Xero Shoes - Scrambler Low

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 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.

Guess it depends. I've used the following minimalist trail shoes so far: * Merrell Vapor Glove 1, 4, and 5 * Xero Scrambler Low * Vivo Primus Trail Knit FG I also recently bought the Vivo Primus Trail Flow, but I haven't been able to take them out on a trail run yet. I will be taking them on trail runs in Spain next month, and I'm planning on doing a review of them afterwards. Anyways, out of the shoes that I've tried: * The most fun: The Vapor Gloves are incredibly fun due to their low stack height, but you need to be much more mindful of where you step. They also don't have any lugs and only treads, so they are only really usable in non-technical, solid ground terrain. I love the 5th gen for everyday wear, but for trail running, the 1st and 4th gen are more enjoyable because they are more flexible. * The most comfortable: The Primus Trail Knit FGs are so incredibly comfortable, and I've done a 50K trail race and a self-supported 64K trail run in them. The knit material means that your foot will slide inside the shoe when moving laterally, so they are best suited for non-technical trails. The knit material also soaks up moisture, so they get super heavy (and they are already quite heavy at 400g) when wet. * The lightest: The Vivo Primus Trail Flow is only 219g, and while I don't know if they're the lightest minimalist trail runners of all time, they are incredibly light. For reference, the Trail Glove 7 is 239g, and the Mesa Trail IIs are 221g, and both are some of the lightest minimalist trail runners in the market. The Freet Calver is a whopping 526g. While untested in the trails, I love the treads of the outsoles, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the lightweight trail runners fare in the trails.

I made the switch from Ultra Raptors to Scrambler Lows a few years ago. I think they check all your boxes, cut a bit more weight, and let you feel a tad more connected to the ground. Still great for long days on the trail and carrying some weight even. I even tote my 35lb kid in a backpack sometimes wearing them. https://xeroshoes.com/shop/shoes/scrambler-low-ev-men/

I feel like they have plenty of structural protection there. The fabric offers a decent bit of protection and stiffness. Much more than some really minimalist shoes I’ve worn before. I’m in the Rockies and don’t recall any notable toe stubs with them.

I have the scrambler ii w the Michelin sole and it was terrible on wet terrain. I hiked down in mud and other peoples shoes did not seem to slip as much as mine (I am in good shape and a decent hiker). Then on a walk on the same trip (I purchased the shoes for this trip) I was trying to go up and down a wet cement slope that was nothing out of the ordinary and the shoes would not grip at all!!! My guide had to help me up and down the slope (it led to a bathroom) and he had some ordinary sneakers on and had zero issues w gripping the wet cement!! I’ve had better grip on wet surfaces in my olukai flip flops than w the scramblers. I complained to xero and the customer service person I spoke to on the phone basically said some people had also found it not to grip well and she suggested I escalate it to their returns department. However they said nothing looked “wrong” w my shoe and gave me 20% off in the future. I suggested that they hire a QC company to test their soles prior to making the shoes (I used to work in manufacturing) because it was hard to believe Michelin soles would be so poor at gripping in wet conditions. I’d personally never take these on a hike again that might have any damp conditions as I wouldn’t trust them as comfortable as they were.

The scrambler low has a Michelin sole, while the other models seem to have a standard Xero sole, so it's a choice between a stickier sole or better water proofing with the scrambler.

It is supposed to be more sticky.

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

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.

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.

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.