Xero Coast Suede

These are Xero Shoes' new Coast Suede, a hands-free slip-on version of the Prio Coast with a real suede leather upper. If you've read any of my other reviews, you probably know I'm a sucker for a good slip-on. I spend most of my time barefoot, so when I do need to put shoes on, I love being able to just slip into something and go.

The Coast Suede takes that convenience to another level. It's so slip-onny that most of the time you can get your foot into it without even using your hands. If needed, there is also a super convenient tab on the back.

I've been wearing these for everything from walking around the house to longer walks, errands, and traveling I'm actually wearing them on the plane as I write this. Think of them as a cross between a slipper and a casual loafer. They're comfortable enough to lounge around the house in, but nice enough that you can head to the office and no one will know just how comfortable your feet are.

Note: This article contains affiliate links; however, my opinion is my own.

You can buy them here.

Unique Attributes

Hands-Free Slip-On

We love a good slip-on.

The Coast Suede is designed so you can step straight into it without using your hands. If you push your foot toward the edge of the shoe as you step in, you should be able to slip it on completely hands-free.

Despite being a slip-on, it fits snugly enough that your foot isn't moving around much once you're inside. That's important because some slip-ons sacrifice security for convenience, but I haven't found that to be the case here.

If you do need a little help getting into them, there is a convenient pull tab on the back.

Suede Leather Upper

The real suede leather upper is what gives the Coast Suede more of a casual loafer look rather than looking like another athletic barefoot shoe.

It's soft and comfortable, and so far I've found it pretty easy to wipe off as well.

The downside is warmth. Between the suede leather and the amount of padding in the shoe, these can get a little stuffy, particularly if you're wearing them barefoot. On really hot summer days, they wouldn't be my first choice.

Comfort

This is probably the standout feature of the Coast Suede.

There's a decent amount of padding, especially around the heel, which gives it more of a slipper-like feel than your typical casual barefoot shoe.

You can genuinely lounge around the house in them like slippers and then walk straight out the door without changing your shoes.

For traveling, being on your feet all day, the office, errands, or just walking around town, they're extremely comfortable.

Grip

The outsole has that same grippish feel you get from the Prio line.

This obviously isn't a trail shoe, but there is enough grip that you're not limited to just wearing these around the house or office. I've found them perfectly capable for longer walks and days where I'm spending a lot of time on my feet.

Ground Feel

Despite the more padded construction up top, you still get the flexibility and ground feel you'd expect from a Xero casual shoe.

This isn't meant to be an ultra-minimal barefoot shoe, but the outsole remains flexible and gives you plenty of feedback from the ground for an everyday casual shoe.

Width and Feel

I'd put the Coast Suede at around a medium-width fit.

The shoe fits fairly snugly, which is actually a good thing for a slip-on because it prevents your foot from moving around inside.

With socks, I think this will work particularly well for medium-width and slightly lower-volume feet. Higher-volume or particularly wide feet may find the upper a little more snug.

The padded construction around the heel also helps keep your foot secure without needing laces.

Breathability

This isn't going to be Xero's most breathable shoe.

The combination of the real suede leather upper and padding makes it noticeably warmer than some of their lighter mesh models.

I've worn them barefoot and they can get a little sweaty, particularly in warmer weather. With socks or in cooler temperatures, it's much less of an issue.

The tradeoff is that the same construction that makes them warmer is also a big part of what makes them feel so comfortable.

Sizing

Definitely true to size.

Because of the slip-on construction, you want them snug enough that your foot isn't sliding around, and I've found my normal size gives me that secure fit without feeling overly tight.

Niche Use

The Coast Suede fills an interesting niche.

It's somewhere between a slipper, barefoot walking shoe, and casual loafer.

I see these being particularly good for:

• Traveling and airplanes

• Walking the dog

• Running errands

• Wearing around the house

• Casual office wear

• Longer walks

• Days where you're on your feet a lot

• Anyone who hates having to tie their shoes

For me, the travel use is particularly good. I'm wearing them on a plane right now, and this is exactly the type of situation where I want something comfortable that I can easily slip on and off but can still walk around in all day.

Cleaning and Durability

So far, I've found the suede relatively easy to wipe off when it gets dirty.

As always with a brand-new shoe, it's too early for me to make any real claims about long-term durability. I'll update this review once I've put significantly more time into them.

Available Colors

Men: Java Brown, Black, Morel

Women: Falcon, Black, Taupe

Specifications

• MSRP: $114.99

• Upper: Real suede leather

• Design: Hands-free step-in construction

• Outsole: Flexible FeelTrue® outsole

• Zero drop: 0 mm

• Toe box: Foot-shaped toe box

• Fit: Medium width

• Sizing: True to size

• Men's sizes: 6.5–13, 14, 15

Final Thoughts

The Coast Suede is one of those shoes where the niche makes a lot of sense once you start wearing it.

I'm a sucker for a good slip-on because most of the time I'd rather be barefoot anyway. If I do need shoes, being able to step into something without bending over, tying laces, or even using my hands is pretty convenient.

What makes these particularly good is that they don't feel like a loose slipper once they're on. They're snug enough to stay securely on your feet, have enough grip for longer walks, and are comfortable enough to spend all day in.

The real suede leather and extra padding do make them warmer, so I probably wouldn't reach for them on the hottest summer days. But that padding is also part of what gives them their comfortable, slipper-like feel.

Think of the Coast Suede as a cross between a slipper and a casual loafer. You can lounge around the house in them, walk the dog, wear them on a plane, take them on a longer walk, or head into the office without looking like you showed up in your slippers.

And nobody needs to know just how comfortable your feet are.

You can buy them here.

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