Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II

Product Information

I got a size 10 for continuity purposes and to see just how tight this model is if you don’t size up. If you don’t size up, then expect to feel the sizing issue with respect to this shoe’s length. I can wear a 10 in this model and it’s not incredibly uncomfortable, but I definitely feel a bit limited with the toe box’s length and width. While the rubber may not be as grippy as Megagrip or downright hard wearing as the TC5+ offered by Vibram, it is an excellent balance between traction and durability. A final point – I sent photos of this mesh failure to Xero Shoes and they sent me a new pair, with assurances that this kind of damage is covered under the manufacturer warranty. Steven Sashen in particular was surprised – he said none of their testers had managed to make the shoe wear like this. I’ve put 300 miles (483 km) on the new pair and they are holding up even better than the first pair – which makes me think that the late-winter running conditions (with occasional punching through sharp snow crust) contributed to the failure of the original pair at the 450 mile (724 km) mark. Here’s a shot of the mesh failure and welded component tear on the other shoe. Compared To…

Talking numbers... does the Prio and the Mesa Trail II offer the best value for your hard-earned cash?First of all, there’s no toe-cap glued to the front of the shoe. In my experience, this is the first failure point on any trail runner. The Mesa Trail has a broad rubber toe-box covering welded to the sole and stitched to the upper. After 500 miles (805 km), this aspect of the shoe shows no signs of failure. A stitched toe bumper shows no signs of failing after 500 miles (805 km). My original pair of Mesa Trails weathered 500+ miles (805+ km) with minimal compression in the insole, no noticeable compression of the midsole, and minor fraying on the mesh at the instep on both sides of the shoe (both shoes). See pictures in the Commentary section for more info on this fraying.

They seem well made, and their vegan status and recycled materials will please many environment-conscious runners. A tough eyelet chain and solid welded construction should promote longevity, while smartly placed upper overlays should limit damage caused by big toes. Those with deep mid-foots should note Vivo’s shoes volume is more from width that height. 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 Xero Shoes has continued to grow and innovate barefoot shoes which allow feet and legs to do the work. After years of using Vibram Five Fingers to train barefoot style on trails, I was excited to see Xero released a barefoot running trail shoe which seems to grasp what runners like myself are curious to try. They were kind enough to send me a pair to test. Enter the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail Shoe… The toe box is lovely and wide, allowing the wearer plenty of room to spread their toes and really feel the terrain.When it comes to the perfect blend of cushion, fit, and ground feel, both the Prio and the Mesa Trail II from Xero Shoes don't disappoint. So what about the sizing, fit, and comfort features of these two models. Many trail running shoes feature zero (neutral) or minimal drop between the heel and the toe, which encourages a natural running style instead of high-impact heel striking stride, but still have a little bit of a midsole. What you gain here is a little bit of cushioning, and what you loose is some trail or ground ‘feel’. A word of warning If you want a barefoot shoe but you don’t it to feel like a barefoot shoe, the Xero Mesa Trail WP offers an optional insole (Image credit: Pat Kinsella) The strap design offers a snug yet supportive fit that can be fine-tuned for each run by tightening or loosening the tension in the laces. The forefoot and midfoot have plenty of room to flex without excess space. 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.