Summary
We spent 6.3 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:
8 reasons to buy
- The Z-Trail garnered so much praise from experts for being exceptionally light.
- Numerous sources spoke of the sandal’s amazing level of comfort.
- Professional gear pundits applauded the footwear’s minimalist yet fashionable look.
- Its otherworldly flexibility impressed many reviewers.
- According to some testers, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail runs true to size.
- This hiker floored critics with its highly adjustable straps.
- About a handful of wearers admired the footwear’s fantastic versatility.
- A few users couldn’t deny the outstanding effectiveness of the Z-Trail’s outsole on wet surfaces.
4 reasons not to buy
- Some owners found the footgear’s footbed too slippery when wet with sweat.
- The Xero Shoes Z-Trail’s hydrophilic and difficult to dry straps sent a bad signal to a couple of users.
- A number of consumers thought that the sandal was a little too time-consuming to wear and remove.
- A considerable number of displeased verified purchasers commented that the strap of the Z-Trail broke after a few miles of use.
Bottom line
It shouldn’t take a lot of effort to figure out that the Xero Shoes Z-Trail has lightness in great amounts. There is also no need for much convincing that the sandal has A-grade comfort in its simple yet eye-catching strappy form. Unfortunately, the sandal may not be the best option for folks whose feet sweat a lot. Overall, despite these reported drawbacks, the Z-Trail still has a lot going for it to keep it afloat on most people’s radars.
Facts
| Use: | Multi-sport |
|---|---|
| Price: | $80 |
| Features: | Zero drop |
| Weight: | Men: 5.4oz | Women: 4.3oz |
| Width: | Normal, Wide | Normal, Wide |
| Brand: | Xero Shoes |
| Construction: | Strappy |
| Material: | Rubber sole, Vegan |
| Season: | Summer |
| Colorways: | Brown, Grey |
Expert Reviews
Experts are hikers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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89 / 100 based on 27 expert reviews
Definitely take a look at this Z-Trail Xero Shoes. I don't think you'd be disappointed.
I see myself packing these every time.
Trail runners and ultra-light backpackers alike will find a friend in this sandal.
So light, so comfortable, and really, really easy to pack.
I cannot speak highly enough about these shoes.
It's a very minimalist sandal that does the job.
- The Z-Trail from Xero Shoes is a vegan-friendly sandal built for trail adventurers who wish to move with speed and flexibility in their travels. It is designed to help hikers get a feel of the ground with as much terrain protection as possible.
- Its sole unit, the 10-mm FeelLite sole, provides comfort and security on the trail. It consists of three layers: BareFoam as the footbed, TrailFoam as the midsole, and FeelTrue as the outsole.
An adequately true-to-size multi-sport sandal for men and women is the Xero Shoes Z-Trail. It is offered in a number of whole sizes in standard width. Its straps, which conveniently form the letter Z, may be adjusted to give wearers a precise and secure lockdown.
This sandal uses a company-owned rubber outsole, called FeelTrue. It provides adequate surface traction on different types of terrain thanks to its low-profile lugs and grip pods. Its forefoot and heel lugs are patterned in such a way that improves movement control on ascents and descents.
Offering enough comfort, force absorption, and stability over unpredictable ground is the footgear’s TrailFoam midsole. Resting on top of it is an integrated footbed, called BareFoam. This non-removable top layer offers extra cushioning. It also provides a level of rearfoot security with its cupped heel.
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail’s strappy upper is made of a lightweight synthetic material. It uses Velcro fasteners to adjust the fit around the heel. The remainder of the strap may be secured using the upper’s rubber loop. The hardware used in this gear (a.k.a the strap buckle) is made of nylon.
- To clean the Z-Trail, users may wash it by hand in warm water with some mild soap. It must be air dried and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
