Xero Shoes Men's Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandals

I've been a full time barefooter for 10 years. I read some articles about zero drop barefoot sandals and decided to give them a go. After 2 weeks research I decided to try the Xero Z trail, especially since they backed their product enough to offer a 7 day trial period. I got them in, easily adjusted them to my feet and hit the trail. I immediately feel in love with them. I kept looking at my feet to ensure I actually had sandals on. They are that light and comfortable! The open toe design enhances the barefoot feel with no strap between your toes. I thought the front toe area might catch on rocks or roots on the trail but with a proper snug strap adjustment, there's No issue. During the trail period I took the Zs to water. They did great with the only exception was if water is between the skin of the feet and sandal bed. It Can be Sleppery! Did not like that part. However, they dry quickly. Overall I was so impressed that I ordered a pair for my wife. She loves them as well. A suggestion I found to imprint your foot into the foot bed is to shower in them a time or two. After doing this you could clearly see and feel the glove like comfort. My only concern is durability. I read reviews with strap issues including the backstrap velcro. During the trial period I called Xero customer service. They eased my mind when they assured me if that should happen, the sandals were covered with a 24 month warranty on the straps and a lifetime warranty on the soles. Therefore, if you enjoy being barefoot and grounding but with a little protection, I HIGHLY recommend these Xero sandals!

I purchased these after seeing them pop up on multiple outdoors sites, recommending them for use as ultralight camp shoes for backpacking.We had a chance to test them out on a 30 mile hike last October and I am satisfied with my purchase. They are extremely light which helps to keep my load weight down, but gives me something to wear around camp and let my feet air out after being crammed in boots all day. The straps setup keeps them snugly attached to your feet which also lend to them being used as steam crossing shoes if the water is too deep for your boots.As far as the 0 Drop hype goes - I don't know whether it is a good thing or not, but you can definitely feel it. Its about as close to barefoot as I have ever felt while still wearing shoes. A little weird at first, but I found them quite comfortable trudging around camp at night.My only complaint would be that the strap setup makes them a little fidgety to put on. Putting them on when nature called in the middle of the night was a little challenging - Especially being that everything on my body was super-sore on that trip. I feel like this could be improved by adding an additional buckle or maybe changing the strap design a little, but I'm nitpicking here.They are however expensive, so if they fall apart before I feel like I've gotten my monies worth out of them and Xero doesn't live up to their warranty, the rating will be adjusted accordingly.

Had my Z Trails for almost exactly a month and I can say they are the best sandals I think I have ever had. Going zero drop, barefoot has done my body a lot of good, I think. When I walk with them on, my feet still feel tired, but the way my legs are sore is new, and I can tell I am using muscles that haven't been used in a long time.I've been solely using my Z Trails as my "popping out to the store" and "walking the dog" shoes to help me ease into them and I think that has been a beneficial approach, and now I am taking 2plus mile walks and hiking in them. Walking takes some getting used to if thick soles are what you are used to, you gotta me mindful not to hammer your heel down over and over - although the 10mm is more than enough cushion at the end of the day, when walking on cement, crazy foot striking will result in sore bits.Hiking was a magnificent experience in these sandals! Even clambering down steep sandy unstable slopes I felt sure footed because I could feel everything. Small sharp rocks are really no problem at all, and I actually find that I prefer feeling them (but the 10mm sole keeps them from hurting my foot) because it makes me naturally more careful and I haven't slipped yet. And something I never thought about when first getting these sandals is that when tiny pebbles do inevitably get stuck between my foot and the sandal it's so simple and easy to get them out because of the minimalist style of the thing! My feet are out in the open and working hard, and it feels great.A few quibbles, now. Adjusting the sandal takes a bit of work. If you go onto the Xero website you will see a video of the owner very easily demonstrating/explaining NOT to use the velcro hell to get in and out of the sandal, but rather the strap tightener...that is easier said than done. You can't put them on standing up at all, you have to be sitting down, with your legs crossed over, and the strap fastener is on the OUTSTIDE of the foot, resulting in an awkward angle - especially for a big person...and the strap is a bit stubborn in allowing the strap to slide easily to and fro for a good fit - it takes some work. Furthermore, you pretty much have to be touching the bottom of your sandal to put on and adjust. Maybe it's just me, but that is something I really wish I didn't have to do, because then I have to immediately wash my hands afterward - which often has me walking through my "no shoes indoors" house wearing my sandals, which defeats the purpose of the no shoes allowed part. As well as when I am out, say at the beach, putting them on requires again all that bottom shoe contact with no real place to then wash my hands. I admit, this issue my be mainly my own personal picadillo, but long story short, it could be...it SHOULD be easier to adjust these straps.And finally - when these babies get wet, such as stepping through a stream or stomping around beach water - the top of the soles get SLIIIIIICK. You have to have these pups strapped on right and tight or else your foot will slip in ways you really don't want to be slipping. They do dry in minutes, however.But even with those issues and my cleanliness neurosis going on in my head...I still love these sandals. I'm hoping that more mileage will result with resolution, and I can't see myself going back to thick soled sandals at all.

I bought these because they are lightweight and I was traveling with only a small backpack in the summer. They fit in the outer side water bottle compartment and don’t add a lot of bulk or weight. They are also pretty comfortable if you are looking for a zero drop minimal sandal with just a bit more thickness for all day walking and rocky beech activity. They seem pretty durable so far I’m happy with my purchase.

Wasn't sure about buying a $50+ pair of sandals but these are proving well worth the money. I live in the desert, used them on sandy and very rocky trails - running and even scrambling up some boulders - great feel, and feet are still well protected. Not seeing how I'm going back to my running shoes or hiking boots after this (weather permitting.)

Love 'em. So comfy. Great ground feel, super soft straps. Lightweight, excellent quality. Good grip.