Xero Shoes Prio Neo – Is It The Ultimate Athleisure Shoe?
By Alin Ciocan | April 16, 2024
As Xero Shoes puts it “We took our best-selling all-around fitness and “do anything” shoe, the Prio, and gave it a sleek, new look.” but is it better than the original?
Tested At $99.99
Barefoot Comfort
4.5/5
PRICE / VALUE
4.5/5
Style / Design
4.5/5
durability
4.5/5
Last Updated on June 13, 2024
At BareTread we’ve reviewed a good deal of barefoot shoes from Xero over the years. The Xero Shoes Prio has been particularly influential in our view, potentially their biggest model. So when they launched an update to their biggest model, we were very excited. But is it better than the original? Yes and No
The Barefoot Experience
The Xero Shoes Prio Neo embodies the brand’s barefoot philosophy with its thin, flexible sole and anatomical design. At just 5.5mm thick, the FeelTrue rubber outsole provides essential protection from the ground while allowing ample proprioception and natural foot movement. The zero-drop platform keeps your feet in a neutral position, while the wide toe box accommodates natural toe splay. Whether you’re running, hitting the gym, or just wearing them casually, the Prio Neo lets your feet move and function as nature intended.
Lightweight Comfort
At a mere 7.6 ounces for a men’s size 9, the Prio Neo is one of the lightest running shoes on the market. The breathable mesh upper and moisture-wicking lining keep your feet cool and dry, even during intense workouts. The huarache-inspired styling may not be for everyone, but it undeniably sets the Prio Neo apart as a unique offering in the barefoot shoe space. Xero Shoes’ vegan-friendly construction makes this a feel-good choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Flexible sole: The 5.5mm FeelTrue rubber sole provides adequate protection while still allowing your feet to bend, move, and feel the ground beneath you.
Lightweight and breathable: The Prio Neo features a mesh upper with welded accents, keeping your feet cool and comfortable during activities.
Versatile: This shoe is suitable for a range of pursuits, including running, walking, hiking, gym workouts, and casual wear.
Natural fit: The wide toe box and zero-drop sole promote proper posture, balance, and agility while allowing your toes to splay naturally.
Vegan-friendly: The Prio Neo is made entirely from vegan materials, making it a great choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Cons
Toe box and midfoot potentially too narrow for very wide/flat feet
The huarache styling may look dated to some people
Not optimized for activities like powerlifting that need maximum traction
There are some concerns about long-term durability, the front of the shoe seems predisposed to scuffs
Higher price point: At $99.99, the Prio Neo is more expensive than some other barefoot shoe options on the market.
The Verdict
While not without a few potential drawbacks, the Xero Shoes Prio Neo delivers a well-rounded barefoot shoe experience at a competitive price point. It’s a solid choice for minimalist enthusiasts and a great entry point for those looking to test the benefits of barefoot-style footwear. With its 4.5/5 overall rating, the Prio Neo is a standout option in the barefoot shoe market, at the same level with the original Xero Shoes Prio with the original being slightly more affordable and the Neo having a more sleek, modern look – offering the right balance of ground feel, comfort, versatility, and value for the discerning user.
The Prio Neo fits true to size.
We recommend your usual size.
How barefoot
Price / value
Style / design
durability