Xero Shoes is a brand specializing in barefoot shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot. From their original start as running shoes to a variety of styles, all share a wide toe box, zero drop from heel to toe, barefoot sole, and flexibility to move with your foot.
Fitness, Workout, & Martial Art Shoes
Through decades of trying martial arts-specific shoes and dozens of randomly selected shoes for martial arts training, one style has proven best for me. A low to zero drop between the heel and toe, minimal thickness to the sole, wide toe box, and grippy but flat soles have been the key features that have left my feet and ankles in far less pain after hours of walking and training per day.
The 360 is a lightweight cross-training shoe designed to handle court sports, parkour, CrossFit, and activities requiring quick lateral movement. With its responsive, omnidirectional tread, breathable mesh upper, Huarache-inspired tension straps, and zero-drop design, the 360 provides a superior lightweight performance so you can tackle the most demanding cross-training circuits with confidence. Additionally, it includes unique rubber inlays that line the toe box for added stability and control when climbing rope and scaling obstacles.
Pros
1. Thin sole with zero drop allowing for better balance and less ankle instability.
2. A wide toe box allows toes to spread and maintain better stability on the ball of the foot.
3. Pivot point on sole aids pivoting for kicking and striking footwork.
4. The sole is grippy enough to avoid slipping but does not overdo the amount needed to cause knee pain.
5. Breathable mesh upper lets sweat dissipate through the shoe.
6. Rubber inlays hold up well to kicking heavy bags and pads, protecting the actual mesh on the toe box.
Cons
1. Need an adjustment period to barefoot shoes if you have not worn them before.
2. The sole will start to wear through into the insole due to the very thin soles.
3. The insole is nothing special and can be replaced or plenty of room for a thin insole over the top.
4. The sole is only cemented on and could use a row of stitching to hold the sole and upper together longer.
The age-old karate and taekwondo martial arts shoes have been less than ideal for actual training. They don't hold up to more than one day a week of training, aren't very comfortable to walk in, and never securely stay on your foot. The Xero 360 shoe is a great training shoe for martial arts and your other regular workout routines.