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The Xero Shoes Kelso belongs to the court footwear category and is designed for field games. At the same time, it is a great option for casual wear as it complements street-style jeans and shorts.
I bought Kelso to replace my Adidas Original — I was tired of how they kept squeezing my toes, making walking uncomfortable. I also didn’t like how rough and inflexible their soles are: the range of movements within my range was extremely low. You can only imagine how much I’ve enjoyed the transition to Kelso; I’ve been enjoying its comfort for a few months now. And here I am to share my impressions of its functionality with you.
Flexibility and Efficiency
The shoe’s flexibility is incredible. You can easily twist them into a tube with one hand — and without much effort at that. The sole is thin, and I can really feel the ground, even though my foot is still protected. However, the most essential aspect is as follows: I am finally capable of moving my feet naturally and freely. I can feel how my foot arch works, fulfilling its function. Out of habit, I probably once felt a tugging pain in the area, but it wasn’t anything lasting. If you happen to experience the same more than once, I highly recommend sticking to transitional shoes before completely switching to barefoot models.
The efficiency of the Kelso design is also nothing short of remarkable. Frankly speaking, I was concerned that the soft suede inserts in these shoes would give me a hard time. In practice, the maintenance routine turned out to be hassle-free: it is easy to clean dirt off of them. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, I’ve never washed them in the washing machine — it is simply unnecessary.
Is It the Best Sports Footwear?
Kelso was designed specifically for on-court sports activities. It features special perforation zones around the sole, enhancing its overall breathability. This is especially crucial for training as it keeps your feet cool and comfy. Additionally, the model’s ultra-lightweight build makes them feel almost weightless on your feet.
Sports activities involve sudden and active movements, which require shoes to keep up without wear and tear. The manufacturer has done a great job in introducing a pair with top-notch traction. Although I can’t name this pair as a frontrunner in the market (check our slip resistance tests), it has shown great results. I can definitely recommend the Kelso design to people working in conditions that require extra caution when walking — like waiters, due to wet floors.
Slip Resistance Tests and Disadvantages
As far as the model’s drawbacks are concerned, as odd as it may sound, I would like to point out its too-wide toe box:
- First of all, the shoe looks slightly off under certain angles.
- Secondly, this design creates a lot of extra room in the shoe. If you are someone with standard-sized feet like myself (not too wide), it might lead to issues when trying to sufficiently fix your foot’s position inside the model.
If you feel that Kelso offers too much room for your toes, don’t hesitate to return it. Otherwise, it might only result in blisters and other problems. It will also lead to extra damage to the shoe itself. In the best-case scenario, minimalist footwear should offer enough room for your toes without squeezing them but fit snugly at the same time.
Summary
The Xero Shoes Kelso is a soft and comfortable design with a retro-inspired flair. In my case, they have been game-changers. I’ve realized how much better I can feel at the end of a busy day with just a switch from one model to a more practical one. As with any other solution, they have their pros and cons. Still, seeing how this pair has become a favorite for many, I’m convinced that they are worth your consideration as well.
One of the online reviews I read shared that one guy spent over 1,000 tennis matches wearing these. It’s not hard to imagine what this long-suffering pair of Kelso’s turned into. What’s amazing is that they never tore, faced any cracks in the sole, etc., which is why the owner decided to buy the same pair just for aesthetic reasons. I wish all of our shoes could be as durable and comfortable as Xero Shoes Kelso.
At the end of the day, Xero Shoes Kelso has been included in such ratings as Best Wide Foot Shoes, Best Wide-Toe-Boxed Shoes, and Best Non-Slip Shoes. Check them out to familiarize yourself with not less impressive models from other barefoot manufacturers in the market.