Xero Shoes 360 Review – A Court/Gym Shoe That’s Barefoot!

The Xero Shoes 360 is not the shoe we’d typically review on Barefoot Run Review because it’s not a running shoe, but instead, a cross-fit, court-style shoe. But don’t worry, it’s still got barefoot roots, with added lateral stability and tough overlays to protect the shoe and your feet.

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So if you’re looking for a gym shoe that doesn’t mess up your gait and promotes good foot mechanics, this could be the one for you! 

• How does it fit? 
• It’s it the same as being barefoot? 
• What’s the durability like? 

Let’s find out in /the full review of the Xero Shoes 360. 

Oh, Xero Shoes. Sizing is always an issue. So what about the 360? 

Sticking with your standard size will work, but I’d go a half size up next time. Half a shoe size is roughly 5mm, so you can often get away with wearing half a shoe size difference. That’s why I say staying true to size with the Xero Shoes 360 is “ok,” but I like to have a little more room in the toe box. If you’re like me, go half a size up. Or if you know you have wide/deep feet, I’d suggest trying half a size larger too. 

Moderately wide throughout the whole shoe. Xero Shoes are forgiving in width but aren’t the widest on the market. For 80% of you out there, they will fit fine. But if you have very wide feet, specifically a wide forefoot, you may want to look elsewhere. For everyone else, it’ll work!

The faux suede/nylon material is secure but sometimes restricting. I love my Xero Shoes HFS because they are so forgiving. But on the court, that’s not exactly what you want; you need a secure feeling. That’s why the 360s have many overlays, heavy materials, and an overall more secure fit to ensure you never roll over the side of the sole. That’s a good thing for the gym/Crossfit target market. 

A tried and tested lacing system cinches exactly where it’s needed. If there’s one thing I’ve always enjoyed about Xero Shoes is its lacing system. The laces hook into straps that run down the side to the outsole and help get that perfect cinch. So not only do the laces tighten over the top of your foot, they pull the whole shoe around your foot. 

Not quite as deep as other Xeros. With the insole in, my big toe scraped the top of the shoe. That’s not normal for Xero Shoes; usually, they have good depth. So, that says I need a half-size larger, or I always wear them without an insole. For you, this comes down to a personal preference. Do you want the added cushion? Or the shorter fit? 

The materials and overlays provide a secure feel. The interesting material choice of faux suede/nylon-like plastic keeps your feet planted on the sole. I felt no rolling or sliding off the shoe base. And that’s precisely how you want a court shoe to be—perfectly locked in place.

More cushion underfoot foot than any other Xero Shoes model. If you’re jumping high and landing hard or not paying close attention to your perfect jump squats, a little cushion can help. I get it… it’s not barefoot. Well, I agree. But if I’m going for a slam dunk, I’m not landing softly or biomechanically perfect. (I can’t actually slam dunk).

The grippy outsole works well for court and gym situations. Outsole rubber choice is a crucial factor for court or gym shoes. And I’m glad that Xero Shoe moved away from rubbers they’ve used in the past and reached for a softer, sticky option. It’s perfect for indoor court surfaces, but ensure you’re not taking the 360s on too many asphalt runs. In that case, I believe they’d wear down pretty quickly. 

Not the lightest barefoot shoe. When I think barefoot, I think lightweight. But here’s one of the downfalls of the 360s. Coming in at 9.2oz (260g) in a men’s size US9, it’s not in the ballpark of its lightweight cousin, the Xero Shoes HFS. I understand this because they’ve reinforced the shoe to ensure durability and longevity, but when I’m dancing around the badminton court, I want as little weight as possible on my feet. 

The 360’s durability is an overall win for me. This is where the shoe shines!

The rubber overlays protect the material from scuffs and scraps. Are you thinking of doing a rope climb in your shoes? Forget wearing regular trainers; you’ll scuff up the upper material in no time. But not with the Xero Shoes 360. They’ve added rubber overlays on the top of the shoes for extra grip and durability. A pretty unique design that sets them apart from many shoes on the market. 

Faux suede is used on high-impact areas to protect the shoes and your feet. You never hit every box jump right, and sometimes you kick the box you’re trying to jump on. But with the 360s, you never have to worry about ruining your shoes because the faux suede offers plenty of protection in the toe box and heel. 

Lacing/straps are covered to prevent abrasions. Remember those straps that fasten around the foot for a great lock-in? They sound pretty fragile, don’t they? Well, don’t worry, they sit behind a rigid nylon-like material to avoid any tearing and breakages. Again showing that the shoe has been designed with durability in mind. 

The outsole rubber is thick and will last long unless you use them on asphalt often. Soft rubber can often wear down pretty quickly, and that’s especially true on asphalt. So for this shoe, I’d suggest you only use them in gyms and court situations. And save your outdoor runs for the Xero Shoes Prio. 

If I were playing sports such as basketball, tennis, or Crossfit, the Xero Shoes 360 would be my first choice. 

Why? It’s the most secure barefoot shoe I’ve put on my foot. 

Yes, it may be a little heavier, but with that comes added durability and extra protection, so you’ll know the shoe will last for years.

As for the fit, if you have narrow feet or low-volume feet, stick with your regular size. 

But if you have wider feet, deeper feet, or your middle toe extends beyond your big toe, opt for a half-size larger. Or, at the very least, remove the insole in your regular size if you want a “fitted” feel.