About Xero Shoes

Xero Shoes is a leading brand in the “natural movement” and minimalist footwear industry. Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife duo Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, the company began in a spare bedroom after Sashen suffered running injuries and discovered the benefits of barefoot running. They gained significant exposure after appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2013, where they turned down a deal from Kevin O’Leary.

The brand’s philosophy centers on the idea that feet should be free to bend, flex, and feel the ground. Unlike modern athletic shoes with thick cushioning and elevated heels, Xero Shoes feature wide toe boxes, zero-drop soles (no heel elevation), and flexible materials designed to mimic the barefoot experience while providing protection. Their product line has expanded from simple DIY huarache sandals to a full range of running shoes, hiking boots, and casual footwear.

Xero Shoes Affiliate Program Overview

Xero Shoes operates a straightforward Cost-Per-Sale (CPS) program, allowing partners to earn by driving sales to their official store.

Feature Details
Industry Retail / Footwear / Health & Wellness
Product Type Minimalist Shoes, Sandals, Boots, DIY Kits
Affiliate Program Type CPS (Cost Per Sale)

Xero Shoes Affiliate Program Offers

The program provides standard affiliate tools and has specific compliance requirements regarding traffic and content.

Feature Details
Promotional Materials Banners, Text Links, Product Feeds, Lifestyle Imagery, Newsletters
Affiliate Cookie Duration 30 Days (Standard for Rakuten/Awin networks)

(Note: Legacy in-house accounts may have had 90 days)
Accepted Traffic Sources Content Blogs, Social Media, YouTube, Email Newsletters, Review Sites.

(PPC on brand terms is strictly prohibited)
Accepted Countries Global (Primary programs for US, EU, and UK markets)
Explicit Content Not Allowed (Partners cannot promote on sites containing adult content)
Religious or Political Content Restricted (The brand generally avoids association with polarizing political or religious content)

Xero Shoes Affiliate Commissions & Payments

Xero Shoes offers a competitive flat-rate commission structure with a low payout threshold.

Feature Details
MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) No (Single-tier affiliate program)
Commission Rate 10% per sale
Commission Structure Flat Percentage (Based on net sales amount)
Payout Frequency Monthly
Payout Methods PayPal (Most common), Direct Deposit/Wire (Depends on the network used)
Minimum Payout $20

Suitable Affiliates for Xero Shoes

This program is ideal for content creators who focus on health, fitness, and outdoor lifestyles.

  • Bloggers: Especially those in niches like “Barefoot Running,” “Natural Health,” “Hiking,” or “Travel Packing” (due to the shoes’ lightweight nature).
  • YouTubers: Reviewers who do “wear tests,” shoe comparisons, or running form tutorials.
  • Influencers (Instagram/Facebook): Fitness coaches and yoga practitioners who advocate for natural body alignment.
  • TikTokers: Creators demonstrating the flexibility of the shoes (e.g., rolling them into a ball) often go viral.
  • KOL / KOC: Key Opinion Leaders in the physiotherapy, podiatry, and biomechanics fields.
  • Video Editors: Minimalist lifestyle creators.
  • Livestreamers: Outdoor adventurers streaming hikes or runs.

Xero Shoes Affiliate Software

Xero Shoes uses third-party affiliate networks rather than a purely in-house solution for new affiliates.

  • Rakuten Advertising: The primary platform for the US program.
  • Awin: The primary platform for the UK and EU programs.
  • LTK (RewardStyle): Used specifically for fashion and lifestyle influencers.

3 Alternatives for Xero Shoes Affiliate Program

If you are in the minimalist footwear niche, you should also consider these competitors to diversify your income.

Comparison Factor Xero Shoes Lems Shoes Vivobarefoot Earth Runners
Average Bill (AOV) ~$80 – $110 ~$130 ~$160 – $200 ~$70 – $90
Entry Fees Free Free Free ($5 deposit on Awin sometimes applies) Free
Withdrawal Threshold $20 Varies by network $20 (Network standard) $30
Payment Frequency Monthly Monthly Monthly Every 90 Days
Commission 10% 8% – 10% 6% (US) / up to 10% (AU) 10%
Cookie Duration 30 Days 45 Days 30 Days 30 Days
Conversion Rate High (Strong brand recall) ~3.3% Moderate (Higher price point) High (Niche product)
Marketing Materials Excellent (Video assets) Good High-end aesthetic Good (Lifestyle focus)

FAQs

1. Can I join the Xero Shoes Affiliate Program if I live outside the US?

Yes, Xero Shoes ships globally and has specific affiliate programs for different regions. You should join the program that matches your primary audience’s location (e.g., join the Awin program for UK/EU traffic and Rakuten for US/Global traffic).

2. Does Xero Shoes allow Pay-Per-Click (PPC) bidding?

No. You are strictly prohibited from bidding on branded terms (e.g., “Xero Shoes,” “Xero Sandals,” “Steven Sashen”) in search engines like Google or Bing. Bidding on generic terms (e.g., “best minimalist running shoes”) is usually permitted.

3. Do I get a free pair of shoes when I join?

Not automatically. Simply joining the affiliate program does not grant free products. However, top-performing affiliates and influencers with significant reach can request review samples by contacting the affiliate manager directly after being approved.

4. How long does it take to get approved?

Applications via networks like Rakuten or Awin are typically reviewed within 3 to 7 business days. You must have a working website or social media profile to be approved.

5. Can I earn commissions on my own purchases?

No. Self-referrals (buying shoes for yourself through your own affiliate link) are generally flagged and voided by the affiliate networks to prevent fraud.