Xero ShoesMen s Hana Shoe

I’ve always preferred going barefoot to wearing shoes, but bare feet are vulnerable to rocks, broken glass, and other hazards that make walking barefoot outdoors a matter of stepping gingerly and mindfully for fear of injury. My spouse has been wearing Xero sandals and shoes for a couple of years now, and she’s smarter than me, so I decided to follow her and try them.They’re my dream shoes. They provide enough sole protection that I no longer fear ordinary hazards, but enough ground-feel that I feel in total control of my step. I plant my foot square on the ground now, not dragging a heel on the way to setting my foot down. On any sort of uneven surface, the ground-feel makes things completely different from the hiking shoes and comfort shoes I’ve been wearing for years. The first big outing with these was helping some friends move. Normally, carrying large boxes that I can’t see around up and down unfamiliar staircases is a scary experience. But with the Xeros, I could just drop my toes over the edge, feeling my way down and keeping perfect balance. Wonderful. I’ve also noticed that, even though these have a far less heavy tread than my usual hiking shoes or Skechers, I feel even more traction than before!My spouse suggested wearing toe socks with them, and gave me a few pairs to try. It was a little odd at first, but quickly made sense once I got on an uneven surface again. I also started pulling the insole pads out, giving even more ground-feel. I feel so much more confident in my step with this combination! And after just a week, putting the Skechers on again feels clunky and awkward, like I have no control over my feet. They’re not comfortable, they’re just mushy. The Xeros feel comfortable - not by padding my feet so they can no longer feel anything, but by helping them feel the ground without fear.

I bought these for casual wear and walking. Today, we visited Klehm Arboretum in Rockford Illinois. We walked over 2 miles on trails and paths. My first time wearing these shoes and my feet feel great. These are my fourth pair of Xero shoes and have been happy with all of them.

Laces are stretchy and round which make them more likely to become untied on their own.