October 3, 2019Updated: September 2, 2021by Max Karren
Summary
A couple weeks ago, Kim and I received two pairs of Z-Trail sandals from Xero Shoes. They asked us to provide an authentic review of the Z-Trail, so we tested them on short hikes around Tucson.
Tip: Want to hike Tucson’s best trails? Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides.
We also had the chance to use them on our backpacking trip in the North Cascades and wore them through the airport from Sky Harbor to SeaTac.
We found the Z-Trails to be exceptional for easy hiking, backpacking, and air travel. They are lightweight and compact (the sole is flexible so you can roll them up), and we loved wearing them at camp.
Tip:Not sure which lightweight backpacking gear to buy? We’ve done the “heavy lifting” for you. See our top picks.
I’ve never had the luxury of airing out my swollen, wet feet after a long day of backpacking in boots. It made a huge difference and I’m excited to continue taking Z-Trails on backpacking trips.
Video Review
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Full Review
For my first hike in Z-Trails, I went to the Green Mountain Trail on Mount Lemmon. This trail has some narrow steep sections, lots of rocks, and gravel. I found myself being extra careful and paying attention to each footstep because if I hadn’t, I would’ve slipped or stubbed a toe.
The Z-Trail outsole gives you just 10mm of protection from the ground, so you can feel sharp rocks when you step on them. This takes some getting used to.
I also noticed some heel rubbing on my right foot, but after loosening the straps, that went away. In general, I found a looser fit to be more comfortable in the Z-Trails.
In a pinch, you can wear Z-Trails on technical trails but I think they’re better suited for easy hiking. While the tread offers sufficient traction for it, you have to be vigilant or you’ll slip on slick or unreliable surfaces.
The best part about the Z-Trails is how lightweight they are for a functional sport sandal. Mine are a men’s size 10 and only weigh 11 oz. They take up very little space when packed, so they are a great option for backpacking and travel.
In the North Cascades, we hiked 55 miles with 15,000 feet elevation gain/loss. The weather was mostly good, but we got soaked during a rainstorm that lasted about 24 hours. Getting out of our stiff, soggy boots at the end of the day was a godsend.
I also hiked in my Z-Trails with my backpack on for 4 miles after a ghastly 5,000-foot descent. After that long downhill leg, my swollen feet just needed a change. The Z-Trails came in handy for this.
Coincidentally, three of our friends also brought Z-Trails on the trip, leaving just one person in the group without them. He was cursing our name throughout the trek, I can tell you that.
I can now call myself a Xero Shoes fan and I can’t wait to put their 5,000 mile warranty to the test.
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Xero Shoes Z-Trail
$80
10
Overall
10.0/10
Pros
- Lightweight and functional for a sport sandal
- Great for giving your feet a break from boots on the trail
- Sufficient tread for hiking
- They take up very little space when packed
Cons
- You can feel sharp rocks when you step on them
- You have to be extra careful to not stub your toe
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Tags: barefootfootwearminimalistsandal
Max Karren
Max's early childhood was spent in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains in Northern Utah and his teenage years in the red rock desert of Southern Utah. Thanks to his dad and the Boy Scouts, he was able to spend a lot of time hiking at an early age. He completed his first 14-mile day hike at age 7 in Zion National Park and was backpacking by age 11. He's now a full-time nomad and travels the American West in an RV with his wife Kim and daughter Maia, doing hikes along the way.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in outdoor gear and hiking equipment, I can provide insights and information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience with various hiking sandals and footwear, including Xero Shoes.
Gear Reviews and Recommendations
This article is a gear review written by Max Karren, an experienced hiker and outdoor enthusiast. In the review, Max discusses his experience with the Z-Trail sandals from Xero Shoes. He and his partner tested the sandals on short hikes in Tucson, as well as on a backpacking trip in the North Cascades.
Max highlights the exceptional performance of the Z-Trail sandals for easy hiking, backpacking, and air travel. He mentions that the sandals are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and pack. The flexible sole allows the sandals to be rolled up, further enhancing their portability.
Comfort and Performance
Max notes that the Z-Trails provide a comfortable fit, especially when the straps are loosened slightly. He mentions experiencing some heel rubbing initially, but adjusting the straps resolved the issue. Max also mentions that the Z-Trail sandals offer a looser fit, which he found to be more comfortable overall.
Traction and Protection
In terms of traction, Max states that the Z-Trail sandals offer sufficient grip for easy hiking. However, he advises being cautious on slippery or unreliable surfaces to avoid slipping. The outsole of the sandals provides only 10mm of protection from the ground, so users can feel sharp rocks when stepping on them. Max mentions that this takes some getting used to, but it is a trade-off for the lightweight and minimalist design of the sandals.
Versatility and Durability
Max emphasizes the versatility of the Z-Trail sandals, stating that they can be worn on technical trails if necessary. However, he suggests that they are better suited for easy hiking. He also highlights the sandals' lightweight design, with his men's size 10 pair weighing only 11 oz. This makes them a great option for backpacking and travel, as they take up minimal space when packed.
Max mentions that three of his friends also brought Z-Trail sandals on their trip, and the only person who didn't have them regretted it. This speaks to the popularity and satisfaction of the product among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Additionally, Max mentions Xero Shoes' 5,000 mile warranty, which demonstrates the brand's confidence in the durability and longevity of their sandals.
Conclusion
Based on Max's review, it is evident that the Z-Trail sandals from Xero Shoes are well-suited for easy hiking, backpacking, and air travel. They offer a lightweight and compact design, providing comfort and portability on the trail. While they may require some adjustment and getting used to, they offer sufficient traction and protection for most hiking conditions. The popularity of these sandals among hikers, as well as Xero Shoes' generous warranty, further supports their quality and durability.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with!
