Xero Shoes - Mesa Trail II
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Reddit Reviews:
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Based on 1 year's data from Jan 28, 2026 How it works
Liked most:
48
3
"The Mesa II's are super light ... something like 8oz lighter than the Vivo Hydra ESC ... I got spoiled by super light shoes and it's hard to wear anything else. now. ... So I'm a big Mesa fan."
"Copper Spur is perfect though I have also used a 20+ pound REI Kingdome when space was less of an issue. ... I do a fair amount of trips that start with a flight so a lighter tent that takes up less room is a must."
"Cloud up trace 1p 0.93kg + groundsheet."
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"I was quite impressed with its comfort and trail capabilities, and truly believed I had found an excellent shoe for my long runs and hikes. ... the New Balance Hierro v9 remains my top choice for comprehensive trail running. Its superior comfort and, crucially, its consistently reliable grip in varied and challenging conditions make it a more dependable partner on the trails I typically encounter. ... I feel more secure in the Hierro, and that confidence is key. In fact I will be using it for my upcoming races and that says it all."
"The Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Hierro v9 is simply outstanding. Its 4.5mm lugs provide excellent, reliable traction across various surfaces, from dry dirt to slick roots and muddy patches. I've always felt incredibly secure, and it consistently inspires confidence in diverse conditions. ... Great Vibram outsole grip, even on mud and wet rocks"
"The Trabuco 12 have been the best trail shoes I’ve ever owned. ... I’m 6”4 and charge hard over serious rocky terrain…and I feel completely safe in them."
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"Ran a 50k and never once bothered my feet."
"enough of a running shoe i have done ultras in them"
"I've used them for 1500 miles of multi-day hiking with no issues!"
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"can be used perfectly well on the road/treadmill too ... are the only shoes I pack if I'm heading to mixed terrain running locales. ... I was in Palm Springs just last week & did some short but gnarly trails ([Bump & Grind](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/bump-and-grind-trail)), a road run and a treadmill workout, all in the same pair of Xero's."
"It was a great shoe for walking around town, going to restaurants, running on roads or trails, and hiking the mountains. ... I think the Pegasus Trail 5 is a fantastic do-it-all shoe for vacation."
"the Pegasus trails hit the sweet spot for me. ... They are definitely sufficient for moderate trails and can be pushed if you're just a little careful to handle some relativity technical stuff and handle Road well enough."
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1
"I feel nimble and really stable in a way I don with taller shoes like Altra."
"I’d recommend Xero trail runners if you are looking for that barefoot feeling ... They are very flexible and you can feel the ground and wrap your feet. ... You can even remove the insole for an even more barefoot feeling."
"Definitely on the minimal side “feel the trail” type shoes. ... I like the feedback I get on varying terrain."
Disliked most:
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54
"where it bends in front by the toes is pinching the side of my foot."
"They fit more rigid with more pressure points and have less room in the tow box. ... They were never as comfortable out of the box or hiking as a topo athletic shoe and I’ve had several pairs. ... I’m always very ready to take these shoes off at the end of the day.. ... after a long day, my feet feel like they were in a rock crusher since the cushion 0%."
"I hate how narrow the toe box is. ... It’s causing issues. ... I simply can’t run in them any longer. ... That is not the case, at least for my foot. ... I can’t imagine how narrow earlier versions were!"
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"does not cushion at all"
"They’re easily 0/10 for comfort at first though unless you regularly go barefoot."
"They’re easily 0/10 for comfort at first though unless you regularly go barefoot."
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2
"I put a .5oz 3mm pad in each shoe for longer hikes to give the feet a bit easier time. ... The only concern for longer hikes is if they are too hard on the feet with the minimal amount of cushioning and the amount of flex in the sole. ... I am using an extra liner to give a bit more cushion."
"I do xero shoes for everything but backpacking. ... JMT is longer so I wouldn't do xeros the whole time personally."
"I do xero shoes for everything but backpacking. ... JMT is longer so I wouldn't do xeros the whole time personally."
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"The Mesas are slippery in some conditions which you learn to adapt to after awhile."
"The Mesas are slippery in some conditions which you learn to adapt to after awhile."
"The grip is not the best, nowhere near what a good Vibram sole will give you. I haven't had any slips yet but it's noticeable."
2
2
"Hilleberg is a winter tent; if you rely on this list and buy it for a summer holiday you will die."
"I wouldn't recommend the waterproof Mesas for warm conditions"
"I wouldn't recommend the waterproof Mesas for warm conditions"
ck2k01 1.0I used the all black Xero Mesa Trail II for this purpose, and also as my daily. Was quite satisfied with them but for the fact that the cleats-like sole tread tended to cause calf pain when running with them on pavement for more than a half hour and not staying very mindful about short strikes. I recently wore this pair out (got maybe 2 years out of them), and they were sold out of my size. Tried and returned the all black Xero Scrambler Low EV, as they weren’t as narrow and low profile as I liked with the Mesa Traill II. Ultimately opted to switch to the all black Xero HFS II, and I’ve been very happy with them. I’ve thus far been preferring them > the Mesa Trail II for the lone shoe I wear traveling, as they have been better for my mix of road running (no pain) + light hiking and trail running (the less extreme tread has seemed fine) + daily. When I’m not traveling, I use the all black Altra Escalante 4 for road running; olive Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex for heavier duty hiking/trail running, rain, and snow running; and the HFS II for daily duty.
For daily and travel, I’m a barefoot shoe guy: the [Xero Mesa Trail II](https://xeroshoes.com/shop/shoes/mesa-trail-men/) in all black has been my jam for a while now. Low profile, light, narrow trail runners. For me, a go anywhere do anything shoe short of a suit.
CuseinFL 1.0Altra has the Superior and King Mtn, both of which have less cushioning and arch support than the Lone Peaks. The Superior 6 is my go-to right now. I train almost exclusively in Xero Prios. I also run in Mesa Trail IIs with a rock plate.
Fluid-Sliced-Buzzard 1.0The Mesa II's are super light, something like 8oz lighter than the Vivo Hydra ESC. I got spoiled by super light shoes and it's hard to wear anything else. now. So I'm a big Mesa fan. Also VFF V-Alphas, they are even lighter. For grip VFF are much better than shoes since you have toe movement to help you grip. Then sandals then shoes. The Mesas are slippery in some conditions which you learn to adapt to after awhile. I don't have the Hydras but I have their other ESC soles and those are grippier than the Mesas.
Or Mesa IIs, 3 oz lighter than the Scrambler Lows. I put a .5oz 3mm pad in each shoe for longer hikes to give the feet a bit easier time.
I only have about 200 miles on mine, but they look almost like new, very little sole wear and nothing coming loose. The only concern for longer hikes is if they are too hard on the feet with the minimal amount of cushioning and the amount of flex in the sole. The soles do have some stiffness to them, more than e.g. the Xero Speed Force, and I am using an extra liner to give a bit more cushion. I'll know more at the end of the summer..
midlifeShorty 1.0I am also a fan. I run regularly in my Prio Neos, and I just hiked the Salkantay trek in Peru in my Mesa 2s. Xeros fit so perfectly right away for me and never cause any rubbing or pain. Finding hiking shoes has been a struggle. No traditional boot brands fit me comfortably, so I gave up. The Xeros aren't great in deep mud unfortunately, I had to put shoe covers on for part of the trail one day. So far the shoes are holding up well. I'm an avid runner and hiker, so we will see... I haven't found any other barefoot shoe brand that fits me so perfectly, but there are a lot I haven't tried (Whitins, Vivos, and Altras don't work for sure). I can get the Xeros on sale online occasionally, so I don't normally pay more than $65-85 a pair.
My Mesa 2 Xeros have great traction. I hiked the Salkantay trek in them and it rained a lot, so we were hiking on wet rocks. I never slipped even once. They have the same traction as my old expensive hiking boots but are 10x more comfortable.
MTBRider4Fun 1.0I third the mesa trail II. Absolutely love em, but I have had a hard time finding them recently. Anyone know if they will keep making them?
SloppyCrabCakes 1.0I’ve worn Xero shoes for the past five years, and I love them. I wear the scrambler lows right now and they’re great. Mesa Trail II are excellent as well (and they make great yard work shoes after you wear em down disc Golfing). I got two-three seasons out of them each
Tarekith 1.0How has durability been for you with the Mesa 2’s? Really happy with them for short hikes, but was wondering how they hold up for longer backpacking trips.
wiseupway 1.0Recently got in to barefoot shoes and they seem perfect for onebag situations, went for a pair of xero mesa trail 2, superlightweight and perfect for hot and humid climates, will dry put easily too, good grip for trails and hiking and theyre grand for going anywhere in a city or town, I'm not going fancy restaurants so they'll do the job.
aroundthehouse 0.6Xero Mesa II are my favs! Never loved a shoe this much.
As1m0v13 0.6I've used Xero Shoes Mesa Trail 2 WP with wool socks and spikes or chains in conditions down to about 15 below
Very much depends on the terrain. For most ground types I've moved to hiking in sandals. If it's really rough ill go with trail running shoes, currently the Xero Mesa Trail
The grip is not the best, nowhere near what a good Vibram sole will give you. I haven't had any slips yet but it's noticeable. Also check out VJ Sarva running shoes if grip is a concern
I currently use Xero Shoes Mesa WP 2 and I'm quite happy with the performance. For lighter trails I use Xero Z Trails or Panta Zaros. I've found that small stones get stuck in between the toes of Five fingers and wear away at the mesh. I wouldn't recommend the waterproof Mesas for warm conditions, the breathable version is better
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