Isaiah Stewart Signs With Xero Shoes Ahead of Barefoot Basketball Shoe Launch

Xero Shoes is making history in basketball footwear by introducing the X1, the first barefoot basketball shoe to be worn in the NBA and WNBA. As the brand prepares to release the sneaker to the public, Xero Shoes has just announced they have signed Detroit Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart.

Stewart, known for his physicality and high-energy play, expressed excitement over transitioning to Xero Shoes. "I feel like I’m gaining a lot by switching from a standard basketball shoe,” said Stewart. “I feel very grounded. I play with a lot of force, strength, and power, and the Xero Shoes X1 allows me to function as the human body should.” Stewart joins Denver Nuggets guard Justin Holiday and WNBA forward Temi Fagbenle of the Golden State Valkyries as the latest athlete on Xero Shoes’ roster.

Key design elements for the upcoming Xero Shoes X1 make the sneaker stand out among traditional basketball sneakers. It features a foot-shaped toe box, allowing for better balance and stability, while its low-to-the-court outsole enhances traction and responsiveness during quick pivots and cuts. The zero-drop heel ensures natural posture and a powerful push-off. Additionally, the women’s-specific model is based on data from thousands of 3D foot scans, ensuring a precise anatomical fit for female athletes.

“For years, athletes and trainers requested basketball shoes after seeing the benefits of barefoot training off the court,” says John Wadley, Xero Shoes VP of Product Development and a longtime basketball player. “Xero Shoes is not just stepping into the world of basketball, we are making a bold statement to evolve the sport by embracing footwear that enhances natural movement. Our goal is to give players more healthy games in a season and more seasons in a career.”

After a debut in the 2024 NBA Playoffs last May on the feet of Justin Holiday, the Xero Shoes X1 will release to the public on March 26, 2025, through Xero Shoes online. In men’s and women’s sizing, the retail price is $170 for the Mid and $160 for the Low. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.

Xero Shoes X1 Low

Xero Shoes X1 Mid

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com