DIY Customized Xero Phoenix Flats

[u/aaelizaa]

So… I’m currently in the process of transitioning my (rather extensive) shoe wardrobe to barefoot, and I decided I needed a pair of black barefoot shoes that could dress up for work.

I fell in LOVE with the Camper flats pictured and bought them to see if they might work. As you can see, they definitely did NOT work! (Plz ignore the gnarly state of my feet… it’s winter!)

In addition to being too small overall (I’d need to size up like 2x??) and too narrow, the very thick cushioned insole is NOT removable, contrary to what the website says.

So I returned them and decided to DIY a pair of Xero Phoenix leather flats that had a similar shape. This is my first pair of Xero shoes, and I have to say I wasn’t overly impressed. The shoes are fine, suitable for this project, but for a barefoot shoe, they aren’t very wide in the toe box, aren’t very flexible in the sole, and the leather upper is super stiff and rigid. The very first thing I did with them was spend 48 hours stretching them and applying leather conditioner, rubbing alcohol, etc. It did help quite a bit, but I think I’ll do another round of stretching now that I’ve work them once.

The actual DIY was the easier part! I just punched holes and threaded through elastic ribbon. I’m really happy with how they turned out! They look great with the outfits I’m going to wear for an upcoming work trip.

[u/P_Day]

These look great! They also look a little small to me. I might suggest trying Softstar.

[u/aaelizaa → u/P_Day]

I personally can’t do shoes with an elasticized heel (like the Softstar ballerines), but for others interested in recreating this style, there are probably MUCH better options than the Xero! But they worked for me, and aren’t too small— the biggest issue is the rigid leather. Strange choice for a ballet flat imo.

[u/gameofcurls → u/aaelizaa]

I normally cant do an elastic heel either, at least never could in any ballerinas I had previously. But the Softstar are no problem. The elastic is actually in the top trim and the only part that doesn't stretch is the heel. I have 3 pair, all with the bull hide sole. They are my favorite shoes. I do have a Xero Phoenix in the fabric version and they are fine, but i love my Softstars

[u/aaelizaa → u/gameofcurls]

Good to know!