Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Review

Overview

The Xero Z-Trail EV is a zero-drop sandal built on an 11 mm sole and a single zig-zag of webbing, and it weighs roughly what a pair of thick wool socks does. It suits minimalist hikers, camp-shoe carriers and anyone who wants a sandal that rolls up and disappears into a pack. The trade-off is plain: very little cushion, very little hold on the foot, and a limit on how much weight and mileage it handles comfortably.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	244–306 g per pair depending on size
Manufacturer reference weight	5.4 oz (153 g) per sandal, Men’s size 9
Sole thickness	11 mm
Drop	0 mm
Sole construction	3-layer FeelLite™: FeelTrue® rubber outsole, TrailFoam™ midsole, BareFoam™ top layer
Traction	Dual chevron lug pattern
Straps	Recycled rPET nylon webbing, Z-pattern, adjustable heel and instep
Vegan	Yes
Sole warranty	5,000 miles
Price (EU)	€95

Performance

Weight and packability. This is the Z-Trail EV’s strongest argument. Greenbelly’s testers called it the lightest sandal a hiker can still reasonably expect to walk in, at 10.8 oz a pair. A Backpacking Light member who moved over from a pair of Chacos that weighed 26.8 oz described a saving of 17.5 oz on a single piece of footwear. The sole is flexible enough to roll up, and Xero says the sandals float, which is a small bonus on a packraft trip.

Comfort and ground feel. Owners who already live in minimalist shoes report that the Z-Trail EV feels like a second skin. CleverHiker’s Ian Krammer found the soft, adjustable webbing secure and free of hot spots. Outdoor Gear Lab’s testers noted that the thin sole lets the foot feel the ground while still blocking the sharpest objects, though their women’s pair scored a middling 5.5 on comfort and ranked 15th of 19 sandals overall. Anyone used to cushioned footwear should expect tired feet after long wear. CleverHiker says the same, and describes the EV as better suited to relaxed outings than serious mileage.

Protection. The TrailFoam midsole is the EV’s upgrade over the original Z-Trail, and testers say it takes the edge off gravel. At 11 mm, though, it is still thin for jagged alpine terrain. Outdoor Adept’s reviewer put it behind beefier minimalist options such as Bedrock for that kind of ground. The toe box is open, so small rocks and debris get through. A Trailspace reviewer also gave up on a pair of Z-Trails because dirt and gravel kept working into the sandal in dry conditions, and water did the same in wet ones.

Traction and wet performance. Dual chevron lugs grip well on dry trail, and an REI reviewer called the outsole traction phenomenal. Wet is a different story. Outdoor Gear Lab found the footbed gets slippery when wet. Trailspace reviewers report the foot sliding within the sandal when it’s wet or sweaty. Greenbelly lists the same forward slide as a con. The single Z-strap system doesn’t allow a very tight fit. Owners on steep descents with wet feet will notice.

Durability. Reports are favorable for something this thin. Krammer logged about 400 miles on his pair, covering hiking, swimming, errands and travel, and found the straps barely frayed after thousands of adjustments. A Trailspace reviewer ran more than 200 miles in a pair and found it robust. Xero backs the sole for 5,000 miles. REI’s 162 reviews average 3.9 out of 5, which suggests fit and slip complaints cost the sandal more than failures do.

Choosing a Version

The three versions differ in size and cut. They do not differ in construction. The EU 38.5 and the Women’s 38.5 both weigh 244 g a pair. At the other end, 306 g is the figure Xero quotes as 10.8 oz for a pair, with 5.4 oz per sandal as its Men’s size 9 reference. Weight climbs with size, so larger feet cost a few ounces more.

• EU 38.5 / Women’s 38.5: For smaller feet, the lightest option in the lineup. Because the sandal has just one width, narrow-footed buyers should give the strap adjustment a close look, since the foot-slide complaint tends to be worse with a looser fit.
• Men’s / Size 11: The heaviest of the three, but still barely more than 10 oz. It is the choice for larger feet, and it is the version the manufacturer’s weight figure most closely matches.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• About 11 oz a pair at the heavy end, among the lightest sandals a hiker can actually walk in
• Zero drop and a flexible sole preserve ground feel
• Quick-drying webbing, easy on and off, highly adjustable
• Durable for its thickness, with a 5,000-mile sole warranty
• Vegan, with recycled rPET straps

Cons

• Thin sole offers little cushion or support for long days or heavy packs
• Foot tends to slide in the sandal when wet or sweaty
• Open toe lets in grit, and offers no protection from stubs
• Footbed gets slick when wet
• Single Z-strap doesn’t allow a very snug fit

Who Should Buy This

The Z-Trail EV suits ultralight backpackers who want a camp shoe, creek-crossing sandal or town shoe that adds ounces rather than pounds, and minimalist-footwear regulars who like to walk on ground feel. It also works for travelers who want one packable sandal for beach, city and a day hike.

It is the wrong choice for anyone who wants cushion, arch support or toe protection. Hikers carrying heavy loads, or expecting to use the sandal as their only footwear on a long-distance route, should look at a more structured sandal. Greenbelly’s testers would not recommend it for heavy backpacking trips or as a sole thru-hike shoe.

Verdict

The Z-Trail EV does what it promises: it is a very light, very packable, well-built minimalist sandal with real durability for its thickness. It earns its place in the pack as camp and water footwear, and as a primary shoe for hikers already adapted to barefoot-style walking. Everyone else should treat it as a companion to a real trail shoe.