If you have spent any time in barefoot shoe circles, chances are you already know Xero Shoes. They are one of the biggest barefoot shoe companies in the world and a brand that has played a huge role in bringing natural footwear to the mainstream. I have followed their journey for many years and remain a genuine fan of the people behind the brand, especially the founder, Steven Sashen. I will admit I was a little star struck to meet him in person at the annual USA barefoot shoes expo hosted by Anya in May 2025.
My relationship with Xero goes back a long way. I have reviewed several of their models over the years and, like with many barefoot shoe brands, my experience has been mixed due to fit. I have exceptionally wide, Roman shaped feet and most Xero models historically have leaned narrower and lower volume than my own foot shape prefers. If you are unsure about your own foot shape, I always recommend starting with a proper assessment. You can use my Barefoot Calculator to get a clearer picture of what might work best for you.
That said, barefoot shoes are never one size fits all and Xero have been a brilliant success story for many people. My husband, for example, has enjoyed several pairs of Xero shoes over the years. His favourites have been the smart Xero Glenn and a number of their summer sandals, which have seen plenty of miles and plenty of praise.
At the end of 2024 I also had the pleasure of spending time with the Xero team in Edinburgh. It was genuinely lovely to see the people behind the brand and to hear more about what they were planning for the UK. Since then, they have been very busy behind the scenes, working on strategy, logistics and customer experience to significantly increase their presence and awareness here.
The Xero Shoes UK e-store makeover
I am now proud to announce that the Xero Shoes UK online store has had a full makeover and is undergoing continuous improvement as we move into 2026. This is an important moment for the brand in the UK and one I know many of you have been waiting for.
Right now, the UK site has a strong selection of stock from previous seasons, with plans already in motion to bring the new Spring Summer 2026 collection to the UK very soon. Crucially, all stock listed on the UK website is already in the country. That means no hidden fees, no surprise import duty, and no unexpected taxes landing on your doorstep after purchase. Returns are also stress free, which makes trying a new barefoot brand far less daunting.
Another big win is customer service. The Xero UK customer service team is based in South Wales and they are on hand to help with everything from choosing the right model to working out the best size. This local support makes a huge difference, especially for anyone new to barefoot shoes or unsure where to start.
A quick but important note on sizing
If you have been around barefoot shoes for a while, you may already know that Xero sizing charts have caused confusion in the past. The conversion charts have not always lined up as they should, particularly between US, UK and EU sizing.
Xero are actively working on this and reviewing size charts model by model. My personal aim is to help them understand what went wrong and support them in putting it right, based on real world foot measurements and feedback. In the meantime, the UK based team are very happy to help you navigate sizing and offer advice before you order. If in doubt, ask. It can save a lot of frustration later.
Looking ahead to kids barefoot shoes
One thing I am especially excited about is Xero’s growing kids range. Over recent years this has expanded significantly and I am really looking forward to getting some of my own children into Xero shoes. Expect proper barefoot principles, practical designs and far more choice than in the early days.
I will be reviewing kids models as they arrive and you can look out for those reviews in Spring 2026.
Affiliate links and where to shop
Xero is now split for e-commerce by regions:
As always, my goal is to help you find barefoot shoes that genuinely support healthy, natural movement. I am really pleased to see Xero investing properly in the UK and I am looking forward to what comes next.
Brit 👣