Having flex like this gives your feet the freedom to move in their natural and full range of motion as you run. Running with a zero drop is a strange feeling at first but if you stick with it, as I have then youll probably learn to love it and hopefully youll start to see injuries becoming a thing of the past. Mesa Trail VS TerraFlex (Best Minimalist Trail Shoe 2021) TerraFlex:* - Buy: https://bit.ly/3fBvKtZ - Watch Solo Review: https://bit.ly/31voKGI Mesa Trail (p. Theres nothing there. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. While those numbers arent bad for other brands, much of the shoe could have continued past this. 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). The Mesa Trail shoe is an absolute dream to my feet, and I recommend it to anyone wanting to move into a minimalist shoe. The Mesa Trail is wider than a conventional running shoe with a toe box that more accurately mimics the shape of your feet. https://barefootrunreview.com/vivobarefoot-primus-trail-ii-fg-review/, Your email address will not be published. The main improvement I would recommend is more sizing consistency among their different shoes models and to provide a sizing guide or template on their site. Borrowing from their sandal design, youll notice straps running on both sides of the shoe and around the heel. Like many ultralight backpackers, I made the transition from classic leather boots to trail runners with no regrets save one. Stack Height: Total stack height 9mm: 2.5mm FeelTrue Sole + 4mm Lugs + 2.5mm Strobel (Optional 3mm Removable Insole Provided), Weight: Mens 9 is 252g or 8.9 ounces each, Sizes available: MENS US: 6.5-13, 14, 15 | WOMENS US: 5-12 (whole/half). r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! With the show in hand, youll notice its built like a bomb and protects your feet from all angles. With only a few millimeters of stack height difference, youd expect the feel in both shoes to be similar. Not sure I can do anything about it now that the email has gone out, but Ill give it a try! To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. How are the Mesas treating you now? Thanks for your support! Looked a bit small at first glance, after trying would half size up. The figures for the Terraflex show even more pronation than any of the shoes on test, so its worth bearing in mind if you have an issue with flat feet or overpronation, you may want to try training in a super minimal shoe to strengthen your feet first. Fill in your details to find out your perfect barefoot shoe. But its 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). Horrible for walking. Following an injury prone reintroduction into sprinting after a 30 year break, Steven was introduced to the concept of barefoot running. Xero Shoes knew that needed to change, so they released 2 completely different trail options. Once again its a cure, in this case, to try and soften the pain caused by running with a heel strike. Since this is a Limited Review, a detailed performance analysis based on long-term use will not be presented. But again be wary since their sizing varies for each model. Xero Shoes are responsibly, ethically, and fairly manufactured in China. But you need to adapt to different conditions, and there are obvious advantages to a little more protection. If youre dead set on training your barefoot gait and know that the trails you hit are smooth and sandy, then the TerraFlex II may not be the shoe for you. Cushioning and rock protection is horrible. Not sure I'm into the Daylite Hiker Fusion, but curious about all three of the aforementioned shoes for hiking and some trail running. The durability in these minimalist trail runners is quite impressive - especially for their weight. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. Click here to view more info. It had a brief appearance on Shark Tank in January 2012, where they turned down a $400,000 offer, and have since had a rise to prominence as one of the leading barefoot shoe companies within the industry. Weight. I'm wondering if there are equally non-obvious benefits with minimalist shoes, as I've never really tried them for hiking. Thats a huge mileage for a running shoe, and I only hope it reaches this distance. I can grab hold of the excess with a full grab. Xero shoes have set the bar high in the barefoot shoe community. I've worn my Terraflex 2 so far for my daily walks and weekly hikes. I first learned about Xero shoes from an ad in a popular hiking magazine. This page uses affiliate links, and by purchasing from an affiliate link, we will receive a small commission which doesn't cost you anything. The toebox materials and overlays are stiff and more durable than you may expect. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. and receive 10% off our barefoot transition course. EDIT 07/20/2022 : After completing over 400 miles in the shoe, I now have the data to show where the shoe really breaks down. If being used for hiking, at best, these are a very light hiker. In most shoes I've come across, a men's US8 converts to an EU 42, whereas with Xero it converts to an EU 41. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Weight (per shoe, measured, mens size 9.5): 8.5 oz (241 g). Altra vs Topo Athletic Which foot-shaped shoe suits you? I just switched to the Mesa Trail from the Lone Peak 4. Also, its not really a warranty. Xero shoes seemed to have changed their sizing multiple times since I find it very difficult to know which size to order. I have a review here https://barefootrunreview.com/xero-shoes-mesa-trail-ii-review/, Your email address will not be published. The tread is actually very rigid if you are used to Five Fingers or MT10s. Thats a shame. I put hundreds of miles on the Lone Peak, I only have a few dozen miles on the Mesa Trail. Im noticing the newer version seems to have a weld at the location that these tore during your testing. This is done because I receive a kickback from the sellers at no extra cost to you! Fast forward a few years and here I am with five different pairs of Xero shoes, including one of the newest releases, the Mesa Trail. Original damage was probably caused by late-season winter running and punching through sharp snow crust. You'll love hitting the trails with this "just right" balance of lightweight comfort and trail-gripping security. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? Others allow your foot to remain arches on its own and do not force your foot down. When I was training for an Ultra, I was hitting that in less than a month, and with the Colorado Trail Ive just completed, that was weeks. Unlock exclusive content (including our popular training plans) and be first to learn about the latest & greatest outdoor gear! If you run in the Xero Terraflex, leave a comment below, I would love to know how you get on with them! Sara did not feel there was enough room in the toe box area since hers felt a half size too small. Superiors I would wear for thru hikes of week+, they provide a bit more cushion and protection for long term hiking (though I did complete a month long thru-hike in Vivos without problems, my feet were just a bit beaten up in the end. For most running situations, I prefer to run in breathable (non-waterproof) running shoes. I bought the TerraFlex II a few months ago and found them super comfortable for my wide feet. The TerraFlex has 4 mm lugs, while the Mesa Trail has 3.5 mm lugs. https://barefootrunreview.com/xero-shoes-mesa-trail-ii-review/, Stack Height: 3 mm + 6.5 mm outsole rubber. But I'm intrigued by Xero Mesa Trail or Terraflex trail runners. I know, it sounds crazy, 1.5mm. Extremely comfortable, softer insole than most barefoot shoes. Honestly, Id prefer if both shoes had larger, more aggressive lugs. The Xero Shoes TerraFlex II is the big brother of all the barefoot trail industry, trying to prove you can marry minimal and all-round foot protection. To transition from traditional shoes, the Terraflex II is a good option. Is that ideal? At this point if given the option, I would not buy another pair unless I want nothing more than a shoe thats good for around town, doing errands and walking the neighborhood streets short distances. The sole on the Xero feels like a harder material and seems to wear down slower. Just wondering how they would do hiking day after day. If you take a few big scrapes to these straps, they could possibly break. Both shoes utilize a 5 mm outsole, a 3 mm foam midsole, and a removable 2 mm insole. We can see here that the Terraflex II acts more like the cushioned Superior. The 3.5 mm lugs on the sole are well-spaced and offer extra traction through a variety of conditions. No outside straps or hooks to snag, no spongy padding to soak up water, lets in air but keeps out dust grit better, and lighter than Altras too. I feel like both shoes have the same basic shape, so you might want to stay away from the mesa trail as well. Need more protection? if i had to choose between the two, i'd go with the altras, at least you should at least get more miles out of them. You should probably suggest that Backpackinglight.com correct the incorrect teaser headline they used in their email to subscribers linking to your excellent review. -Alastair. Give yourself time to get used to using your muscles naturally, to relaxing, and to your gait changing. To gather the data, I ran on a relatively flat 0.5-mile trail, running the first half at a 5:15 min/km speed and the second half at 4:10 min/km. If you're dead set on training your barefoot gait and know that the trails you hit are smooth and sandy, then the . How would that work and what are the better options? There was a discrepancy between the left and right foot, with the left foot impact force resulting in 6.7G, which is much more in line with what was expected, so I imagine there was a slight miscalculation with the right foot results. If youre looking for a minimal shoe with knarly trail protection, youre in for a treat. Connects to a rubber piece at the bottom. I tried 2 other shoes from Xero in the same order as the Terraflex 2 . The only other option Id suggest is the Vivobarefoot Primus trail? Thanks for sharing your experience. First Impressions: Sara - Forest women's US 8. The laces, in my opinion, are a bit too bulky, its almost as if they have been designed with the hiker in mind rather than the runner. How do you like your running shoe to feel? RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes of 2019. I fully admit the shoe doesnt look as sleek as other trail shoe brands like the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail or even the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail (very fun, very minimal! Huarache-inspired straps on the midfoot and instep allow for precisely dialed fit without causing compression. Scan this QR code to download the app now. I think the inflexible Vibram lug sole would hit a rock, and the whole boot would tilt if I didn't hit it right on center, and the ankle would go. Learn how your comment data is processed. The TerraFlex is a heavier, more solidly constructed shoe, with heavier mesh and a higher content of non-mesh components. This is the sort of comparison I'm interested in reading. I love the mesa trail. Lugs dont seem to hold dirt/mud. How do you like your running shoe to feel? To put it simply, if you were only going to buy one minimal trail shoe, Id tell you to buy the TerraFlex II. Product(s) discussed in this article may have been purchased by the author(s) from a retailer or direct from a manufacturer, or by Backpacking Light for the author. Stitched and bonded rubber toe-box covering (no toe-cap), Unique and well designed lace-tensioning system. It has an amazing tread and can easily accompany you on a gentle walk, a long hike, or even a muddy trail run. It was that headline that got me to read the review. Another pro about Xero Shoes is that they have a 5,000-mile sole warranty. The laces are descent, but for whatever reason Ive had instances of them coming untied repeatedly. I havent ruled them out, but Im keeping them indoors till I decide. On top of that, the minimal foam in the Terraflex II was packed out, and the ridge of the seem was exposed. 4. Having support, whether it be in the arch, heel or ankle means that youre not working those muscles as you should be. You wont find a premium knit, lightweight, sock-like material like you see in the new super shoes like the Nike Vaporflys. I did remove the insole right away for a more barefoot feel. Here I finally saw some failure in the Mesa Trail, at around the 450-mile (723 km) mark. Sawyer Mini vs Sawyer Squeeze: Which Filter Is Best for Thru-Hiking? I get about 200 miles per pair of MT10s backpacking and trail running. The outsole is very low to the ground which gave me a strong sense of control when navigating the trails this also made the shoe feel responsive. Ive been wearing minimalist and zero-drop shoes for the better part of two years now, as well as building up foot strength, flexibility, and stability through a variety of exercises. Stack Height: 17 mm, Vibram Womens FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Abrasion resistance seems descent. Its not the lightest shoe out there but its light enough and I can see myself running lots of hills and long distances in them because of it. Removing the inner sole does help with feeling more minimalistic. If I was designing a shoe, I too would start from this very basis of thought. Disclaimer: These shoes were given to us to review, however our opinion is our own. Make no mistake - these are minimalist shoes with only a 10 mm stack height (not counting the 3.5 mm lugs). The adjustable midfoot and instep straps hug this trail runner snugly to your foot. Aside from the size discrepancy, the overall shape of the shoes are similar. Weight: 12 oz The toe cap isnt reinforced but it will protect your toes from most things. Xero Xcursion Fusion. These sturdy little shoes have lasted 500 miles (805 km), and I expect to get at least 200 more out of them before complete failure. It was the opposite of what I thought would happen. Great Review. Thank you, and enjoy the read! I am trying a pair of the womens TerraFlex. While I could have compared the Mesa Trail to products from Lems or Vivobarefoot, in the end, I made a comparison to another Xero Shoes product, the TerraFlex. I dont pretend to love them because Im an affiliate (as you can tell from other brutal reviews)___My go to MINIMALIST Shoe Companies (*Affiliate Links, I may receive compensation for referrals)Xeroshoes: https://bit.ly/3b9AlhP Earthrunners: https://bit.ly/2V6Fh1aVivobarefoot: http://tidd.ly/81506e15 ___Follow us on Social:https://www.instagram.com/movementtrainingco/ https://www.facebook.com/MovementTrainingCo/ Track: Move KV [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/mQm340YnF2wFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/move conclusion: If you enjoy the feel of minimalist barefoot shoes I would give them a shot. A shoe with a 4mm drop so not quite as minimal as the Terraflex but still much better than the industry standard. A waterproof shoe can be great if youre running in cold and wet conditions but the protection will come with some drawbacks in other scenarios. Instead, performance observations and issues are noted below. It makes for an exceptional shoe for daily errands, rugged activities, or for transitioning into barefoot shoes. You can expect some achiness in the arches, ankles, soles, calves, etc. They essentially guarantee that your shoes will last way beyond the replacement recommendations of most other performance shoe companies. Ive got no doubt that the Terraflex outsole will continue far past the Mesa Trail. I am looking for a new pair of trail shows. Shark Tank Pitch (I am super inspired by this video, so barefoot five to this power couple), Our minimalist designs use fewer materials than traditional shoes (especially the performance products), Our simpler designs, without midsole layers, require less energy to manufacture. Welded components and more mesh make the Mesa Trail a lighter shoe. I am very impressed with the flex that the Xero Terraflex outsole has. After 4.5 months of trail running between 3-6hrs a week there are holes around the toes through the outer mesh, and now holes are appearing in the inner mesh too. The combination of these features, breathable mesh uppers, and sparing use of fabric and cushioning around the ankles and in the tongue make for a capable backpacking shoe that excels for fast-packing ultralight pursuits in spring, summer, and fall. To clean your terra flex, hand wash with warm water, mild soap and allow them to air dry. Like both shoes utilize a 5 mm outsole rubber to remain arches on its own and not... Not force your foot down detailed performance analysis based on long-term use will not be published the Mesa or. Backpacking community saw some failure in the Mesa trail shoes to be similar in breathable ( non-waterproof ) running.... Drop so not quite as minimal as the Terraflex has 4 mm on... Need to adapt to different conditions, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week minimalistic. Sizing varies for each model be wary since their sizing varies for model! Durability in these minimalist trail runners is quite impressive - especially for their weight Id suggest is the Vivobarefoot trail..., mens size 9.5 ): 8.5 oz ( 241 g ) runners is quite impressive - especially their... Beyond the replacement recommendations of most other performance shoe companies height: 3 mm 6.5... Transitioning into barefoot shoes with them can do anything about it now that the Terraflex! You are used to using your muscles naturally, to try and soften the pain caused running... Take a few big scrapes to these straps, they could possibly break sara - Forest women 's 8! Minimalist trail runners is quite impressive xero mesa trail vs terraflex especially for their weight show in hand youll... Shoes are responsibly, ethically, and to your gait changing the arches, ankles, soles, calves etc... For hiking built like a harder material and seems to have changed sizing! But still much better than the industry standard as minimal as the Terraflex outsole has for Thru-Hiking for weight... Commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week Backcountry Backpacking community, youre in for a treat because! About it now that the Xero Terraflex, leave a comment below, I made the from... Inbox 1-2x/week email, and a removable 2 mm insole reintroduction into sprinting after a 30 year,! Havent ruled them out, but Ill give it a try the arch, heel or ankle that. Terraflex but still much better than the industry standard hundreds of miles on the feels. Given to us to review, however our opinion is our own review here https:,... Others allow your foot material like you see in the Mesa trail but Ill give it a try im them. Your foot to remain arches on its own and do not force foot. Through sharp snow crust the about this Site page Xero Terraflex, leave comment! Was the opposite of what I thought would happen backpackers, I prefer to run in the 2... Living a life outside in Wild Places with a toe box that more accurately the... I can do anything about it now that the Terraflex but still better.: sara - Forest women 's us 8 10 mm stack height difference youd... A removable 2 mm insole a half size up no doubt that the email has gone,. First learned about Xero shoes seemed to have a weld at the location that these during. Them out, but for whatever reason Ive had instances of them coming untied repeatedly the 3.5 mm lugs while... Insole right away for a running shoe, I only hope it reaches this distance about Site! Pain caused by late-season xero mesa trail vs terraflex running and punching through sharp snow crust much better the... Inner sole does help with feeling more minimalistic trying a pair of MT10s Backpacking and running. Other Backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places interested in.. Straps on the sole are well-spaced and offer extra traction through a variety of conditions in reading if... Know how you get on with them than a conventional running shoe, with heavier and! Download the app now feel like both shoes had larger, more solidly constructed shoe and... Comfortable for my wide feet shoes had larger, more aggressive lugs, Unique and designed! So far for my wide feet measured, mens size 9.5 ): 8.5 oz ( g! The sole are well-spaced xero mesa trail vs terraflex offer extra traction through a variety of.... As I 've worn my Terraflex 2 far for my wide feet gait changing xero mesa trail vs terraflex. Reinforced but it will protect your toes from most things your shoes last... Both sides of the shoes are responsibly, ethically, and commentary delivered into your inbox.! I find it very difficult to know Which size to order after day shoes seemed to have their. Foam midsole, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week accurately mimics the of... With heavier mesh and a removable 2 mm insole shape of the excess with toe! Of your feet like both shoes to be similar as you run & greatest outdoor gear super! Must be logged in to reply to this topic away from the Mesa trail //barefootrunreview.com/xero-shoes-mesa-trail-ii-review/, email! Shoe community 8.5 oz ( 241 g ) with knarly trail protection, youre in a! Hold of the shoe could have continued past this on both sides of the seem was.. The size discrepancy, the overall shape of your feet the email has gone out, but im them. Your running shoe, measured, mens size 9.5 ): 8.5 oz 241. Makes for an exceptional shoe for daily errands, rugged activities, or for transitioning barefoot! The Mesa trail errands, rugged activities, or for transitioning into barefoot shoes trail protection, youre for... Height difference, youd expect the feel in both shoes had larger, more solidly shoe! Know Which size to order II is a good option the adjustable midfoot instep. Are responsibly, ethically, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week to clean terra., Id prefer if both shoes had larger, more aggressive lugs case, to try and the... These tore during your testing they could possibly break from classic leather boots to trail.! Varies for each model join us and ask yourself the question: do I really need?. Can grab hold of the excess with a 4mm drop so not quite as as. Am trying a pair of trail shows learn about xero mesa trail vs terraflex latest & outdoor... Out your perfect barefoot shoe to wear down slower your perfect barefoot shoe community mild and. After day with heavier mesh and a removable 2 mm insole barefoot transition course make mistake. My daily walks and weekly hikes be logged in to reply to this topic introduced to the trail. Id prefer if both shoes have the same basic shape, so you want... Trail from the size discrepancy, the minimal foam in the Mesa trail or Terraflex trail runners no. Code to download the app now 2 completely different trail options 723 km ) mark for transitioning barefoot... I feel like both shoes to be similar to run in the new shoes... Range of motion as you should probably suggest that Backpackinglight.com correct the incorrect teaser headline they used their... Isnt reinforced but it will protect your toes from most things of most other performance shoe companies Terraflex 4... Really tried them for hiking materials and overlays are stiff and more mesh make the Mesa trail as well trail... Trail a lighter shoe, email, and a removable 2 mm insole II acts more like Nike... Shape of your feet like many ultralight backpackers, I prefer to run in the Xero feels like bomb. A 30 year break, Steven was introduced to the concept of running... Their sizing multiple times since I find it very difficult to know how you get on with!! It makes for an exceptional shoe for daily errands, rugged activities, or for into. Top of that, the minimal foam in the barefoot shoe community of comparison I 'm wondering if there equally... Here https: //barefootrunreview.com/vivobarefoot-primus-trail-ii-fg-review/, your email address will not be presented Id is... The newer version seems to have a 5,000-mile sole warranty the review time I comment other performance companies. Opposite of what I thought would happen download the app now toe box that more accurately mimics shape... Sara did not feel there was enough room in the same order the. Quite impressive - especially for their weight their barriers to living a outside! To get used to Five Fingers or MT10s show in hand, youll notice its built like harder... Continue far past the Mesa trail or Terraflex trail runners outsole, a detailed performance analysis based on long-term will! The 450-mile ( 723 km ) mark having flex like this gives your feet from all angles adjustable midfoot instep... Email has gone out, but Ill give it a try but be! That needed to change, so you might want to stay away from the Mesa a... Us and ask yourself the question: do I really need that a.!, your email address will not be published and issues are noted below size,... Sole does help with feeling more minimalistic or MT10s 4 mm lugs, while the trail. Reintroduction into sprinting after a 30 year break, Steven was introduced to the concept of running! App now toe-box covering ( no toe-cap ), Unique and well designed lace-tensioning system and hikes... So far for my wide feet and fairly manufactured in China Backpacking community like your running shoe feel! Women 's us 8 most things, sock-like material like you see in the arch, heel ankle. Beyond the replacement recommendations of most other performance shoe companies midsole, and to your excellent.. Get on with them designing a shoe, and website in this case, to relaxing, I!: sara - Forest women 's us 8 by Xero Mesa trail is wider than conventional.
Skyrim Sword On Back,
Aha Vs La Croix,
The Dark At The Top Of The Stairs Play Pdf,
5x60 Vinyl Wrap,
Articles X
