Xero Unveils First Barefoot Basketball Shoe
Already well-known for its “barefoot” running shoes, Xero Shoes this month unveiled the X1, what it bills as “the first barefoot basketball shoe worn in the NBA and WNBA.” The X1 will launch to consumers on March 26, 2025 (MSRP: X1 Mid: $170; X1 Low: $160). The brand aims to redefine basketball footwear with an innovative “foot-forward” lightweight design to maximize performance and comfort.
Detroit Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart is the latest NBA athlete to sign with Xero Shoes and wear the X1 on the court this season. "I feel like I’m gaining a lot by switching from a standard basketball shoe,” says Stewart. “I feel very grounded. I play with a lot of force, strength and power and the Xero Shoes X1 allow me to function as the human body should."
The X1 shoe debuted in the NBA Playoffs in May 2024 on Denver Nuggets shooting guard Justin Holiday. WNBA player Temi Fagbenle will continue to wear the X1 during her 2025 season with the Golden State Valkyries. Basketball trainers, Mike Guevara and Felix Flores, who train several NBA athletes with a focus on foot strength, have partnered with the brand to help players transition to, and get the most value from, the X1.
The X1 brings the brand’s natural movement DNA to the court: a foot-shaped toe box for balance and stability, a low-to-the-court design for quick cuts and pivots and a zero-drop heel for a powerful push-off. The X1’s minimal design is lightweight for more energy throughout the game. The women’s-specific version of the X1 used data from thousands of 3D foot scans to create a shoe that matches the anatomy of a woman’s foot.
“For years, athletes and trainers requested basketball shoes after seeing the benefits of barefoot training off the court,” says John Wadley, Xero Shoes VP–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.”
New Product: Saucony Ride 18
Saucony has launched the Ride 18, what is calls its most comfortable and responsive Ride yet. Built as the most versatile shoe in its line, it brings ] foam innovation and comfort that feels as good on a 10-mile run as it does in a session at the gym or a well-earned recovery walk.
Its distinctive hourglass silhouette indicates its neutral cushioning, enabling a well-cushioned ride and a nimble transition from heel to toe. The reimagined mesh upper offers enhanced breathability and stretch for a more inclusive fit and the heel collar boasts extra cushioning for next-level comfort. Another feature is Saucony’s advanced PWRRUN+ beaded foam, an ultra-lightweight and responsive sole. In addition, the Ride 18 offers increased protection, traction, and durability, with XT-900 coverage from heel to toe.
Jambar Named Official Energy Bar for Penn Relays
Jambar, the organic energy bar company, has been named the official energy bar of the Penn Relays for the third consecutive year and a new partner of Penn Athletics. The 129th Running of the Penn Relays, presented by Toyota, will take place April 24-26, 2025, at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.
As part of the partnership, Jambar will be on-site throughout the three-day event with a dedicated booth offering product sampling and special appearances from professional runners Sage Hurta-Klecker and Joe Klecker. Jambars will also be sampled at key locations with athletes and coaches, including Penn Park, where athletes warm up, as well as in the Pro Athlete Lounge and Coaches’ hospitality areas.
New Product: Heel Virtual Dog Leash
The “first and only virtual dog leash that automatically keeps your dog with you while you are on the move” has been introduced by Heel. The Heel Virtual Dog Leash called the Roam 350 is designed to automatically keep up to three dogs near their owners — while on the move.
Not relying on GPS or cellular, Heel’s Autoprox technology works anywhere and allows for a “virtual leash” as short as 10 feet. Heel automatically measures how far the collar is from the remote and provides a tone or vibration correction when your dog approaches the boundary. Among its features:
- Set the virtual boundary that moves from 10 feet up to 750 feet
- No cellular or GPS required
- No subscription costs
- Works with one to three dog
- Available sizes: Medium (12-17”) and Large (15-24”)
- Can be used as a standard training collar with range of 1000 feet
- $399 MSRP
New Product: Arc’teryx Norvan
The Norvan LD 4 by Arc’teryx is the latest evolution in the Norvan franchise, a long-distance shoe designed to inspire confidence for mountain training and adventures.
Updated from the LD 3, the new Norvan LD 4 features a low profile and reduced stack height for a stable, responsive ride over rugged rocks and roots. A spacious forefoot and secure midfoot design provide reliable stability and comfort. The mud-releasing lug pattern gives control to rip and grip across any terrain, and the durable upper and Vibram Megagrip outsole stand up to unforgiving rock and soft trails. The lacing system provides smooth adjustments and a locked-in fit, while the lace garage ensures the laces stay neatly tucked away during runs. Flexible laminated TPU reinforcement zones add protection and abrasion resistance. MSRP: $$170 (LD 4); $200 (LD 4 GTX.
New Product: Altra Mont Blanc Speed
Other features:
- Altra Eego Max midsole compound in the rim with lightweight, airy
- Altra Ego Pro midsole in the core
- Sandwiched TPU StoneGuard for underfoot protection
- Vibram Litebase to reduce outsole weight and Vibram Megagrip for grip on both wet and dry surfaces
- Stitch-and-turn collar and tongue construction for lightweight comfort
New Product: Norda 005 Trail Super Shoe
Norda this month launched the Norda 005, described as “the lightest, fastest and most stable trail running super shoe ever made.” Engineered with race-day performance in mind, the Norda 005 combines cutting-edge materials and advanced construction to deliver unparalleled performance and energy return for trail runners.
With a total shoe weight of just 214 grams (8.5 US Men), the Norda 005 features a bio-based Dyneema upper and first-of-its-kind Arnitel midsole, with excellent water drainage capabilities for high-intensity runs in all weather conditions.
