Xero Shoes Men's Z-Trail EV Sandals - Zero Drop, Lightweight Comfort & Protection

These are brand new - purchased in last 30 days. I used ONCE on a few day Backpack trip. when got done , washed with water and let out to dry. after they dried the soles split in multiple places -- delaminated. Bought for the light weight of the sandal and good reviews on their web site. They fell apart after a few days of use (see pictures). The glue de-laminated from what I can tell. The idea is really good -- - lightweight sandals with good traction. They where very pricey - and expect a product like this to last. Guess going back to TEVA, as no way to return or get refunded. Hope only was a quality control issue , and glad they didn't fall apart on the trail. Hope company reads these reviews as they fell apart in multiple places.

SO SAD!!! I honestly was so excited about the Xero sandals I bought for myself that I bought my fiancé a pair as well (this pair was for him). I have taken my z-trails out a decent bit and I was really impressed with the traction and comfort despite being so thin.My pair has held up really well so far for ALL of the outdoor activities I’ve worn them for, and I love them. But my fiancé was wearing this pair hiking, and it was only his SECOND TIME wearing them, and they broke!! We were walking downhill on the trail (moderate, not that steep), and he said that as his foot came down, the rubber part that holds the strap just totally snapped, and his foot went sliding forward and he fell down!! Luckily, he was okay and we weren’t on one of the more dangerous/steep areas of the trail where he could have fallen and been seriously injured. But it did cut our hike short and it was a long and uncomfortable trudge back to the car trying every which way to attach a broken sandal to his foot. NOT fun!!Definitely very sad about this, I thought they were a lot sturdier than to just snap over one moderate downhill stretch…. Watching the struggle he went through with his trudge back to the car, definitely makes me think again before trusting my pair the way I did before… I love my sandals, but I definitely don’t want the same thing to happen to me!Very sad overall. Was hoping these would work out better.

Had my Z Trails for almost exactly a month and I can say they are the best sandals I think I have ever had. Going zero drop, barefoot has done my body a lot of good, I think. When I walk with them on, my feet still feel tired, but the way my legs are sore is new, and I can tell I am using muscles that haven't been used in a long time.I've been solely using my Z Trails as my "popping out to the store" and "walking the dog" shoes to help me ease into them and I think that has been a beneficial approach, and now I am taking 2plus mile walks and hiking in them. Walking takes some getting used to if thick soles are what you are used to, you gotta me mindful not to hammer your heel down over and over - although the 10mm is more than enough cushion at the end of the day, when walking on cement, crazy foot striking will result in sore bits.Hiking was a magnificent experience in these sandals! Even clambering down steep sandy unstable slopes I felt sure footed because I could feel everything. Small sharp rocks are really no problem at all, and I actually find that I prefer feeling them (but the 10mm sole keeps them from hurting my foot) because it makes me naturally more careful and I haven't slipped yet. And something I never thought about when first getting these sandals is that when tiny pebbles do inevitably get stuck between my foot and the sandal it's so simple and easy to get them out because of the minimalist style of the thing! My feet are out in the open and working hard, and it feels great.A few quibbles, now. Adjusting the sandal takes a bit of work. If you go onto the Xero website you will see a video of the owner very easily demonstrating/explaining NOT to use the velcro hell to get in and out of the sandal, but rather the strap tightener...that is easier said than done. You can't put them on standing up at all, you have to be sitting down, with your legs crossed over, and the strap fastener is on the OUTSTIDE of the foot, resulting in an awkward angle - especially for a big person...and the strap is a bit stubborn in allowing the strap to slide easily to and fro for a good fit - it takes some work. Furthermore, you pretty much have to be touching the bottom of your sandal to put on and adjust. Maybe it's just me, but that is something I really wish I didn't have to do, because then I have to immediately wash my hands afterward - which often has me walking through my "no shoes indoors" house wearing my sandals, which defeats the purpose of the no shoes allowed part. As well as when I am out, say at the beach, putting them on requires again all that bottom shoe contact with no real place to then wash my hands. I admit, this issue my be mainly my own personal picadillo, but long story short, it could be...it SHOULD be easier to adjust these straps.And finally - when these babies get wet, such as stepping through a stream or stomping around beach water - the top of the soles get SLIIIIIICK. You have to have these pups strapped on right and tight or else your foot will slip in ways you really don't want to be slipping. They do dry in minutes, however.But even with those issues and my cleanliness neurosis going on in my head...I still love these sandals. I'm hoping that more mileage will result with resolution, and I can't see myself going back to thick soled sandals at all.

I'm writing this review because the clasp next to my little toe broke just at the start of a hike. I changed and my replacement flip flops were mercilessly mocked by French hikers and Germans too, each in their native languages.Not sturdy, fiddly to take on and off but remarkable for their weight.

These could be 4 star sandals. Deduction of 1 star due to adjusting to fit is more complicated than my old standbys, Teva. Once adjusted, they were very comfortable.However, Due to the strap loop at the ankle breaking the second day of wearing, I can barely justify 2 stars. With decent hardware, these could be great sandals.

The Xero sandal has been great. I love the minimalist design as I really enjoy just being barefoot, but for a sandal, it's the next best thing. Good tread pattern on the bottom helps with grip and the many points of adjustment allow the user to fit it perfectly to their feet. My only qualm is the velcro on the heal strap is not strong enough/has pulled away from keeping the entire strap secure, it halfway fastens and the rest of it flaps around. It has not been annoying enough (yet) to do anything about it, but perhaps Xero could use a more aggressive velcro on the heal strap on future models to remedy the problem. 5 stars was given despite the minor velcro issue, as the product performs well for its given purpose.