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I am sure the TerraFlex would have supported me through many more adventures on all kinds of challenging surfaces. The Xero Shoes Terraflex should interest both trail runners and ultralight hikers looking for a true minimalist shoe option for rugged terrain. These shoes are comfortable out of the box and essentially have no break-in period.

Xero has a number of different shoes available, and ultimately if you are after something more minimalistic or with a more substantial sole – they got you totally covered. I generally prefer a more minimal shoe and have experienced this with some of their other shoes. The main improvement I would recommend is more sizing consistency among their different shoes models and to provide a sizing guide or template on their site. Xero shoes seemed to have changed their sizing multiple times since I find it very difficult to know which size to order.

The Northern Colorado Trail with Kevin “Sunshine” Silvernale (BPR #

It means you won’t find as much give in shoes if you have any pressure points, or at least it’ll take a while for the upper to give a little and mold to your foot shape. Although, in this case, I’m here to argue that’s a good thing; this is a trail shoe, after all. You won’t find a premium knit, lightweight, sock-like material like you see in the new super shoes like the Nike Vaporflys. To put it simply, if you were only going to buy one minimal trail shoe, I’d tell you to buy the TerraFlex II. This strapping system allows Xero Shoes to fit many different foot shapes and achieve a great lockdown for both wide and narrow feet.

• These would not be my first pick for highly technical or off-trail adventure running, as these endeavors may require more all-around support.
• As someone who is relatively new to a minimalist shoe, I’m still surprised about how comfortable the TerraFlex can be.
• The rugged 6.5mm FeelTrue® sole, including 4mm lugs for confident traction, provides the perfect combination of protection and ground feel for any off-road activity.

Both the Mesa Trail II and the Terraflex II fit true to size and suit anyone looking for a shoe with depth. The Huarache-inspired heel cinch strap is attached to the laces, and loops through the sole and back around the xero shoes terraflex review upper rear of the heel. It works exceptionally well and helps pull your heel and foot down into the shoe which provides a secure, connected and stable fit without any heel lift.

Trail Running and Hiking with Xero’s TerraFlex

The Xero TerraFlex is a high-performance minimalist trail running, walk and hiking shoe that lets you feel connected to your world utilizing their lightweight barefoot-inspired design. The wicking mesh upper keeps your feet cool and dry while the aggressively lugged sole provides functional traction and grip. Terrain bumps and undulations are softened by the Barefoam embedded inside of the FeelTrue rubber sole. The heel cinch and adjustable mid-foot webbing give you a secure and stable fit while the wide toe box lets your toes splay and flex to invigorate your stride and provide comfort and relaxation.

• Now, with the redesign, overlays in all the high-wear areas ensure the shoes will go the distance.
• The mesh uppers are quite breathable, lightly water resistant and wick moisture well, and I never felt like the shoes got overly hot in any weather.
• I generally prefer a more minimal shoe and have experienced this with some of their other shoes.
• This would not have been an issue if the insoles were of better quality.
• Our patented FeelTrue sole protects your foot while giving your brain the feedback and stimulation required.
• My Vibram V-Alphas leave me wanting when the trail surface is nothing but half dollar sized, arch stabbing limestone debris or a steep descent.

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I had previously tried the Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals on the trail. I found that the ultralight sandals offered too little cushioning against sharp rocks or roots and left my feet too exposed and unprotected. With this history, I was rather skeptical that the XeroShoes TerraFlex would prove to be a workable option for me.

When the insoles are out, ground feel increases and the seams have obviously been designed with the barefoot runner in mind. Personally, I’ve been enjoying the insoles because I don’t have to be quite as careful about my foot placement on debris. My Vibram V-Alphas leave me wanting when the trail surface is nothing but half dollar sized, arch stabbing limestone debris or a steep descent. Plus, running everyday in VFFs isn’t my preference — I use them as a training tool. The construction of the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail running shoes provide many VFF-like benefits while adding features a technical trail runner needs.

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Whether you’re running, hiking, or simply taking a casual stroll off the beaten path, the TerraFlex II helps you feel more connected to the ground beneath your feet. I took the Terraflex shoes out on the Colorado Trail with me, where I moved for 30 miles daily. Obviously, they would break down fast in those conditions, but I found the insole was causing huge issues with sore spots. On top of that, the minimal foam in the Terraflex II was packed out, and the ridge of the seam was exposed. This would not have been an issue if the insoles were of better quality.

At just 235 grams for a women’s size 37.5, the TerraFlex II is even lighter than the original, placing it just between our ultra-lightweight Mesa Trail running shoe and the multi-purpose DayLite Hiker Fusion boot. This is one hiking shoe that won’t slow you down, keeping you going from trailhead to summit. The Terraflex II adds more stack height under the foot to further protect you from the elements on the trail. On top of that, the sturdy toe box and durable material around the shoe protect you from scuffs and scrapes.

Foot Locker Exclusives

The toebox materials and overlays are stiff and more durable than you may expect. As part of this review and in the context of my affiliation as a Backpacking Light contributor, I received a complimentary pair of Terraflex shoes from Xero Shoes with no expectation or obligation to publish a review. Provided that you’re used to a flexible zero drop shoe, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for ultra-distance trail races and multi-day fastpack adventures.

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It has an amazing tread and can easily accompany you on a gentle walk, a long hike, or even a muddy trail run. It is soft, comfortable, and feels quite cushioned due to its foam sole. The insole can be removed to feel more minimalistic since there isn’t a strong ground feel due to the thicker outer sole. It seems like quite a good transition shoe for beginner barefooter’s since it feels and functions like a regular trail shoe, but with a wide toe box, good flexibility and zero drop. Xero Shoes has continued to grow and innovate barefoot shoes which allow feet and legs to do the work.