Best Minimalist Shoes for Ultra Marathons?: Unbiased Look at Xero Shoes Scrambler Low

[@saigudbai]

I've been using Trail gloves and Altra Lone Peaks for years. Just tried the Scrambler low and I absolutely love it. They Incorporated the things I liked about both those other shoes. It has the ground feel and stability of the TG and still feels protective like the LP without the squishing down and sacking out of the Altras.

[@keneticchannel]

They're still some of my favs! I usually run in sandals, but if I'm in shoes on the trails, I'm usually wearing Xero Scrambler Lows (sounds like a weird Dos Equis ad 😆).

[@kirkcrawford2535]

Thanks for the awesome review! Do you feel like the sole of scrambler is thicker than the mesa trail II?

[@keneticchannel]

Thicker? Not quite sure. They seem somewhat evenly paired. However, the sole of the Scrambler Low feels a little bit more rigid in the heel section. Not protruding, just less flexible. However, when it comes to shoe you're going to be running in across potentially sharp rocks and gravel, I like a little heel protection.

The scrambler lows are now my favorite shoes. I bought them the week they came out (which was, fortunately, not long before I had my first 50k trail race). I like the extra grip and protection, which I've been looking for in a shoe for several years (which is why I bought them so quickly). As an extra, I cut insoles out of the thin flexible cutting boards to make a rock plate and put it between the shoe and the insole they come with. With that, I can go anywhere and do anything! The lugs wear out faster than on the terraflex (I don't have mesas). I also always wear xoskin xotoe socks and never get blisters!

[@keneticchannel]

The soles are already pretty sturdy where I'd think a rock plate wouldn't be necessary, but if the terrain is incredibly sharp, very possibly! But yes, they are an incredible minimalist trail shoe.

[@georgepalmer7759]

Are these better in snow and ice during the winter than the Messa trail 2's

[@keneticchannel]

Yes, I would say these grip on snow better than MT2s.

[@andrewbickerstaff9791]

This one's certainly on my list to get. Saw it on a Xero video the other day, and it seems quite impressive.

[@keneticchannel]

I dig 'em! They've definitely made the weekly rotation. I feel bad that I've neglected my Mesa Trail IIs since I got these babies. 😆

[@andrewbickerstaff9791]

😂

[@NewSkiwi]

How do these compare to the Mesa trail shoes?

[@keneticchannel]

Sorry for the delay! Personally, I feel like the soles on these feel just a bit wider and the heels a bit more rigid. The lugs are also better on slick surfaces. The MT2s are a bit slimmer feeling and just a touch more flexible.

[@raphaelsommer9808]

Have you ever used one pair?! They look new to me?

[@keneticchannel]

Absolutely! I just have to scrub 'em down before I bring them into the house or else my wife yells at me. 😆 But I see where you're coming from. As a Xero Shoes affiliate, they used to pressure us more to publish our reviews within a certain time frame from a launch date. They don't do that as much anymore and we're much more in control of when we put out reviews to remain in the program -- probably for the reason you just mentioned. For instance, I have two Xero Shoes boot reviews coming out for boots that my wife and I have been wearing for even over a year. I'm also about to put out a review of some Shamma Sandals I've put over 1,000 miles of road running on. So, stay tuned for longer-term wear tests!

[@keneticchannel]

I have some reviews on heavily used shoes. Here is my review of the Shamma TrailStar Maximus sandals after 1,000 miles of roads: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXTPlJZ9otaba6csi=zzg3ntqRTvzDCoEr

[@mmg781]

Nice review, thanks! These look like the minimalist trail shoe I've been looking for. Was going to pull the trigger on Mesa IIs but these looks better for rocky, rooty New England trails.

[@keneticchannel]

I like both, but these feel more sturdy on loose rocks. Mesa Trail II models feel like they're built for speed on dirt or grass, etc.

[@kitcraft9516]

Do you have a Xero suggestion for someone coming from Lems? I tried some Vivos but they are really, really narrow in the midfoot and the stack height is just too low for me at this point in my journey. Basically, I am looking for something that borders barefoot and simply being anatomical and zero drop. Altras have too much squish and stack height and vivo doesn't have enough even if it fit. Now, I've have tried a few xero on in person and know that they fit my foot shape (wide midfoot, mega wide forefoot and moderate toes). But I was hoping to find something with just a bit more underfoot than the 360s that I have now. They are fine for lifting but I can't wear them for hours on end. I'm looking for something that can handle super light trails (packed dirt and sand), roads (casual) and gym use (mainly stationary cycle, liss treadmill and occasional strength work). Just a basic generic trainer replacement. I used new balance trainers for this purpose for years but switched to nanos (not wide enough) for the past few years and like that they aren't ultra soft underfoot. I'm not even sure if xero has an offering that matches my request, lol. Real world experience would help though. I like their shoes, but their customer service is kind of iffy, at best (dogmatic and self-serving, if you know what I mean). So, asking always gets me a lecture rather than a response. Anyway, I'd apricate a rec if you have any suggestions!

[@keneticchannel]

You may like the Xero Forza Runner. I did a review of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaWpgIWOjtifZ8k

[@kitcraft9516]

@@keneticchannel Thank you, I'll give it a watch.

[@mrcrede244]

Are the lugs aggressive enough on the Lows to play outdoor soccer in? I dont like cleats and like something with good grip and a wide toe box.

[@keneticchannel]

While I'm not 100% sure because I'm not a soccer player, they do remind me of mellower version of my old baseball cleats. They have a decent bite!

[@an.20.24]

Thanks for the review. Would you suggest this shoes to someone with extremely wide feet, who likes to walk/hike in trails and rocky trails? Is the Mesa Trail a better option, in your opinion? Thanks.

[@keneticchannel]

These feel a bit wider than the Mesa Trail IIs in my opinion, but not sure if that's the case. I like the sole better, though both are good. And when you say wide, so you mean wider than are comfortable in standard shoes or barefoot-style shoes? Because most models of barefoot-style shoes are wider than standard shoes. These are definitely wider than standard hiking boots or trail running shoes, but Xeros aren't the widest in the barefoot-style world.

[@an.20.24]

@@keneticchannel Hi, thanks for the reply. I'll tell you this : I normally wear the Xero Prio, for everyday walking and I love them. They're perfect for my feet. Do the Mesa Trail or the Scrambler have the same width? I was reading and watching reviews comparing the two, and I came to this conclusion: the Mesa are basically the true minimalist shoes of the two, while the Scramblers are more of "real" shoe (so more structure) but can still be considered minimalist. Do you agree? Right now for trail I'm using the Altra Lone Peak. They're way more cushioned than the Xero Prio, and have lots of space in the toe box. What's the widest barefoot shoes you can think of? Thanks.

[@keneticchannel]

@an.20.24 I haven't tried the Prio, but the Mesa Trail II seems like the trail version of it. The Scrambler has a more substantial sole -- especially heel -- but is more minimal than standard shoes. But if you like the Prio, you may prefer the Mesa Trail II, which I reviewed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2ObZGeCo9Wjp6M

[@an.20.24]

@@keneticchannel Yeah, that's the same feeling I've had while looking at the Mesa Trail: it's basically the trail version of the Prio, so, as minimalist as you can get. I'm going to look at the review you made for the Mesa. Thank you a lot for the info!

[@theoneders2056]

I have the Mesa Trail IIs and love them. I want to get a 2nd pair of Xero shoes and torn between this and the Prio Neos. Have you been able to try those as well and is the price difference worth it for the Scrambler Low? Looking for a shoe i can walk on all day for ab upcoming trip.

[@keneticchannel]

I haven't tried the Prio Neos, but they look to be more road shoes. The Scrambler Low are very much off-road shoes. They have fairly aggressive tread great for rugged terrain. They still work on roads, but they're mostly for trails.

[@aurelgergey5470]

A very valuable video that got me thinking and researching. I found out: The Tarahumarahe make their soles from the tread of old tires, which are usually at least 10mm thick (once the tread is torn off. If not completely, they're even thicker. They also tend to be stiffer than high end barefoot sandals/shoes. That's funny, because most barefoot shoe brands try to make their soles as thin and flexible as possible - while the Tarahumarahe OG's (which run a lot on hard sand, comparable to asphalt) run on soles so thick that barefoot shoe purists would make fun of it. Xero seems to be one of the exceptions with their Scramblers. Looking forward to give them a try! Thanks for the eye opener.

[@keneticchannel]

I don't know why folks equate barefoot running with the Raramuri/Tarahumara. They don't run barefoot. Running barefoot in the Copper Canyons is treacherous. Barefoot Ted even brought high quality thin motorcycle tire rubber for them to use in making huaraches and Christopher McDougall said none of them wanted it. 😆 I tried running trails in Shamma Warriors for a while (their thinnest model) and wound up with a plantar plate strain from stomping a sharp rock. Now, while I love those for roads, I only run trails in thicker sandals like Shamma Maximus or Alpha models.

[@aurelgergey5470]

"none of them wanted it"....wise peeps up there in the mountains🤣

[@RandyKreill]

Great review, thanks

[@saulsainz1806]

Would you recommend these above the freet feldom?

[@keneticchannel]

I've never tried Freet shoes, but the Feldoms look more like Xero Mesa Trail IIs, which I reviewed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2ObZGeCo9Wjp6Msi=24YqcHitCu6mJ4hN I would say that the Scrambler Low, while having the barefoot essentials (zero drop sole, wide toe box, no arch support, etc), they are a bit more rigid in the sole -- especially in the heel area. Some may not like this because they want more ground feel, but shoes like these can come in handy if you know you'll be running on sharper rocks, like gravel. They're also good for mixed terrain runs because the tread lugs are less noticeable on roads, whereas some trail shoes on flat surfaces can feel like running in cleats.

[@audreypots]

Great video, thanks! Can you comment on wet roads, ate they slippery at all? My only gripe with my prio's are they are unusable on wet smooth surface

[@keneticchannel]

I ran in the rain in these without problems. I can only speak for myself, but they were very capable.

[@audreypots]

@@keneticchannel thank you 🙏

[@TadeuszCantwell]

How dry were your feet in the rain!

[@keneticchannel]

Not too bad! I don't recall any squish or discomfort from the moisture.

[@TadeuszCantwell]

@@keneticchannel So they drain quickly in light rain? I presume the mesh lets the water in.

[@GreatButLate]

​@@keneticchannel How quickly do they dry compared to the Mesa Trail II?

[@chrispfister4400]

I love mine but felt the 10. 5 a little tight so I went to an 11 and can’t take them off. Probably end up with both colors. Lol

[@BartoszFalkowski]

Thanks for this revivew! I'm just in a search for my ultra traiils shoes. I've got Mesa Trails (I) as my daily trainers and stepping on a gravel is a challenge :-) I also have a Terraflex II and recently did a trail race on the distance of 35km. I've never trusted fully the grip of Mesas' - they tend to slip on the grass or on dump trails - Terraflexes are much better and do protect feet better as have more rigid sole. So I guess Scrambler low is even better. For my ultra to go shoes I consider either Scramblers Low or, Inov-8 G270 V2 - this is the most mimialistic shoes in the realm of cushioned shoes - it's a zero drop, quite wide toebox, great outsole with grafen infused and relatively low stack 22mm. I'm going to take my next 50k run with Terraflexes and I'll know if I need some more cushioning to ease my feet or go for Scramblers - they are tempting but would I survive longer distances than 50km ? :-) Time will show.

[@keneticchannel]

I've never tried the Terraflexes, but the treads look just like Mesa Trails. I would say that the Scramblers have a wider-feeling, more substantial sole than the Mesa Trail IIs I've tried. If someone asked if I were to go with Scramblers or Mesas/Terraflexes for a ultra, I'd probably go with Scramblers.

[@roadbunner]

Thanks for the review! I am eyeing these for my son for cross country. Sounds like these would be good for the mix of terrain at meets and training on the roads?

[@keneticchannel]

I believe so! But his feet may need to be a bit more acclimated to minimalist footwear. These are a good introduction to that due to the wider toe boxes, flexible sole, and purposeful lack of arch support. Does your son currently run in mainstream running footwear or something a bit more minimal/flexible?

[@roadbunner]

@@keneticchannel Yes! He uses Vivobarefoot shoes as his main footwear and ran track the last two years in Vivos. Trying to find him something with a bit more grip for cross country.

[@nicolasm400]

Hi! I don't know if you tried the Mesa Trail 2, but I wonder if the scrambler is relatively the same as the mesa trail 2 in terms of sizing? I have the born to run mesa trail 2, size 10,5, and they fit well but seem juuust a little large, (but I prefer a little larger with room for the toes than a little too tight). Thanks!!

[@keneticchannel]

I have a review of the Mesa Trail II on this channel as well. If I had to compare the two shoes, I would say that the Scrambler Low has just a bit more sturdy sole - particularly in the heel. I don't know if they actually are wider, but they feel as such to me. And yes, the Mesa Trail II feel like they run big. I usually wear an 11, but had to swap them out with a 10.5 because I was catching the toe on rocks and roots and tripping. When it comes to trail running shoes, less is more. I hope this is helpful!

[@keneticchannel]

To elaborate, the Mesa Trail II feels like it has deeper tread, but a slimmer sole. The Scrambler Low kinda feels like it has the stability of a boot in the sole with the lightness and nimbleness of a shoe.

[@nicolasm400]

Thanks for your advice! I got a response from Xero's youtube channel, and they said that they (Mesa ll & Scrambler) fit similarly, but the scrambler tend to be a tad bit larger. I guess If I find the Mesa Trail 2 a little too roomier and long at size 10,5, I'll probably try the scrambler at size 10 for a snuggier fit. Choosing the right fit is a real challenge when ordering online, especially from Canada since it makes shipping and returns more difficult! My dream is to finally get minimalist shoes in-store in the Montreal area, hopefully the trend might come back, who knows!

[@keneticchannel]

@@nicolasm400 You and me both! I live in the US and have never seen barefoot shoes in stores. Then again, I don't get to stores very often. 😆

[@nicolasm400]

@@same_2u2 I know there's a nice store in Ontario called " the foot collective " and they sell xeros. In Quebec some stores like MEC might sell Altras, but that's pretty much it.

[@jamesdelong6401]

I love there shoes. They have work really well with my back pain and the better foot to ground feel

[@fraconadventure1885]

Are they already on sale?

[@hawkf9199]

They remind me of Primus Trail just friendlier sizing

[@keneticchannel]

I'll try Vivobareboots one of these days. I can't justify it yet because I have so many other models and some of my favorites are a quarter the price as VBs! 😆

[@WiseOneSun]

Shouldn't we buy a half size larger since you said in this video they run smaller than usual? Please elucidate.....

[@keneticchannel]

That depends on how you like your shoes to fit and the application. For trail footwear, I lean toward the tighter/shorter side to reduce the instances of tripping. For roads, I don't mind them being a little larger. They're mostly true to size, but lean just a little bit on the smaller side if either side. I would recommend printing out the sizing templates from Xero's website to dial in the fit that is right for you.

[@WiseOneSun]

Thanks for the elucidation!

[@Bebopin-69]

Great shoe, i have a pair. But dont last: i have 4 holes in the mesh, the sole is done, after 6 months. I dont run. I just wear them in the home and for everything daily. At the same time i wore them so all the time, that maybe 6mths is a lifetime. But my mesa trail 2 went through the same, and they hold up much better. I use an extra insole and they feel close to the scrambler.

[@keneticchannel]

Were you wearing them on concrete and asphalt frequently? Because most trail running and hiking shoes are made with a softer rubber designed to grip natural terrains a bit "tackier" than road shoes. This also mean that if they're worn more on roads, concrete, and asphalt, they may wear down faster than road shoes. I'd recommend the Xero Forza Runner if you're looking for shoes that hold up well on man-made surfaces: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaWpgIWOjtifZ8ksi=Vi2VjZBuUjOh1mcR

[@tcoker0416]

Has anyone wore these as a daily shoe like for work or grocery trips?

[@keneticchannel]

They'd work, but probably overkill. The tread is fairly aggressive.

[@tcoker0416]

@@keneticchannel thanks! Glad I didn't pull the trigger. I love Xeros but hate the return process. Went with the new Zelen!

[@victorvalenzuela9650]

Never trust a shoe review that starts with "they sent me these shoes". I buy mine then give an honest review because I spent my hard earned money.

[@keneticchannel]

That's your prerogative. 😁 But I pride myself on being honest. For instance, I mentioned that I wish they were wider -- which are my thoughts on most Xero models. These shoes have ousted other shoes in my rotation for sure, Xero models even. The Xero Mesa Trail IIs used to be my go-to shoes for rough terrain, but the Scrambler Low and Scrambler Mids have taken their place.

[@donaldroehrig7817]

Great! Where are your shoe reviews?

[@iFkNxLegend]

I never trust any review that starts that way but would we trust them more if they didn’t mention it? A lie if omission would still be a lie

[@ewxlt]

@@iFkNxLegendEspecially with the “referral link down below”.

[@keneticchannel]

​@@iFkNxLegendIt's also illegal. 😅 If I had to buy every shoe I review, I would probably have about 2 reviews on this channel. But I enjoy trying out new innovative gear and providing honest feedback so the gear can get better.

[@patrickbrown7398]

Comment

[@NewSkiwi]

How do these compare to the Mesa trail shoes?

[@keneticchannel]

I feel like these are a bit of an upgrade from the Mesa Trail II models. These are a bit wider, the upper seems a bit more robust, and the sole's tread is a bit more grippy on wetter surfaces. For example, where I would run on snow in these, I would not want to do so on the MT2s. On the flip side, the MT2 soles are a bit more flexible than the Scrambler Lows. But again, the MT2s are more narrow (in my opinion of how they feel, anyway).