Xero H-Trail Review

The Xero H-Trail is a minimalist sandal designed to provide sufficient comfort and traction in a lightweight package, distinct from other options we tested. Weighing in at only 12 ounces per pair for men's size 10, these sandals perform relatively well compared to their heavy-duty competitors while providing a very tactile feel of the ground below. With a 5,000-mile sole warranty, these sandals are an ideal option for travelers seeking a barefoot-like experience without excessive weight or bulk.

Comfort

The Xero H-Trail proves that a minimalist sandal does not have to be uncomfortable and awkward. Utilizing a three-layer sole, the rubber outsole provides traction while the inner layer absorbs impact, and the footbed offers enough comfort for prolonged use. The layered system is quite flexible, creating a natural barefoot feel with some sole protection. The thong-style loop secures between the first two toes, and the soft, thin webbing locks the foot in place without uncomfortable pressure.

The H-Trail is an option for those with thin or wide feet, and the single front loop allows for a natural foot splay when pushing off the forefoot. Using such a thin-soled sandal can have downsides if someone's feet aren't conditioned to a barefoot experience. The sole offers traction and protection, but you can still feel pebbles and rocks beneath your foot, which may be distracting to some. The soles are not very supportive, which can cause additional stress on the muscles and bones in the foot. Barefoot enthusiasts will find these quite comfortable, while others will need time to acclimate to the new experience.

Traction

The Xero H-Trail features a rubber outsole with a dual chevron pattern for improved grip in various environments. The middle portion features directional lugs that extend from the forefoot to the heel, allowing for effective digging into loose terrain or mud. The far edges of the toe and heel region have closer lug bars in varying directions, helping to channel water while providing additional real estate for friction. Previous models by Xero featured foam on the sole, which was a weak spot; however, they have moved away from that design in this model.

Traction is good on dry surfaces, such as dirt and sand, but suffers on wet surfaces, including rocks, roots, or docks. The flexibility of the sole allows the foot to mold to surfaces, which does help, but the footing isn't as stable as we'd like. Those who plan on spending a lot of time climbing in or around water may want to seek out a different option if maximum traction is necessary.

Stability

The Xero H-Trail suffered in the stability department due to its sole, thong-style design and instep straps. The front attachment secures between the first two toes and then runs along the instep with a strap running to each side of the ankle. With no horizontal straps along the forefoot, the foot slides sideways when on a slope. The sideways movement was noticeable, but our feet didn't slide out of the sandal.

The rear strap keeps the heel in place and prevents rearward movement when going uphill. The footbed is made of foam and lacks a grippy design for traction. When exposed to water and mud, the footbed became slippery, and the foot slide was more noticeable. We would like to see some traction or drainage features incorporated into future designs to help alleviate the issue. Overall, the H-Trail performed well for a minimalist design that isn't meant to provide much support.

Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability, the Xero H-Trail offers a lot of variability for a comfortable fit. A unique design, the inside strap features a quick slider to adjust the lateral securement and comfort by moving closer or further from the toes. The outside strap features a Velcro closure, allowing for adjustment of the tightness or movement of the instep strap closer to one side. Adjusting the forward straps was reasonably simple and easy to do on the trails.

Simple to adjust, the Velcro heel strap held tight and kept the heel securely in place. Once the straps were adjusted to our comfort and liking, there wasn't a need to make further changes.

Versatility

The versatility of the Xero H-Trail can vary depending on the user and their individual preferences. If you're accustomed to being barefoot or wearing minimalist sandals, these are great for hiking, running, or everyday use around town. We used them in the water, then continued hiking, and noticed the minimal material dried quickly. If you are used to a more cushioned or supportive sole, these sandals will not replicate that feel or comfort. Though thin and flexible, they can still be used for errands, around the yard, or on shorter excursions until your feet become accustomed to the feel.

The thong-style is a personal preference, and it cleans and dries easily and quickly. While they don't perform perfectly in fast water or mud, they do well overall.

Should You Buy the Xero H-Trail?

As fans of being barefoot, we enjoyed the flexibility and mobility of the Xero H-Trail. This sandal is a solid choice for those seeking a low-profile, lightweight option that allows them to feel everything beneath their feet. These aren't an excellent choice for those who require a lot of arch support or cushion, or for those who aren't accustomed to the feel of a minimalist design.

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?

If minimalist is your style, but you want a little more traction and support, the Bedrock Cairn Evo is at the top of our list for lightweight sandals. If you want to adventure with more arch support and cushion, the Chaco Z/Cloud features a thick sole and wider straps for added support.