Xero ShoesBarefoot Men's Sandals | Z-Trail EV Hiking Sandals for Men | Zero Drop, Wide Toe Box, Minimalist

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.

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.

Very light and comfortable.I have the Xero regular sandals without the cushion sole and while I like those too, for longer hikes on hard surfaces, these are more comfortable.You have to get them laced up right or the slight arch support they have can make your feet sore since my feet are now accustomed to having no arch support and these do have some.Overall I've weaned myself away from arch supported shoes and I really appreciate these. I had severe plantar fasciitis that lingered most of the last 12-13 years but through daily yoga and martial art practices which are done barefoot I've almost eliminated the condition.But also don't work on hard surfaces, like in a kitchen where I'm standing in one spot all day.I love the concept of a barefoot feeling shoe and they are much healthier in so many ways.But a person may have to work up to them. I'm not sure how my feet would have responded to them 10 years ago when my plantar fasciitis was severe.I'm also not sure if you're in a profession where you stand in one spot all day on hard surfaces, how effective non arch supported shoes would be.

After only a short walk in these I had noticeable knee pain. I have flat and wide feet, so I usually enjoy walking in minimalist shoes, but not these. I think something is wrong with the design the of heel area and that's what's causing the knee pain.

I sail around the world on a 40’ sailboat alone and wear these literally everywhere!! Beach, into town, hiking through jungle, up desert mountain terrain and on the beach in the ocean, they hold up incredibly well and feel amazing!! I’m very particular with sandals as boat life is tough on them, but these are the bees knees!!!