09/03/2022
Woohoo! New running kicks from via as a bday gift from my in-laws. โค๏ธ๐๐
This was after a failed try w/the Zelenโs. Really wanted eco friendly but ๐๐ป:
1) The toe box was funky fitting compared to other Xero Shoes. Plenty of space in front of the big toe but other toes jamming into the front of the shoe ๐คท๐ป;
2) The upper (mid foot) had too much going on;
3) The inner toe box had rough inner edges & added to the above mentioned discomfort;
4) Minor unfinished edges on the upper for shoes that run about $130. ๐คฆ๐ป
So sent them back, sat on it for a few days while researching LOTS of other shoes.
Finally came back to Xero Shoes, specifically the Prioโs but ordered from REI:
1) Iโm an REI member & get free shipping;
2) REI basically has a no questions asked return policy (they even resell worn shoes with the condition noted);
3) I had previously considered Prioโs & the HFS. In the end, Prio won due to REI carrying it & kept coming back to it, clearly;
4) Toe box fit is on point w/other closed toed Xero Shoes I own & use: Hanaโs & Mesa Trailโs ๐คค;
5) Nothing weird/over engineered like the Zelenโs. Only minor qualm is a thick piece of fabric at the bottom of the laces;
6) Prioโs just exude Xero Shoe-ness w/the huarache influenced tightening system visible on the outside, minimal, zero drop, natural foot shaped. The Zelan I felt tried to be another brandโs shoe plus Xeroโs, & in the end had an identity crisis. ๐คช
Next day wore them to & from the office on my run commutes. Definitely noticed the slight increase in insole as well as notable upper, but overall very familiar feeling & awesome to run in on road & trail! (Had been running in an old, really worn pair of Hanaโs, which were super minimal & lots of ground feel, ha! ๐คท๐ป๐)
Happy Running! โ๐ป๐
(Note: I am a โXero Heroโ but never formally announced that awesome relationship. ๐ Also have been an affiliate for a while, but clearly donโt hold back w/reviews. Also provided above to Xero Shoes Support & asked them to pass it along to R&D. ๐)
