At Xero Shoes, innovation, passion, and a deep commitment to promoting natural movement are at the heart of everything they do. This spirit of dedication is reflected in the leadership team, a group of visionaries and experts who have come together to revolutionize the world of footwear with barefoot-inspired designs. Let’s meet the powerhouse behind Xero Shoes—the leaders driving the brand’s success and its growing presence in the world of performance and casual footwear.
Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix: The Dynamic Duo
Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, co-founders of Xero Shoes, are the dynamic husband-and-wife team at the helm of the brand. Their complementary skills and deep entrepreneurial backgrounds have been key to the company’s rise and success.
Steven, the visionary and marketer of Xero Shoes, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the company. A Masters All-American sprinter and former All-American gymnast, Steven’s expertise in human movement is a cornerstone of Xero Shoes’ design philosophy. As one of the fastest men in the U.S. over the age of 50, Steven knows first-hand the importance of natural, unrestricted movement.
Michael Pao: Chief Product Officer
When it comes to crafting Xero Shoes’ innovative designs, Michael Pao, the Chief Product Officer, is the mastermind behind the brand’s product strategy. With a background steeped in casual and performance footwear, Michael’s extensive knowledge of the industry helps push Xero Shoes’ “foot-first” designs to new heights.
Michael has worked with global brands such as Hummel, Adidas, PUMA, Crocs, Clarks, and most recently Timberland. His diverse experience in footwear marketing and management is crucial in understanding market trends, consumer needs, and ensuring that Xero Shoes remains at the forefront of barefoot footwear innovation.
John Wadley: VP of Footwear Development
John Wadley, the VP of Footwear Development, plays a pivotal role in bringing Xero Shoes’ designs to life. With his extensive knowledge of performance running, trail running, and hiking shoe construction, John is responsible for liaising with the product design, management, and operations teams to create the next generation of barefoot-inspired footwear.
Dan Dougherty: EU Managing Director
As Xero Shoes continues to expand its global footprint, Dan Dougherty is leading the charge for the European and UK markets. As the EU Managing Director, Dan oversees the growth of Xero Shoes across these regions, working with sales reps and distributors to bring the brand to even more countries. Based in Prague, Dan has a unique perspective on the footwear market in Europe, which has helped Xero Shoes establish a strong presence internationally.
Dan’s leadership has been key in expanding Xero Shoes’ reach beyond North America, and his global wholesale strategy is helping the brand grow exponentially. His expertise in international business has allowed Xero Shoes to break into new markets, bringing barefoot-inspired footwear to people all over the world.
A Unified Vision for Natural Movement
Together, this exceptional leadership team embodies the values of Xero Shoes—innovation, authenticity, and a passion for natural movement. From product development and logistics to global expansion and employee empowerment, each member of the team plays a critical role in bringing the barefoot revolution to the world.