Xero Shoes TerraFlex

$100 MSRP

Overall Rating: 9/10

Pro’s

Con’s

Xero Shoe’s TerraFlex is a welcome addition to the trail-capable market. With a rugged outer build, natural fit, and extraordinary flexibility, this shoe expertly walks the tightrope between minimalist and rugged shoes. The TerraFlex is one of the most sensitive and flexible trail-runners I’ve worn. You’ll be able to feel every divet in the trail, leading to more agility and stronger feet. If you aren’t used to zero drop (non-elevated heel) and barefoot-style shoes, however, this sensitivity may lead to significant soreness as you get used to the format. Adding to its list of benefits, the TerraFlex is extraordinarily durable. With a tough toe-bumper, lugged sole, and surprisingly breathable upper, the TerraFlex will continue to perform well beyond the lifetime of most ordinary shoes. Unfortunately, this durability comes at a price: traction on wet roots and rocks. The tough rubber and spread out lugs are meant to work well on dirt, gravel, and in dry conditions. This causes them to lose traction as soon as the sky opens up and smooth materials become slick. The addition of some softer rubber would fix this issue, but would also rob the TerraFlex of its impressive durability. Overall, this is a shoe that I trust on the most difficult of trails and in the worst conditions. Though its inability to perform at top-level on slippery roots and rocks isn’t ideal, the performance of the shoe in all other conditions, as well as its flexibility and natural feel, make it my go-to trail-runner and backpacking shoe regardless of season or weather.

David Hallen