. Waterproof, super light, wide toebox. Simply amazing. ☮️

[@mamabear9389]

I like Freet shoes also. I have the Pace but the Freet Connect 3 looks very good.

[@skinnylegsbarefootshoes]

I have a couple of pairs of Freet too, a Chukka Boot and the Pace. Both very flexible and really comfortable 👍

[@mamabear9389]

@@skinnylegsbarefootshoes I also have the Freet Pace. Great shoe.

[@todallard8791]

i have the Prios, if your feet are wider order a 1/2 size up, my first pair lasted about 3900 miles the true to size was not correct for me they fit ok but my feet are wide and got wider as I went only barefoot. My second pair is doing much better on the wear I went 1/2 size up this time but after 1000 miles I can feel my feet feeling snug again so I will need a wider shoe and xero does not get wider in shoes the z-trek is fine and I love them but in winter I want to cover my feet.

[@mom_im_losing_it]

Have you tried splay shoes they’re really good and affordable.

[@jasonpretor5933]

Toe box is not wide enough for a Barefoot shoe.

[@marlenesammito8887]

I mean it's your opinion, to me Xero is too poor on the aesthetics. Despite having worn them for a while I find that no barefoot shoe is that sexy, nothing can beat a good old leather brogue for me, BUT, at least some have character. At least they make that statement: I can move like no other. I think the Wildling somehow do. Curious as to why Vivos are not on your radar here? If I have to take one pair of shoes with me it has to be the Vivos Gobi I think. Boots are a different story (as in hiking/trekking compatible boots). I don't think the barefoot mastermind has come up with decent options yet, or maybe there I'd have to try the Xero, that's probably where the brand performs best.

[@AntiAnathema]

Lems has a decent hiker with their newer Summit boot

[@gurpreetkhamba5399]

Sizing on Xero be dif. Heads up.

[@shawnpritchard366]

Luv my Prio's.

[@lewiswilliams3602]

Thanks for the message

[@an.onroad]

Yo te amo más. Gracias