Xero Shoes - Scrambler Trail Low WP

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.

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.

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.

Xero Scrambler Lo and now Mesa Trail

I love the Xero Scrambler Low. Just used them in Sedona and Grand Canyon with a kid on my back. Great shoes with great grip.

I've found you'll get a lot of reflexive hostility to any mention of ankle support, well-meaning folks telling you to just build up ankle strength; they don't seem equipped to relate to what our bodies need, earnestly giving the best advice- for themselves. I put my foot in a hidden hole a few month back, and that ankle appreciates a bit of support as I recover. A \~3" wide wrap over the sock has helped quite a bit- three times around the ankle, once under the foot, then a few more times around the ankle, with the velcro end placed where the shoe will help hold it in place. I have flat feet, and am highly intolerant of any significant arch, as such very quickly become a big stone in the middle of the shoe. Looking for a low to no arch shoe that was light enough for trail running while still providing some ankle support, I was drawn to the Altra Lone Peak 2 All-Weather Mid at REI, spent a half hour running around the store. Problem is, the sole at the toe tappers significantly, and the sole itself is rather flexible; these features can be good things independently, but not together for me with this shoe; placing the toe when running, the ground feel is great at the moment of contact- but because of the sole flexibility, as the stride brings the forward mid sole into contact, the toe portion is also still in contact with the earth, and, because of the tapper, the shoe is bent into a defacto arch! I really liked the shoe- the toe box was wide, the heal and mid section hugged my foot just right -but my toes quickly cramped as they were constantly reaching over this lump that appeared on every stride! If you aren't so afflicted, I'd give the shoe a try, if you can find it; the fit and weight (lighter) differs from the A LP 9 waterproof Mid commonly stocked (you might try that shoe too, but I didn't find it as amenable for running). For me, the answer came from Xero shoes. My REI doesn't carry variations of the mid trail "Scrambler" that would offer the level of ankle support I'm seeking -but they do carry some other Xero trail running shoes so that you can get an impression of fit. Xeros are minimalist/barefoot shoes, flat soled with zero drop; as others have noted, zero drop shoes and minimalist shoes may require adaptation for healthy use; for me, they are just better for the way my body works. Regarding the ankle, there is some correlation between the thickness of the platform and a propensity for rolling. Folks commonly remark on Xeros having a narrow fit, so I was concerned this would be a deal killer with my relatively wide size 11US feet; slipping on the Prio running shoe my REI had in stock, I was instantly delighted and put at ease- flexible enough that laces made for a close fit without being overly constrained. Re-assured, I ordered a pair of Xero Scrambler II's from the REI outlet, discounted for the holiday, then dropped the membership 20% off on top of the Black Friday price. Just got 'em in the mail yesterday, pleased by the fit. If you do some research on this shoe, you'll find there are several variations in sole, with differences in stiffness and resistance to wear; the model I selected isn't suitable for roads, which will eat it up. If you don't plan on completely submerging your shoe, the waterproof model has a fantastic price right now, has been well regarded, and reported to really keep feet dry; I periodically run in flooding with water above the ankle, so opted for breathability instead. Incredibly, my scale puts these boots at \~1.5 lbs- for the pair; by contrast, the Asics Gel Venture 10 trail running shoes I've been wearing weigh in at \~1.6 lbs! Let us know what you end up with, and how you arrive at that destination.

u/TheAlpackaaa, I've had a few runs with the Xero Scrambler II's- some feedback. So far, they are most everything I hoped for. As previously indicated, despite being mid-boots, they are a bit lighter than my Asics trail running shoes. The toe box is wide, while the heal and mid are snug in a way I have seldom had the opportunity to experience; there is something about the light, semi-conforming sole that allows the laced shoe to hug tight without suffering hot spots. Combined with the very, very low stack height, my foot neither rotates in the shoe, nor has opportunity to pronate or supinate. The mid height provides much appreciated support at the ankle without unduly restricting movement, reducing the chance of rolling the foot due to fatigue, and providing some protection when catching or dragging a toe. The sole provides for great ground feel and sufficient protection for my use; while I've yet to suffer any bruising from anything stepped on, my usual run features a lot of branches and roots, and only limited gravel- how they might perform on large, sharp stones, I can't say. The lugs are relatively small and spaced far enough apart that any trapped muck dislodges when the shoes are slapped together. All that said, they run nothing like my Asics, or any other shoe I'm familiar with, demanding a different form. It's already clear they are training me to be a better runner, demanding that I place tow and forward ball first, never heal. Until adapting my gait, the experience jarred my back as I attempted to just throw my foot forward and plant a heal; without the comparatively gigantic pad common to most running shoes, any heavy footedness is felt by the spine. My foot speed increased, stride slightly shortened with knee lifted a bit higher. It feels a bit closer to dancing than my running was before; the concentration required and associated fatigue of the first outing was greatly reduced by the second. With an easy to remove insole, the shoes dry relatively quickly; I had planned on alternating the Xeros with my Asics when wet, but the rate of drying hasn't required it. The bad news: there is already just the beginnings of some delamination between the fabric and welded elements at the toe. Some others (not all) have remarked on this defect- I don't know if this is associated with production at a particular location and time, or what. I'll see what Xero has to say about it- I don't look forward to applying Shoe-Goo to a new pair of shoes with ony 12 miles on them.

Maybe give Inov8 Trailfly Zero a shot, too. I am currently, coming from Xero Scrambler Low and Topo Runventure 4. Wide toebox, I prefer the build (outsole, foam, fit) to my Topos.

I love the Xero Scrambler Low. I use them for anything under 18 miles and then switch to an Altra Superior for longer.

My Xeros have great traction.