The Shoes Powering Isaiah Stewart in the Playoffs

When Isaiah Stewart takes the floor in the playoffs, he's not wearing the usual names you'd expect to see on an NBA court.

What most people don't know is that he's been doing it in a minimalist shoe that most of the league wouldn't dare try.

He's playing in Xero Shoes X1, the barefoot basketball shoe built on the belief that less is more. 

"I feel like I’m gaining a lot by switching from a standard basketball shoe. I feel very grounded. I play with a lot of force, strength and power, and the Xero X1 shoes allow me to function like the human body should."

For the playoffs, you'll spot Isaiah in his exclusive Warrior Red colorway, designed in collaboration with Xero Shoes' product team. It pulls from his mindset: aggressive, relentless, fearless. It's built for players who go all in.

Pat Benson of Sports Illustrated interviewed Isaiah at the beginning of the season to learn more on why he made the switch. Read more: Isaiah Stewart Stays Ten Toes Down in Barefoot Basketball Shoes

Do Minimalist Shoes Work for Basketball?

The instinct for athletes sometimes is about "going bigger" — more cushion, more support, more tech. Stewart went the other direction, and the X1 was engineered to back that decision up at the highest level:

Lightweight Power

Pilot testing indicated the X1 may generate higher peak ground reaction forces than traditional basketball shoes — translating to more powerful jumps, faster acceleration, and superior energy transfer from floor to foot. When Stewart says he plays with force, this is part of why. 

Court Grip

A multidirectional traction pattern supports lightning-fast direction changes and quicker reactions. On a playoff court where every half-step matters, that kind of grip isn't a nice-to-have — it's a difference-maker.

Balance & Control

A zero-drop sole keeps you balanced and connected to the floor, improving stability, ground awareness, and proprioception. Every move feels intentional. Every cut, every post-up, every closeout — responsive and grounded.

Making the Switch: Isaiah's Tip

"Transition is different for everyone. I started by walking barefoot and wearing barefoot shoes, plus I did foot exercises. So, when I made the transition to the Xero X1 basketball shoes, it felt natural to engage my feet and feel them function like they should."