Former Crocs Exec and Avia Co-founder Joins “Barefoot” Start-up Xero Shoes
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Xero Shoes Makes the Inc. 5000 for the Sixth Time, Ranking No. 2,114
(Broomfield, CO) August 16, 2022 – Inc. announced that Feel the World, dba Xero Shoes, is No. 2,114 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Xero Shoes’ experienced a three-year revenue growth of 282.5 percent.“We're thrilled to be named on the Inc. 5000 for the sixth year in a row, thanks to the hard work from our growing number of employees and the passion from our customers who have discovered the comfort, health benefits, and FUN of Xero Shoes,” says Steven Sashen, CEO and Co-Founder of Xero Shoes. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. During this time, Xero Shoes hired key executives including Shaun Araham, Director of Product Management; Tom Curran, Director of Sales; and Jody Eichler, VP of Digital, who bring an array of experience to propel Xero Shoes’ rapid expansion in both DTC and wholesale businesses sales expansion and support digital and creative marketing efforts. In 2021, the Company grew 46 percent year-over-year, with annual net revenue of $33.6 million. Xero Shoes also launched xeroshoes.eu website to meet the growing demands in the European market.“Despite the economic roadblocks, we’re proud of our company’s continued growth and ability to rise above multiple challenges as we provide our customers with innovative footwear that changes lives,” says Lena Phoenix, President and Co-Founder of Xero Shoes.###About Xero ShoesFounded in 2009, Xero Shoes manufactures comfortable, lightweight, performance and casual footwear built with a “foot-first design”. The company’s mission is to help people experience the comfort and benefits of barefoot-inspired footwear that lets them move naturally so they can “Live Life Feet First”. Co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, started Xero Shoes out of necessity after discovering that running barefoot solved years of running injuries, but that being actually barefoot wasn't ideal in many situations. Xero Shoes launched in December 2009, in the EU in November 2021 and now has a complete line of casual and performance shoes, boots, and sandals that customers ages 2-92 in 97 countries wear for almost any imaginable occasion and activity. Xero Shoes is the footwear partner for two USA National Teams - USA Artistic Swimming and USA Archery. Sashen, along with co-founder and President, Lena Phoenix, appeared on ABC's hit reality-business show, Shark Tank, where they turned down a $400,000 offer from Kevin "Mr. Wonderful" O'Leary.
Xero Shoes Expands Executive Team with Industry Veterans to Drive Rapid Expansion
Shaun Aharam, Tom Curran, and Jody Eichler bring decades of experience in product management, sales, and digital marketing to top-performing minimal shoe company Broomfield, CO (July 7, 2022) – Xero Shoes, a leading provider of natural movement footwear, announces the hiring of three seasoned industry professionals to join the Company’s leadership team. Shaun Aharam, Director of Product Management; Tom Curran, Director of Sales; and Jody Eichler, VP of Digital bring an array of experience to propel Xero Shoes’ rapid sales expansion and support digital and creative marketing efforts. “We're thrilled to have people with this level of talent joining our team and accelerating our growth,” says Steven Sashen, CEO of Xero Shoes. “With their combined sales, marketing, and creative expertise, we look forward to helping more people discover the comfort, health benefits, and FUN of Xero Shoes.”Shaun Aharam is a curious creative with a background as a Creative Director and Product Designer for Khul, Nautica, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Target Corporation, and The North Face. At Xero Shoes, he joins as Director of Product Management, where he will lead product design and development. “I have a passion for design and storytelling, and this mindset allows me to ground the product in practicality and purpose, with the intention to always create something new,” says Aharam. “My position with Xero Shoes allows me to align my personal passions of wellness and fitness with decades of industry experience.”Tom Curran joins Xero Shoes as the Director of Sales and will oversee Xero Shoes’ rapid expansion in the U.S. wholesale channel and international marketplace. Tom built up an impressive sales portfolio at Newton Running, where he grew into the role of VP of Sales at Newton Running.“I’ve been involved in the natural footwear industry for more than 12 years, and with Xero Shoes continually expanding their lifestyle and performance footwear, I look forward to pursuing new avenues for sales and distribution,” says Curran. “We’ve seen the adoption of minimalist footwear grow and I’m looking forward to developing strong retail and distribution partnerships.”Jody Eichler, Xero Shoes’ new VP of Digital brings more than 20 years of experience in digital marketing where she’s led interactive, full-scale B2B and B2C campaigns. She’s a pioneer in the SEO field and her marketing tactics have improved campaigns and led to increased sales leads.“Now more than ever, digital marketing is pivotal to scaling a successful brand,” says Eichler. “We already have a loyal fan base of repeat customers that really love their Xero Shoes and interact with us through the web, email, and social media. I’m eager to help amplify Xero Shoes’ strategic marketing efforts with next-level, digitally connected brand interactions and customer-centric marketing journeys.”Xero Shoes plans to make more strategic hires over the next year to meet customer demand and industry growth in the minimalist footwear industry. In 2021, the Company grew 45% year-over-year, with annual net revenue of $33.5 million.###About Xero ShoesFounded in 2009, Xero Shoes manufactures comfortable, lightweight, performance and casual footwear built with a “foot-first design”. The company’s mission is to help people experience the comfort and benefits of barefoot-inspired footwear that lets them move naturally so they can “Live Life Feet First”. Co-founder and CEO, Steven Sashen, started Xero Shoes out of necessity after discovering that running barefoot solved years of running injuries, but that being actually barefoot wasn't ideal in many situations. Xero Shoes launched in December 2009, in the EU in November 2021 and now has a complete line of casual and performance shoes, boots, and sandals that customers ages 2-92 in 97 countries wear for almost any imaginable occasion and activity. Xero Shoes is the footwear partner for two USA National Teams - USA Artistic Swimming and USA Archery. Sashen, along with co-founder and President, Lena Phoenix, appeared on ABC's hit reality-business show, Shark Tank, where they turned down a $400,000 offer from Kevin "Mr. Wonderful" O'Leary.
Busting the Myths of Barefoot with Xero Shoes' Founder
Your browser does not support the video tag. Xero Shoes' founder and CEO Steven Sashen joins Fox Denver in-studio to bust the myths of barefoot running!
USA Artistic Swimming Announces Partnership with Xero Shoes
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – (July 8, 2020) - USA Artistic Swimming signs Xero Shoes as its official footwear partner providing athletes with innovative shoes that match the team’s style in the water.“They are not your conventional shoe, and we are not your conventional sport,” said USA Artistic Swimming CEO, Adam Andrasko. “We both embrace what is special about ourselves and use it in a positive way.”Established 41 years ago, USA Artistic Swimming officially rebranded from USA Synchronized Swimming in March. Artistic swimming is a women's Olympic discipline that combines technical perfection, synchronisation, choreography, artistry and expressive power. Athletes wear beautifully decorated swimsuits and waterproof make-up. They often perform choreography and use music that is unique to their heritage, creating a rich and distinctive spectacle.Xero Shoes’ lightweight footwear prides itself on minimalism and natural movement. Xero Shoes have sold hundreds of thousands of shoes, boots, and sandals to customers in 97 countries, ages 2-92, and will now be worn by the USA Artistic Swimming Senior National Team at every international competition."We're so excited that USAAS asked us to support their incredible athletes and coaches,” said Steven Sashen, Xero Shoes CEO. “We are looking forward to having lots of fun together and helping the team reach their goals, feet first."About USA Artistic Swimming USA Artistic Swimming [USAAS] was established as a nonprofit organization in 1979 and is the United States national governing body for the sport. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the United States Olympic Committee and FINA (Federation International de Natation Amateur) — the international governing federation. USAAS organizes, participates in, and promotes a variety of competitive events each year. These events begin at the local leveland continue in the following categories: Age Group (12-19), Junior (15-18), Senior and Masters (20+). https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Artistic-SwimmingAbout Xero Shoes Feel The World, Inc. (dba Xero Shoes) of Broomfield, CO, manufactures Xero Shoes®, addictively comfortable, lightweight, performance and casual sandals and shoes built with a “foot-first” design. Durable, stylish and affordable — Xero Shoes supply the fun and benefits of natural, barefoot-inspired movement with a layer of protection and comfort. FTWI launched in December 2009 and now has customers ages 2 to 92, in 97 countries who wear Xero Shoes for walking, hiking, yoga and gym-going, CrossFit, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding, jogging, and even running hundred-mile ultra marathons.
Xero Shoes Closes $2.3M Deal with JPMorgan Chase
(Broomfield,CO) September 17, 2018– Xero Shoes just announced the successful completion of a $2.318M debt transaction with JPMorgan Chase Bank.Xero Shoes plans to use this debt capital to support their already rapid growth, increase their product line and marketing efforts, and refinance existing debt.Inc. Magazine reports that Xero Shoes has a 3-year growth of 617%, with 2017 sales of $5.53M. Xero Shoes co-founder and CFO, Lena Phoenix, adds, “We expect that 2018 will again show the rapid growth we’ve seen in the last three years.”Xero Shoes manufactures addictively comfortable, lightweight, performance and casual sandals and shoes built with a “foot-first” design. Durable, stylish and affordable, Xero Shoes supply the fun and benefits of natural, barefoot-inspired movement plus a layer of protection and comfort. Customers ages 2 to 92, in 97 countries wear Xero Shoes for walking, hiking, yoga and gym-going, kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, jogging, and even running hundred-mile ultramarathons.Says CEO and co-founder, Steven Sashen, “We’re thrilled that Chase’s support will help us spread our movement movement around the world, one foot at a time.”This year, Xero Shoes was #818 in the Inc. 5000 (up from #1753 last year), was named one of the 50 Colorado Companies to Watch, was recognized as one of the top 100 Women Owned companies in Colorado, and was a Biz West Mercury 100 winner for the third time in 3 progressively higher revenue categories.
For the 2nd Time, Xero Shoes Appears on the Inc. 5000 With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 617%
(Broomfield, CO) August 15, 2018 – Inc. magazine today revealed that Xero Shoes is No. 818 on its 37th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, thanks to 3-year revenue growth of 617% and 2017 revenue of $5.53M. Xero Shoes was ranked #1753 on last year’s Inc. 5000 list. Fewer than 1-in-3 companies make the Inc. 5000 more than one time.Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.This year, Xero Shoes received three other business honors: one of the 50 Colorado Companies to Watch, one of the top 100 Women-Owned companies in Colorado, and a Biz West Mercury 100 winner for the third time in 3 progressively higher revenue categories.Says CEO and co-founder, Steven Sashen, “We are, of course, honored to receive these awards. But, more, we’re grateful to the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have put Xero Shoes on their feet, experienced the fun and benefits of natural movement, and are living life feet first.”###ABOUT:Feel The World, Inc. (dba Xero Shoes) of Broomfield, CO, manufactures Xero Shoes®, addictively comfortable, lightweight, performance and casual sandals and shoes built with a “foot-first” design. Durable, stylish and affordable — Xero Shoes supply the fun and benefits of natural, barefoot-inspired movement plus a layer of protection and comfort. FTWI launched in December 2009 and now has customers ages 1 to 91, in 97 countries who wear Xero Shoes for walking, hiking, yoga and gym-going, CrossFit, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding, jogging, and even running hundred-mile ultra
Xero Shoes Named Winner of Three Top Colorado Companies Awards
(Broomfield, CO) June 22, 2018 – Feel the World, Inc. (dba Xero Shoes) maker of addictively comfortable shoes and sandals, has won three prestigious state and local awards: The Colorado Office of Economic Development’s Colorado Companies to Watch, Colorado Biz magazine’s 2018 Top Women-owned Business List, and Biz West magazine’s Mercury 100.Colorado Companies to Watch honors second-stage companies that develop valuable products and services, create quality jobs, enrich communities, and create new industries throughout Colorado. Xero Shoes was one of 50 companies selected out of over 1,100 nominated companies.Biz West’s Mercury 100 recognizes rapidly growing companies in Boulder and Broomfield counties. With 284% growth between 2015 - 2017, Xero Shoes was the 2nd fastest growing company with revenues between $3.7 and $8 million and 2nd fastest growing overall as well. This is the 3rd time Xero Shoes has made the Mercury 100 each time in a higher revenue category.Colorado Biz magazine honors the top women-owned businesses by revenue. With $5.53 million in revenue for 2017 Xero Shoes – ranked #46 and was also the 2nd fastest growing company on the list. Lena Phoenix co-founder, CFO, and majority owner say, “We’re so fortunate to have such a supportive community for women-owned businesses in Colorado and it’s really exciting to join this list of inspiring women business owners.”Phoenix’s husband co-founder and CEO Steven Sashen adds, “These awards give Lena and me a much-needed opportunity to step back and appreciate the results of our work together… and of course motivate us to rank even higher on all the lists next year.”The company expects to be listed on at least two more upcoming “top company” lists including the Inc. 5000 on which they were #1753 for 2017.ABOUT: Feel The World Inc. of Broomfield CO manufactures Xero Shoes® addictively comfortable lightweight performance and casual sandals and shoes built with a “foot-first” design. Durable stylish and affordable — Xero Shoes supply the fun and benefits of natural barefoot-inspired movement plus a layer of protection and comfort. FTWI launched in December 2009 and now has customers ages 1 to 91 in 97 countries who wear Xero Shoes for walking, hiking, yoga and gym-going, Crossfit, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding, jogging, and even running hundred-mile ultra marathons.###
Former Crocs Exec and Avia Co-founder Joins “Barefoot” Start-up Xero Shoes
Boulder, CO, October 2, 2012 – Dennis Driscoll, a 35-year footwear industry veteran who co-founded Avia Footwear and most recently worked as Global Design Director for Crocs, has joined Boulder-based barefoot running shoe start-up, Feel The World, Inc., the makers of Xero Shoes • Original Barefootware.Driscoll's roll at the bestselling "barefoot sandal" manufacturer is Chief Development Officer. Asked what attracted him to the product, he answers, "Xero Shoes are genuine, legitimate. We don't have to create ways to differentiate our product, because it is actually different."Regarding the company, and its co-founders, Steven Sashen and wife Lena Phoenix, Driscoll adds, "They are a smart team who've already proven themselves and their business. I like that my experience with all aspects of the footwear business can have a big impact here."Sashen and Phoenix reciprocate the admiration. "It’s highly unusual for someone of Dennis’s skills and caliber to work for a company at our stage. We're thrilled to have Dennis help take our product, and our company, to the levels we know they can attain."Dennis Driscoll started in the footwear business in 1978 with Osaga Athletic Footwear as the Director of Product Development. In 1981 he co-founded Avia Athletic Footwear as the VP of Product. Ten years later Dennis joined Wilson Sporting Goods as the Global Business Unit Director of Footwear. After a 7-year stint at Converse in senior product roles, Driscoll took a position at Doc Martens Footwear and moved to London as the Global Director of Product. In 2010, he went to work for Crocs as Global Design Director where he had a fourteen-member design team in the US office and design centers in Padova, Italy and Tokyo, Japan.Visit www.xeroshoes.mom to learn more about the minimalist sandal company and its barefoot-style products.###ABOUT: Feel The World, Inc. of Boulder, CO, manufactures Xero Shoes®, a high-tech upgrade on the traditional huaraches running sandal of the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. Durable, stylish and affordable — Xero Shoes supply the fun and benefits of being barefoot, but with a layer of protection. Feel The World, Inc. launched in December 2009. To date, over 25,000 customers, ages 1 to 91, in more than 73 countries wear Xero Shoes for walking, hiking, yoga and gym-going, Crossfit, kayaking, jogging, and even running hundred-mile ultra marathons. #
