Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II Review
A lightweight, minimalist trail running shoe with trail-gripping security for true support and protection!
Specifications
- Heel stack
- 7 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 7 mm
- Heel-to-toe drop
- 0 mm
- Weight
- 8.2 oz
- Cushion
- Minimal
- Arch support
- Neutral
- Pronation
- Neutral Pronation
- Widths
- Wide
- Available in
- Mens, Womens
Where to buy
Retail links may earn us a commission — it never touches the score. How scoring works.
How this score was built
- zappos.com Retailer customers 8.0 → 8.4
- ruinyourknees.com Independent review 9.5 → 8.8
- tradeinn.com Retailer customers 8.0
- xeroshoes.com Brand-site customers 9.4 → 8.4
Each source is re-centred against its own historical average, then weighted by tier and type. Full methodology.
What people like
- Extreme lightweight comfort
- Trail-gripping security for all terrains
- Durable with supportive protection
- Breathable mesh and moisture-wicking
- Flexible outsole with great agility
- Fits true to size
- “Zero-drop” heel for proper posture
What people don't
- Insole moves around too much (can be removed)
- Insole may be a little slippery
- Sizing inconsistency
How it performs
Comfort and fit
The Mesa Trail II is an improvement from the first Mesa Trail with increased protection on rocky trails while still providing the flexibility and comfort of ground feel. The tread is grippier, more durable, and even more lightweight than other trail running shoes. Trail runners rave about its comfort and never want to take it off!
Durability
The Mesa Trail II has welded overlays around the base, which provides increased durability and support on rocky terrains while sustaining the lightweight and minimalist feel.
Traction
Increased trail-gripping treads to improve protection and support in all terrains, including rain and mud. These trail running shoes provide stability on rocky and wet terrains.
Breathability
Remains true to its lightweight and minimalist features with a breathable mesh and moisture-wicking lining.
Support
This trail running shoe provides great support and stability, especially on rocky and wet trails. The flexibility of the ankle cuff adapts to all shapes and sizes while the outsole lugs are aggressive enough to support your feet.
Protection
The Mesa Trail II is more rugged and durable with improved welded components on the upper for increased protection. The protected rubber around the toe box prevents runners from getting bruised on rocky surfaces. The outsole also includes a tougher compound for rough terrains. Runners love that this newer model provides a little more protection than the original.
Flexibility and responsiveness
High-performance trail running shoes that are ultra-lightweight and flexible. The ankle cuff adapts to all shapes and sizes while the flexible materials mold to your feet perfectly.
Style
The Mesa Trail II is a low-profile trail running shoe with neutral color options and one option in red for high visibility. These shoes look great on the trail and can also be casual walking shoes with minimal stylistic features.
Construction
Outsole
Durable outsole so your foot can move in every direction while still being protected.
Midsole
3mm thick midsole to distribute the pressure of uneven terrain across the entire sole.
Upper
Engineered breathable mesh
Lacing
The lacing system on the Mesa Trail II is modeled after Huarache sandals worn by the Tarahumara, an Indigenous tribe living in Mexico’s Copper Canyon. Customers have praised the improvements of the laces on the Mesa Trail II being more thin and flexible than the Mesa Trail.
The Mesa Trail II is a high-performance, minimalist trail running shoe that is perfect for those who love to take on a rocky challenge. No matter the terrain, whether it’s rainy, slippery, muddy, or rocky, these lightweight and durable shoes provide the ultimate protection and support with trail-gripping security, deeper treads, and full support around the foot.
Video reviews
Sources consulted (4)
Carried over from the previous methodology. Ratings shown are historical and do not contribute to a current pulse score.
- TradeInn — 8
- Ruin Your Knees — 9.5
- Xero Shoes — 9.4
- Zappos — 8