Verdict from 11 experts and 32 user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- Impermeable: According to experts, the Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion can mightily fence out moisture—whether from shallow streams, puddles, or moderate rain.
- Instant comfort: Many reviewers, including a professional, find this minimalist hiker extremely comfy, and from the get-go at that.
- Barely-there: Having this on feels like wearing nothing on your feet at all, a gear critic and dozens of hikers say.
- Grippy: On mud, river rocks, and even snow, this piece sticks magnificently, say seasoned vloggers.
- Moves with you: Footwear pundits love the Xcursion Fusion’s incredible flexibility.
- Unrelenting collar: Bloggers are quite impressed with the boot’s excellent ankle support.
- Responsive: Remarkable ground feel awaits those who would don this roomy hiker from Xero Shoes.
2 reasons not to buy
- Stiff underfoot (women’s version): Because of its sole being too rigid, the shoe is “unwearable” to a professional female tester.
- Ventilation issues: Based on a few reports, the Xcursion Fusion could be more breathable.
Bottom line
Where the backcountry demands a bit more ruggedness in your nimble step, turn to the weather-proof Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion. A burlier option than the crowd-favorite original, this hiker is intent on making you move like a ninja while empowering your every landing with its brawnier outsole. Once you get accustomed to its stouter platform, propelled and worry-free strides are yours.
Tip: see the best hiking boots.
What adding “Fusion” in the Xcursion name means for you
The original Xcursion was among the very first kicks that made minimalist hiking boots more known to the general hiking community. Now, it is the Xcursion Fusion’s turn, bringing along with it a few upgrades over its predecessor.
More bite
Yes, the Xcursion Fusion has a stickier outsole than the one seen in the first. That should come as no surprise, as its adhesive prowess comes largely from its deeper, more aggressive lugs. This grippy platform also now sports a mini climbing zone at the forefoot, which can produce extra latching power on low-level boulders.
Revamped upper protection
Its Huarache-inspired bands are now reinforced with hardy overlays, preventing terrain hazards from cutting through them while you are out and about. The boot’s front end also comes equipped with a low-profile bumper, which should come in handy when bumps occur more than carefully placed steps.
Hardier but not plank-like
There is extra stiffness coursing through its minimalist shell, upping the boot’s overall supportiveness as a result. Yes, its rigidity-to-flexibility ratio has been improved so that you can let loose more (or be less technical, in other words) over trickier terrain.
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