Xero Shoes

I am an avid, lightweight backpacker and one of the biggest challenges I constantly face is managing my feet properly. I have wrestled around with different shoes, boots, trail runners, minimalist trail runners, etc. Being a larger guy (250 lbs), combined with carrying a pack that weighs 17 – 25 lbs, I have found that I do prefer a lightweight (not minimalist) trail running shoe. I currently use a pair made by Saucony and they are doing the trick for now. But, regardless of the weather, after 8 – 10 miles on the trail, my feet become hot and sweaty… Hence, I have, reluctantly, succumbed to the fact that I need to haul in a second pair of «shoes» for lounging around camp so I can let my hiking shoes dry out.
I’ve tried Keen sandals, Croks, and other options… I just picked up a pair of Xero Shoes Z-Trek’s, which is their newest model… They are GREAT! I haven’t taken them backpacking yet, but I’ve been using them around town to run errands and I’m extremely pleased with the comfort and the look of them. I even wore them to the gym today. At the end of my session, when it was time for a shower in the public shower at the gym, I thought to myself, «what the heck», and kept the shoes on in the shower. I always thought it was gross anyways to shower at a gym where 100’s of other sweaty, scummy people showered prior to me…
Not only did they give me a layer between my feet and the slimy floor, but they remained super comfortable, they didn’t slip or slide at all, and my feet stayed GLUED to the soles. An hour later and they were completely dry and I haven’t taken them of yet.
I believe these will be the ultimate backpacking companion for me. The ONLY reason I gave them 4 stars is because they are a little heavier than I expected them to be. You don’t notice it when they are on your feet… They ARE quite light, but I was hoping for something even lighter to keep my pack weight down.
Xero makes another show called the Cloud that looks super interesting. They are more of a minimalist design, but the soles are even thinner and lighter, and have an added layer of foam to make them comfortable. While I want to get a pair, the ULTIMATE solution for me would be a hybrid between the Z-​Trek and the Cloud. I like the Z-​Trek because they stay on your feet really well with almost no play… But I like the Cloud because they are lighter weight. Combine the 2 and not only will I buy a pair, but I will likely modify my review with 5 STARS!
Lastly, this couple runs a top notch operation. I placed my order and received my Z-​Treks within 3 days. Very fast turnaround! Great work, and I look forward to seeing how the company evolves in the coming months/​years!
Good luck to the folks at Xero Shoes and if you are on the fence, I say give them a shot! You will be happy, and your pocket book won’t hardly feel the expense, but your feet will surely «feel the world»!
Garrett Jorewicz

First, the concept of barefoot running makes sense after reading «Born To Run». As an avid runner, I take it upon myself to continue learning more running styles and techniques to improve my agility, endurance and overall physical strength. I didn’t want to believe the hype about barefoot running even after seeing all these athletes wearing the finger-​lookin shoes. I thought it was just some hippy feel good type of thing that people were gettin into. So I did more research. After 6 weeks of slowly starting off in the invisible shoes, I developed a nasty 1-​inch long blister on the ball of my right foot and a smaller blister on the side of my left foot. I tried to follow the directions (starting off slow mile by mile week by week, playing w/​the tightness/​looseness of the laces, walking in them for some time, etc), but I still developed a blister that looked like a bubbly boil with puss and blood in it (sorry if it’s too descriptive. Just trying to paint a clear picture).
I finally gave in and put the invisible shoes away. I dont think I can get used to the pain on the balls of my feet. The great thing about these shoes is my knee pain did go and stay away, and I did run much faster than I did on the average running shoes :)