Hardware Podcasts

Xero Shoes: Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix

How I Built This · 13 Mar 2023 · 1h 24m

What this episode covers

Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, founders of Xero Shoes, recount their journey from DIY rubber sandal kits to a $50 million minimalist footwear brand. They detail early manufacturing failures with a Korean factory, the pivot to China, and the viral impact of their Shark Tank appearance. The episode covers their product design philosophy, supply chain challenges including tariffs and debt, and their strategy for scaling through direct-to-consumer channels and community engagement.

Most relevant to

founders before launch and companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
TZP, Crocs, Nike, New Balance
Products
Xero Shoes, Scriptware
Materials
Vibram
Also
Born to Run, Shark Tank, Kevin O'Leary

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