The Mesa Trail II from Xero Shoes is a fantastic barefoot-hiking and minimalist trail-running shoe. They’re super lightweight, fit like a glove, and have all the features you’d expect from an awesome barefoot trail shoe. Read on for my Xero Mesa Trail review, highlighting why I think they’re perfect for your barefoot trail running and hiking adventures.
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Check latest prices for the Mesa Trail II at Xero Shoes.
Shopping from Australia or New Zealand?
Purchase the Mesa Trail II from the Xero Shoes Australia website.
Enter the code ELLYMCGUINNESS at checkout for 10% off your order!
Why I love these trail shoes
For me, the Mesa Trail II replaced the Terraflex II, which had worn smooth after a few years of off-road adventures. The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II is the perfect replacement. With its low stack height and lightweight design, it gives me just what I need: sufficient rock protection and the ability to feel the ground beneath me.
I removed the sock liner, mainly because the fit was better for me without it. I have relatively thick trail socks and would need a half size up to keep the sock liner in. In removing it, I’m also getting the ultimate barefoot feels!
I love to get out and try a new hiking trail most weekends, and the Mesa Trail II has passed the comfort and movement tests for me. The 3.5mm lugs certainly give me more confidence on slippery terrain. Overall, I feel these shoes allow me to have the balance and agility I need to tackle a range of outdoor trails.
Plus, I think they look better than the Terraflex, which is always a consideration for my minimalist lifestyle! The Mesa Trail has some nice color choices, whereas the Terraflex (no longer stocked) was more limited.
As a full-time slow traveler, I own only two pairs of footwear: a trail shoe (currently the Mesa Trail II) and a barefoot sandal (currently the Genesis). At the moment, I’m mostly traveling in hot climates, so I’m wearing the Genesis day-to-day, which means I can save the Mesa Trail II for hiking. However, on travel days (or when we’re in cooler places), I’ll wear the Mesa Trail, so it’s ideal that they also look good with jeans or similar!
Check the latest prices for the Mesa Trail II at Xero Shoes.
Shopping from Australia or New Zealand?
Purchase the Mesa Trail II from the Xero Shoes Australia website.
Plus, enter the code ELLYMCGUINNESS at checkout for 10% off your order!
Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II Features and Specs
The Mesa Trail II is an upgraded version of the bestselling Mesa Trail shoe. It offers the same lightweight comfort and superior trail-gripping features that made the Mesa Trail a top pick for trail runners and hikers.
The improved version offers extra durability and protection with a toe cap and welded components on the upper. These features make it ideal for tackling rugged trails while knowing your feet have the protection they need.
Other Mesa Trail II features include:
- Breathable mesh upper and moisture-wicking lining
- Adjustable midfoot and instep straps for a secure fit
- Removable 2-2.5mm sock liner, so you can control your desired level of barefoot freedom
- 3.5mm TrailFoam™ layer for the added protection you could need on a rugged trail
- 3.5mm lugs for optimal off-road traction
- Incredibly lightweight, at only 6.7oz for a women’s size 7
- 3.5mm lug depth for optimal off-road traction
General Features of Barefoot Shoes
All footwear from Xero Shoes gets you as close to being barefoot as possible, whilst providing the protection you need from the environment. Barefoot shoes (sometimes called ‘minimalist shoes’) are designed to let you move naturally and help your feet to function like feet should!
Key features include:
- Low stack height (ultra thin!) for maximum ground feel, allowing the many nerve endings on your feet to provide feedback to your body on how to move
- Zero drop heel, promoting a natural posture
- Wide toe box so your toes can spread and splay naturally (also useful for those of us who need space for bunions!)
- Ultra-flexible design, so all your foot muscles can move freely and get stronger
If you’re new to wearing barefoot shoes, you might assume your feet will get sore and tired from working the muscles in them. The reality is that your body is designed for movement, and barefoot shoes are known for being super comfortable.
As someone who has exclusively worn barefoot shoes for the past nine years, my feet are never sore. If I do a massive hike, my body is tired, and my leg muscles are sore, but my feet always feel fab! I certainly never feel like I have to take my shoes off at the end of the day.
For more info on the inspiration and theory behind barefoot shoes, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is an excellent read.
Other Barefoot Trail Shoes From Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes also has a waterproof version of the Mesa Trail II. With a gusseted tongue, seam-sealed inside bootie, and waterproof lining, the Xero Mesa Trail WP is just what you need to keep your feet cozy in damp conditions.
The Xero Scrambler Low EV is another excellent hiking and trail running shoe to consider. You might choose it over the Mesa Trail II if you’re regularly tackling rugged, rocky trails. The sole is thicker, with a Michelin tire-inspired outsole, so it’s super hardy on tough trails. There’s also a waterproof version for this one.
For me, the Mesa Trail II fits my needs perfectly. I’m mostly on general hiking trails, and less frequently on hard-core ones!
I also like wearing a barefoot hiking sandal like the Z-trail or Aqua Cloud for short trails (around one hour) in warm climates. I avoid wearing them on terrain likely to have a gravel-type surface, as I dislike collecting stones in them!
Prefer a boot for hiking? Try the Scrambler Mid II or the Xero Scrambler Mid II WP (waterproof version). Or, check out the Ridgeway retro-inspired waterproof hiking boot.
Finally, the Xero Ridgeway Mesh Low is a solid trail shoe with a hardy sole and toe cap. It gives the illusion of a thicker sole, but still offers the same barefoot freedom I love and expect from Xero Shoes. These shoes have a slightly different look from the Mesa Trail and Scrambler, so you can go straight from the trails to chilling out around town.
Check latest prices for the Mesa Trail II at Xero Shoes.
Shopping from Australia or New Zealand?
Purchase the Mesa Trail II from the Xero Shoes Australia website.
Enter the code ELLYMCGUINNESS at checkout for 10% off your order!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these recommended service provider links, like an insurance broker, or a travel agent, I may earn a commission – at no extra cost to you. [For my full disclosure, please see my DISCLAIMER page].
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