Barefoot Sandal Review: Xero Shoes Z-Trek and Z-Trail

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The 5 Best Hiking Sandals of 2023: • The 5 Best Hiking Sand...
If you’re into the barefoot shoe movement or you’re on the lookout for a super lightweight pair of sandals, look no further than Xero Shoes. The Z-Trail and Z-Trek are both designed for adventure use, though the Z-Trek has a thinner sole. But both have alternating tread patterns to help keep you on your feet on tricky terrain and easily adjustable straps so you can dial in the perfect fit. They are light and small enough (they even roll up into a ball) to toss in your backpack or travel bag and completely forget that they are there. And these hiking sandals truly let you feel the ground beneath your feet. You know, so you feel more connected and stable as you hike.
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Hey there! We’re Josh and Alisha, the creators of Terradrift, which is all about sustainable travel and adventure. That means travel tips, adventure guides, gear reviews, and a whole lot more. And all of it encourages you to explore responsibly. 'Cause we've just got the one planet, and since we like to get out there and enjoy it as often as possible both near and far, it's our responsibility to treat it with a little bit of respect. So lace up the ol' boots, grab your favorite pack, and wander on! #terradrift #wanderon #Sandals

[@Terradrift]

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[@TJ_into_the_wild]

Good all-round review! If you're getting heel pain then you need to adopt the barefoot walking technique and either forefoot strike or midfoot strike. Minimalist/barefoot shoes and sandals are not designed for heel strikes and you'll quickly experience a lot of pain if you do. I've had my Z-Treks for 2 years and love them. I might try the Z-Trails for my next pair. Take care guys!

[@Terradrift]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Nikkibee716]

Absolutely agree! I made the switch to only barefoot shoes a few months ago and it’s been a kinda awkward process of learning to forefoot strike but I’m finally getting the hang of it lol I still feel like I look awkward but no ones ever said anything lol

[@cataclysmiccrypto5801]

@@Terradrift I'm just piggybacking off of TJ, once I made the transition to properly forefoot striking it was a night and day difference. Just listen to your body and you'll be fine! Great channel @terradrift, Love you both.

[@filosofodemierda]

Heel strikes are bad especially when running, proper running technique depends on more of a mid to forefoot striking. Walking wise I have never thought how I walk to be honest, although I have been barefoot for years now so I guess I am used to/feet are strong as they should be.

[@whitemakesright2177]

Forefoot/midfoot vs heel strike is important, but so is walking with a lighter step. So many people, because of heavily cushioned shoes, slam their feet down, when really you should be letting your feet down lightly, in a completely controlled movement.

[@Moose_of_the_Ages]

Can confirm. It takes a while for your feet to adapt. I went from heavy work boots every day to minimalist shoes to save my knees. My feet were sore for about three months before they started to catch up. Daily use of a ball roller helped tons. Thanks for this review. I was torn between these two sandals and this review helped me decide.

[@LeifWarner]

Their site says the Z-Trail (the one with the foam) is 20% lighter than the solid rubber Z-Trek. I think you had that backwards in your vid.

[@glennsak]

I have the Z-Trails and I love them! I wear mine everywhere: neighborhood walks, runs and up and down trails.

[@Terradrift]

Alisha wears hers nearly everywhere!

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

Made the move to Altras, Lems 9 to 5s for dress shoes and Xero Z trails for sandals a few years back. Will never return to high heels and arch supports that damage my feet, knees, and back! Your heel striking (not a good thing) is why your heels hurt. At least for me... I discovered the idea of arches and overly cushioned shoes were lies to sell me expensive shoes. I even found xero drop minimalist boots for riding my Harley. Good review for those new to the concept. I hope y'all will continue on the minimalist shoe path...your body will thank you for it.

[@jgsk78]

Facts my man. It's all industry lies. We live in the world where what we buy is mostly supply driven. These companies create their own demand by programming us through years of sofisticated marketing and thir goals have nothing to do with our quality of life. The only goal is to grow and make money. And so, modern footwear weakens, damages our feet and gait and health, but worry not, "Our new line of 'hyper bounce flex cushion' kicks are here with more technology and support to get rid of your pain and make you a better athlete... They won't but don't worry, next year they will have another line, or two.. and they will be more awesome than ever!!! you just have to buy them!! And on and on it goes.

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

@@jgsk78 I definitely against high cushion anything. My choices are still the same and my health and body are better now at almost 55 than I was at 25. Minimalist is the best path for me since I can't really go around barefoot everyday, lol. Life is good - hope your day is a great one.

[@merilynclark9355]

Ok … I was just thinking I wanted to comment as I received some today. And I put them on straight away and my Son has a pair and he had already schooled me on them and what to expect and your review has done the same. I wore them around the roads and onto rougher ground and I was surprised at their performance! That’s why I wanted to give you some feed back. It’s early days but I had them on for a lot of today and I found them very comfortable very flexible very easy to wear and beautiful and light and I love the colour of the magenta straps against the purple foot base. My were A DELICIOUS DELIGHT!!! May it grow from here. Feed back from my son same as your review took a little time getting used to them. He took them further over tougher terrains and for about 5 hours solid. They survived that’s impressive already. So my take definitely A DELICIOUS DELIGHT! Thanks for making them. ❤❤❤

[@DJSugarBoy1993]

Dynamic duo! Thoroughly enjoyed the fun description thanks!!

[@tylertapp131]

Just got some z trek 2s in, they were a touch bigger then expected, so now I'm goin down a size. Cant wait to try em out.

[@fatherbrice]

Thanks for the video! My last pair of barefoot sandals (from Unshoes) lasted 11 years, but I need new ones now, am a fan of the Xero brand, and can get Xeroes relatively fast in Europe (where I currently live). This video helped me decide that I want the Z-Trek because of its thinner and single-material sole. I am very grateful!

[@countbrass1346]

Awesome review! I have to say, when you spoke about the difference you noticed when changing back to your normal shoes, I had that too! Now all my shoes are barefoot 😅 Problem = solved 🥳

[@Terradrift]

Nice!

[@chandlersavage3481]

Awesome review! I so appreciate you giving a balanced perspective of the pros and cons both on trails and in town. I had just ordered the Z-Trails, but had FOMO about the Treks, but since I'll be doing a lot more walking around town with them, I'll stick with the little extra cushion of the Z-Trails. Thanks for helping me feel more secure about my decision! :P

[@Terradrift]

You're very welcome!

[@patrickanderson171]

Which ones did better in water? Can either be used for water sports? Thanks for the thorough review.

[@shaggyterrell8460]

I switched to barefoot shoes, Whitins, a few years ago. Really helped my back and foot pain. Luckily I didn’t go through any sort of painful transition period, I felt better automatically. Probably because skate shoes were closer to them than basketball type sneakers. Really want to get a pair of these for camp shoes and maybe even everyday use, just haven’t gotten frustrated with the rabbit hole enough to pick one yet 😂

[@leonpse]

I like the Z-Trek, but if you step on a rock. It can be painful until your feet gets tougher. I don’t like the adjustable strap being in the back of the shoe and it seems to slip off easily from the strap connector.

[@thekurtopian]

Nice video, I think I’m going to try out the z-trek!

[@winnienagel]

I love my z-trails but you are right... The foam part of the outersoles are very worn out after just a Short time

[@LuisTorres-wj4qv]

Walking five thousand miles is a significant distance! On average, a person walks at a speed of about three to four miles per hour. If someone walks an hour each day, that would be roughly three to four miles daily. Here’s a quick breakdown: - **If walking three miles a day:** It would take about 1,667 days to reach five thousand miles, which is around four and a half years. - **If walking four miles a day:** It would take about 1,250 days, or around three and a half years. So, depending on how much a person walks daily, it could take between three and a half to four and a half years to walk five thousand miles. Chat GPT

[@fairwind8222]

No! I don’t like show reviews! But I hate show shopping even worse, so thank you for posting these silly sandals reviews 5hey have been very helpful and I have narrowed my search down to two brands, without even leaving my couch. Thanks 👍🏻

[@Raventommm]

I would love to try them! FREEEEDOM!!!!!

[@Terradrift]

YESSSSSS!!!

[@Thebirdemoji]

4:16 it only took me a month. All you have to do is go through one day of pain that's all. Run as long as possible on your poor street and when you feel like your gonna give up go one more round with your already torn feet. Go home let you feet blister and repair and when its all healed go ahead and run over anything you want and also just strengthen your bones by jumping off places. Don't jump onto concrete.🤕 That will hurt like a b****. And even though you feel invincible your not you can cut the back of your foot open on a stick in a creek. Don't go walk in a dry creek bed with a bunch a leaves. You will fall, cut your foot open, and have excruciating pain for 2 - 3 weeks. Don't make the same mistake I did. Edit: this is about being fully barefoot no protection

[@LouisLuzuka]

Which one would you bring to travel Asia or Singapore Philippines Malaysia etc.

[@jameshuffield1755]

very nice work. thank you for your input. If I end up getting one of these two shoes,

[@Terradrift]

Nice!

[@rociofernandez284]

Las compré en Amazon en Barcelona y al mes de caminar con ellas ya tienen avería en la suela 😔

[@MarmaladeINFP]

You were feeling heel soreness while wearing the barefoot sandals because you're body was sending you a signal that you shouldn't be heel walking. You apparently haven't adapted yet. You can't walk barefoot the way you do in thick, structured, cushiony shoes and boots.

[@Terradrift]

These were some of our first barefoot shoes. We’ve adapted now!

[@jgsk78]

My 2 cents.. i only wear barefoot shoes, didn't have sandals, bought the ticker ones, the trails, and I now I wish I'd gone for the thinner tracks. 10mm is too high if you're used to and love feeling the ground. I kind of don't know what's going on under my foot with these and don't have the ground feel and that massage with every step which is what every one who wears these shoes knows. .. that's simply not comfortable enough for me . So yeah, speaking of comfort.. that's relative. Anyway if somebody has the similar motivation/background for buying these maybe this helps. Cheers.

[@Terradrift]

Nice! Thanks for sharing

[@FrazierFinds]

Interesting evaluation guys... thinking about getting my first pair of barefoot shoes/ sandals. I've had a number of toe / ankle surgeries over the years and incorporating barefoot workouts into my routine has helped. This might be a natural 'step' for me hah... Still in between the trek and trail in all honesty, as a bigger guy (6'4" 245lbs) I'm wondering if the trail's extra cushion will help me in my adjustment period. The thought of putting my chacos down for a day hike is a bit intimidating but we'll see how it goes!

[@Terradrift]

After getting used to barefoot shoes and sandals we stopped wearing our Chacos. They feel super clunky now!

[@jgsk78]

Dude i recommend Ben Patrick's knees over thoes channel and his workouts. Saying that because you mentioned your surgeries and his workouts help restore proper ankle and knees mobility and strength. Barefoot shoes are great but not 'heel all' magic pill. I know that because I've been wearing barefoot shoes for 6 years now, including running and playing basketball and while it's si amazing I'll never wear anything else they didn't get rid of all my lingering ankle and knee pain from previous bad shoes, lack of ankle mobility and previous ankle sprains and sport injuries... Ben's program did. Best

[@halfpinthiker6568]

You have the weight of the shoes backwards.

[@bhupendrarana7019]

I would still prefer luna sandals over them

[@charlesbetz9475]

Balls of your feet. Calves absorb impact. Don't land on jagged rocks

[@fernandomena9413]

❤❤❤❤❤❤. Guau guau qué belleza de. Sandalias. Están. Súper súper genial 👍 🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶💋💋💋💋💋💋👍👍🥰✋✋✋🥰✋☺️☺️☺️🧒🌺🌺👩

[@jaimis5377]

im a chubby out of shape dude but wearing barefoot shoes has been great for my knees and back too somehow?

[@tindanian]

anyone used these for cycling? How do they feel?

[@shaihulud69]

de bonnes chaussures mais elles meurent tres vite au bout de 500 km c est fini, semelle qui se decollent , trous dans cette semelle..c est dommage

[@fernandomena9413]

Guau guau ❤❤❤❤❤. Se. Experimentan aires de. Libertad 🗽. 🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🥰🥰🥰🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🩴🧡🤩😧👧👧👧👧👧

[@kubakot1655]

What's the weight for 2 sandals (one pair) ?

[@Terradrift]

Z-Trek: 7.2 ounces each for a men’s 9. Z-Trail: 5.4 ounces each for a men’s size 9

[@mikemikemikemikemikemeup]

Your heel probably hurt because you step to hard and you are doing a heel strike.

[@Terradrift]

Very probably! But no matter how hard Josh tries to walk flat footed, his heel always hurts. But that's not the case with other barefoot shoes he's warn. 🤷

[@therealchickentender]

Bedrock.

[@chucksmalley3987]

It's a sandal not a hiking boot.

[@DKop13]

Its a trail running sandal.

[@JH-zh5cr]

Vegan

[@DAD-yf6fi]

Vegan shoes? Gross! Lol

[@Terradrift]

🤔😂

[@deletedfile7979]

The girl is so weird lol

[@Terradrift]

😂

[@truepeacenik]

Keep herbivores weird!

[@marcz9482]

2021 selling you nothing for $60. That's barely a flip-flop. What happened to paying for what you get?

[@AdamManley7]

It’s an intentionally minimalist design, it’s supposed to be very flat because it relies more on natural foot strength rather than cushion

[@jgsk78]

One thing is because it's less material it doesn't mean lower engineering and manufacturing costs, they still need to deal with pressures and forces of walking and an activities with less material and weight so have be designed well. Second: when one day we realize you don't need to wear air Max nonsense and there is plenty of barefoot companies and competition around they will be cheaper. For now they are small minority and they can't take advantage of economy of scale like the sport apparel and footwear giants can. Also, these smaller companies tent to be l lot more ethically aware and conscious, that contradicts the production methods and worker and environment exploitation the big companies happily participate in because it brings costs down and gives them price competitive advantage. And lastly you can't look at everything this way, as the money you spend .. It's an investment to health, I mean you can go conventional way, conventional shoes ruin your toes, feet, gait, knees, spine etc.. and later in life have a knee surgery, how much is that? And can u even express this kind of equation in monetary terms?

[@glacialimpala]

Good luck finding a flip flop that will feel good and endure 5000 miles

[@CrYou575]

I suggest you save even more and go barefoot then