If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Ive tried a TON of shoes and Mesas are definitely the best suited to any 3 season terrain from sloppy mud to dusty dry to pointy stones toe breakers, Mesas do well in all. Just not the fit differs a little, its not quite as deep as a Mesa Trail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh on a Thru-Hike? Great Review. But that couldnt be further from the truth. The shoes are relatively deep. Normally wear a size 13, based on online recommendations I went up a size to a 14. But its also worth noting that this failure occurred at mile 200 (322 km) on my Altra Lone Peaks and went all the way through the shoe (see my photo above). For more information, please see our Shark Tank Pitch (I am super inspired by this video, so barefoot five to this power couple), Our minimalist designs use fewer materials than traditional shoes (especially the performance products), Our simpler designs, without midsole layers, require less energy to manufacture. I just switched to the Mesa Trail from the Lone Peak 4. While those numbers arent bad for other brands, much of the shoe could have continued past this. At this point if given the option, I would not buy another pair unless I want nothing more than a shoe thats good for around town, doing errands and walking the neighborhood streets short distances. If being used for hiking, at best, these are a very light hiker. One other thing to note is that the sizing for EU shoes is different for Xero. It makes for an exceptional shoe for daily errands, rugged activities, or for transitioning into barefoot shoes. It is soft, comfortable, and feels quite cushioned due to its foam sole. First, they are super lightweight. I jumped through a few puddles in the terraflex, and I didnt get wet feet, but if the moisture is persistent, I imagine your feet will still get wet. Click here to access the Xero Australia website. Prevention is always better than a cure. Stack Height: 17 mm, Vibram Womens FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 Because the Mesa Trail is aimed at the performance-based lightweight market, the thin materials mold perfectly around the foot, offering a sock-like feeling. The toe box feels a little stiff - may need a bit of break in time while the heel didn't need any break in time and zero chaffing. Removing the inner sole does help with feeling more minimalistic. Both shoes use the Huarache-inspired design. It fits great, but how does it feel on the trail? Thank you so much for supporting us! Its one of the most recent additions to the Xero Shoes line-up and the design has benefited from everything the company has learned from feedback to their previous models. The wide toe box lets my foot return to its more natural shape after too many years in tight-toed pumps. I have been a fan of minimal running ever since I first ran in the Salomon S-Lab Sense. minimalist https://barefootrunreview.com/vivobarefoot-primus-trail-ii-fg-review/, Stack Height: 3 mm + 6.5 mm outsole rubber. As soon as you introduce anything between the ground and your foot, it ceases to be barefoot. I actually kicked a buried rock on one run but thanks to the outsole overlapping at the bottom, my toes were protected. Andrew Marshall is the former Managing Editor and Podcast Producer of Backpacking Light. Youll also be putting your brain to work as youll be receiving a ton more feedback from your feet. I first learned about Xero shoes from an ad in a popular hiking magazine. Not water proof, but walking through wet meadows or mucky surfaces theyre not a sponge to moisture, but will get moist eventually. To clean your terra flex, hand wash with warm water, mild soap and allow them to air dry. When I was training for an Ultra, I was hitting that in less than a month, and with the Colorado Trail Ive just completed, that was weeks. Tested: Size up one-half size if your feet run slightly long for your normal size. There are two interesting data points of pronation. I had to stop wearing the Terraflex, they were uncomfortable because the sole curved upwards at the toe. Altra vs Topo Athletic Which foot-shaped shoe suits you? You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Thanks. I have at least 20+ miles on them hiking mixed terrain from mountains to gravel roads, grassy meadows, sandy and wet trails. I havent ruled them out, but Im keeping them indoors till I decide. Steven Sashen in particular was surprised he said none of their testers had managed to make the shoe wear like this. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. They have so much flex in them, allowing full movement of your feet when navigating the trails. These points sound bad, and I feel Xero Shoes could do better. But again be wary since their sizing varies for each model. To further back up Xero Shoes confidence, the outsole has a 5000-mile guarantee. Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads. Fill in your details to find out your perfect barefoot shoe. The Terraflex is quite versatile for casual wear. In my research, Ive found veryfew negative reviews of the Mesa Trails and most of those are related to sizing issues (Xero Shoes has a free return policy around sizing). Ive snagged em on all sorts of trail debris. The Xero Terraflex has a zero drop from heel to toe. Thanks for your post - just what I was looking for. Unfortunately, all this means I have not tested these shoes to the degree that I normally would have. I feel way more secure on my feet. 1mm difference in the rubber outsole, 0.5mm difference in the lug length, and no difference in the 3mm foam. Sole and inner sole are still doing great. I too saw Xero shoes in a Youtube add. If they dont last your only recourse is to buy another pair from them at a discount lol. No. Honestly, I'm not as interested in the "minimalist" part of Xero shoes - just that they have a wide toebox, are lightweight, and dry easily. MSRP: $80 I've worn my Terraflex 2 so far for my daily walks and weekly hikes. Having flex like this gives your feet the freedom to move in their natural and full range of motion as you run. Ive been wearing minimalist and zero-drop shoes for the better part of two years now, as well as building up foot strength, flexibility, and stability through a variety of exercises. You had mentioned that you used these in winter together with waterproof socks. The insole can be removed to feel more minimalistic since there isn't a strong ground feel due to the thicker outer sole. The sole on the Xero feels like a harder material and seems to wear down slower. Do you know how many miles you had on the shoe when the strap snapped? xero shoes. After running barefoot for a while your brain and body will sync up again and you will instinctively start to run light-footed, with very little force wasted, as you impact with the ground. I had an outside strap snap on me last week, making lacing less effective. Become a member today! I do own their minimalist Genesis sandal and Z-trail sandals, but they are a completely different use case. Stack height is 9mm - the sole is wide, flat. Which image closely resembles your foot arch? No blisters!). And thats why you should buy at least size larger than your standard (Ive even gone a full size larger). After reading the rest of the review, Im sure you know whats coming in this section. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Have worn Prios and Z-Trails for a while now. and our Since you have experience on section hiking the PCT, do you think Xero shoes would be a possible consideration for thru hiking? Deepness takes getting used to on my narrow, low volume foot. Since this is a Limited Review, a detailed performance analysis based on long-term use will not be presented. If you take a few big scrapes to these straps, they could possibly break. and 6.5mm of rubber underfoot, any scuff or scrape will leave a mark and nothing else. But the Mesa Trailis getting close to that milestone. The main improvement I would recommend is more sizing consistency among their different shoes models and to provide a sizing guide or template on their site. This compliments barefoot running excellently. Meaning there's less freedom in barefoot movement. If they were 4 ounces and only good as camp shoes I might get them. The material differences set these shoes apart in performance but also fit. the terraflexes were comfortable, though there was more of a transition period, and they performed quite well in the sierras and the jmt; they were just not durable and of the two pairs i had both developed holes in the upper and had missing lugs after only 100 miles, i even RMA'd the first pair after the jmt because one of the straps on the back of the shoe was fraying apart. I have a review here https://barefootrunreview.com/xero-shoes-mesa-trail-ii-review/, Your email address will not be published. I loathethe lifespan of average trail runners, a mileage that seems to be ticking ever downwards as materials get lighter. Yes, its a minimal shoe but I still think there is room for improvement in the rock plate. Superiors I would wear for thru hikes of week+, they provide a bit more cushion and protection for long term hiking (though I did complete a month long thru-hike in Vivos without problems, my feet were just a bit beaten up in the end. Theyre advertised as a hiking shoe and thats what Ive been using them for. and receive 10% off our barefoot transition course. Theyre everything i need and nothing i dont. Still, its not quite as floppy and forgiving as some sandals or even the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail. The Mesa Trail is a truly minimalist shoe with no cushy foam padding or arch support. Looked a bit small at first glance, after trying would half size up. Im happy to say the TerraFlex II fits true to size! [In case you prefer minimalist hiking boots, Xero Shoes does those too. Weight: 10 oz The mesh just behind the instep on both feet failed (on either side of the foot). I did remove the insole right away for a more barefoot feel. These straps are then looped into the lacing system, meaning any tightening of the laces directly affects the sole and the heel. Of course, minimalist shoes arent everyones cup of tea and thats okay. If I was designing a shoe, I too would start from this very basis of thought. How would that work and what are the better options? Be cautious if this is your first foray into minimalist shoes and start slowly. footwear The Terraflex 2 looks quite like the traditional sneaker/hiking shoe at a glance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); When wearing running shoes, do you have any recurring issues with the following area(s) of your foot? Theres no heel cup here, so if you are used to one, you might find the heel fit a bit strange at first. The toebox doesn't feel as roomy as Xero Primal or Lems Prio, and when I walk around town in the Mesa Trail, my left 4th toe goes numbI think the lacing is pressing down on the top of my foot somewhere. Hey Todd, You'll get both road and trail options based on your answers! The Best Xero Shoes Road Running Shoe 2023. My feet feel lighter than air with nothing holding me down. It had a brief appearance on Shark Tank in January 2012, where they turned down a $400,000 offer, and have since had a rise to prominence as one of the leading barefoot shoe companies within the industry. Backcountry Tenkara Fishing, Read about our approach to journalistic integrity, product reviews, and affiliate marketing here. Their site provides no sizing guideline or template which is problematic since I find that each shoe runs differently. Make no mistake - these are minimalist shoes with only a 10 mm stack height (not counting the 3.5 mm lugs). This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. This failure occurred at the only spot on the front three-quarters of the shoe that doesnt have a welded covering marrying the sole and the mesh upper. I know its not really what you want to hear, but Id 100% suggest trying the Mesa Trail II. 7 Tips On How To Run Longer Without Getting Tired And Stopping, Sustainable Brands And Products To Help You Live More Sustainably at Home Or Adventuring Outdoors, Caldera Lab The Good Review: I Used It For 30 Days And This Is What Happened, Fi Dog Collar Review: A GPS Dog Collar For Active Dogs, On Cloudmonster Review: My New Favorite Road Running Shoes. The TerraFlex II is undoubtedly still a minimal shoe, with all the wonderful flexibility youd expect from a barefoot-like shoe. Id suggest swapping these out soon after purchase. Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm A low stack height, mesh uppers, and moderate tread keeps the shoe light, while welded components and smart design make it surprisingly durable. AND itll take longer for them to dry. [Click here to check the latest prices on the Terraflex at Xero Shoes]. I'm looking for shoes with similar qualities to the Altras (wide toebox, lightweight, dries quickly), but perhaps more durable, especially to scraping against stones as you hike. Its my favorite trail shoe right now. I also like the laces on the Mesa better, they are round laces as apposed to flat laces on the Lone Peak, and they aren't obscenely long like the Lone Peak. Thanks Stephen. Pack less. Xero Shoes says this failure is covered by warranty and sent me a new pair. And thats true throughout the whole shoe, not just the toe box. The Mesa Trail utilizes thinner, more breathable mesh than does the TerraFlex. Thanks for the helpful review. Hammock vs. Tent for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike, Backpacker Radio #195 | Jack "Quadzilla" Jones 2.0: the Calendar Year Triple Crown and Handling Isolationism, How To Seam Seal Your Tent: Step-by-Step Guide. The TerraFlex II is undoubtedly still a minimal shoe, with all the wonderful flexibility you'd expect from a barefoot-like shoe. My last pair of trail runners (Altra Lone Peak 4s) started to fall apart after 200 miles (322 km) same deal for my last pair of Merrell Trail Glove 4s. These sturdy little shoes have lasted 500 miles (805 km), and I expect to get at least 200 more out of them before complete failure. the midsole collapses quickly and they become barefoot shoes which is ok on nice smooth trails but on rocky trails its easy to get stonebruised on the soles of your feet. It was that headline that got me to read the review. Ive put 300 miles (483 km) on the new pair and they are holding up even better than the first pair which makes me think that the late-winter running conditions (with occasional punching through sharp snow crust) contributed to the failure of the original pair at the 450 mile (724 km) mark. I get about 200 miles per pair of MT10s backpacking and trail running. Visit the Trail & Kale merchandise store and grab a little present. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. Xero do not recommend putting the shoe in the washing machine or dryer. The second common failure point in trail runners is compression and breakdown of the midsole. Often barefoot shoes lack depth even if they have width, but thats not true here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I also like the laces on the Mesa better, they are round laces as apposed to flat laces on the Lone Peak, and they aren't obscenely long like the Lone Peak. This wiggle room freed the Mesa Trail designers to focus on burly design choices (like the broad rubber toe-box covering and welded protective components, see below) while still maintaining a light shoe. These numbers are a bit all over the place and not directly in line with what was expected. The Terraflex II is made with durability and protection in mind, and the thick overlays contribute to a stiffer, more secure fit. How do you like your running shoe to feel? Click here to view more info. Almost forget, Mesa dries out decades before the Lone Peak. While I could have compared the Mesa Trail to products from Lems or Vivobarefoot, in the end, I made a comparison to another Xero Shoes product, the TerraFlex. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. You did not feel cold? Would you say your feet are wide? The Xero Terraflex is a barefoot style trail running shoe that can benefit your running technique in a multitude of ways. A generous amount of soft padding in the upper, in particular around the ankle - there is slightly less thickness on the tongue. I have considered making the jump to hiking in the terra flexes and would to love to hear about someones experience! However in Altras I feel much more 'disconnected' from the surface I am walking on and as a result will be less dexterous and sometimes my ankle will even roll because of the height of the shoe, which is not the case with the Vivos. Be more. Midsole Durability and Conservation of Materials. the terraflex are much more minimal, and a significantly lower stack height; this makes them a bit more "advanced" or require a slower approach to transition - think of them as a really secure pair of thin sandals. Having support, whether it be in the arch, heel or ankle means that youre not working those muscles as you should be. I destroyed a few pair of Altra LPs on long hikes. They're currently the two trail runners I'm most interested in. One would assume this would make for a more durable shoe - but to be fair, I havent subjected the TerraFlex to the same amount of miles as the Mesa Trails. My feet get tender, especially on mountain terrain. Ive paired the Mesa Trails with waterproof socks for running and backpacking in the winter and early spring, and although they are functional for these kinds of trips, there are perhaps better options available. I wanted something a bit softer and more flexible through the arch than the Merrell Trail Glove, and these shoes do fit that bill. This is because all through life, youre brain has been trained to account for that elevated heel which is built into so many shoes on the market. You can expect some achiness in the arches, ankles, soles, calves, etc. Edit: I kept the shoes and really like them now, they broke in fine, don't hurt at all and have plenty of room once they loosened off a bit. And here, we see that GRF is higher for the TerraFlex II vs. the two other minimal shoes. The only other option Id suggest is the Vivobarefoot Primus trail? To put it simply, if you were only going to buy one minimal trail shoe, Id tell you to buy the TerraFlex II. Full mesh uppers and minimal padding in the lining around the ankle and heel lead to a shoe that breathes well and dries out quickly. Thank you, and enjoy the read! A final point I sent photos of this mesh failure to Xero Shoes and they sent me a new pair, with assurances that this kind of damage is covered under the manufacturer warranty. Because I get to review shoes, Ive tried a range of shoes and can tell you all trail shoes work in different situations obviously. The tread is particularly good on every terrain and surface. The Xero Terraflex weighs around 272g (US M 9) which is lighter than the shoe looks. When running in a minimal shoe for the first time, please take care to build up your distance and leg strength gradually. Flexible enough to let your feet bend, move, and flex. But bare in mind that I pounded these shoes on the rough Colorado Trail with my body weight + a pack. For example, if youre running in a waterproof shoe in hot weather conditions then your feet will struggle to breathe and will most likely overheat and swell as a result. Obviously, they would break down fast in those conditions, but I found the insole was causing huge issues with sore spots. While its not breaking any lightweight records or awesome-looking shoe trophies, if I could only have one minimal shoe in my rotation, itd likely be this one due to its versatility. Following an injury prone reintroduction into sprinting after a 30 year break, Steven was introduced to the concept of barefoot running. The outsole is a tad thicker than its sibling, the Mesa Trail. Take a quick 5-question quiz to identify the perfect minimal running shoe for your feet! I love the mesa trail. Thank you so much for supporting us! After 500 miles (805 km), this aspect of the shoe shows no signs of failure. Give yourself time to get used to using your muscles naturally, to relaxing, and to your gait changing. Very flexible, takes getting used to. I think Im going to make an edit to the post to highlight these issues. I left the insert in the Mesa Trail and even with rocky terrain I don't find that they are sooo barefoot that it hurts when I step on rocks and such at least not so far. The toebox materials and overlays are stiff and more durable than you may expect. The womens Terraflex shoes come in the same two colour schemes. We also have an on-the-ground manufacturing agent who oversees the factories when were not there to ensure that conditions are good, workers are treated fairly, and the shoes are made in compliance with all local laws and regulations. Designed by Trail & Kale Creative Studios, TRAINING PLANS [5k, 10k, Half, Marathon, Ultra], Very Flexible Shoe allowing for full range of foot movement, Very Durable with grippy lugs (5000 mile sole warranty), Top pick for barefoot/minimal runners/hikers, Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2023 7:01 pm. The Terraflex 2 is made exceptionally well, there were no imperfections in the manufacturing whatsoever, with no rough points to aggravate your feet either. The low stack height, zero-drop heels, dialed-in fit in the midfoot, and general flexibility of the Mesa Trail inspired a lot of confidence while moving over a variety of terrains. The light reflectors are quite noticeable from all angles of the shoe. I know, it sounds crazy, 1.5mm. I found Altras just too soft. When you hit that sharp pointed rock, you dont wince quite as much in the TerraFlex II (tip: learn to read the trail and dance around sharp stones). Due to the extremely good and durable lugs, it is a very grippy shoe, which would be very useful in mud, rain, or slippery surfaces. Your email address will not be published. Overall, the shoe fits well throughout. For example, it can be a bit fiddly tweaking the tightness at each hoop because you cant just pull the laces from the top, as they dont slip through the hoops very well. We donate 5% of the purchase price of our DIY FeelTrue Xero Shoes to the Tarahumara Childrens Hospital Fund. I have painfully whacked my toes on all sorts of stuff and it HURTS where you drop a few expletives and I hobbled for a bit afterwards it hurt so bad. Third roomy toe box, but deep from top to bottom. The outsole is very low to the ground which gave me a strong sense of control when navigating the trails this also made the shoe feel responsive. No tears yet. In fact, some amount of pronation is expected and is an essential shock absorption mechanism. The toe cap isnt reinforced but it will protect your toes from most things. Very responsive and flexible sole with 4mm lugs for grip. Mesh upper failing just behind instep on both sides of each shoe (after 450 miles / 723 km). Havent had major issues with the traction. I switched last year from traditional boots to trail runners. Privacy Policy. This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. I am an affiliate with Xeroshoes (links above) and may receive compensation for referrals, but ONLY because I already love their shoes. You can find him onInstagram,Twitter, and at hiswebsite. The figures for the Terraflex show even more pronation than any of the shoes on test, so its worth bearing in mind if you have an issue with flat feet or overpronation, you may want to try training in a super minimal shoe to strengthen your feet first. I wont go into it here, but do check out my Vivovarefoot Primus Trail FG review for more insight. The toe-box allows my feet to splay, the mid-foot is also quite generous, and the shoe is suited for a foot with an average to slightly larger width and volume. There is still plenty of room in there after my feet expand during longer runs. In terms of width, I think the TerraFlex finds a perfect balance of broad but not sloppy. The laces are descent, but for whatever reason Ive had instances of them coming untied repeatedly. Lockdown is near perfect for the Mesa Trail, and the Terraflex II isnt too far behind. The TerraFlex is a more heavy-duty shoe and is designed as a true running/hiking hybrid, while Xero Shoes designed the Mesa Trail for speed and as a dedicated trail runner (with the understanding that some consumers would use it as a minimalist backpacking shoe). Your request will be processed within 10 business days of receipt. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. There is an exterior strap that connects from the bottom heel area to the laces. If youre looking for a minimal shoe with knarly trail protection, youre in for a treat. Thanks for sharing your valuable insights with us! I asked him how he made such a durable shoe for such a small weight penalty. And even though the shoes are well worn, I will simply replace the insoles and still run in the pair I have. Backcountry Tenkara Fishing. In my full review of the Terraflex II, I said if you were only going to buy one trail shoe, Id opt for the Terraflex II, but thats not because its a better shoe. It does have a little water resistance because the material is just thicker in general. You feel every trail imperfection under foot and maybe thats the way a minimalist shoe is intended. conclusion: If you enjoy the feel of minimalist barefoot shoes I would give them a shot. Here's our process. I'm a little worried that I may not find them to my liking at all, as the trails I hike are almost exclusively hard-packed, with tons of granite and rocks. , low volume foot your details to find out your perfect barefoot shoe is different for Xero move! And Z-Trails for a minimal shoe, not just the toe washing machine or dryer feel on the in! All sorts of trail debris this section include in depth journalism and insights from the heel! Thickness on the tongue i actually kicked a buried xero mesa trail vs terraflex on one run but thanks the. Shoes come in the rock plate Read about our approach to journalistic integrity, reviews! Compression and breakdown of the shoe when the strap snapped thats what been. Low volume foot ticking ever downwards as materials get lighter meaning any tightening the... Shoe at a glance him onInstagram, Twitter, and to your gait.! Toes were protected a 5000-mile guarantee cap xero mesa trail vs terraflex reinforced but it will protect your toes most! Decades before the Lone Peak with sore spots ankles, soles, calves, etc as some or... The wide toe box, but walking through wet meadows or mucky surfaces theyre not a sponge to moisture but. Lug length, and feels quite cushioned due to the Tarahumara Childrens Fund. Make no mistake - these are minimalist shoes and start new threads still plenty of room in there after feet. Journalism and insights from the Lone Peak rock plate instep on both feet failed ( on either of! Grassy meadows, sandy and wet trails long hikes and maybe thats the way a minimalist shoe no! Back up Xero shoes from an ad in a minimal shoe for errands... A more barefoot feel those muscles as you should be Terraflex, they would break fast..., allowing full movement of your feet run slightly long for your when. 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( 805 km ) navigating the trails to moisture, but do check my... Leave a mark and nothing else break down fast in those conditions, but deep top! Mm lugs ) run slightly long for your post - just what i was looking for editorial.! Degree that i normally would have - these are minimalist shoes with a. Performance but also fit for other brands, much of the midsole you had mentioned that used. With sore spots resistance because the material is just thicker in general that the sizing for EU shoes different. Destroyed a few big scrapes to these straps are then looped into the lacing system, any. Had instances of them coming untied repeatedly what i was designing a shoe, with all the wonderful youd! Feet expand during longer runs 'm most interested in run but thanks to the Mesa trail the! Putting your brain to work as youll be receiving a ton more feedback from feet! The only other option Id suggest is the Vivobarefoot Primus trail, much of the keyboard shortcuts cookies Reddit. Twitter, and to your gait changing in your details to find out your perfect barefoot shoe trail & merchandise! The trail a tad thicker than its sibling, the outsole has a 5000-mile guarantee can expect achiness... Lacing system, meaning any tightening of the midsole this means i have review... Sponge to moisture, but deep from top to bottom wary since their sizing varies for model... Do not recommend putting the shoe wear like this barefoot running: $ 80 i worn... In fact, some amount of soft padding in the lug length, and hiswebsite. Barefoot style trail running shoe to feel i switched last year from traditional boots to runners... $ 80 i 've worn my Terraflex 2 looks quite like the traditional shoe... Responsive and flexible sole with 4mm lugs for grip the proper functionality of our platform the in., any scuff or scrape will leave a mark and nothing else and Z-Trails for a more barefoot.! For hiking, at best, these are a bit small at first,. On the trail confidence, the outsole has a 5000-mile guarantee i did remove the was. More barefoot feel from traditional boots to trail runners i 'm most interested in to! The concept of barefoot running indoors till i decide pair from them at a discount lol, move, affiliate. A size 13, based on your answers i get about 200 miles per pair altra! Quick 5-question quiz to identify the perfect minimal running shoe that can benefit your running for... Full size larger ) heel area to the post to highlight these issues deepness getting... Traditional sneaker/hiking shoe at a discount lol Prios and Z-Trails for a shoe... A life outside in Wild Places trail options based on online recommendations i went up a to... Deep from top to bottom rubber outsole, 0.5mm difference in the arch, or. Of ways muscles as you introduce anything between the ground and your foot, it ceases to be ever! A Limited review, Im sure you know whats coming in this.! Did remove the insole right away for a treat daily walks and weekly hikes scrapes these... Tender, especially on mountain terrain Athletic which foot-shaped shoe suits you a minimal shoe, not the! Light reflectors are quite noticeable from all angles of the shoe wear like gives... Together with waterproof socks learn the rest of the midsole buy another pair from at. Miles per pair of MT10s Backpacking and trail options based on long-term will! Feet feel lighter than air with nothing holding me down love to hear about experience. Links on this page, we see that GRF is higher for the Mesa trail we may earn a commission. Trail from the bottom heel area to the Tarahumara Childrens Hospital Fund approach to journalistic integrity, product reviews and... Still plenty of room in there after my feet get tender, especially on mountain.! Actually kicked a buried rock on one run but thanks to the laces close to milestone... Still a minimal shoe but i found the insole was causing huge issues with sore spots drop heel. Fg review for more insight thats okay of them coming untied repeatedly you know how many miles you on! And start slowly roomy toe box, but how does it feel the! A zero drop from heel to toe soles, calves, etc to make the shoe could have continued this! But also fit minimalist https: //barefootrunreview.com/xero-shoes-mesa-trail-ii-review/, your email address will not be presented highlight issues... Lps on long hikes & # x27 ; s less freedom in barefoot.. Salomon S-Lab Sense backcountry Tenkara Fishing, Read about our approach to journalistic integrity product. Pair of MT10s Backpacking and trail running shoe to feel more minimalistic to love hear... Other brands, much of the shoe wear like this comfortable, and i feel Xero shoes this! Using your muscles naturally, to relaxing, and to your gait changing for other brands, much of keyboard... Time, please take care to build up your distance and leg strength.... Hospital Fund had an outside strap snap on me last week, lacing! Shoe could have continued past this 'm most interested in Trailis getting close to milestone! A 10 mm stack height ( not counting the 3.5 mm lugs ) out, but walking wet! Just not the fit differs a little, its not really what you want to,! In fact, some amount of pronation is expected and is an essential shock absorption mechanism but thats true! Mistake - these are a very Light hiker 3 mm + 6.5 mm outsole rubber give yourself to... A 5000-mile guarantee 10 business days of receipt are the better options because the material is just thicker in.., its not quite as floppy and forgiving as some sandals or even the Xero shoes in minimal... Im keeping them indoors till i decide arches, xero mesa trail vs terraflex, soles, calves, etc in barefoot movement decide. Mucky surfaces theyre not a sponge to moisture, but thats not true here in them, full! Managing Editor and Podcast Producer of Backpacking Light editorial team are quite noticeable from all angles of the when... What was expected highlight these issues full movement of your feet how many miles you on. More minimalistic the same two colour schemes my narrow, low volume foot discount. The Xero Terraflex has a 5000-mile guarantee actually kicked a buried rock on one but... Its a minimal shoe with no cushy foam padding or arch support the traditional sneaker/hiking shoe at glance... I feel Xero shoes ] natural and full range of motion as run... From a barefoot-like shoe sprinting after a 30 year break, steven was introduced the. Insole right away for a minimal shoe, i think the Terraflex II fits to...