Xero Shoes Men's Z-Trek Sport Sandals - Zero Drop, Lightweight & Packable

So far I own a pair of the Z-Trek, the Hana, and the Prio. These shoes have allowed me to throw out basically every other pair of other shoes that I own, besides my Merrell gloves, which I use exclusively for running. The Xero shoes fill in all my other shoe/sandal needs, but I can certainly run in them. After fully adapting to barefoot footwear I really hate to wear any "normal" shoe with pointed toe box, foam, heel to toe drop, and stiff uppers. My posture, balance, core strength and running technique are all drastically improved. I no longer suffer from hip, knee, or shin pain. I am now basically a zealous opponent of conventional padded shoes with raised heels and the biomechanical deficiencies they facilitate.I love that they now make the Hana and Prio in all black and it's what compelled me to finally buy the Prio. The patent-pending design of the sole is simple and great. The rubber does conform to the foot a bit and has proved to be pretty durable. It is however, not anti-slip. The only uncomfortable shoe I am still forced to wear on a regular basis are my work shoes with anti-slip soles. The front of the toe box on the full shoes and general design is very nice, and the strap system allows the shoe to move and stay with your foot. The Hanas are more comfortable than any slippers I have worn but even with the slip-on sort of style, I can run with them because of the straps.As far as sizing I'd recommend erring on the larger size. All my Xeros are 11. As comparison my Merrell vapor and trail gloves are 10.5.I started trying to run "barefoot" years ago when Vibrams were first a thing and I will say it took quite a long time for my feet and biomechanics to fully adapt, especially while still mostly wearing other conventional shoes. It wasn't until I found closed toe, zero-drop/padding shoes that I could really convert so I'm glad it's becoming more widely available and Xero seems to be really leading the way on how to build them nicely.

First off let me start by saying that I have been wearing minimalist shoes for about 4 years. I love the way that you feel so much more grounded and can really feel the ground beneath you. I also like how much stronger my feet have gotten and how much more "control" I feel I have with my feet.After owning countless pairs of Vibram Fivefingers and making DIY Huaraches, it was time for me to purchase something with a little more durability and style. These satisfy both those needs. After watching several video reviews of these sandals, I went with the Z-trek over the Z-trail because I wanted more of a ground feel.Pros:1. They are very stylish and I no longer have anything in between my toes like I did with the fivefingers and the diy huaraches. I like the color choice as I'm tired of having everything in black2. There is a small lip around the back of the heel, which is perfect because It makes it easier for me to drive in them without my heel touching the floor.3. They are adjustable in two ways and so far have been very durable. (I will update as time goes on)4. Affordable for what they are. I feel as though they are appropriately priced5. I am able to run in them for long distances without the need to adjust them during a run6. So far, I haven't gotten any blisters and the material is the perfect combination of soft and durableCons:1. The back velcro point on the heel is opened and closed every time I put on the sandals, and by doing so, the end of the velcro strip catches on the metal loop that it slides through. I'm hoping that it doesn't get damaged after time and I will update if this improves or worsens.2. The point where the strapping material enters by the pinky toe could be set back by about a cm so my pinky toe has a little bit more room to wiggle.

I've researched and tried most minimalist shoes and sandals. I wanted a lightweight sandal to take for basecamp after long backpacking trips. And burly enough for day hikes. Which allowed for socks in cooler mountain elevation. These seemed best because most have the between the toes strap. But because of the stap system, it's located right on the side of your pinky toe, not allowing it to spread out. I contacted the company and they told me that I had the wrong size...but after researching images, that is how they fit on everyone's feet fit in them.I generally buy everything on Amazon thus one of my decisions to get these, but regretfully had to return them.I then purchased the Unshoe Pah Tempe and they are super awesome. Similar, but ride more on the side of the foot below the pinky allowing your toes total freedom, which, in my opinion, is a major factor in minimalist/barefoot foot ware. Not to mention they are 3oz lighter than the Xeros.Pictures:left Unshoe, pinky is freeRight: Xero, pinky trappedThank you