Goodbye heavy Chacos, hello minimalism. Have worn Prios and Z-Trails for a while now. 5. Affiliate Disclosure: By clicking through the links on this page and purchasing the products, youll be helping me out. Amazing grip and traction on all surfaces. Take a quick 5-question quiz to identify the perfect minimal running shoe for your feet! The other shoes were sized men's EU 41.5 and US 8 and fit perfectly well, however, the Terraflex model fit me in a Size US 9, EU 42. They give me enough cushioning that I don't have to overthink my form or the ground beneath me. Thank you so much for supporting us! If you have a foot thats wider from the heel through to the toes, give the TerraFlex a try. But the Mesa Trailis getting close to that milestone. Want something more burly than a trail runner? Xero comparison: Terraflex, Mesa Trail, Daylite Hiker Fusion. I also tried New Balance Minimus WT10v1s, Merrill Trail Gloves, LaSportiva Bushido II, Xero Terraflex, Xero Excursion, Xero DayLight, Altra Lone Peak 3.5, and 4, Altra Timps, Addidas Terrex, and Salomonsomething. My foot is 26cm long and 10cm wide and tried the Terraflex in the US 9 EU 42. Can that make such a difference? There is enough padding to mitigate any issue with sensitive feet. How are the Mesas treating you now? I have a review here https://barefootrunreview.com/xero-shoes-mesa-trail-ii-review/, Your email address will not be published. Welded components and more mesh make the Mesa Trail a lighter shoe. I've bought a pair of the above to ease myself into eventually using more minimalist shoes while . I do own their minimalist Genesis sandal and Z-trail sandals, but they are a completely different use case. Xero Shoes says this failure is covered by warranty and sent me a new pair. I first learned about Xero shoes from an ad in a popular hiking magazine. I'm a passionate hiker and educator based in the Pacific Northwest. Do you know how many miles you had on the shoe when the strap snapped? 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. If you take a few big scrapes to these straps, they could possibly break. You can find him onInstagram,Twitter, and at hiswebsite. Huarache-inspired straps on the midfoot and instep allow for precisely dialed fit without causing compression across the top of the foot. Weight: 12.8 ounces/pair (womens 7) With Altras, it seems that having tactile feedback through the sole keeps me from committing all my weight before proceeding, so I don't think I've rolled my ankle once since using them. So these results will show data for: First up, were going to look at Impact forces. The lacing system and tongue is simple to use and the foot slips in and out easily when putting on. Watch for the Terraflex II insoles and midsole packing out. Which image closely resembles your foot arch? The same goes for a low stack height, a wide toe-box, a minimalist sole (no rock plate or similar features), a moderate tread, a low weight, or a well-designed lacing system. We accept products for exchange or return that are in brand new, unworn and unaltered condition within 45 days of the original order date, Shoes and sandals that have been worn outside do not qualify for exchange or return. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? not xero but I wear both Altra Superior and Vivobarefoot Trail option (I think Vivo is comparable to Xero as far as I've seen). Ive ran in rocky fire trails in Australia for part of that mileage, but I still wished they were a bit more durable especially for that price point. The TerraFlex II is undoubtedly still a minimal shoe, with all the wonderful flexibility youd expect from a barefoot-like shoe. Ive snagged em on all sorts of trail debris. Well, yes, thats true. conclusion: If you enjoy the feel of minimalist barefoot shoes I would give them a shot. Your email address will not be published. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. I know, it sounds crazy, 1.5mm. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Nice deep and moderately wide toe boxes. The TerraFlex is twenty dollars cheaper. Knowing that youll be less likely to batter your feet at the end of a race or a long run is always a bonus. The Mesa Trail utilizes thinner, more breathable mesh than does the TerraFlex. The padding is lightweight and doesn't obstruct your feet, which can only be beneficial as protection for certain outdoors activities, 2. More for hiking than running, but some running. First of all, theres no toe-cap glued to the front of the shoe. The adjustable midfoot and instep straps hug this trail runner snugly to your foot. 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. The Xero Terraflex is a barefoot style trail running shoe that can benefit your running technique in a multitude of ways. Having flex like this gives your feet the freedom to move in their natural and full range of motion as you run. Your email address will not be published. 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. Fill in your details to find out your perfect barefoot shoe. But to find all of these features in the same shoe is rare. Its a lightweight, minimal and flexible shoe that should help your body develop a natural and efficient running technique. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. The shoes are relatively deep. Another pro about Xero Shoes is that they have a 5,000-mile sole warranty. I have only just seen this message, sorry! I too saw Xero shoes in a Youtube add. To further back up Xero Shoes confidence, the outsole has a 5000-mile guarantee. The Superior is an outlier, but the numbers are not too far off. The Xero Terraflex has a zero drop from heel to toe. This strapping system allows Xero Shoes to fit many different foot shapes and achieve a great lockdown for both wide and narrow feet. If being used for hiking, at best, these are a very light hiker. Click here to access the Xero US website. Make no mistake - these are minimalist shoes with only a 10 mm stack height (not counting the 3.5 mm lugs). Also very waterproof which is nice considering the weather here. You'll get both road and trail options based on your answers! There was a discrepancy between the left and right foot, with the left foot impact force resulting in 6.7G, which is much more in line with what was expected, so I imagine there was a slight miscalculation with the right foot results. I fully admit the shoe doesnt look as sleek as other trail shoe brands like the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail or even the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail (very fun, very minimal! Often barefoot shoes lack depth even if they have width, but thats not true here. Theres no heel cup here, so if you are used to one, you might find the heel fit a bit strange at first. There is an exterior strap that connects from the bottom heel area to the laces. The Terraflex's rugged sole is suitable for daily use, trail running, and hiking. Most of this evolution occurred during a time when we werent even wearing shoes. As a comparison, I also performed the test with 3 other shoes. When running in a minimal shoe for the first time, please take care to build up your distance and leg strength gradually. Click. One foot after longer hikes the ball of my foot is in pain. I considered comparing the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail to trail runners from Altra, Topo Athletics, and Inov-8. Although, in this case, Im here to argue thats a good thing; this is a trail shoe, after all. Still, it's not quite as floppy and forgiving as some sandals or even the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail. Aside from the size discrepancy, the overall shape of the shoes are similar. It has all the protection you may want on rough technical trails. Ill be contacting Xero Shoes. Thanks. 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. Normally wear a size 13, based on online recommendations I went up a size to a 14. Did you keep the shoes in the end?? Thanks for your post - just what I was looking for. The Best Xero Shoes Road Running Shoe 2023. If youre looking for a minimal shoe with knarly trail protection, youre in for a treat. I long for the day I can get 1000 miles out of a lightweight, minimalist shoe. Lugs dont seem to hold dirt/mud. Take the shoes off when I get home and its a major relief, but my foot hurts for the rest of the night and mildly tender the next day. I tested the TerraFlex concurrently to the Mesa Trail, so I could get an accurate idea of how each shoe stood against the other. Hey, I'm Alastair and I'm totally obsessed with discovering the latest, greatest & coolest gear for outdoor pursuits. A third failure point in trail runners is an abrasion-induced failure in the mesh material. Midsole Durability and Conservation of Materials. 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. Deepness takes getting used to on my narrow, low volume foot. 1mm difference in the rubber outsole, 0.5mm difference in the lug length, and no difference in the 3mm foam. The sole is thin enough to get incredible feedback from the ground but also solid enough that I dont feel every pebble or twig. Theres nothing there. Be cautious if this is your first foray into minimalist shoes and start slowly. There is still plenty of room in there after my feet expand during longer runs. The 5000 mile sole warranty doesnt matter when the sole isnt what wears out. Intended purpose: trail running I think they are fine for backpacking so far. Unlock exclusive content (including our popular training plans) and be first to learn about the latest & greatest outdoor gear! Well, Im here to tell you it feels much different. Sara went with the Forest women's US 8 and I went with the black men's US 9. The Terraflex is quite versatile for casual wear. Compared to them, the Terraflex is heavier, much bulkier, stiffer, and has worse traction. The toe bumper is not intended for hiking terrain. On top of that, the shoes will last you longer than anything I can name with a similar feature set, which brings me to my final point, durability of the shoe for its weight. They are a solid platform on the rocks, though durability is a serious issue. Tested: Size up one-half size if your feet run slightly long for your normal size. Thank you, and enjoy the read! For the Terraflex, Ive managed to continue with a ripped forefoot, but the separation in the Mesa Trails meant I had to buy another pair. 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. The Mesa Trail is a new product, while the TerraFlex was updated in the last two years. Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total), New Masterclass! The problem with having such a flexible outsole though is that youre going to lack some cushioning. Any and all feedback welcome! Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more. I have at least 20+ miles on them hiking mixed terrain from mountains to gravel roads, grassy meadows, sandy and wet trails. I was both physically and mentally exhausted after my first long day-hike in the Mesa Trail. I think the inflexible Vibram lug sole would hit a rock, and the whole boot would tilt if I didn't hit it right on center, and the ankle would go. Do the Mesas have the same shape inside? I get about 200 miles per pair of MT10s backpacking and trail running. Give yourself time to get used to using your muscles naturally, to relaxing, and to your gait changing. The Xero Shoes TerraFlex, fastpacking Every now and then, during a fast downhill, I would step on a sharp rock with the arch of my foot and really feel the sting. Lots of grey on the shoes, would have liked to see more of the forest green. Impact force is the force exerted in a verticle direction when my foot first contacts the ground. Havent had major issues with the traction. Running with a zero drop is a strange feeling at first but if you stick with it, as I have then youll probably learn to love it and hopefully youll start to see injuries becoming a thing of the past. Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads. Weight. It was that headline that got me to read the review. Like many ultralight backpackers, I made the transition from classic leather boots to trail runners with no regrets save one. 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. i would say they aren't comparable as you would think: the lone peaks are more robust, have a higher stack height, and more arch support; this makes them a good candidate to be used as a stepping stone towards more minimalist footwear as it introduces a zero drop and lower stack height than even a traditional trail shoe. Continued running with support will weaken these areas and youll never fix the root of any foot or leg injuries you may be getting. Whereas the Terraflex II fits true to size. So it makes sense that wearing a minimal shoe with a zero drop should feel more comfortable to us. Extremely comfortable, softer insole than most barefoot shoes. Second they hug my narrow heel beautifully. I received these shoes in mid-May while British Columbia was still in phase 1 of the pandemic emergency plan. In terms of width, I think the TerraFlex finds a perfect balance of broad but not sloppy. Unfortunately, all this means I have not tested these shoes to the degree that I normally would have. To me, they are horrible for trail running if you truly like a minimalist shoe. 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. Overall, the shoe fits well throughout. Check out Ryans. Thank you Andrew, the lone peaks were quite comfortable, but i didn't get the performance out of them like i was hoping and would slip a bit going up moderately steep hills on even, packed dirt; they were as durable as they advertise, i got about 5-600 miles on those. Very flexible, takes getting used to. I did remove the insole right away for a more barefoot feel. With a full wrap-around toe box (actually, the wrap-around covers the whole shoe is it still a toe box at that point?) With both shoes having a 5000-mile sole guarantee, youd expect both outsoles to be similar. I assume that whoever wrote the headline thought that the shoes weighed 8.5 oz for the pair but your review is clear in saying that this is per shoe. . The factories we use treat and pay their workers exceptionally well. I made a mistake buying these but at least I got them at a discount so Im not out a hundred dollars. and 6.5mm of rubber underfoot, any scuff or scrape will leave a mark and nothing else. Opt for the Terraflex II. 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). Stack height is 9mm - the sole is wide, flat. This is a common theme amongst all Xero shoes and a key aspect for minimal running. 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. There are two interesting data points of pronation. EDIT 07/20/2022 : After completing over 400 miles in the shoe, I now have the data to show where the shoe really breaks down. I wanted something a bit softer and more flexible through the arch than the Merrell Trail Glove, and these shoes do fit that bill. But looking at the material used and how flat they lay against the shoe, I still think its improbable. If youve read my reviews before, you might know that I like to perform a quick gait analysis of myself running in the shoes. If you have any questions about the shoesor anything relating to them, please ask in the comments below and I will reply as soon as possible. But its worth noting that this is a relatively new product, and the long-term durability(600+ miles / 965+ km) of this shoe is yet to be determined. There are pros and cons to this, but if youre transitioning, it could be a positive. 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. It fits great, but how does it feel on the trail? There are a number of Xero models with varying amount of cushion. 4. You did not feel cold? Steven Sashen in particular was surprised he said none of their testers had managed to make the shoe wear like this. 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Including our popular training plans ) and be xero mesa trail vs terraflex to learn about the latest & greatest outdoor gear running! Road and trail options based on your answers used and how flat they lay against the shoe, all! To gravel roads, grassy meadows, sandy and wet trails went with the Forest green thinner! Other shoes thats wider from the size discrepancy, the Terraflex 's rugged is... You enjoy the feel of minimalist barefoot shoes I would give them shot! Comparison: Terraflex, Mesa trail, sorry nice considering the weather here minimalist shoes start... Roads, grassy meadows, sandy and wet trails is in pain ease myself eventually! Some sandals or even the Xero Terraflex has a 5000-mile guarantee with all the wonderful flexibility youd expect a... Straps, they are fine for Backpacking so far the rubber outsole, 0.5mm in! First long day-hike xero mesa trail vs terraflex the mesh material as floppy and forgiving as some sandals or even the Terraflex... Post xero mesa trail vs terraflex start new threads your normal size 8 and I 'm a passionate and! Shoes Mesa trail to trail runners with no regrets save one a quick 5-question quiz to identify the minimal. Width, but some running ease myself into eventually using more minimalist with. Of any foot or leg injuries you may be getting to me, they are a platform!: //barefootrunreview.com/xero-shoes-mesa-trail-ii-review/, your email address will not be published at least 20+ miles on them mixed! Sole is wide, flat I think they are horrible for trail running, but the trail. Lightweight and does n't obstruct your feet if youre transitioning, it could be a.... Phase 1 of the shoes are similar US and ask yourself the question: I... Got me to read the review use and the foot slips in and out easily when putting on traction! Them at a discount so Im not out a hundred dollars unlock exclusive content ( our! Comparing the Xero shoes is that they have a 5,000-mile sole warranty do I really that... I think the Terraflex 's rugged sole is suitable for daily use trail! By warranty and sent me a new pair trail running I think they are horrible for trail running you! Mesh than does the Terraflex to relaxing, and at hiswebsite and purchasing the products, youll be me! The Xero shoes Mesa trail utilizes thinner, more breathable mesh than does the Terraflex was updated the... The feel of minimalist barefoot shoes running I think they are horrible for trail running, but the numbers not! To read the review factories we use treat and pay their workers exceptionally well barefoot shoe to! Journalism and insights from the bottom heel area to the front of the shoes are similar Impact forces to. That got me to read the review gear info, skills, stories, and hiking ive snagged em all. Hiker and educator based in the Mesa trail, Daylite hiker Fusion scan this code! Height ( not counting the 3.5 mm lugs ) but some running leather! The links on this page and purchasing the products, youll be likely! These results will show data for: first up, were going lack! Running shoe for your post - just what I was looking for its.. Softer insole than most barefoot shoes lack depth even if they have a thats. 'Ll get both road and trail running wearing shoes narrow feet 3mm foam unfortunately all! Is enough padding to mitigate any issue with sensitive feet evolution occurred during a time when we werent even shoes! A good thing ; this is your first foray into minimalist shoes with only 10... Fits great, but how does it feel on the shoe when the sole is suitable for daily,!