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Xero Shoes Makes the Inc. 5000 for the Sixth Time, Ranking No. 2,114

Inc 5000

(Broomfield, CO) August 16, 2022 – Inc. announced that Feel the World, dba Xero Shoes, is No. 2,114 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Xero Shoes’ experienced a three-year revenue growth of 282.5 percent.

“We’re thrilled to be named on the Inc. 5000 for the sixth year in a row, thanks to the hard work from our growing number of employees and the passion from our customers who have discovered the comfort, health benefits, and FUN of Xero Shoes,” says Steven Sashen, CEO and Co-Founder of Xero Shoes.  

The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. 

During this time, Xero Shoes hired key executives including Shaun Araham, Director of Product Management; Tom Curran, Director of Sales; and Jody Eichler, VP of Digital, who bring an array of experience to propel Xero Shoes’ rapid expansion in both DTC and wholesale businesses sales expansion and support digital and creative marketing efforts. In 2021, the Company grew 46 percent year-over-year, with annual net revenue of $33.6 million. Xero Shoes also launched xeroshoes.eu website to meet the growing demands in the European market.

“Despite the economic roadblocks, we’re proud of our company’s continued growth and ability to rise above multiple challenges as we provide our customers with innovative footwear that changes lives,” says Lena Phoenix, President and Co-Founder of Xero Shoes.

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About Xero Shoes

Founded in 2009, Xero Shoes manufactures comfortable, lightweight, performance and casual footwear built with a “foot-first design”. The company’s mission is to help people experience the comfort and benefits of barefoot-inspired footwear that lets them move naturally so they can “Live Life Feet First”. Co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, started Xero Shoes out of necessity after discovering that running barefoot solved years of running injuries, but that being actually barefoot wasn’t ideal in many situations. Xero Shoes launched in December 2009, in the EU in November 2021 and now has a complete line of casual and performance shoes, boots, and sandals that customers ages 2-92 in 97 countries wear for almost any imaginable occasion and activity.  Xero Shoes is the footwear partner for two USA National Teams – USA Artistic Swimming and USA Archery.  Sashen, along with co-founder and President, Lena Phoenix, appeared on ABC’s hit reality-business show, Shark Tank, where they turned down a $400,000 offer from Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary.

 

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Tips for Flat Feet, High Arches, & Running Barefoot – Xero Shoes

Yes, You Can Wear Barefoot Shoes with Flat Feet or High Arches. Here’s Why.

Not infrequently, when someone takes a look at my Xero Shoes, whomever I’m speaking with will say:

“I wish I could wear barefoot shoes, but I can’t do that. I need support.”

“Oh?” I’ll respond. “Why do you need support?”

Then something happens that I love. I get one of two seemingly contradictory answers. Either:

  1. “I have flat feet!”
  2. “I have high arches!”

They usually like to add to their proclamation some form of external validation, like, “I’ve seen one of the best podiatrists in the world and he agrees that I need orthotics.”

Oh? He agrees that you need to spend an additional $300-1,000 with him? What a shock.

Contrary to what many people believe, high arches and flat feet are not necessarily a problem.

To understand why not, you first need to know a little bit about arches and what can go wrong with them. Then we’ll talk about what the problem really is and why there is usually a better solution than orthotics.

Finally, even if you are going to wear orthotics, barefoot-inspired shoes are a great choice. Keep reading to find out why.

A Quick Look at the Anatomy of Your Feet

Why do our feet have arches, anyway?

If you look carefully at an average foot, you’ll actually see it has an arched shape in both directions – from front to back and side to side. Getting a bit technical, the arch we have in mind when talking about high or low arches is the medial longitudinal arch. It’s the one that runs lengthwise on the inside of each foot.

This flexible arch does two important things. When allowed to function naturally, it can easily handle the impact forces generated each time your foot lands on the ground. Second, it acts as a spring, which helps to absorb energy on impact and return some of it when you lift your foot again.

Why Do Flat Feet or High Arches Matter?

Frankly, they don’t for the vast majority of people. In fact, a study found that arch height made no difference in pain or function of the foot. Many people who have a low or high arch will never really notice it.

Obviously, if something is wrong with your arches, there is the potential that they won’t adequately perform those two functions of handling impact and providing spring-like rebound. For a very small number of people, very low or high arches can interfere with the function of the foot. If you’re in this group, you’re probably already well aware of it.

For most people, again, arches that are higher or lower than average aren’t a problem. We all fall along a continuum of arch height and the shape of our particular feet is mostly a matter of genetics.

The Real Problem and What to Do about It

But maybe you have noticed something about your arches and wondered if there is anything you should do.

Here we return to the conversation above. Most people have heard that they need some support, ranging from specially-designed running shoes to custom-made orthotics. All of these options are expensive; do they provide any benefit?

The evidence suggests they do not.

One study, for instance, looked at groups of children with flat feet for a few weeks and found that adding orthotics made no statistically significant difference.

Here’s the really interesting part. We do have research that flat feet can be improved by exercising the muscles of the foot. (The linked study, by the way, also found that orthotics didn’t help.)

To me, this makes perfect sense. Our feet are a complex combination of muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments. Strengthening the muscles helps everything to function the way it should.

I’m not a scientist or a podiatrist. But when I look at the research, it seems like the problem for many cases of flat foot isn’t that the foot needs support. That is, the “cure” for the problem is not putting your foot in a cast (which is essentially what an orthotic is), it’s using it— which strengthens it.

Science writer Gina Kolata reports the conclusion reached by Dr. Benno M. Nigg, who is a scientist who studies orthotics: “The idea that [orthotics] are supposed to correct mechanical-alignment problems does not hold up.”

Are Barefoot Shoes Good for Flat Feet?

This is good news for those interested in barefoot-inspired (or “minimalist”) shoes, or even trying barefoot running.

Why?

One of the things about walking or running naturally, the way our ancestors did, with a bit of protection (like you get from barefoot shoes), or even in bare feet, is that you engage the muscles of your foot in a way you don’t in “traditional” shoes. That’s because “normal” shoes have thick soles with lots of support that limits the movements of your feet. Stiff arch support inserts limit motion even further.

What happens to muscles that don’t move? They get weaker, as a study of the effects of orthotics on foot muscles demonstrated.

The idea that going barefoot or wearing barefoot shoes helps develop foot strength isn’t just my speculation. A study by Dr. Sarah Ridge in 2019 found that merely walking in minimalist shoes strengthens foot muscles as much as doing a foot strengthening exercise program. (By the way, Dr. Ridge says you should get the same benefits wearing Xero Shoes as the shoes used in that study.)

Another study confirmed muscle gains with minimalist shoes and also noted increased arch stiffness.

(Just in case some of these terms are new to you: barefoot or minimalist shoes are designed to let your feet move as naturally as possible. Unlike a “traditional” shoe, they have thin soles that are flexible and let you safely feel the ground. They also have “zero drop” — that is, they don’t slope downhill from heel to toe. Finally, a barefoot shoe will have a roomy toe box to give your toes plenty of room to move.)

I need to say it again: I’m not giving you medical advice and you should consult with your doctor about any problems you’re experiencing with your arches, preferably one who understands the research and the value of natural movement rather than one who makes money by putting most of his or her patients in orthotics.

But I am encouraging you to at least consider the possibility that you can enjoy the freedom and fun of wearing barefoot shoes — even if you’ve assumed you would always need the support found in wearing traditional shoes.

The Best Running Shoes for Orthotics?

But let me just add one more thing. Suppose you are someone who uses orthotics and plans to continue to do so.

I think you are still best off choosing barefoot shoes. Why?

Look inside all the shoes you have now and note what you see. Each pair will have a different shape; some with more arch support, some with less; some with more slope from front to back, some with less, etc. Your orthotics are designed to fit your foot while resting upon a level base, but the inside of most shoes is anything but level.

What this means is that you’ll get a different fit for every pair of shoes you’re wearing and probably none of them provides a level platform on which your orthotics can rest.

More, as the foam midsole in those shoes breaks down (which it starts doing the moment you begin wearing them), the geometry of the shoe and orthotic will change which could cause structural problems in your feet and legs.

Barefoot shoes have a flat, zero-drop sole that provides the perfect base for your orthotics and no foam midsole that wears out.

So with or without orthotics, barefoot running shoes are a great choice.

My own story

Personally, I had flat feet my whole life. If I stepped out of a pool, my footprint looked like an oval.

After a few months of running and walking barefoot, I noticed I started developing arches!

I ruined all the family jokes about the flippers I had at the end of my legs.

Now, I get out of the water, step on the ground, and you see the outline of a FOOT.

Granted, I don’t have drive-a-bus-under-them arches but, again, that’s genes. All I know is that I haven’t used my expensive shoe inserts in years and my feet haven’t had a problem in all that time.

Ready to try your own pair of barefoot shoes?

Take this quiz to find your perfect pair here.

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How to Make Huaraches

Ever since the publication of Christopher McDougall’s book, Born to Run, there has been an increased interest in the simple sandals worn by the Tarahumara, which he describes in his story.

Called “huaraches,” the footwear of the Tarahumara are basic sandals created from the rubber tread of old tires and a bit of leather cord. Not to be confused with the fancy leather sandals that are also called huaraches, the sandals worn by this people group are the original minimalist running sandals. Members of the tribe are known to run incredible distances over rough terrain and gravel roads with nothing on their feet but these huarache sandals.

Granted, the Tarahumara are not the first or only people to wear similar sandals. In fact, the oldest archeological find of a shoe is many thousands of years old, was found in Fort Rock, Oregon and looks quite familiar.

Now, If you’ve read Born to Run, or otherwise heard about huarache sandals, maybe you’ve been itching to get your hands on a pair of your own minimalist running sandals. There are two ways you can do so.

For the less adventuresome, Xero Shoes has created barefoot sandals that recreate the minimalist experience of the original huarache sandals. Find yours here.

For those who are up for the fun of taking on a fun do-it-yourself project, you can make your own sandals.

These instructions will give you the details you need to create your own DIY huarache sandals from scratch using our Xero Shoes Classic Kit with Vibram rubber.

Or you can make some sandals with the only outsole made specifically for barefoot running sandals (yes, you can wear them for other activities than running) – either the 4mm Connect or 6mm Contact kit with FeelTrue™ rubber outsoles. Click here for instructions. (Find out more about our FeelTrue™ products here.)

And, at the end of the instructions about making huaraches, you’ll learn one way to tie huaraches. If you’re adventurous and creative, you can find other tying styles here.

You can also download a PDF of the instructions, below, by clicking here.

Things you’ll need to make huaraches:

  • Some sort of sole material. Again, we made our FeelTrue rubber to be the best combination of strength, flexibility, and barefoot feel for DIY huaraches sole material. Another good option is the material in our Classic kit, the 4mm Vibram Cherry.
  • Something to lace the sole to your feet — about 60-72″ per lace (depending on your size). You can use leather lace, hemp cord, etc. We use 5/32″ polyester cord… it’s soft, durable, colorful and provides the right amount of support (too thin can hurt, too thick gets unwieldy).
  • Piece of paper and a marker (like a Sharpie) — to trace your foot.
  • Pencil — to transfer your foot template to the sole material.
  • Strong scissors — to cut your tracing and the sole material.
  • Leather punch — to make the lacing holes in the sole (NOTE: We do not recommend using a nail or knife to make the hole. Holes made that way tend to tear). You want the holes to be the same size, or slightly smaller, than your cord. We use a 1/8″ punch for our 5/32″ cord (the hole is 1/32″ smaller that the cord). We use this Lace Hole Punch. Note: Depending on the material you use, you could try drilling a hole (some Xero Shoes customers have done this with the Vibram Cherry sole).
  • Lighter or match — to seal the ends of the lace, if you’re using polyester, nylon, other woven synthetic lace material.

Step-by-step instructions for making DIY Huarache Sandals:

Step 1 – Trace your foot

Step on a piece of paper. Lean forward and put a bit of pressure on your foot so it flattens a tiny bit. Then, using a marker (like a Sharpie) held vertically, trace around your foot. You don’t need to get every tiny nook and cranny, and you’re not trying to get an EXACT measurement of the sole of your foot… in fact, by holding the pen vertically, you’re making a trace that’s slightly bigger than your foot, and that’s exactly what you want.

Step 2 – Even out the tracing

You want to smooth out the curves. For example, you want to make the toe area into a curve, rather than bumps for each toe. Also, I extend the area on the inside of the big toe and the ball of the foot a little bit (sometimes when you run, your foot slips to the inside, so you want to add a bit of extra space here).

Step 3 – Cut out the tracing

Cut around the tracing. That is, cut on the outside of the line you’ve drawn, rather than ON the line. Again, that little extra bit can help make sure the finished product is comfy. Plus, you can always remove material from your huarache sandals and make them smaller, but you can’t make them bigger, so err on the side of too big.

Step 4 – Check your other foot

Take your cut out tracing, flip it over, and step on it with your other foot. If your other foot fits in the cutout, then you’ll use just this one template. If your other foot is significantly different (especially if it’s bigger), repeat steps 1-3 on your other foot. The beauty of making your own huarache sandals is that you can make them to fit your unique feet.

Step 5 – Transfer the pattern to the sole material

Place the cutout pattern(s) onto your sole material and trace around it/them with a pencil. If you only have one cutout pattern, remember to flip it over otherwise you’ll end up making 2 soles for the same foot!

Step 6 – Cut out the soles

If you’re using the 4mm Vibram material that comes with the Xero Shoes DIY huarache kit, you can use strong scissors for this. You’ll have to make small cuts towards the back of the scissors and work your way around the material.

Step 7 – Mark the toe hole

Step on your soles and, using a marker (I use the Sharpie from Step 1), put a dot between your first and second toe, right where the webbing between your toes is, and slightly closer to the second toe than right in the middle of the space between the toes.

The reason for this is, when you wear your sandals running, your foot will want to shift toward the inside. By putting the hole closer to the second toe, your foot stays in place better.

NOTE: It’s much easier to have someone else make this and the next 2 marks while you just stand on the soles.

Step 8 – Mark the inside ankle hole

Still standing on the sole, place the pen vertically, just in front of your ankle bone, and make a mark on the sole at that point.

Step 9 – Mark the outside ankle hole

Still standing on the sole, you’ll notice that there’s a place where your foot makes less contact with the ground. Make a mark on the outside edge of the sole at that point.

At this point, you should have marks for three holes.

Step 10 – Punch the holes

The size of the hole you make depends on the material you use for the laces. For example, when I use 3/16″ polypropelene/nylon for the laces, I make a 1/8″ hole. You’ll want to use a leather punch (I use either a rotary leather punch or the Lace Hole Punch we provide with Xero Shoes).

NOTE: I do not recommend using a nail or knife to make the holes. Doing so can often leave a hole that’s not clean, leading to tearing the sole. Punch out the toe hole exactly on the mark you made. For the two ankle holes, punch a hole about 1/4″ in from the edge, in line with the marks you made in steps 8 and 9.

Step 11 – Prepare the laces

Depending on your lace material, you may need to prepare the ends in order to get them through the holes. For example, if you’re using leather, you may want to cut the ends of lace into a point. If you’re using polypropelene/nylon, heat the ends with a flame and carefully (so you don’t burn yourself) seal and shape the ends to be as pointy as possible.

Step 12 – Thread the lace through the toe hole and secure it

Push one end of the lace through the toe hole, from the top to the bottom. A traditional option is to make a knot in the lace, on the bottom side. I typically use a “Figure 8 knot”, pictured here. If you’re using polypropelene/nylon or polyester lace, you’ll want to run the flame from a lighter (or match) under the knot, to melt the nylon slightly, then press the knot together to seal it and flatten it a a bit. Lately, though, I’ve replaced the knot with a lower profile “Lace Bead.”

Step 13 – Thread the ankle holes

Pass the lace through the outside ankle hole first, from top to bottom. Then pass the lace through the inside ankle hole, also from top to bottom. Follow the pictures to get it correct… you want the lace to “lock in” around the holes.

Step 14 – Put your foot in and tie the huaraches

There are 2 common ways to tie huaraches running sandals. One is the more traditional “toga-style.” And the other (which I learned from “kicksock” on the Google Barefoot Running group) is more stylish and allows you to slip the huarache on and off without retying. There’s no easy way to describe the tying methods, so follow the pictures/videos.

Oh, and you may want to check out these new cool, decorative, and stylish ideas about how to tie huaraches and what to do with “leftover lace.”

Step 15 – Go out and ENJOY your new huaraches!

Remember, though, to take it easy at first. If you’re not used to going barefoot, especially running barefoot, you’ll be putting more stress on your muscles and skin than you’re used to. Work your way into your huaraches slowly. And if you come up with cool, new tying ideas, put them on our Tying Page.

Quick Questions and Answers

I have found I often get a couple of questions when I’m talking about DIY huarache sandals. Maybe they’re your questions, too.

Can you really run in huaraches?

I get it. We’re used to running in shoes with thick soles and lots of padding. But yes, you can absolutely run in huaraches and I do all the time as do many tens of thousands of Xero Shoes customers.

Remember, these aren’t flip flops. Unlike a casual sandal, huaraches fit snugly and securely to your feet.

It is important to realize, however, that you are going to need to learn to run differently. One of the things Christopher McDougal talks about in his book (which I mentioned at the beginning of this post) is the relationship between footwear and running style.

If you want to know more, I have written a post that tells you everything you need to know about how to run barefoot or in minimalist shoes like huaraches.

I like the idea of minimalist footwear. Is there something with a bit more to protect my foot?

After making your own DIY minimalist sandals, you may wonder if there are more minimalist shoe options out there. Absolutely.

Huraches are associated with the barefoot style of walking or running that emphasizes minimal footwear that allows your feet to move and function naturally. Barefoot sandals, of which huaraches are an example, are just one type of footwear available.

You can also wear barefoot shoes or even a pair of barefoot boots. Xero Shoes has models designed for running as well as walking & hiking. They are perfect for wet or cold weather or any time you just want a bit more coverage or protection.

You can check out our entire collection here.

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What Shoe Did Today.com Recommend for Bunions? Xero Shoes

Looking for podiatrist-recommended shoes if you have bunions? It’s important to wear shoes with a wide toe box and stretchy material.

Today.com picked Xero Shoes’ Speed Force as one of their most comfortable sneakers for bunions.

This sneaker’s wide toe box offers feet plenty of space, and the shoe is just about as close to being barefoot as you can get while still feeling comfortable. The lightweight style has a flexible sole and a removable insole, and its non-elevated (“zero drop”) heel also encourages good posture. Even cooler? They have a 5,000-mile sole warranty!

For Xero Shoes fans, you know that every shoe we make is good for bunions because of the wide toe box and foot-shaped design.

If you want a lightweight running shoe perfect for sprints or races, the Speed Force is a great option!

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What Shoes Did WIRED Pick for Beach Running? Xero Shoes

Two times in one month, two Xero Shoes are featured in WIRED!

 They ask, Want to Run on the Beach? Start With the Right Shoes.

Experts recommend you’re better off NOT running barefoot in the sand, and that’s a good thing because our barefoot-inspired shoes give you the protection you need while still allowing your feet to bend, move and flex naturally.

Xero Shoes’ Aqua X Sport and Z-Trail are listed as the Best for Minimalists

WIRED calls the Aqua X Sport the ultimate water shoe, thanks to its superior breathability… All the holes along the sides and toe box means it does fill with sand like nobody’s business, but that also gives you breathability for your feet.

  The Z-Trail EV made our best overall spot in our best barefoot shoes guide, and WIRED product writer Scott Gilbertson calls them the best shoes he’s ever worn. Compared to other shoes, there’s hardly any material on them, so you can barely feel them when you’re running.

 

 

 

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Our Co-Founder Lena quoted in Inc.

Xero Shoes is no stranger to supply chain challenges over the past few years. Our President and Co-Founder, Lena Phoenix, was quoted in a recent Inc. article, sharing how we’re getting creative with our inventory.

Lingering Inflation and Tangled Supply Chains Mean You Need to Rethink Your Inventory Strategy

It’s no surprise that people LOVE Xero Shoes, so that’s why we try to increase our inventory.

“As a bootstrapped business, we’ve always invested everything we can in inventory for next season. The goal for us has always been to find more capital,” says Lena.

But Xero didn’t just buy more, it bought smarter–introducing an enterprise resource planning systemthat allowed the team to better analyze what customers were responding to and to predict what they might want next.

“A lot of footwear companies don’t make shoes above size 12, so we have quite a few consumers who wear sizes 13, 14, and 15. Every time we launched a new size, we’d run out of it right away–and now we no longer run the risk of overcorrecting.”

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Xero Shoes Partners with Dignity Restoring Hope

There’s nothing worse than leaving your beloved home in pure fright. Through the Dignity Restoring Hope foundation, we were able to connect with Iryna and her young family of Ukrainian refugees.

Introduce yourself, what is your name and how old are you?
“My name is Iryna and I’m 30 years old.”

Where are you from?
“I’m from Kyiv.”

What were you doing in Ukraine?
“At that moment I was on maternity leave, we have 4 kids, and the youngest was 2 years old, right now he is 3 already.”

Is all your family here in the Czech Republic?
“Right now we come back to Kyiv. But later we are planning to go back to Prague. Right at this moment, my son has an operation on his leg. There are things we need to take care of and then we are arranging our return back to the Czech Republic.”

Why have you decided to go to the Czech Republic, was it a deliberate choice?
“It wasn’t a choice. That was all unexpected. We didn’t know where are we going and what to do, complete misunderstanding. But at that moment I was studying online and my classmate, who lives in Prague, called me on the 24th of February and invited us to come to her and offered to help. We were driving through different cities and finally decided to go to Prague. We wanted to stay for one week and see how the situation is going to change, to realize what is going on. We stayed for one month without registration, every day hoping that will end today, but there was no end in sight. Finally, after a month registered and got a visa for temporary residence”

Were you leaving Kyiv the day it started?
“Yes, we awoke by the sounds of the explosions. Packed some things in a suitcase, woke the children, jumped in the car, and went nowhere”

What is the current situation in Kyiv?
“The last days were quite tough. The air–raid alarms went off very often. Thank God, there were no explosions. A few days, after we came to the Czech Republic, we were watching the explosions from our window. This is scary, painful, and displeasing. But the days following all of Ukraine suffered from bombs. It is an intense situation, this is war.”

How does your children react to a civil defense siren?
“We were talking about that a lot, I was showing him a cartoon about the air–raid alarm. It is our friend, it notifies us about the threat of an attack and helps us. So now they are absolutely fine about it, say “Hi, alarm and thank you” because in the cartoon it is said to greet it and make your way to the shelter. They don’t have a fear. It is scary that they play games that you have to hide somewhere in the bunker, the flying shells. Luckily they didn’t see much of it but they know and understand everything from the information filed“

Have you been to Europe before, to the Czech Republic?
“ Yes, we were traveling before. More with the first kid. Then my daughter was born. And then we had another two kids, one year apart. With the oldest, we’ve been in the Czech Republic and Portugal. We’ve been traveling to Spain and Paris, but with one kid it was easier..”

When you were traveling, have you ever thought about leaving Ukraine, to emigrate?
“We had these thoughts when we were young, we were playing for a Green Card, but that was before we delivered our first baby. No action was taken for that. We had an idea to live somewhere for one winter, or 3 months, temporarily, this is interesting and changes your daily routine for a while. But apparently, once the war started, you realize that the only place you want to be is home.”

Security is way more important, especially with the kids.
“It is also about the choice. When you are choosing to leave. It is a conscious decision, your personal choice that is comfortable at this stage. But this is a totally different thing when you are running. First days we had a fear that we did something wrong, our actions can be against the law of this country. In Budapest, our money was stolen from our pockets. We were scared and lost anywhere.”

Have you received help with documents here in the Czech Republic, people were willing to help?
“We were waiting for a long time without registration and believed that it would end quickly. So after one month from the beginning, when we finally came there, everything was easy and fast. I’ve heard the stories before about how people were waiting all day, coming early in the morning to stand in line. But for us it was a very positive experience, people were nice, with open hearts, and did everything for us.”

Was there a kind of negative situation, for example at kids’ play yards, is there a difference in people’s behavior, compared to the first weeks?
“We had a negative experience on our way to the bank, the guy on the street was really aggressive and he was screaming that you are fascists. He was with a huge dog. I went to the bank and my husband stay in the car, and the stranger continued yelling. But my husband didn’t react to that, so he left. It is a catchy negative experience on the street that happened to us. We were spending almost all of the time in the play yards, and closer to summer more people from Ukraine came. Little conflicts I usually had with Ukrainian people, rather than with Czech. We went to the shopping mall, and there was a carousel with 3 horses. I was on the phone and didn’t get the whole situation. The lady put her daughter on it and turned it on, two of my kids saw it moving and also jumped on. The lady starts screaming this is only for her kid. Obviously, I took my kids off it. But the Czech moms act differently, they always say, common join, there are free spots, your kids can have a ride with mine. On the other hand, it is the difference in their attitude to their own things. When I come to the play yard, I simply pour out all the toys in the middle of the band, I don’t care who will take them, my kids share everything with the others. But when they tried to take a balance bike, the lady strictly notified me, that this is forbidden. We had a lot of different bikes and cars in Ukraine, and we were sharing them with everyone around, but we didn’t buy one in Prague, every day thinking that tomorrow we will go back home. But my kids are used to sharing and surprised that they can’t take it. At the same time, i think this different attitude and vision might be right.”

In general, do you like staying in the Czech Republic, and how long you are planning to be here?
“By the end of the war, we really want to go home. This is not that the Czech Republic or Europe is bad, but we want to go home. We have a house here, I hope it will survive. We are here now, and you can’t imagine how much we were missing our city. We used to solve medical questions immediately, with stomatologists for example. My husband had a stomach ache and they offered an appointment three months later, or the nearest in another city in one month. We could manage this situation and we know that in Ukraine you can get the appointment on the same day. We love Kyiv. I believe our win is close. And we will all come back home”

When are you planning to return back to Prague?
Right now we have an operation for one kid, one of our kids is adopted, and we need to do a medical check for him, he has a condition of late growth, he is one year behind, and during the last year, we were working on this question a lot. He was in a hospital for a while, now he has a blood test. By the end of the week, we will have answers from doctors and in the middle of August, we are planning to come back to Prague. But it is not easy to find a place in Prague, we don’t want to go nowhere, firstly we will find a place to live, and then go.”

Do you have relatives in Ukraine?
All our relatives stayed in Ukraine. My husband’s parents are from Mykolaiv. My h and my husband, we used to live there for a while. And every day you are reading from the news: bombed hotel – my cosmetologist was working here, an explosion in the city mall – I used to work here, destroyed university – my husband got an education there. That’s terrible. The current situation in this city is a nightmare. Bombs every day, and for almost two months they don’t have drinking water. Two months ago they went to my mother in the Odesa region, and later, when we came to Kyiv, they came to us. This is horror. We are all together now, and i§m so happy, you never know, when is the last time we can see each other, and how long we won§t meet. For me, the importance of life and visions has changed a lot.”

In general how much your life has changed? Do you feel safe, the ground disappeared below you, or points are a fulcrum?
“On the first day, everything collapsed, utterly unknown. Early in the morning, it was still dark, we heard the sounds, I started throwing clothes into the suitcase, I caught myself thinking “for how long I packed, for a few days, or Ń„ few weeks, or months, will I ever come back here, will my home survive will my home not be destroyed, will I have a place to come back.” The first month was the hardest. But after I went back to study. My academy is in Moscow, but I took a decision to quit it, even I was studying for 1,5 years, and left only one module and diploma, I couldn’t continue it. So I found another school, and after one month went back to study, it is really helpful and distracting. Housekeeping, studying, and taking care of kids there is no time for depression. I’m more flexible now and adjusting to changes is way easier. Sometimes you are at your emotional bottom. The last few week’s news is full of stories from Mykolaiv and Vinnytsia. You are reading and feel like you are dying with these people. I allow myself this emotion, this is grief, this is pain from loss, but we are moving on. I have a motivation for myself to become better. They are trying to destroy us, but they can’t, instead of hatting them, I put my anger in the right direction I will grow, I will use this energy for self-development, we will be better, and we and our state become more beautiful. I will be a better person, opposite to them.”

If you would like to donate directly to Dignity Restoring Hope, we encourage you to do so below.


Donate To Dignity Restoring Hope

Looking for more ways to help? We have put together a list of great foundations that are accepting donations for those in need.

1. International Humanitarian Fund2. Children of Heroes 3. Fond Masha4. Voice of Children5. People in Need6. Unicef7. Doctors Without Borders

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Family of 7 Hikes the CDT in Xero Shoes

Imagine this: hiking the Continental Divide Trail which is over 3100 miles with FIVE KIDS and a newborn baby! The Netteburg Family is making their way along the CDT, and we are lucky enough to sponsor them in Xero Shoes the entire way.

In 2020, the Netteburg Family trekked the Appalachian Trail and their daughter, trail name “The Beast,” became the youngest person to ever trek the entire trail on her own two legs, at age four. Her older siblings, Lyol (was age 11, “Blaze”), Zane (was age 8-9, “Boomerang”), and Addison (was 6-7, “Angel Wings”) also trekked without difficulty. They spent a total of 177 days on trail.

If they successfully complete the CDT in 2022, “The Beast” will become the youngest to trek the trail at age six, and oh yeah, since the AT they have added another little addition to the family. So now with five kids, they will possibly be the largest family to complete the trail and the first to carry a baby the length of the trail (which has been done many times successfully on AT and PCT.)

It’s been amazing watching their journey unfold through social media, and we got an update from the Netteburg Family at about 600 miles into the CDT:

“Our Xero Shoes are holding up amazingly well, considering they are ultralight minimalist shoes and the abuse we are putting them under. Most trail runner shoes long-distance thru-hikers use end up beat up by 400-500 miles and these are surprisingly resilient. Also, we’re so pleased with how the zero drop and the minimalist design makes us more intentional when walking.”

We weren’t lying when we told you about the 5,000 mile sole warranty. No matter what kind of abuse you are putting Xero Shoes through; they can handle it.

When you’re hiking a long distance such as the CDT it’s not only important to have lightweight shoes on your feet, but also to pack lightweight. The Netteburg Family was smart enough to bring Xero Sandals with them as well. Here is what they had to say about their sandals:

“The sandals are so comfy and handy around camp and around town. Much better than clunky crocs or flip flops. Xero sandals mean we can still wear socks around camp. Feet don’t freeze and feet are protected. The truth, however, is the boots are so comfortable, we hardly ever use our sandals around camp. Really only when we’re in towns.”

Needless to say, Xero Shoes are so comfortable you just may never want to take them off. As we cheer on the Netteburg family throughout their ground-breaking journey, it is humbling to see how our shoes can help this family achieve their goals.

After walking over 1000 miles in the DayLite Hikers, and the kids walking over 700 miles in the Prios it’s clear that our shoes are quality products that truly last. We’ll leave it off with sweet words from the Nettebur Family:

“We love having a company that supports families getting outside and into the wild. From the youngest hiker to the parents, we are all happy with our minimalist shoes. They have held up amazingly well. This is our second long trail, so our family has definitely been through some shoes. Xero Shoes hold up every bit as well as heavier traditional hiking shoes.”

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Xero Shoes Expands Executive Team with Industry Veterans to Drive Rapid Expansion

Shaun Araham, Tom Curran, and Jody Eichler bring decades of experience in product management, sales, and digital marketing to top-performing minimal shoe company 

Broomfield, CO (July 7, 2022) – Xero Shoes, a leading provider of natural movement footwear, announces the hiring of three seasoned industry professionals to join the Company’s leadership team. Shaun Araham, Director of Product Management; Tom Curran, Director of Sales; and Jody Eichler, VP of Digital bring an array of experience to propel Xero Shoes’ rapid sales expansion and support digital and creative marketing efforts. 

“We’re thrilled to have people with this level of talent joining our team and accelerating our growth,” says Steven Sashen, CEO of Xero Shoes. “With their combined sales, marketing, and creative expertise, we look forward to helping more people discover the comfort, health benefits, and FUN of Xero Shoes.”

Shaun Araham is a curious creative with a background as a Creative Director and Product Designer for Khul, Nautica, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Target Corporation, and The North Face. At Xero Shoes, he joins as Director of Product Management, where he will lead product design and development. 

“I have a passion for design and storytelling, and this mindset allows me to ground the product in practicality and purpose, with the intention to always create something new,” says Aharam. “My position with Xero Shoes allows me to align my personal passions of wellness and fitness with decades of industry experience.”

Tom Curran joins Xero Shoes as the Director of Sales and will oversee Xero Shoes’ rapid expansion in the U.S. wholesale channel and international marketplace. Tom built up an impressive sales portfolio at Newton Running, where he grew into the role of VP of Sales at Newton Running.

“I’ve been involved in the natural footwear industry for more than 12 years, and with Xero Shoes continually expanding their lifestyle and performance footwear, I look forward to pursuing new avenues for sales and distribution,” says Curran. “We’ve seen the adoption of minimalist footwear grow and I’m looking forward to developing strong retail and distribution partnerships.”

Jody Eichler, Xero Shoes’ new VP of Digital brings more than 20 years of experience in digital marketing where she’s led interactive, full-scale B2B and B2C campaigns. She’s a pioneer in the SEO field and her marketing tactics have improved campaigns and led to increased sales leads.

“Now more than ever, digital marketing is pivotal to scaling a successful brand,” says Eichler. “We already have a loyal fan base of repeat customers that really love their Xero Shoes and interact with us through the web, email, and social media. I’m eager to help amplify Xero Shoes’ strategic marketing efforts with next-level, digitally connected brand interactions and customer-centric marketing journeys.”

Xero Shoes plans to make more strategic hires over the next year to meet customer demand and industry growth in the minimalist footwear industry. In 2021, the Company grew 45% year-over-year, with annual net revenue of $33.5 million.

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About Xero Shoes

Founded in 2009, Xero Shoes manufactures comfortable, lightweight, performance and casual footwear built with a “foot-first design”. The company’s mission is to help people experience the comfort and benefits of barefoot-inspired footwear that lets them move naturally so they can “Live Life Feet First”. Co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, started Xero Shoes out of necessity after discovering that running barefoot solved years of running injuries, but that being actually barefoot wasn’t ideal in many situations. Xero Shoes launched in December 2009, in the EU in November 2021 and now has a complete line of casual and performance shoes, boots, and sandals that customers ages 2-92 in 97 countries wear for almost any imaginable occasion and activity.  Xero Shoes is the footwear partner for two USA National Teams – USA Artistic Swimming and USA Archery.  Sashen, along with co-founder and President, Lena Phoenix, appeared on ABC’s hit reality-business show, Shark Tank, where they turned down a $400,000 offer from Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary.