Men’s Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Review

Bottom Line

If you’re a minimalist looking for a comfy and versatile pair of barefoot hiking sandals, look no further than the Xero Z-Trail EV’s. These stand out as some of the thinnest zero-drop sandals on our best hiking sandals for men guide, which means you’ll get excellent ground feel and your feet will be able to flex naturally.

Because they’re so light, pack nearly flat, and weigh only 11 and a half ounces for the pair, the EV Trails are airy and relaxing after a long day of backpacking. That’s why they also rank near the top of the list on our best camp shoes guide. With highly adjustable polyester straps, they offer a custom fit, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re some of the most affordable sandals on our list.

On the flip side, we don’t love the Z-Trail EV’s for longer hikes, carrying heavy loads, or tackling rugged, technical terrain. We’ve certainly hiked on some gnarly trails with these and survived, but they weren’t the most comfortable. As minimalist shoes, they have little support for higher arches or those with foot issues – these are true zero drop shoes – so you’ll feel most lumps and bumps on the trail. They’re a bit of a task to put on and take off and take some work to get the perfect fit at the beginning of each wear. Finally, durability doesn’t compare to thicker and heavier models. However, if low weight, simple design, and adjustability are your top priorities, the Z-Trail EV’s shine.

How We Tested

Editor Ian Krammer‘s worn the Z-Trail EV’s over 700 miles on his outdoor adventures across Colorado and Utah for two summers in a row. He’s worn them in snow, rain, sand, and challenging trails to test every metric, including comfort, stability, durability, and more. He used them most often for light hiking, casual in-town strolls, and outdoor activities since they’re comfy on most terrain and dry quickly.

Comfort

When it comes to ultralight and minimalist sandals, the Z-Trail EV’s feel like a second skin. They offer an almost weightless experience from the backcountry to the brewery that’s hard to beat, making them ideal for all-day wear. Ian finds the highly adjustable polyester webbing is soft yet secure and prevents unwanted rubbing or blisters. Because they dry so fast, they’re great for water crossings as well as lake and river days.

The zero-drop design means an ergonomic posture and natural gait. Although the EV’s are thin sandals, we find the soles provide just enough protection on moderate routes, and a slight heel cup helped keep our feet in place. Our testing finds these sandals are comfy right out of the box: whether we were crossing a stream, lounging at camp, or exploring a packed trail, the Z-Trail EV’s nail the “barely-there” feel. 

However, their minimalist design comes with trade-offs, especially if you’re looking for extra support. These sandals are flat, so there’s no arch support. With 10 millimeter foam soles, they’re great for casual hikes and camp wear, although if you prefer more structured footwear due to injury, foot shape, or carrying heavy loads, they can feel uncomfortable compared to more structured footwear.

Traction

Packed dirt and soft, sandy routes are where these sandals shine. The tread pattern is busy and dense through the midfoot, providing solid grip on trodden routes and concrete. The heel and toe lugs are a bit more spaced out for better grip on moderate inclines and controlled braking on descents. 

Editor Ian Krammer loves these for packed trails and moderate routes because the soles are so flexible. He finds they mold naturally to uneven ground, helping balance and keeping his footing secure on moderate terrain. They are a fine choice on light hikes, camp walks, and everyday outdoor adventures. 

The biggest issue we ran into with this rubber compound is that it’s not the most durable out there. The outsoles wore down fairly quickly on hard surfaces.

The lugs are a bit shallower than the competition, too. Testing finds they are unreliable on steep trails and slick, muddy terrain. During a summer camping trip along the Animas River in Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness, the Z-Trail EV’s felt slippery when navigating river’s slick, mucky banks. If you stick to drier and flatter places, though, these sandals offer a grippy ride without weighing you down.

Stability

Thanks to their zero-drop design and super flexible sole, the Z-Trail EV’s kept our feet grounded and connected to the terrain. Without a raised heel, our feet could move freely, landing naturally and allowing the toes to spread for excellent control and balance. A combo of foam and rubber keeps the platform feeling stable while delivering enough flexibility to adjust to uneven ground. We’re big fans of the soft polyester webbing that held our feet in place, preventing unwanted shifting or sliding inside the sandal. 

That said, these sandals can literally be folded over on themselves, so they have less structure compared to thicker, burlier options. The lack of structure is noticeable when terrain gets more technical. The ultra-thin sole means you’ll feel every root and rock, which can throw off your footing in rough conditions. While great for easygoing hikes, they’re not ideal for tricky, unpredictable trails that demand extra support.

Adjustability

The Z-Trail EV’s have a simple, smart strap design that molds to just about any foot shape, with a main strap that crosses over the foot and connects at two points. The adjustable heel uses a hook-and-loop closure to prevent sliding and unwanted movement. Once set, the straps stay put, so there’s no need to constantly readjust mid-hike. Extra strap material tucks neatly into a stretchy rubber holder to keep ends from flapping around. Whether your feet are narrow or wide, the flexible adjustability of these sandals makes them feel custom-made.

Our biggest gripe is that these sandals require a bit of extra attention to put on and take off. They’re not heavy like the Chaco Z/1s or Bedrocks, so sliding them on and taking them off means you’ll need to lean over and hold the pair in place – every time.

It also takes moment (or three) to adjust the straps at the beginning of every hike so they fit well at the heel and across the top of the foot. Once they’re dialed in, they stay put, but they demand more focus to put on and take off than other top picks.

Durability

Considering these are ultralight sandals that are barely a half-inch thick, they’re fairly durable. Ian’s racked up around 700 miles on his including hiking, swimming, running errands around town, and traveling. Years of testing finds the strongest component is the polyester straps, which have barely frayed after thousands of adjustments.

We’ve stored these flat in our backpacks, though they also bounce back after being bent completely in half – so the heel touches the toes – for stashing in our luggage. We also like that they float in water, and dry quickly: 45 minutes or less in arid Utah and Colorado summers.

That said, the EV’s don’t have the longevity of thicker, stronger models made with more material like the Chaco Z/1 or Keen Newports, especially on rugged routes. The most notable damage at 700 miles is the tread, which has worn flat through the midfoot and toe. The foam has also lost most of its bounce. 

It’s worth noting that Xero offers a 24-month, 5,000-mile warranty, but in our experience, it’s hard to imagine they’d last that distance. If you notice early signs of wear, the replacement process takes about a month, which isn’t long – but isn’t fast, either. That said, you may want to baby these a bit and stick exclusively to moderate trails to increase their lifespan.

Versatility

Some sandals are just for the beach, but the EV’s can handle everything from road trips to moderate trails. The low-profile design and numerous colorways blend in everywhere from backcountry camping and mellow hiking trails to coffee shops and patios. Wet conditions aren’t a problem either – they dry fast and grip well on most terrain. The EV’s are light and packable, making them a solid choice for downtime in the backyard, at camp, or running errands.

That said, they’re not built for everyone’s idea of adventure. While they work well for short hikes and casual use, they lack the cushion and support most people want for long days and rough terrain. If you’re not used to minimalist footwear, expect some foot fatigue after extended wear. Hardcore ultralight hikers will appreciate the barely-there feel, but for most, they’re better suited for relaxed outings. We tend to keep them in our backpacks and by the door, but we don’t necessarily count on them for serious mileage.

Should You Buy the Men’s Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals?

Minimalist hikers, ultralight backpackers, and adventure travelers will get the most out of the Xero Z-Trail EV sandals. Their barefoot design, featherlight weight, and incredible packability make them a solid choice for anyone who wants the ultimate freedom of movement on and off the trail. With a zero-drop sole and flexible construction, they’re ideal for folks who want a natural feel underfoot. Adjustable straps make a secure fit for most foot shapes, perfect for casual wear, road trips, and kicking it around camp. They handle creek crossings, lake days, and wet conditions without issue. Whether you’re an experienced minimalist hiker, a traveler needing a do-it-all sandal, or a backpacker looking for a light camp shoe, these fit the bill. 

However, if you prefer extra cushioning, arch support, or structure for long miles, you’ll want to keep looking. The Z-Trail EV’s lack the plush comfort needed for high-mileage hikes, so they aren’t our first pick for especially long days, steep ascents and descents, or thru-hikes – although these may hit the sweet spot if you’re fully adapted to zero-drop footwear. They’re also a bit cumbersome to put on and take off, and they demand a bit of extra adjustment each time you put them back on. If you’re expecting them to last 5,000 miles as advertised, you’ll be disappointed, especially on rocky trails. But for those who embrace minimalist design, prioritize lightweight versatility, and stick to moderate terrain, they’re a great choice.

What Other Men’s Hiking Sandals Should You Consider?

Head over to our guide to the best hiking sandals for men to find out how the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV holds up against the competition. And consider these other sandals: 

Luna Mono Winged Review: The Luna Mono Winged are the closest competitor for the Z-Trails, with a barefoot design, thin foam sole, and highly adjustable straps. However, these use Vibram outsoles for superior traction.

Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro Review: Like the Z-Trail EV’s, the Evo 3D Pros are minimalist sandals with a highly adjustable strap design for a soft, comfy fit. They weigh and cost more, but the tradeoff is a longer-lasting sandal.

Chaco Z/1 Classic Review: The Chaco Z/1’s have a similar strap design as the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV, but they’re more supportive, durable, and stable – although they weigh nearly 3 times as much and cost more as well.