Tested: Size up one-half size if your feet run slightly long for your normal size. Use standard sizing-up procedures to account for foot swellings on long hikes. One of the great things about Xero Shoes is they offer virtually no break-in period for those adapted to minimally cushioned, zero-drop shoes. It’s worth noting a few things here. Firstly, this mesh failure on this exact spot occurs in many of my trail runners (prompting Steven Sashen to point out, rightly, that the problem could be my feet, my mechanics, my general terrain, or all of the above.) But it’s also worth noting that this failure occurred at mile 200 (322 km) on my Altra Lone Peaks and went all the way through the shoe (see my photo above). On my Mesa Trail shoes, the failure has stopped at the outer layer of mesh.

When it comes to the perfect blend of cushion, fit, and ground feel, both the Prio and the Mesa Trail II from Xero Shoes don't disappoint. So what about the sizing, fit, and comfort features of these two models.My testing occurred in the Lake Tahoe area of the Sierra Nevada, at altitudes ranging from 6,500 ft to 10,000 ft (1,981 m to 3,048 m). My preference is always the undulating wave laces some shoes use but these do work, even if they feel kind of nerdy. Removable Insole 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. Aggressive but Not Overbuilt Lugs The Mesa Trail has aggressive lugs which still work well on smooth surfaces without creating drag. On top of all this, I found the outsole to be hard-wearing. After 500 miles (805 km) of mixed terrain, the lugs have not measurably worn down. Despite enjoying my Xero Shoes Mesa Trail model, there are a couple of cons worth noting about this model.

As mentioned above, it’s super important to nail your correct sizing with the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail. I’d strongly suggest sizing up a half size in this model and if you often feel cramped in your true-to-size shoes, then you may want to go up a full size. We have welded overlays all around the base of the shoe! As I said, I busted out the side of my original Mesa Trails because the upper material joined directly onto the sole at the crease point of the shoe. This time, the Mesa Trail II has gone for overlay all around the shoe, so those weak points are reinforced. What’s more impressive is that this hasn’t affected the weight!The Mesa Trail ( men’s and women’s) looks somewhat similar to the Lems Primal 2 or a pair of Merrell Vapor Gloves, but with lugs and lateral support. There’s a bit of the goofy pill shape some of these low-cut and wider shoes have, but the style is much better than a shoe with five toes or an overbuilt, energy-swallowing marshmallow shoe — and the lugs have some muscle!

On the same 1.3-mile loop the impact forces were 5.4G in the Mesa’s and 6.5G in the Altra Superiors. These shoes are super lightweight at only 8.5oz (240g) in a Mens 9.5 US. Less weight on the feet means a smoother airy running feeling, helping add to the true barefoot style. The simple way to interpret this is, if you have pain in your knees and hips, you could be a great shoe to try and incorporate Xero Shoes Mesa Trails to reduce the impact forces in your legs and enable proper posture. And in case it’s not clear, you should look elsewhere if you know you prefer a shoe with a substantial, more traditional midsole that absorbs impacts and makes the trail feel smoother than it is.The TerraFlex has 4 mm lugs, while the Mesa Trail has 3.5 mm lugs. I consider 0.5 mm to be a negligible difference in terms of traction. Honestly, I’d prefer if both shoes had larger, more aggressive lugs. Weak feet and legs from overbuilt shoes are still a problem, regardless of trends towards mega shoes. I got a size 10 for continuity purposes and to see just how tight this model is if you don’t size up. If you don’t size up, then expect to feel the sizing issue with respect to this shoe’s length. I can wear a 10 in this model and it’s not incredibly uncomfortable, but I definitely feel a bit limited with the toe box’s length and width. Interested in anything specific about the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail shoes? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about this model. 1. Does the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail have a removable insole?

While the rubber may not be as grippy as Megagrip or downright hard wearing as the TC5+ offered by Vibram, it is an excellent balance between traction and durability. To ensure a proper fit, go ½ a size larger! Even Xero Shoes suggests you buy ½ a size larger than your normal shoe size. Sometimes Xero Shoes have these inconstancies, but don’t fret too much with the sizing. When you buy direct from Xero Shoes, they offer free exchanges, to make sure you’re 100% happy. If you want a barefoot shoe but you don’t it to feel like a barefoot shoe, the Xero Mesa Trail WP offers an optional insole (Image credit: Pat Kinsella) Xero Shoes has continued to grow and innovate barefoot shoes which allow feet and legs to do the work. After years of using Vibram Five Fingers to train barefoot style on trails, I was excited to see Xero released a barefoot running trail shoe which seems to grasp what runners like myself are curious to try. They were kind enough to send me a pair to test. Enter the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail Shoe…The best part of Xero Shoes is the FeelTrue rubber outsoles and the traction they provide. Their proprietary compound and design offer a no-frills and consistent ride. Let's learn a bit more about the company behind these two excellent barefoot shoe models. Xero Shoes is a brand that has grown significantly in popularity among the barefoot and minimalist shoe community. Their focus on producing shoes that allow for natural, close-to-barefoot movement has earned them a solid reputation and a loyal following. The trail grip of this shoe works well on a good, grass surface but should equally be happy on light gravel and forest paths. I’d stay clear of anything too technical or demanding, mainly due to the very light and unstructured design.