Xero Shoes - Scrambler Low

Xero shoes has the scrambler series which is very good for trail running.

Yes. It makes a difference. Zero drop shoes make it easier to avoid heel striking and removes unnecessary mass from the shoe (for people don’t want to heel strike). All this helps with being more nimble and precise, when running through uneven terrain. The natural foot shaped toe boxes also help you size down and avoid having to have excess shoe extending in front of your toes, without risking blisters. There are now lots of good zero drop trail running shoes to choose from. I am currently using the Xero Scrambler Low EV for trail running, and I am very satisfied. I have no plans to go back to drop shoes.

I do everything in my minimalist sole shoes (Suavs) even running. The guy at the running shoe store laughed at me, I bought a pair of Altras, and returned them the next week. They might be zero drop and a wide toe box, but they’re still very cushiony. I like to feel what I’m walking/running on. The Suavs I’ve been wearing for 4 years have zero drop, minimalist sole, and knitted upper. They don’t have the wide toe box but they’re still very knitted upper let my feet flex and splay enough. I bought 1.5 sizes up from my regular size I should say. I’m on my 4th pair. Wear them every single day. I bought a pair of Xeros, and they’re fine, but honestly super stiff compared to the sole and uppers of the Suavs. And my Suavs don’t need tied every time.

Depending on how badly you hate yourself, you could look at some xeros. The toe boxes are really wide since they’re barefoot shoes, and after your feet strengthen up, I greatly prefer them to regular shoes. They’re easily 0/10 for comfort at first though unless you regularly go barefoot. I just recently picked up their trail runners for hiking, but haven’t had a chance to get out yet though.

I do xero shoes for everything but backpacking. I've done trips in them for shorter times and have done okay but I'm also a fan of altras. JMT is longer so I wouldn't do xeros the whole time personally.

I 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.

The grip is good on dry surfaces and soft surfaces but on wet rock they're pretty slippery in my experience. I like them but it'd be awesome to have a Vibram version.

I wonder if you twist on your forefoot/toes as you push off. Seems weird it's just the front that is totally worn down. I have the lows, they have about 150 miles of trail running on them and when I clean them they basically look brand new. I put them on at the trailhead so they're only used off road.

One way to make them last is to only wear them on trails. Wear a different pair of shoes getting to/from the trail. Never wear them walking around the city. The Xero Scrambler Low which are a bit thicker than you mentioned but have the nice Michelin sole. I'm a big fan and do my long runs in these. The Vivo Primus FG don't have good traction in the wet. They're also oddly stiff for the thickness and overall I just don't like running in them. VFF are thinner than you requested, but have awesome Vibram soles. Being able to push down with your toes (like a claw) gives you an amazing grip option other shoes don't. For shorter runs, they feel the best. You can easily find VFF on sale or on ebay for well under $100.

My xero trail runner shoes have amazing grip and I've used them on a bunch of loose scree/scramble approaches with no issue, and prefer it over stiffer shoes basically always

I have never heard of both however I enjoyed checking them out! Thanks for sharing the link. The Toe-bi from Kineya seems to have more sole support than the Muteki however I'm not convinced with the velcro strap. Also, looking at the price I wouldn't purchase those if I was concerned about feeling too many rocks. With that price I'd consider looking at Xero shoes. Specifically the Scrambler low. I used to run in VFF (Their trail models and others) and understand your concern about injuring your other toes. particularly on downhill sections and slightly more technical terrain. The Scrambler low provides a little more stack height without it feeling like you're walking on big cushions. I find the lacing system great and it feels secure around the ankle. I find that I have ample space in the toe box area and feel like I can drive forward using my big toe quite comfortably. I alternate between scrambler lows for more technical and long trail days and then Panta sandals for shorter and easier trails (and warmer climate). But also put on the Scramblers if my feet are feeling a little tired from the sandals. Best of luck on your selection.