Xero Shoes Men's Z-Trek Sport Sandals - Zero Drop, Lightweight & Packable

Update: a week later, I like these even more. Other folks' comments to the contrary, I put these on via the strap adjustment, leaving the velcro in place--or I did at first, anyway. Then this weird thing happened where the heel cup became less of an issue. I think the sandals have molded themselves to my feet somewhat. At any rate, they feel secure but I now leave the straps loose enough that I can put them on without messing with adjustments. Takes a bit of time to move my foot far enough forward that the heel strap goes on, but not much. So...if I could give these six stars, I would. I'm picky enough that I still wish they were thinner. But I can deal. Maybe you can too? Original review follows:I've been buying Xero Shoes since they were Invisible Shoes... I've had the DIY kit (with the newer sole material, not the Vibram Cherry), the Cloud, and the Venture.My favorite so far has been the DIY kit. I still have my original sandals, which are somewhere around 5 years old. I still have the original string, too--from time to time the knot I tie underneath is worn away, and I have to re-tie, pulling more string, but that's the nature of that particular beast.My experience with the Venture and Cloud has been less positive. The heel cup is just wrong for my feet. All Xero Shoes (except the ones I cut myself) sit a bit sideways, for me. The outside of my foot rubs against the heel cup. I can compensate somewhat with the laces, but only somewhat. Also, the materials, while good, didn't really hold up.With the Ventures, I was running on a very muddy mountain trail in Alaska and ran (ha) into two problems: first, they were extremely slippery on top, so my foot slid around; and second, the loops holding the straps in broke on first one sandal, then the other, in the same run. Xero Shoes customer support sent me free replacements, though: the Cloud. I totally believe there was just a problem with the particular batch of sandals as support folks suggested, but anyway I was happy to try the new (at the time) sandal.Same slipperiness, sadly. They didn't break, though. Unfortunately they developed a new problem: the softer rubber on top started to tear. This was really a cosmetic issue, possibly related to a combination of trail running and walking around Las Vegas with temps above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Whatever: it tore and looked bad, but looked fine with my feet in the sandals, and was never a real issue for me.Meawhile I had another pair of Ventures. On both the Ventures and the Clouds, the posts between my toes broke suddenly, not under stress (walking down a hallway for one, driving for the other) when they were around 2-3 years old. I figure that was just about the age of the material.So, the Z-Trek! First off, I was surprised at how heavy these were. Very glad I didn't get the trail version! The strap adjustments are very nice, and I don't miss the string/post between my toes at all. The shape of the shoe still doesn't fit my foot very well (could we please please please have a version without the heel cup?), but as with the others that's really an issue for walking, not for running. These also don't slap the ground as loudly as the previous models (again a walking, not running, issue), which I appreciate.Fairly often I run barefoot. I also usually walk barefoot, on trails and streets. So that may be part of why my shoes last so long...I rarely put them on! But when I do, I have to say these brand-new Z-Trek sandals are my favorite running shoes. Ever. The extra weight doesn't seem to have much effect, and the better attachment system means I simply think less about the sandals. I think they're going to end up replacing my Merrell Trail Gloves as well...clearly less stinky than a closed shoe, you know? (I also own no socks, so....)As for the slipperiness, I don't have access to a truly muddy trail right now. But the surface of the Z-Trek seems much more "grippy"...and on the underside, the tread is what I've become familiar with (and it's always worked for me), only significantly deeper. The sole overall is simply thicker than I was accustomed to. I'd prefer it be thinner. But...not really a big deal. I can, after all, take them off whenever I want. And carry them in a pocket.Overall? A winner. THE winner. But given my impression of these, I'm never going to buy the trail version!

These are the most durable sandals I've worn. Six years of use and abuse in all conditions from desert to swamps, and they are as solid as the day I got them.

I've researched and tried most minimalist shoes and sandals. I wanted a lightweight sandal to take for basecamp after long backpacking trips. And burly enough for day hikes. Which allowed for socks in cooler mountain elevation. These seemed best because most have the between the toes strap. But because of the stap system, it's located right on the side of your pinky toe, not allowing it to spread out. I contacted the company and they told me that I had the wrong size...but after researching images, that is how they fit on everyone's feet fit in them.I generally buy everything on Amazon thus one of my decisions to get these, but regretfully had to return them.I then purchased the Unshoe Pah Tempe and they are super awesome. Similar, but ride more on the side of the foot below the pinky allowing your toes total freedom, which, in my opinion, is a major factor in minimalist/barefoot foot ware. Not to mention they are 3oz lighter than the Xeros.Pictures:left Unshoe, pinky is freeRight: Xero, pinky trappedThank you

So far I own a pair of the Z-Trek, the Hana, and the Prio. These shoes have allowed me to throw out basically every other pair of other shoes that I own, besides my Merrell gloves, which I use exclusively for running. The Xero shoes fill in all my other shoe/sandal needs, but I can certainly run in them. After fully adapting to barefoot footwear I really hate to wear any "normal" shoe with pointed toe box, foam, heel to toe drop, and stiff uppers. My posture, balance, core strength and running technique are all drastically improved. I no longer suffer from hip, knee, or shin pain. I am now basically a zealous opponent of conventional padded shoes with raised heels and the biomechanical deficiencies they facilitate.I love that they now make the Hana and Prio in all black and it's what compelled me to finally buy the Prio. The patent-pending design of the sole is simple and great. The rubber does conform to the foot a bit and has proved to be pretty durable. It is however, not anti-slip. The only uncomfortable shoe I am still forced to wear on a regular basis are my work shoes with anti-slip soles. The front of the toe box on the full shoes and general design is very nice, and the strap system allows the shoe to move and stay with your foot. The Hanas are more comfortable than any slippers I have worn but even with the slip-on sort of style, I can run with them because of the straps.As far as sizing I'd recommend erring on the larger size. All my Xeros are 11. As comparison my Merrell vapor and trail gloves are 10.5.I started trying to run "barefoot" years ago when Vibrams were first a thing and I will say it took quite a long time for my feet and biomechanics to fully adapt, especially while still mostly wearing other conventional shoes. It wasn't until I found closed toe, zero-drop/padding shoes that I could really convert so I'm glad it's becoming more widely available and Xero seems to be really leading the way on how to build them nicely.