Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II

Product Information

Outside, there are welded protective coverings of the adjustable midfoot and heel straps that are Xero's hallmarks. The added durability was apparent in hard use conditions, preventing the straps from getting snagged on low lying thorns or branches. The Xero Mesa Trails WPs have such a low-slung collar, you don’t want to be running in anything other than the shallowest puddles, because water will find a way in (Image credit: Pat Kinsella) The best part of Xero Shoes is the FeelTrue rubber outsoles and the traction they provide. Their proprietary compound and design offer a no-frills and consistent ride. The upper is breathable and perfect for the summer months. The material covering the toe box and in between the overlays is a very thin mesh allowing your foot to breathe on those hot, sweaty days. It also presents the added bonus of being able to dry out if you have any water crossing during your run. The one situation I’d say they might not work is in the muddy wet hills of the UK in the winter. You’ll end up with very wet, cold feet, but there’s not much in the barefoot world that solves that issue.

The hyper-agile Mesa Trail is the most footloose and fancy free shoe for trail running the brand has ever made. They’ve chosen a subtly foot-shaped last to build these on that will please most runners. The upper is soft and comfortable and the eyelet chain, a mixture of punched holes and webbing, does a great job of securing the mid-foot. It has a low-to-the-ground construction that is essentially a 5mm flexible rubber outsole, an interior 3mm foam layer and a 2mm insole (made from a closed-cell foam, which won’t gain weight when soaked) that’s cushy, breathable and removable. Straps run from the bottom of the shoe up to the laces, meaning you can dial in a secure fit without causing undue compression on the top of the foot (this is a feature of many products in the Xero Shoes lineup - they call it huarache-inspired).If you have any questions about the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail in regard to its construction on trails and hikes, drop your questions below. Xero Shoes Mesa Trail FAQs

As I said above, I would choose this shoe for running in the desert, which, for me, is often a springtime activity. And in my mind, the natural running style that requires a reactive running gait contributes to increased strength in the feet and ankles (so long as you don’t overdo it and get injured). For that reason, I might use the Mesa Trail to build strength early in the season. But once the high country opens up, I might go for something with (much) more cushion, such as the Altra Timp 3. In the barefoot-inpsired category in general, I’d say the Mesa Trail will appeal most to those who will be using it on smoother trails and who prioritize low weight and excellent breathability.The flexible feel of the shoe means it disappears around the foot and you actually feel like you are running barefoot. So, the Prio and Mesa Trail II may have some differences in design, but they both offer a barefoot experience in slightly different environments. If you prioritize flexibility and flexibility, the Prio might be the shoe for you. If you prefer a more rugged, trail-focused design with added protection, the Mesa Trail II could be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice is yours! 🥾

Weight-wise, the Prio and Mesa Trail II are quite similar. The Prio weighs 8.8 ounces for a men's size 9, while the Mesa Trail II is slightly lighter at 8.2 ounces. Fast forward a few years and now everything has to be categorised, so we have minimalist and maximalist shoes. It’s comfortable, lightweight and flexible. There really is nothing to dislike as there’s not a lot here! Its overall appearance actually reminds me of the Xero Shoes HFS which is also another model that I would classify as a “hybrid” in respect to how you can wear and use it on a daily basis. Xero Shoes Mesa Trail Cons The second pro of this model is how maneuverable the 5mm FeelTrue rubber sole is along with its 3.5mm lugs. If you want a shoe that’s highly responsive and allows you to feel all of the obstacles that you can run into on your adventures but also not kill your feet, then I think you’ll like the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail.

Customer Reviews

On top of all this, I found the outsole to be hard-wearing. After 500 miles (805 km) of mixed terrain, the lugs have not measurably worn down. The TerraFlex is a heavier, more solidly constructed shoe, with heavier mesh and a higher content of non-mesh components. One would assume this would make for a more durable shoe - but to be fair, I haven’t subjected the TerraFlex to the same amount of miles as the Mesa Trails. 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. The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail excels as a minimalist trail running and hiking shoe for lighter terrain adventures. This model is lightweight, comfortable, and fairly durable for abrasion resistance. I personally enjoy this model most for my casual hikes with the dogs and flatter trail runs.

From the image, you can see the average of my foot strikes during a 1.3-mile shoe study performed on a fairly flat soft trail. The Xero Mesa Trail could be described as a shoe without cushioning. It’s simply an upper with a sole, as simple as that. Perhaps it’s important to point out that the marks I’ve given this shoe are a little bit lower simply because there’s not a lot to mark.If you have any questions about the sizing on the sizing with the Mesa Trail, drop a comment below and I can help direct you accordingly! Price Breakdown The durability in these minimalist trail runners is quite impressive - especially for their weight. Ultimately, your personal preferences and the types of activities you enjoy will determine which shoe is the best choice for you. Will you go for the flexible and versatile Prio, or will you opt for the rugged and trail-ready Mesa Trail II? 🤔 Let's learn a bit more about the company behind these two excellent barefoot shoe models. Xero Shoes is a brand that has grown significantly in popularity among the barefoot and minimalist shoe community. Their focus on producing shoes that allow for natural, close-to-barefoot movement has earned them a solid reputation and a loyal following.