Xero Shoes Colorado Review: My Honest Experience with the Colorado Shoes
The Perfect Water Shoes for Florida Living?
Let’s talk about the Colorado shoes from Xero Shoes. The barefoot shoe community seems to be a bit divided about them, but personally, I love them. Before diving in, let me preface this review with two key points:
- I always wear socks, except when I’m in these shoes.
- I live in Florida.
Why the Florida Factor Matters
I moved to Florida about five years ago. Before that, I wasn’t accustomed to dealing with sand, and I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of it—or the beach, for that matter. However, living here means beach trips are somewhat unavoidable. My fiancée’s family loves the beach, friends occasionally want to go, and when my family visits, they often want a day on the shore. In these situations, having a good pair of closed-toed sandals is a lifesaver, and that’s where the Xero Shoes Colorado really shines for me. They work incredibly well for those mandatory beach visits.
Handling the Wet and Sandy Challenges
Most of the time, these shoes are perfect for Florida beach life. However, I do run into some challenges when they get wet. When soaked, the Colorado shoes become significantly harder to put back on. Taking them off isn’t a breeze either, but it’s still manageable—even if it sometimes requires a bit of a struggle. But getting them back on is a different story. If you aren’t careful, the straps can twist, or the sole might end up under your heel, making the process quite frustrating. Considering these are meant for wet and sandy environments, it’s a bit surprising how difficult they can be to take off and put back on when they’re wet.
Why I Prefer Closed-Toed Sandals
Now to my second point: I always wear socks. Because of this, I never wear open-toed sandals or flip-flops. I’ve always disliked how they flop around, making that annoying clop-clop sound. The Colorado sandals, on the other hand, feel more like regular shoes. They provide the coverage I prefer while still being beach-friendly. They can get wet and sandy without getting ruined or taking forever to dry, which makes them an ideal choice for my needs.
Xero Shoes Colorado Review: Final Thoughts
For someone like me, who lives in Florida and usually wears socks, these shoes are fantastic. They can be a hassle when they get wet, which is ironically the main reason I wear them, but aside from that drawback, I genuinely enjoy wearing them. They’re comfortable, I like the look, and they fit well.
I understand why the barefoot shoe community might have mixed feelings about the Colorado shoes. If you live in a different climate or are used to traditional flip-flops or sandals, they might not be the best fit for you. For myself, I’d rate them a solid 4 out of 5 stars—comfy, true to size, and just what I need. For others who don’t have the same preferences or live in less sandy conditions, I’d probably give them a 2.5 out of 5, as there are better alternatives out there. Fortunately, Xero Shoes offers a variety of other sandals that may suit different tastes—especially if you’re into flip-flops.
Pros and Cons of Xero Shoes Colorado
- Pros: Comfortable, true to size, great for getting wet and sandy, closed-toed design.
- Cons: Difficult to put on and take off when wet, may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Is the Xero Shoes Colorado Right for You?
If you’re someone like me who needs a sturdy, closed-toed sandal for occasional beach trips and doesn’t mind a bit of a challenge when they’re wet, the Xero Shoes Colorado could be a great choice. For everyone else, there may be more convenient options.
