Xero Shoes Men's Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandal Review (2026)

What it is

The Xero Shoes Men's Z-Trail EV is a barefoot-style hiking sandal built with a thicker sole and more aggressive tread than the brand's packable Z-Trek, aimed at travelers who want a sandal capable of light trail use rather than just beach and shower duty. Xero's own product page lists the sole at 11 millimeters using what the brand calls a FeelLite construction with a TrailFoam middle layer, thicker than the Z-Trek's 6 millimeter sole but still far thinner than a typical hiking shoe. Despite the added sole material, Xero states the sandal weighs about 5.4 ounces per sandal in a men's size 9, making it lighter than the Z-Trek despite being the more trail-capable option in the lineup.

Features and specs

A dual chevron lug pattern on the sole is designed for grip on dirt, gravel, and uneven trail surfaces, a step up from the flatter tread used on the Z-Trek. The upper uses quick-dry nylon webbing sourced from recycled water bottles, arranged in a Z-pattern lacing system that Xero says minimizes the number of separate strap components compared with older sandal designs. Like other Xero sandals, the Z-Trail EV keeps a zero-drop, non-elevated heel and a wide, foot-shaped toe box. Xero backs the sole with the same 5,000 mile sole warranty offered across its sandal line, and the brand recommends ordering true to size or sizing up if between sizes.

Build and materials

Xero's product page states the Z-Trail EV uses about 70 percent fewer components than typical modern sport sandals, a design choice meant to cut weight and points of failure while keeping the sandal vegan, since no animal-derived materials are used anywhere in construction. Care instructions call for hand washing with warm water and mild soap followed by air drying, and Xero specifically warns against leaving the sandal in a hot car or direct sunlight, since heat can deform the TrailFoam sole layer. This is a build detail worth knowing for travelers who might otherwise toss packed sandals in a sun-baked trunk or on a dashboard between stops.

Value

At roughly 80 dollars per Xero's own pricing, the Z-Trail EV costs more than the packable Z-Trek, reflecting its thicker sole and trail-oriented tread, but the same 5,000 mile sole warranty applies, which adds confidence for travelers planning to wear it hard on uneven terrain. Compared with a dedicated hiking sandal from Chaco or Teva, the Z-Trail EV is lighter and packs smaller, which matters more for one-bag travel than absolute cushioning. Buyers who only need a sandal for pool decks and flat sidewalks may not need the extra trail grip and could save money with the lighter Z-Trek instead.

Who should buy it

The Z-Trail EV fits travelers who want one sandal that can handle both everyday travel use and light trail hiking without packing a separate pair of hiking shoes. Its thicker sole and stronger tread make it a better match than the Z-Trek for uneven dirt paths, rocky overlooks, or multi-day treks where more traction matters. Travelers focused purely on packability and beach or shower use may prefer the thinner, lighter Z-Trek instead, since it folds flatter. Anyone new to barefoot-style footwear should still expect a break-in period, as the zero-drop platform takes time to feel natural compared with a cushioned hiking sandal.

Frequently asked questions