Best Minimalist Hiking/Trail Running Footwear | Xero Shoes Review | Terraflex

My favorite minimalist hiking shoes

I absolutely love my Terraflex minimalist hiking shoes from Xero Shoes. These barefoot zero-drop shoes are designed for the trail. They can also be worn as minimalist running shoes or as an alternative to barefoot hiking boots.

Before we dive into some of the reasons to consider the Terraflex for your barefoot hiking and running adventures, here are a few quick links to other barefoot shoes reviews I have shared:

• If you’re looking for minimalist hiking sandals, check out my review of the Z-trail hiking and running sandal.
• For a cute, barefoot equivalent of the classic Mary Jane style shoe, see my review of the Cassie lifestyle sandal.
• For another great, everyday lifestyle sandal, read about the ultra-thin and minimalist Jessie sandal.
• Xero Shoes has excellent options for kids. Consider the Kids Prio as awesome barefoot-inspired shoes for little feet, or try the kids Z-trail if you’re after sandals.
• Road runners will not want to miss checking out the Zelen sustainable barefoot road running shoe.

If you’d like to learn more about this barefoot philosophy, read The Benefits of Barefoot Shoes | Minimalist Shoes for Natural Movement.

Note that Xero Shoes released an upgraded version of the Terraflex wide toe box hiking shoes. You can read my Xero Shoes Terraflex II review here.

(This post includes affiliate links for which I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase)

[In case you prefer a minimalist boot for hiking, Xero Shoes does those too. The Xcursion is the barefoot boot style equivalent to the Terraflex. You could also try the Daylight Hiker for another barefoot hiking boots option].

[Click here to check the latest prices on the Terraflex at Xero Shoes].

10 reasons the Terraflex could be your best choice for minimalist hiking shoes

1. Built for natural movement

The Xero Terraflex is a lightweight minimalist shoe, and like all Xero Shoes they have a thin and flexible, zero-drop sole. This design helps you maintain proper posture and makes natural movement easier (hello strong and flexible feet!)

Like all barefoot-style shoes, the Terraflex has a wide toe box that allows your feet to spread comfortably. I’m thrilled to say that I never feel pain or pressure on my bunions when I’m wearing the Terraflex. 

The combination of a thin, flexible sole, zero-drop, and wide toe box gives you everything you’re seeking in a performance-based minimal shoe.

Another interesting point is that my feet have increased an entire size since I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes exclusively!

2. Versatility

If you have been wondering what hiking shoes are good for running, the Terraflex is a versatile choice. You can wear them as barefoot running shoes or for hiking. They have excellent grip, making them perfect for rocky terrain and technical trails.

They’re also such a comfortable shoe for everyday wear; you might even consider them the best shoes for backpacking! I travel full-time with my family, and my partner and I have both used the Terraflex as our everyday go-to pair of shoes. We’re not willing to pack an additional pair, so the Terraflex doubles as our trail shoe and ‘everything else’ shoe!

3. Vegan hiking shoes

These barefoot shoes have a rubber sole and are 100% vegan-friendly. No animal materials are used.

4. Affordable minimalist hiking shoes

Considering the quality of these performance-based shoes, they are very affordable hiking shoes.

The usual price is 109.99 USD, which I think is quite reasonable for the quality. However, the women’s Terraflex currently retails at only 32.99 USD and the men’s at 54.99 USD!

These are massive bargains. I guess it might be because the Terraflex is now one of the older styles, and they’re probably making way for new models.

[Click here to check the latest prices on the Terraflex at Xero Shoes].

5. A little extra cushion if needed

What minimalist shoes should I buy for a starting minimalist runner? The Terraflex could be a great choice if you hit the trails for your runs. They are super comfortable and soft and come with a 2mm insole to offer a little bit of cushion. This can be removed later if you want to feel the ground more.

6. Stylish look

In my opinion, the Terraflex barefoot trail running shoes look perfectly acceptable with a pair of jeans. Ok, so I’m a full-time traveler. Therefore, I must have maximum flexibility to mix and match things in my wardrobe. 

Since I got the Terraflex, Xero Shoes has also introduced the Mesa Trails. The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail is another minimal shoe for hiking and trail running. It’s an extra lightweight trail running shoe that would perhaps look better than the Terraflex with jeans. I wouldn’t pair either of them with a dress, but that’s what I have my barefoot sandals for!

Of course, everyone has different preferences regarding how they want their shoes to look. In a video I shared on Facebook, which included the Terraflex, one person asked me to remove my “ugly shoes” from his feed. Ha!

7. Minimalist hiking shoes for both men and women

In case you are wondering what are the best minimalist running shoes for men, you’ll be happy to know that the Terraflex comes in both men’s and women’s sizes.

Click here to visit Xero Shoes and check the latest prices on the Terraflex.

8. 5000 miles, guaranteed

The Terraflex comes with an incredible 5000-mile sole warranty, so they are guaranteed to last the distance, or you can get them replaced.

9. Inspired by some of the world’s greatest runners

The Terraflex has a huarache-inspired design, with a functional heel strap. The huarache style sandals were made famous by the Tarahumara people; a tribe in Mexico’s Copper Canyon who are renowned for their incredible long-distance running abilities.

10. Help yourself to be seen

The Terraflex minimalist hiking shoes feature reflector straps, to help you be seen if you’re running at night.

[Click here to check the latest prices on the Terraflex at Xero Shoes].

Frequently asked questions about minimalist hiking shoes like the Terraflex

Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about minimalist hiking shoes.

What are the main differences between conventional shoes for hiking and barefoot-style shoes?

A conventional type of shoe for hiking probably has a grippy outsole, just like the Terraflex barefoot hiking shoes. This feature enables you to tackle rough terrain and rugged trails with ease. However, barefoot, minimalist shoes also have features to support natural movement, such as a thin, flexible sole, zero drop, and a wide toe box.

What foot shapes and types is the Terraflex trail shoe designed for?

No matter what foot type you have, the Terraflex can be an excellent choice as your minimalist trail runner. Whether you have high arches or flat feet, the Terraflex could be your new favorite trail shoe! It has been designed with the human foot’s natural shape in mind. It’s especially good for wider feet due to the roomy toe box.

Does the Terraflex offer protection from rocks?

If you’re traversing rocky trails and uneven terrain, the Terraflex minimal trail shoe gives you the layer of protection you need so you can run or hike with confidence. Its rugged outsole and deep tread make it ideal for several trail options.

What’s the problem with wearing cushioned shoes for running and hiking?

Traditional hiking shoes have thicker soles than a minimal running shoe like the Terraflex. Wearing highly cushioned shoes can result in less sensory feedback, affecting how you move.

Should I buy the Terraflex in my normal size?

Yes, the current Terraflex model runs true to size, so the Xero Shoes sizing guide recommends ordering your normal shoe size.

What alternative barefoot options does Xero Shoes offer for the trails?

Xero Shoes offers a range of barefoot hiking boots and shoes. Alternatives to the Xero Shoes Terraflex include the Xero Shoes Ridgeway, Xero Shoes Mesa Trail, and the Xero Shoes Scrambler.

My Xero Shoes Terraflex  Review Video & Transcript

If you’re asking yourself “What are the best hiking shoes? or “What are the best minimalist shoes for trail hiking and running?”, watch my review video below where I share a few thoughts about the Terraflex. Or read below for the transcript.

Hey, everyone, and today, I’m here to review the Terraflex Trail Shoe from Xero Shoes.

We’re at Marble Mountain at the top of Heaven’s Gate.

Yes, we’re at Marble Mountain, Heaven Gate, Da Nang, Vietnam.

This is the Terraflex’s first test for me, outside of the airport and the airplane. And they’ve done fantastically well. 

There are all these people, of course, walking around in flip flops and things. I do not know how they’ve done it. I’m so happy that I’ve got my trail shoes on, because there have been some pretty hairy steps, very off-road, rocky-type steps, very slippery some of them. 

I’m carrying very precious cargo, as you can probably see there, the baby, and a good-sized backpack. And my feet feel pretty fantastic. We’re at the top now, so we’re going to head back down. 

Since I did my first video about my Xero Shoes review of the Terraflex Trail Shoe from Xero Shoes, I have taken these shoes on a few hikes now, well, more than a few hikes. And yeah, they’re about the same, fantastic. 

They’ve got this lovely softness about them. I love the nice wide-toe box, so my feet never feel like they’re scrunched up at all. So, I would totally recommend them for hiking/trail walking. 

I haven’t done any running in them. Perhaps you could comment below if you have used them as a trail runner, and let us know what you think.

Share your thoughts on these fantastic barefoot hiking shoes!

Have you tried out the Terraflex from Xero Shoes? Are you considering a barefoot trail shoe such as the Terraflex? Please join the conversation and leave your questions and comments in the box below!

If you’re into natural movement, you might also want to know how to use a trigger point ball, the benefits of trigger point massage therapy, and all about voodoo flossing for improved mobility.

[Click here to check the latest prices on the Terraflex at Xero Shoes].

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