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 be worn as minimalist running shoes or as an alternative to minimal 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 Xero 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
- Consider the Kids Prio as awesome barefoot-inspired shoes for little feet
- Road runners will not want to miss checking out the Zelen sustainable barefoot road running shoe
If you’re looking to find out a bit more about what this whole barefoot philosophy is about, find out more in “The Benefits of Barefoot Shoes | Minimalist Shoes for Natural Movement”.
Note that Xero Shoes released an upgraded version of the Terraflex in time for spring and summer 2022. You can read my 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 minimalist hiking boots, Xero Shoes does those too. The Xcursion is the boot style equivalent to the Terraflex. You could also try the Daylight Hiker for another minimal hiking boots option].
[Click here to check the latest prices on the Terraflex at Xero Shoes].
- My favorite minimalist hiking shoes
- 11 reasons the Terraflex could be your best choice for minimalist hiking shoes
- 1. Built for natural movement
- 2. Versatility
- 3. Vegan hiking shoes
- 4. Affordable minimalist hiking shoes
- 5. A little extra softness
- 6. Stylish look
- 7. Designed to allow for natural foot movement
- 8. Minimalist hiking shoes for both men and women
- 9. 5000 miles, guaranteed
- 10. Inspired by some of the world’s greatest runners
- 11. Help yourself to be seen
- My Xero Shoes terraflex Review Video & Transcript
- Share your thoughts on these great barefoot hiking shoes!
11 reasons the Terraflex could be your best choice for minimalist hiking shoes
1. Built for natural movement
They’re a lightweight minimalist shoe, and like all Xero Shoes they have a flexible, zero-drop sole to allow for natural movement (hello strong and flexible feet!)
2. Versatility
In case 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, as well as for hiking.
In fact, they’re also fab for everyday wear and you might even consider them as the best shoes for backpacking! I slow travel full time with my family, and my partner and I both own the Terraflex as our everyday go-to shoe. 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 bare feet shoes are 100% vegan friendly. No animal materials are used
[Click here to check the latest prices on the Terraflex at Xero Shoes].
4. Affordable minimalist hiking shoes
Considering the quality of these performance-based shoes, they are very affordable hiking shoes (currently retailing at $99.99). Check Xero Shoes for the latest prices.
5. A little extra softness
What minimalist shoes to buy for a starting minimalist runner? The Terraflex could be a great choice if you’re hitting the trails for your runs. They are super comfortable and soft and come with a 2mm insole to offer just that little bit of added comfort. This can be removed later on if you want to feel the ground that little bit more
6. Stylish look
In my opinion, they look perfectly acceptable with a pair of jeans. Ok, so I’m a full-time traveler so both the pairs of shoes I own (the Terraflex and Jessie) have to be able to be worn with anything in my wardrobe.
Since I got the Terraflex, Xero Shoes have also introduced the mesa trail. 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 the Jessie’s for!
Of course, everyone has different preferences in terms of how they want their shoes to look. On a video I shared on Facebook, which included the Terraflex, one person asked me to get my “ugly shoes” off his feed. Ha!

7. Designed to allow for natural foot movement
Like all Xero Shoes, the Terraflex has a wide toe box to allow your feet to spread comfortably. I’m very glad to say that I never feel pain or pressure on my bunions when I’m wearing the Terraflex.
Another interesting point is that my feet have increased an entire size since I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes exclusively!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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].
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. So I hope you found this video valuable. Remember to Like, comment and Subscribe, and down in the description below, I’ll add my affiliate link to the Xero Shoes website so you can pick up the Terraflex Shoe, and also, browse the rest of their range.
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].

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].
0 Comments