Xero Shoes Fall 2024 Review – New Boots, Sneakers, and Slip-ons

Xero Shoes fall collection is now available, and they are 20% off for the first two weeks! This makes for some solid deals, especially on the affordable kids slip-on that is part of the new collection. And new this season, if you buy two or more pairs from the fall collection you get an extra 5% off.

See below my experiences with all 4 new models on myself, Justin (mi esposo) and my 8 year old son.

Dillon Leather

Leather | Sizes US Women’s 5 – Men’s 15

The original Dillon in knit has been one of my go to white sneakers the last year and a half. They have a comfortable fit with just enough width and volume over the toes while still looking stylish – but the knit gets dirty easily and I’ve had a hard time keeping them clean! So it’s good news that they are now available in leather because that is so much easier to keep clean.

The Dillon Leather is a classic everyday white sneaker with subtle details and a grippy sole. You can also use them for court sports and light exercise. They feel sturdy but not stiff and Justin and I are fans both of how they look and how they feel.

Sizing & Fit:

• Wide fit – should work both for average and wide feet.
• True to size.
• Medium to high volume, but should work for all volumes because of the laces and removable insole.

Breckenridge

Leather | Sizes US Women’s 5-12

The Breckenridge is a classic lace up boot style that toes the line between dressy and casual. The outsole can be used outdoors, but isn’t so rugged looking that you couldn’t wear them with a nicer stylish outfit. They remind me a lot of the old Vivobarefoot Gobi Hi that is no longer available, but with a wider toe box. In fact, this is I think the widest toe box Xero has put on a boot. They feel great to me!

The leather upper on the black color is soft and nice and makes for that leather boot look and feel. But be warned that the grey feels different – I find it plasticky and stiff and I was not a fan. I’m not certain what the brown will be like, but my guess is that it is soft based on the natural looking finish you see in the photos.

Except for the grey colorway, I am a big fan of the Breckenridge!

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Medium to wide fit
• Medium volume – should work for all volumes with laces and a removable insole

I find the fit on them to be pretty solid and likely to fit your average person. The toe box is wide enough for my wide feet, but not likely to work for extra wide feet. And they are semi-fitted through the heel and ankle so I don’t feel like I’m flopping all around.

Ridgeway Chelsea

Leather | Sizes US Women’s 5 – Men’s 15

The Ridgeway Chelsea uses the same rugged outsole as the other Ridgeway models with a classic chelsea leather upper. They are Xero’s take on the Blundstone style of boot that mixes function with fashion. And you certainly could use these boots for hiking, as a light work boot, and as an everyday shoe.

The toe box has good volume over the toes and is wide, but not as wide as the Lems Chelsea if you’re familiar with that one. They are also a little bit stiffer and heavier, but the outsole has better grip and tread.

Both are good boots in my opinion, but I wish the Xero Ridgeway was a smidge wider in the toe box and both Justin and I found the back to be hard and stiff against the achilles. If you are looking for a more rugged chelsea with a robust outsole and upper, this will be your speed. But probably not an ideal choice for people who want that light soft barefoot feel.

Sizing & Fit:

• May run small – they were nearly true to size for me, maybe a quarter size small. But for Justin they were a full size too small. He seldom needs larger than a men’s 13 but will need a 14 in the Ridgeway!!
• Medium wide
• High volume over the toes and midfoot – they come with a removable insole but I needed to add an extra one to fit.

Dillon Slip-on Youth

Canvas | Sizes US 12 Kids – 4 Youth

I love my Dillon Slip-ons, and my kids often want slip-ons of their own like their friends have. So we were both excited when Xero came out with the easy canvas slip-on sneaker that also is at an affordable price point for barefoot kids shoes.

They’re lightweight, cute, and comfortable. We’ve only had them about a month, but so far the canvas has held up to scuffing and the rough and tumble play my son is nearly constantly engaged in. And while they’re on sale the next two weeks they are only $44!

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Medium to wide width
• Medium to high volume (removable insoles)

My son has wide feet with average volume and these fit him fine without being excessively floppy or tight. He has a bit of extra room and you can remove the factory insole, so they will work for some kids with high volume feet as well. Sizing was true for us.

I hope that this helps as you figure out what shoes will work for you and your family!