In this hands-on review, I try two different models of Xero Shoes: The Ridgeway Chelsea and the Dillon Leather Sneaker. Read on to see if they’re for you — or not for you.
I often talk about how slow I was to warm up to the barefoot shoe movement. I understand the concept of having a more natural relationship with the ground beneath you. And I know that it’s highly beneficial. However, it wasn’t until the Xero Glenn Shoe that I really hopped on board.
From a style perspective, I’m not into five-toe models. Sure, I like athletic and outdoorsy aesthetics. But I’m far too traditional for shoes that combine them in a crunchy, folksy way.
The Glenn was my answer. It added the barely-there sole system to a classic leather shoe. Even more, the remixed design gave it a cool factor.
I jumped at the opportunity to try out their Ridgeway Chelseas and Dillon
Xero Shoes: A Little Bit About the Brand
Based in Colorado, husband and wide duo, Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, founded Xero Shoes in 2009. I mentioned in my Glenn review that they were even on Shark Tank.
Sashen, a sprinter, experienced several injuries. Inspired by the science of Born to Run, he started sprinting barefoot, which fixed the problem.
Xero’s first shoe was a simple sandal with a rubber sole and laces. As a brand, Xero aims to create a more organic relationship between feet and the ground. The concept is that, yes, we’re meant to be barefoot. However, realistically, this isn’t always possible. Their patented soles are the solution.
The Xero Dillon Leather Sneaker: Hands-on Review
I received the Dillon Leather Sneaker in a size 8.5. The packaging is straightforward, like the shoes, with packing paper inside to ensure safe shipping.
The Xero Dillon: Comfort and Fit
Like the Glenn, this shoe was comfortable right out of the box. However, the Dillon was even more immediately comfortable. Here’s why I think that’s the case.
The Insole
I knew exactly what I was getting. The insole looked exactly like the one in the Glenn. It provided enough of a barrier to protect me from uncomfortable topography. You could walk over pebbles or sharp sticks, and you’d be as protected as you would via an athletic outsole.
However, it was thin enough that I could feel the exact terrain beneath my feet. It’s almost like a more protective indoor moccasin. As with the Glenn, I think the Dillon meets the barely-there sole system’s promise — that’s a “pro” in my book.
The Outsole
These shoes are equipped with Xero’s FeelTrue outsoles. Right out of the box, I could wear these, and fully bend my feet and tip-toe as if I didn’t have shoes on. I’ve never had a full-grain leather low-profile shoe provide that for me. At least, not during my first wear.
As Xero promises, I have a full range of motion with this sneaker that feels completely natural. I noticed that the treaded bottoms are made with a more natural-looking gum rubber. The Glenn’s bottoms were made of a solid, opaque white rubber. There seemed to be just a bit more bounce.
Is it because of these gum outsoles? I’m not sure, but it’s welcome. After all, they’re
Sizing and Fit
The Dillons were even more comfortable than the Glenns and required literally zero break-in. The Glenns didn’t require any break-in either, but I did notice a bit of soreness in my front toe and back ankle.
Still, these ignorable issues were gone the next day. I didn’t experience this with the Dillons at all. In fact, when it comes to fit and comfort, I give the Dillons a 12 out of 10.
I usually wear an 8 or 8.5. I previously ordered the Glenn in an 8 because I thought the wide-toe box would add extra room. Just to ensure I had both a treatment and control in this experiment, I went for an 8.5 with the Dillons.
Perhaps it was because I had gotten used to the FeelTrue sole via the Glenn, or perhaps it’s just that an 8.5 is a better fit for me with this particular model.
The Dillon combines the best of both worlds. Gym trainers tend to be too tech-forward. Meanwhile, low-profile white leathers, say Common Projects, are well-built and made for style. But, they’ll never provide the athletic comfort that gym trainers do.
This sneaker looks like the latter but provides the practical offerings of the former. The wide toe box seems to provide great breathability, while also helping you maintain agility and balance. Even more, the calfskin lining makes this shoe comfortable with or without socks.
The Xero Dillon: Design, Style, and Recommendation
First off, the product description describes the construction as full-grain leather. Out of the box, I could easily smell that natural leather aroma. I’m not sure how they do this at this price point, but it’s pleasantly surprising. Also, the upper feels soft and smooth.
I think that the wide toe box lends itself to the sneaker aesthetic. The perforations on the side provide a cool design accent, similar to a Nike swoosh or adidas stripes, but more subtle. It gives it a distinction that doesn’t interrupt the simple, versatile, and monochrome design.
You can wear the Dillons with jeans, chinos, shorts, or even a suit on smart casual days. They’re hands down my favorite shoes from the brand. I think anyone, regardless of your personal style, can sport the Dillons. They’re casual but slick, and absolutely, undeniably comfortable.
If you prefer a slimmer-looking sneaker, perhaps these might not be for you. Still, I say give them a chance. They’re too adaptable and too easy to wear to just pass up.
The Xero Ridgeway Chelsea: Hands-on Review
Like the Dillon, I received the Ridgeway Chelsea in a size 8.5. And like the Dillon, it was impeccably packaged. The toe was, of course, stuffed. And, there was even a piece of shaped cardboard in the shaft to ensure it didn’t get crushed in transit.
The Xero Ridgeway Chelsea: Comfort and Fit
The Ridgeway Chelsea is definitely one of the more comfortable lugged boots I’ve ever worn. It fit me more like the size 8 Glenn did, despite the fact I went for an 8.5. More on that momentarily.
The Insole
The insole looks and feels different than the ones in the Dillon Sneaker and the Glenn. It’s stiffer and features pretty deep perforation on the bottom. I wasn’t sure how this fairly substantial insole would achieve the barefoot relationship with the ground.
However, I soon realized it had more to do with how your foot (and brain) register the relationship. Rather than creating a protection-less boot, which is useless, the barefoot experience is simulated physically and mentally.
I wore this boot during a camping trip. I knew exactly when I was walking on leaves versus dirt versus rock. The topography still stimulated my feet. So, even though this boot offered more protection, I continued to walk with my natural gait and with my more natural foot mechanics.
I don’t know the science of it. Perhaps it’s the negative space provided by the deep perforations of the insole. Still, it’s all quite impressive.
The Outsole
The outsole provides excellent tread while also maintaining a pretty natural flex. That’s totally unsurprising, especially since this is Xero’s thing.
This is the most “barely-there-feeling” lugged boot I’ve ever worn. I’m quite impressed how they managed to achieve that with such a rugged boot in the first place. I walked on wet and muddy grounds, as well as craggy terrain.
This outsole provides pretty solid stability and protection. As far as the outsole is concerned — you’ll hear no complaints coming from me!
Sizing and Fit
I think this boot might run small. Here’s why. I mentioned that I ordered the Glenn in an 8. I experienced a short, and ultimately inconsequential, period of ankle and toe rubbing. In an 8.5, with the Dillon Sneaker, I didn’t experience that at all.
I ordered this Chelsea in an 8.5, and experienced slight tight toe and heel rubbign during my first wear. It was pretty much gone by the next day, and there was no bruising. In fact, if I wasn’t writing a review, I would’ve totally forgotten about it.
The 8.5 worked beautifully, though I think I could wear a 9 too. I definitely couldn’t have worn an 8 though. Also, the edge of the neck was a bit stiff at first and dug into my back ankle.
However, it wasn’t anything a good pair of socks could distract from. Again, this was all gone within a day or two of pretty heavy wear. I wouldn’t consider it a proper break-in period.
The Xero Ridgeway Chelsea: Design, Style, and Recommendation
I think it’s quite a smart design that’s both relevant to today’s trends but also classic. A sleek, thin, more urban Chelsea wouldn’t work with the wide toe box visually. However, it’s still a chic design, thanks to the supple brown leather, but with workwear undertones.
The lugs are there, but they aren’t as aggressive as survivalist workboots. You can easily wear this boot with a flannel and jeans, or with a more smart casual combination. It’s an overall easy boot, from a style perspective and a practical one.
From a practical perspective, the Ridgeway Chelsea is a great entry-level option for people who want to try out barefoot shoes. It’s also an effective option for those who already love barefoot shoes, but need a good piece of outdoor footwear.
From a style perspective, this boot is a great middle-ground between sleek mod Chelseas and brawny workboots. It’s also more versatile than either because it can be styled like both.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Xero continues to meet its brand promise. The Dillon Sneaker is versatile and evergreen. Meanwhile, the Ridgeway Chelsea perfectly balances ruggedness with sleekness. Most importantly, both provide the promised barely-there relationship between your feet and the ground.
I found this most impressive with the Chelsea, considering how important protective layers are to the design.
I highly recommend either of these shoes to anyone trying to experience barefoot-style footwear. They’re both versatile and can be styled like any good-looking leather sneaker or Chelsea on the market.
Plus, the Dillon is $99, and the Chelsea is $127.99 at the time of this writing. At best, this brand offers a compelling value proposition. At the very least, they’re a pretty low-risk endeavor.
Check out our roundup of the best barefoot shoes for more options!
