Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion Hiking Boot Review

The Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion embodies minimalism and the lightweight backpacker spirit. Their motto, “live life feet first,” is truthful as the company aims to give your feet more contact and responsiveness with the ground. This breathable, waterproof hiking boot stands out with its slim silhouette. Although narrow and lightweight, this boot is packed with the tech you need on trail. If you are looking to try something different, the Xcursion Fusion is something you should look at.

xcursion fusion

Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion women’s hiking boot.

The Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion At a Glance

  • MSRP: $149.99
  • Weight: 20.4 oz (pair)
  • Materials:
    • Upper: Synthetic mesh/synthetic textile/welded TPU overlay
    • Midsole: TrailFoam
    • Outsole: FeelTrue rubber
  • Waterproof? Yes

Who is this boot best for?

This boot is perfect for someone looking for that almost barefoot type of feel but wants to ensure quality ankle support. Xero wouldn’t be the go-to for those backpackers who value maximum cushion and toe room over weight savings. I recommend taking this boot on several long hikes before considering it for an overnight backpacking trip or thru-hike, as the feel of the boot takes getting used to. This is also a great option for anyone who may want to wear a comfortable supportive shoe with leggings or jeans.  The Xcursion Fusion manages to be sleek enough to wear with an everyday outfit but durable enough for your next long hike.

Circumstances of Review

These boots were tested on a variety of terrain from inside the house, walking around the mall,  strolling through a paved trail, and a traditional dirt trail. The lack of arch support took some adjustment but worked well for me. When wearing these boots with jeans at the mall, I didn’t feel like I stood out too much as a crunchy granola mom. I appreciated the boot’s ability to be versatile.

Features

  • Fully waterproof: A seam-sealed inner lining sits within an upper made with water-resistant materials and a gusseted tongue. I made sure to test waterproofness by stomping through plenty of wet puddles and mud and it held up well.
  • Minimalist: For hikers who prefer the barefoot experience, Xero delivers with zero drop, a wide toe box (in my experience this shoe does run small, so size up to maximize this feature), flexible rubber outsoles, and relatively low profile 3.5 mm lugs to provide a natural ground feel and responsiveness.
  • Built-in gaiter hooks: Easily attach gaiters to keep debris out of your shoes.
  • Reinforced toe caps: So you can kick rocks all you want without hurting yourself.

This boot focuses on:

  • Natural Fit: The boot is shaped like your foot.
  • Natural Flex: Your foot is free to bend naturally.
  • Natural Feel: Your feet will feel the feedback of the ground.

My Favorite Features

The best thing about this shoe is the weight. Weighing just over 20 ounces for a pair, this shoe is a standout for those looking to ditch a heavier boot. Ankle support is one of the most important things I look for when looking for my next hiking boot and Xero does it very well.

Not only is this boot lightweight, but it also has a good ankle lockdown. I felt very secure stepping over rocks, tree stumps, and anything else that may come up on trail. Having peace of mind and trust in my hiking boot is crucial for me, and Xero delivers.

xcursion fusion

Xcursion Fusion Pros

  • Lightweight: Weight and comfort/support are usually tradeoffs in hiking footwear, but that’s not the case with these minimalist boots. At 20 ounces for a pair of women’s mediums, they’re significantly lighter than most mid boots. If you want the low weight of trail runners with the support of full-on boots, the Xcursion Fusion is the only way to go.
  • Colorways: The colorway choices that are available go great with most hiking gear or outfits you may be wearing. Although this typically isn’t the top priority when looking for a quality hiking boot, there’s no harm in feeling stylish on the trail.
  • Price: At $150 the Xero Xcursion is comparable to most boots of the same quality.
  • Truly waterproof: The waterproof feature was effective as my feet were still dry after walking through mud and puddles.
  • Breathable: My feet tend to get hot quickly, but I felt more breathability than usual with this shoe. This was the most breathable boot I have put on in a while. Particularly impressive considering that this is a waterproof boot.

Xcursion Fusion Cons

  • Runs small: While I appreciated the lockdown feel in the ankle, the shoe was a bit tight in the toe box. If you are between two sizes, definitely size up. Xero suggests going a size up, and even with this adjustment, I found the shoe too tight.
  • Minimal cushioning: I know cushion was not the main goal of this shoe, but just a little more cushion in the insole would give this shoe a wider appeal. When walking on a paved path for a few miles the shoes felt comfortable and breathable. But after hiking on a longer trail, I did experience a little foot soreness the next day.
  • No arch support: My feet took time to adjust to the lack of arch support. As time went on and the more times I used the boots, my feet became more comfortable. Many hikers choose boots over trail runners due to their superior support, so just know that these boots are not as structured or cushioned as many traditional offerings. After-market insoles may help provide some support for you if you experience persistent soreness.

Final Thoughts

Xero Xcursion Womens Boot

I recommend this shoe to anyone looking to try something new. If you are feeling weighed down by heavy boots and looking for a little more ankle support than a trail running shoe, this boot is your sweet spot. Despite the sizing issues, this is a good shoe to give a try. With a price comparable to most hiking boots and trail running shoes, you won’t break the bank on your next durable hiking boot.

Shop the Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion

Comparable Boots

The Xero Xcursion is a unique boot, but here is a look at a few boots that may give a similar experience.

Altra Lone Peak Hiker

  • MSRP: $140
  • Weight: 19.8 oz (pair)

Oboz Sawtooth Mid Waterproof

  • MSRP: $155
  • Weight: 31 oz (pair)

Xero Shoes DayLite Hiker Fusion

  • MSRP: $120
  • Weight: 17.6 oz (pair)

These Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion boots were donated for purpose of review.

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