Been wearing barefoot style for years. And before that I'd wear sandals whenever possible. So I adjusted quicker than most when I went 100% barefoot shoes. However, my feet did get wider and toughen up over the years. I've actually gone up 1/2 size. I like rocky terrain now. The improved awareness of what I'm walking on prevents me from stepping too hard on sharp rocks. It's more instinctual now. Before I had to pay closer attention. These xcursion fusion's look like a nice middle ground shoe for someone who is adjusting.
Similar experience to you. I agree, these look to be either a good transition shoe with more protection than most of Xero's line, or as I'm using them a good option for conditioned barefoot-style shoe users looking for something to use in more rugged off trail terrain where repeatedly stepping on sharp rocks is unavoidable (scree and boulder fields).
This new "Fusion" version of the Xero Xcursion is definitely much narrower in the toe-box than the original. I've hiked hundreds of kilometres in the original Xcursion and, apart from sub-par waterproofing, absolutely loved them. The same 1/2 size up boot in the Fusion version is too narrow in the toe box for my average width feet. Very disappointing as the boot seems otherwise to be a good blend of minimalist yet robust build.
This is good to know. I’m planning to go to the Boundary Waters in August and have been wondering what size to get. I own about a dozen pairs of Xero and love them. I’ve actually sent back a few shoes lately due to them not fitting well and the HFS were narrower in the toe box than the Prio. I will definitely order up the extra half size to see how these boots work. Thanks for the good review!
Cool shoes, it seems. I've used Xeros for running, different models, but never tried ones for hiking. Maybe I should, hmm.. Anyways, thanks for the video! 👍
Hey mate thanks for the great review. Out of curiosity do these boots have reflectors on them? I'm in the military and wanting to try zero drop, barefoot, style boots. So far these look the best. I've also considered the vivobarefoot tracker boots. Thanks again man!
Xeros most certainly will not stand up to military use. They dont even really stand up that well to everyday use. I am not really sure what you need specifically, but if you are looking for a minimalist combat boot, there are certainly designs for that, specifically with zero drop heels especially, but because of the use case of the shoe, a really barefoot combat boot just cant exist. I mean it can, but it will get beat to shit in a week in the desert. The construction and materials needed to make a combat boot require a bit more shoe behind it. But there are minimalist designs, just search for minimalist combat boot. There are several large brands that already have approved footwear that is minimalist depending on which service you are in.
If you are watching this because you like barefoot shoes, DO NOT ORDER THESE. If these are your first pair of barefoot shoes, you might like them, but just know, that they are not barefoot shoes lol. At best they could be described as minimal boots, but not even that. I love Xero shoes, its all I wear. I got these in the mail today (replacing my older pair of xcursions), and HOLY SHIT they are not even close to barefoot shoes anymore. Narrow toe box, super rigid sole, so much ankle support you cant move. These are foot coffins. Might as well buy whatever Nike or whoever puts out at least they will last longer. I am really really hoping that whoever they hired to design these things gets fired before they destroy the entire company. So ashamed of Xero, these shoes are a total sellout. If there was any other shoe worth buying they would have lost my money forever.
I hate to hear that. I’ve been hiking in my Oswego shoes for close to a year after ditching all my other footwear for minimalist shoes. Oswegos aren’t ideal for hiking but I’ve been doing it just the same while procrastinating on getting minimalist boots. I’ve been debating on what boots to get for hiking. I tried the Lem’s and they’re too thick in the soles and too much cushion. I was going to try these, but I really have come to like the ground feel I’ve got with my Oswego’s. I wonder if the Daylite hiker that isn’t the Xcursion has the original sole with better ground feel?
@@maxwelld5832 Yes I was up a half size and they where honestly too long and too narrow. I have 7 other pairs of different Xero shoes. Been wearing barefoot shoes for 4 years now. Its not a sizing issue, the shoes are not designed in the same barefoot principle anymore for these new "fusion" line
@@truckpilotnate2972 I have multiple pairs of Xero boots, shoes and sandals (Xcursion original, Xcursion Fusion, Daylight Hiker Fusion, Terraflex, Mesa Trail, HFS, Z-Trek) and my favourite of all is still the Xero Mesa Trail. A simply awesome shoe for hiking, trail running, just getting around etc. Definitely more minimal than any of the other trail/hiking shoes and boots, yet still very good grip on different trail surfaces (grass, rock, dirt, mud etc). Not waterproof but it's actually better for a 3 season shoe as it dries far, far more quickly than the waterproof boots which always seem to eventually get wet inside, either from rain running down your legs into the top or water splashing over from puddles and stream crossings or from perspiration inside which can't get out (waterproof and truly breathable is a bit of an oxymoron lol). The Mesa Trail are super comfortable, lightweight, with great ground feel through the soles. It's always a trade-off between ground feel and protection from hard rocky trails, but I think these hit the sweet spot. They do for me at least. Strongly recommended! 👍
@@joannecostigan4244 thanks for that. I don’t worry at all about waterproofing for hiking boots. In fact, I hate waterproof footwear for hiking and won’t buy them for exactly the reasons you’ve mentioned. I like higher topped shoes or boots for hiking for the protection, not any support. I hike where it’s really rocky and when ever I wear lower topped shoes, my ankles seem to get skinned up pretty good. Since I wrote the above reply, I purchased a pair of Daylite Hiker Fusions and was extraordinarily disappointed. They’re NARROW. very narrow. I would not come close to saying they have a wide toe box. After an easy mile and a half hike, my “pinky toes” were SCREAMING! Additionally, lots of the stitching on the boots popped loose. After A MILE AND A HALF! I think I will check out the shoes you’ve recommended as my Oswego’s have done a far better than expected job for me. I may need to learn to be more careful and hike without the need of protecting my ankles.
5000 mile sole warranty what a joke! You can remove a zero.... no many traditionnal shoes with thick vibram soles can do 1200 miles without ending with holes in the sole, even shoes such the Meindl Perfect that are tanks among hiking shoes. Pretending that a barefoot sole can do 5000 miles reminds me Sayer pretending on their website that the sayer mini can filter over 100000 gallon, yeah mine died before 60 gallon. That's just a tricky way to say: buy one and get 60%off on the second pair.
Get yours here: bit.ly/45nJDmD (paid link)
Been wearing barefoot style for years. And before that I'd wear sandals whenever possible. So I adjusted quicker than most when I went 100% barefoot shoes. However, my feet did get wider and toughen up over the years. I've actually gone up 1/2 size. I like rocky terrain now. The improved awareness of what I'm walking on prevents me from stepping too hard on sharp rocks. It's more instinctual now. Before I had to pay closer attention. These xcursion fusion's look like a nice middle ground shoe for someone who is adjusting.
Similar experience to you. I agree, these look to be either a good transition shoe with more protection than most of Xero's line, or as I'm using them a good option for conditioned barefoot-style shoe users looking for something to use in more rugged off trail terrain where repeatedly stepping on sharp rocks is unavoidable (scree and boulder fields).
Amazing review, extremely helpful, thank you!
This new "Fusion" version of the Xero Xcursion is definitely much narrower in the toe-box than the original. I've hiked hundreds of kilometres in the original Xcursion and, apart from sub-par waterproofing, absolutely loved them. The same 1/2 size up boot in the Fusion version is too narrow in the toe box for my average width feet. Very disappointing as the boot seems otherwise to be a good blend of minimalist yet robust build.
Yes. I am sending back my older excusions because of the waterproofing problem and because rocks would get inside somehow.
This is good to know. I’m planning to go to the Boundary Waters in August and have been wondering what size to get. I own about a dozen pairs of Xero and love them. I’ve actually sent back a few shoes lately due to them not fitting well and the HFS were narrower in the toe box than the Prio. I will definitely order up the extra half size to see how these boots work. Thanks for the good review!
Exactly. I returned mine.. they are trash now. NARROW AF AND STIFF NOT FLEXIBLE AT ALL!!! TRASH
Cool shoes, it seems. I've used Xeros for running, different models, but never tried ones for hiking. Maybe I should, hmm.. Anyways, thanks for the video! 👍
You bet!
Good video. I just ordered them 1/2 size up. They are on sale right now!
Nice!!
Hey mate thanks for the great review. Out of curiosity do these boots have reflectors on them? I'm in the military and wanting to try zero drop, barefoot, style boots. So far these look the best. I've also considered the vivobarefoot tracker boots. Thanks again man!
Xeros most certainly will not stand up to military use. They dont even really stand up that well to everyday use.
I am not really sure what you need specifically, but if you are looking for a minimalist combat boot, there are certainly designs for that, specifically with zero drop heels especially, but because of the use case of the shoe, a really barefoot combat boot just cant exist.
I mean it can, but it will get beat to shit in a week in the desert. The construction and materials needed to make a combat boot require a bit more shoe behind it.
But there are minimalist designs, just search for minimalist combat boot. There are several large brands that already have approved footwear that is minimalist depending on which service you are in.
Most Xeros do have reflective strips!
Check out Belleville mini-mils
Hykes Trailblazers are my favorite barefoot hiking boots. 🤠
Would these fit wide feet? I really want to try these, but I'm hesitant because I have such a hard time finding shoes in general that fit my 4E feet.
Hard to say. They do run a tiny bit wider than normal shoes. Definitely get in touch with Xero before buying.
No, the fusions are no wider than normal shoes. They have a more narrow toe box than the original xcursions.
These vs the rambler 2 wp?
That's a tough one. They're fairly similar, honestly. But the Scrambler has the stickier Michelin sole. I think it mostly comes down to aesthetics.
I do not hike. The selling point for me is, they are light as a feather. I have always bought hiking boots to support my ankles.
Which color are these?
This is the Bison color.
If you are watching this because you like barefoot shoes, DO NOT ORDER THESE. If these are your first pair of barefoot shoes, you might like them, but just know, that they are not barefoot shoes lol. At best they could be described as minimal boots, but not even that.
I love Xero shoes, its all I wear. I got these in the mail today (replacing my older pair of xcursions), and HOLY SHIT they are not even close to barefoot shoes anymore. Narrow toe box, super rigid sole, so much ankle support you cant move. These are foot coffins. Might as well buy whatever Nike or whoever puts out at least they will last longer. I am really really hoping that whoever they hired to design these things gets fired before they destroy the entire company.
So ashamed of Xero, these shoes are a total sellout. If there was any other shoe worth buying they would have lost my money forever.
Did u go up half a size?
I hate to hear that. I’ve been hiking in my Oswego shoes for close to a year after ditching all my other footwear for minimalist shoes. Oswegos aren’t ideal for hiking but I’ve been doing it just the same while procrastinating on getting minimalist boots. I’ve been debating on what boots to get for hiking. I tried the Lem’s and they’re too thick in the soles and too much cushion. I was going to try these, but I really have come to like the ground feel I’ve got with my Oswego’s. I wonder if the Daylite hiker that isn’t the Xcursion has the original sole with better ground feel?
@@maxwelld5832 Yes I was up a half size and they where honestly too long and too narrow. I have 7 other pairs of different Xero shoes. Been wearing barefoot shoes for 4 years now.
Its not a sizing issue, the shoes are not designed in the same barefoot principle anymore for these new "fusion" line
@@truckpilotnate2972 I have multiple pairs of Xero boots, shoes and sandals (Xcursion original, Xcursion Fusion, Daylight Hiker Fusion, Terraflex, Mesa Trail, HFS, Z-Trek) and my favourite of all is still the Xero Mesa Trail. A simply awesome shoe for hiking, trail running, just getting around etc. Definitely more minimal than any of the other trail/hiking shoes and boots, yet still very good grip on different trail surfaces (grass, rock, dirt, mud etc). Not waterproof but it's actually better for a 3 season shoe as it dries far, far more quickly than the waterproof boots which always seem to eventually get wet inside, either from rain running down your legs into the top or water splashing over from puddles and stream crossings or from perspiration inside which can't get out (waterproof and truly breathable is a bit of an oxymoron lol). The Mesa Trail are super comfortable, lightweight, with great ground feel through the soles. It's always a trade-off between ground feel and protection from hard rocky trails, but I think these hit the sweet spot. They do for me at least. Strongly recommended! 👍
@@joannecostigan4244 thanks for that. I don’t worry at all about waterproofing for hiking boots. In fact, I hate waterproof footwear for hiking and won’t buy them for exactly the reasons you’ve mentioned. I like higher topped shoes or boots for hiking for the protection, not any support. I hike where it’s really rocky and when ever I wear lower topped shoes, my ankles seem to get skinned up pretty good. Since I wrote the above reply, I purchased a pair of Daylite Hiker Fusions and was extraordinarily disappointed. They’re NARROW. very narrow. I would not come close to saying they have a wide toe box. After an easy mile and a half hike, my “pinky toes” were SCREAMING! Additionally, lots of the stitching on the boots popped loose. After A MILE AND A HALF! I think I will check out the shoes you’ve recommended as my Oswego’s have done a far better than expected job for me. I may need to learn to be more careful and hike without the need of protecting my ankles.
5000 mile sole warranty what a joke! You can remove a zero.... no many traditionnal shoes with thick vibram soles can do 1200 miles without ending with holes in the sole, even shoes such the Meindl Perfect that are tanks among hiking shoes. Pretending that a barefoot sole can do 5000 miles reminds me Sayer pretending on their website that the sayer mini can filter over 100000 gallon, yeah mine died before 60 gallon. That's just a tricky way to say: buy one and get 60%off on the second pair.
Granted, 60% off the next pair is pretty good if they last a decent amount of time don't you think. Its a nice option normal brands don't offer.
They are Trash!!!! Trash!!!!! trash !!!!!! Not flexible and don't let your toes stretch because they are NOT barefoot anymore
I wasn't a fan. Hopefully the next iteration will be better!
“Serious hiking”. 🙄 lol there are people who have hiked the Appalachian trail barefoot. One example.
Yep! No problem with barefoot shoes, here. The Xcursion just didn't work for me.