Xero Shoes Mesa Trail Review

[Backpacking Light]

The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail (8.5 oz / 241 g, $119.99) is a lightweight, minimalist trail runner best used for fastpacking and other fast and light pursuits.

• Xero Shoes Mesa Trail Review

[Tjaard Breeuwer]

I had to stop wearing the Terraflex, they were uncomfortable because the sole curved upwards at the toe.

many (running) shoes have this, but in that case it’s the outsole. In the case of the Xero shoes, due to the minimal sole, this means the insole also curves up at the front. Horrible for walking. It means, despite the minimal sole, the bottom/end of your toes is constantly pushed upwards.

Do the Mesa’s have the same shape inside?

[Stephen R]

You should probably suggest that Backpackinglight.com correct the incorrect teaser headline they used in their email to subscribers linking to your excellent review.  It says:

“Can a shoe that weighs just over four ounces survive 500 miles of trail use?”

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.  It was that headline that got me to read the review.  Four ounces?! If they were 4 ounces and only good as camp shoes I might get them.

[Andrew Marshall]

Thanks Stephen. Not sure I can do anything about it now that the email has gone out, but I’ll give it a try! Glad you liked the review.

[Andrew Marshall]

@tjaard I haven’t noticed anything of that sort, but then again the terraflex doesn’t bother me for walking either. I feel like both shoes have the same basic shape, so you might want to stay away from the mesa trail as well.

[Alina G]

Thank you Andrew,
You had mentioned that you used these in winter together with waterproof socks. How would that work and what are the better options? You did not feel cold?
How do the Xero Mesa perform in slippery conditions?

[Jeffrey H]

I’m noticing the newer version seems to have a weld at the location that these tore during your testing. I’m considering picking up a pair. Thanks for the helpful review.

[Author]

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