GEAR | Xero Shoes Pagosa Barefoot Slippers Are Lightweight, Cosy and Perfect for Travel & Camping – Review
Collaboration
I’ve recently been testing the Xero Pagosa slippers — a lightweight barefoot-style slip-on designed for comfort, warmth and natural movement — and they’ve quickly become one of those items I genuinely can’t stop wearing. Read for my full review.
What are they?
Xero Shoes Pagosa Lightweight Slip On £70
Stockists
There are currently 3 versions of the Xero Shoes Pagosa available, a cosy version and a mens and womens specific version, though it’s unclear whether their is any difference other than range of sizes to differentiate the latter.
Originally inspired by the brand’s Sunrise slip-on, the Pagosa adds a soft faux-wool upper, making them ideal for cooler days when you want something cosy but not overly bulky. After a month of daily wear, here’s what I think.
First Impressions
The first thing you notice is how incredibly lightweight they are. They almost feel like you’re not wearing anything at all, which, as someone who spends as much time barefoot as possible, is exactly what I look for.
They’re soft, flexible and immediately comfortable straight out of the box. No breaking-in period, no stiffness. Regarding sizing, I’m a 5.5 to 6 and I chose the size 6 and they fit perfectly – others have noted that they do fit snugly, so if you’re borderline, I’d recommend going up half a size – particularly if you’ll be wearing socks with them.
I was slightly worried the faux-wool upper might bobble or pill over time or pick up hair from my two long-haired Persians, especially with everyday wear around the house. After a solid month of use though, they still look as good as new and they don’t attract pet hair either which has really impressed me.
Comfort & Warmth
These are warm without being stuffy. Unlike some synthetic slipper boots I’ve owned in the past, my feet don’t overheat in the Pagosas. They keep the chill off on cold days, but they’re breathable enough that I can wear them all day without feeling like I need to kick them off.
The collapsible heel is a surprisingly useful feature too. You can wear them as a traditional slip-on for more secure wear, or flatten the heel and slide them on casually, ideal for pottering around the house or inside your tent or when stepping outside quickly.
The Barefoot Feel
This is my first pair of barefoot shoes, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The Pagosa features Xero’s FeelTrue™ 4mm rubber sole, which is slim but still protective. You can feel the ground more than you would in a traditional slipper, but not in an uncomfortable way, it just feels, well, natural.
The wide, foot-shaped toe box makes a huge difference. Your toes aren’t cramped or restricted, and there’s a real sense of balance and flexibility when walking. I always avoid buying shoes that aren’t actually shaped like a foot, and if I can’t spread and wiggle my toes in footwear, I won’t be buying them.
If you love being barefoot but need something practical for colder months, these are a great middle ground.
Practicality
The slim rubber sole provides enough traction that I don’t have to change shoes to nip outside to pop laundry on the washing line or take the bins out.
They’re sturdy enough for quick outdoor jobs, but still soft and comfortable indoors. They’re also brilliant for travel. I’ve already taken them away for hotel weekends, and they’ll soon be traveling to the slopes with me. They take up barely any space in a bag and add virtually no weight.
For camping and glamping trips, I can already tell they’ll be perfect. They give you that extra layer of warmth and comfort inside a tent or shepherd hut, without the bulk of heavier camp shoes.
Why Are Barefoot Shoes More Expensive?
Barefoot footwear does tend to sit at a slightly higher price point than standard slippers. That’s largely down to specialised sole construction designed to mimic natural movement, foot-shaped design rather than mass-market moulds and smaller production runs compared to mainstream brands.
You’re not just paying for a slipper, you’re paying for intentional design that supports natural foot mechanics. In this case, the quality, comfort and versatility make the price feel justified, and at this point, it’s pretty fair to say I’m a barefoot shoe convert.
Overall Verdict
The Xero Pagosa is one of those rare products that slots seamlessly into everyday life, and along with my Suri sonic toothbrush, they will absolutely be the final thing I pack before I head to the Alps in a couple of weeks time.
After a month of near-daily wear, they still look great and feel just as good as day one. If you’re curious about barefoot footwear but want to start with something with a slightly lower financial commitment that’s also versatile and easy to wear, these are a great introduction.
If you’re looking for a cosy but packable camp or travel slipper, these are genuinely an excellent choice.
DISCLOSURE | Thank you to Xerosheoes who supplied the featured product for us to test. We were not paid to write this review.
Where to next?
- GEAR | Guide To Merino Base Layers – Perfect For Your Winter Outdoor Adventures
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- CAMPING | THAW™ Gear Rechargeable Heated Wrap For Cosy Camping – Review
From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.
- GEAR | Xero Shoes Pagosa Barefoot Slippers Are Lightweight, Cosy and Perfect for Travel & Camping – Review - February 28, 2026
- CAMPING | Beginner’s Guide to Camping: What You Actually Need to Take - February 23, 2026
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