Xero Shoes Alpine
Buy Xero Shoes Alpine at today's best price (men's/women's)
5 minute read
Overview
The Xero Shoes Alpine is a hiking boot designed for those who prefer a natural, barefoot-like experience even in cold conditions. This boot stands out for its zero-drop (heel and toes are at the same level) design, which is a key feature for enthusiasts of minimalist footwear.
Key Features:
- Zero-drop platform: Promotes a natural foot position and gait.
- Lightweight construction: Offers a comfortable, non-burdensome experience.
- Waterproofing: Equipped with a water repellent membrane and DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.
- Insulation: Features 200g of insulation and a fleece lining for warmth in mild winter climates.
The Xero Shoes Alpine is an ideal choice for hikers who prioritize a natural foot position and lightweight design for day hiking. Its waterproofing offers protection against wet conditions, making it suitable for hikes in various terrains.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 68%. This puts it in the lowest rated 10% of comparable hiking boots. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of hiking boots.
Verdict
The consensus on the Xero Shoes Alpine
The Xero Shoes Alpine has carved a niche for itself as a minimalist, zero-drop winter boot. It offers a unique blend of comfort, resembling house slippers, with the practicality of a hiking boot. The wide toe box and flexible upper material contribute to its comfort, allowing for natural foot movement and toe splay. However, its low shaft height and lighter insulation may not suit those trekking in deep snow or extremely cold environments. The boot's waterproofing is commendable, keeping feet dry in slushy conditions, although some users reported a clammy feeling post-immersion. Traction is reliable on various winter surfaces, thanks to the well-designed outsole. Weighing significantly less than many competitors, the Alpine makes for an enjoyable hiking experience without the heft. Overall, the Xero Shoes Alpine is recommended for hikers seeking a lightweight, comfortable boot with a barefoot feel, primarily for use in mild winter climates.
6 Xero Shoes Alpine Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Xero Shoes Alpine is praised for its flexibility and comfort, allowing for a spacious fit that accommodates natural foot expansion. Unlike stiffer materials, the Alpine's upper adapts to the foot's movements, enhancing the overall comfort during hikes. The wide forefoot design is a standout feature, providing ample room for toe movement, which is essential for warmth and comfort in colder conditions.
Outsole
The outsole of the Alpine is made from Xero's FeelTrue rubber, featuring a 5.5mm thickness that maintains ground contact and flexibility. The arrow-shaped lugs are numerous and well-spaced, offering solid traction on soft snow, slushy trails, and hardpacked surfaces. Xero's confidence in their product is evident in their 5000-mile sole warranty, a testament to the outsole's durability.
Size/fit
The Alpine boots tend to run a tad large, so it's recommended to order your normal size or consider sizing down if you prefer a snugger fit. The zero-drop design and wide toe box cater to those seeking a natural, barefoot-like fit, while the overall spaciousness of the boot accommodates various foot shapes and sock thicknesses.
Comfort
Comfort is a hallmark of the Xero Shoes Alpine, with users likening them to a beefed-up version of house slippers. The boot's lightweight nature and flexible materials contribute to a comfortable experience, suitable for short hikes and everyday errands in winter conditions.
Durability
Durability is a strong point for the Alpine, with Xero Shoes offering a bold 5000-mile guarantee on the sole. This level of confidence suggests that the boots are built to last, despite their lightweight and flexible construction.
Grip
The Alpine's grip is effective in winter conditions, with the sole's design providing adequate traction on various terrains. The arrow-shaped lugs help the boot bite into snow, offering stability and confidence during hikes.
Flex
Flexibility is a key feature of the Alpine, aligning with the minimalist design philosophy of Xero Shoes. The boot's ability to bend and flex with the foot's natural movements is particularly appreciated by those who value a barefoot-like experience.
Who should buy the Xero Shoes Alpine?
The Xero Shoes Alpine is best suited for hikers who appreciate a minimalist approach to their gear. Those who enjoy the sensation of walking barefoot and seek a boot that mimics this natural feel will find the Alpine's zero-drop platform and flexible sole to be ideal. It's also a good match for individuals living in areas with mild winter climates, where heavy insulation isn't a necessity.
Who should not buy the Xero Shoes Alpine?
Hikers planning to traverse deep snow or extremely cold environments may want to look elsewhere, as the Alpine's low shaft height and moderate insulation might not provide sufficient protection. Those who require a more supportive boot with a focus on warmth rather than a barefoot feel should consider other options.
Xero Shoes Alpine: What's it good for?
The Xero Shoes Alpine is well-suited for day hiking and light winter treks. Its lightweight design and zero-drop platform make it a strong candidate for hikers who prioritize a natural stride and ground feel. The boot's waterproofing and grip capabilities ensure it can handle snowy and slushy trails, although it's best used in milder winter conditions.
4 Xero Shoes Alpine FAQs
Are the Xero Shoes Alpine boots suitable for extreme winter hiking?
The Xero Shoes Alpine boots are designed for mild winter climates and may not provide adequate warmth and protection for extreme winter hiking conditions.
How does the zero-drop design of the Alpine boots affect hiking performance?
The zero-drop design promotes a natural foot position and gait, which can enhance comfort and proprioception during hikes, especially for those accustomed to minimalist footwear.
Can the Alpine boots handle deep snow and slush?
While the Alpine boots are waterproof and offer good traction, their low shaft height may not be ideal for wading through deep snow without the risk of getting wet.
What is the weight of the Xero Shoes Alpine boots?
The weight of the Alpine boots is 422g for men's and 337g for women's, making them one of the lightest winter boots available.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | |
| released | Released | Nov 2019 | Jan 2020 | |||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 422 g W: 337 g | M: 400 g W: 340 g | 349 g | M: 451 g W: 391 g | 451 g | |
| Brand | BrandXero Shoes | Salomon | The North Face | Salomon | Salomon | KEEN |
| Shoe Types | Shoe TypesBarefootLightweightMinimalistZero drop | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | |
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Heel brake | Heel brake | |||||
| Techs | Techs | OrthoLite | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Eco-friendly | ||||
Common characteristicsSnow/iceHigh cutInsulatedWaterproof |
