Xero Shoes - Mesa Trail II

I've used Xero Shoes Mesa Trail 2 WP with wool socks and spikes or chains in conditions down to about 15 below

Very much depends on the terrain. For most ground types I've moved to hiking in sandals. If it's really rough ill go with trail running shoes, currently the Xero Mesa Trail

The grip is not the best, nowhere near what a good Vibram sole will give you. I haven't had any slips yet but it's noticeable. Also check out VJ Sarva running shoes if grip is a concern

I currently use Xero Shoes Mesa WP 2 and I'm quite happy with the performance. For lighter trails I use Xero Z Trails or Panta Zaros. I've found that small stones get stuck in between the toes of Five fingers and wear away at the mesh. I wouldn't recommend the waterproof Mesas for warm conditions, the breathable version is better

I dunno about y’all but I’ve had my prio’s and my mesa trails for years and like, theyre still as good as the day I bought them albeit more muddy

I do everything in my minimalist sole shoes (Suavs) even running. The guy at the running shoe store laughed at me, I bought a pair of Altras, and returned them the next week. They might be zero drop and a wide toe box, but they’re still very cushiony. I like to feel what I’m walking/running on. The Suavs I’ve been wearing for 4 years have zero drop, minimalist sole, and knitted upper. They don’t have the wide toe box but they’re still very knitted upper let my feet flex and splay enough. I bought 1.5 sizes up from my regular size I should say. I’m on my 4th pair. Wear them every single day. I bought a pair of Xeros, and they’re fine, but honestly super stiff compared to the sole and uppers of the Suavs. And my Suavs don’t need tied every time.

Depending on how badly you hate yourself, you could look at some xeros. The toe boxes are really wide since they’re barefoot shoes, and after your feet strengthen up, I greatly prefer them to regular shoes. They’re easily 0/10 for comfort at first though unless you regularly go barefoot. I just recently picked up their trail runners for hiking, but haven’t had a chance to get out yet though.

I do xero shoes for everything but backpacking. I've done trips in them for shorter times and have done okay but I'm also a fan of altras. JMT is longer so I wouldn't do xeros the whole time personally.

I used the all black Xero Mesa Trail II for this purpose, and also as my daily. Was quite satisfied with them but for the fact that the cleats-like sole tread tended to cause calf pain when running with them on pavement for more than a half hour and not staying very mindful about short strikes. I recently wore this pair out (got maybe 2 years out of them), and they were sold out of my size. Tried and returned the all black Xero Scrambler Low EV, as they weren’t as narrow and low profile as I liked with the Mesa Traill II. Ultimately opted to switch to the all black Xero HFS II, and I’ve been very happy with them. I’ve thus far been preferring them > the Mesa Trail II for the lone shoe I wear traveling, as they have been better for my mix of road running (no pain) + light hiking and trail running (the less extreme tread has seemed fine) + daily. When I’m not traveling, I use the all black Altra Escalante 4 for road running; olive Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex for heavier duty hiking/trail running, rain, and snow running; and the HFS II for daily duty.

For daily and travel, I’m a barefoot shoe guy: the [Xero Mesa Trail II](https://xeroshoes.com/shop/shoes/mesa-trail-men/) in all black has been my jam for a while now. Low profile, light, narrow trail runners. For me, a go anywhere do anything shoe short of a suit.

Yes. I have a pair of zero mesa trails. Definitely on the minimal side “feel the trail” type shoes. But I like the feedback I get on varying terrain. That said I’ve never done longer than a 3 day trip in them. Boots till have a place for me in the high alpine and occasional sno shoing but even then I also have a pair of on gore Tex runners for winter. Also have rock plate trail runners for running purposes , since the zeros do hurt with heavy impact. But still nice and nimble.

I also walk about 60 miles a week so here's what I've seen. You should really try out the mesa trail II's, I tracked and put on 2,000+ miles over the course of 8 months (mostly concrete and paved but a good portion in the woods) before they just barely wore some forefoot lugs down. That's about 60 miles a week, and not gently miles. I also got a quick and free replacement from Xero and I'm enjoying my second pair. They are really grippy and durable for their price point. I've been bouncing around shoes for years and these are what I'm sticking with until further notice Also you might want to check out the barefoot African rangers. They look promising and are re-soleable

Altra has the Superior and King Mtn, both of which have less cushioning and arch support than the Lone Peaks. The Superior 6 is my go-to right now. I train almost exclusively in Xero Prios. I also run in Mesa Trail IIs with a rock plate.