Minimalist shoes are regaining traction. The appeal only grows stronger for natural foot freedom, wide toe boxes, and genuine foot strength, as hikers and trail runners grow weary of the pillowy ride of max-cushioned super-trainers. But any seasoned trail athlete who pursues high mileage knows that if you want to experience the benefits of closer ground connection, you also need foot protection.
Xero Shoes answers that demand with its new Mesa Summit and Mesa Summit WP for runners and hikers who want ground feedback and protection without the stiffness, weight, or overbuilt feel now common in many trail runners and hiking shoes.
Xero was early to champion the advantages of barefoot running. Steven Sashen and his wife, Lena Phoenix, founded the brand in 2009 as a humble mom-and-pop selling $20 DIY sandal-making kits. Triggered by Sashen’s recovery from running injuries after shedding bulky trainers, the startup grew steadily — notably so after a 2013 appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank (despite turning down a deal from the Sharks), and scaled into a footwear powerhouse.
They’ve continued evolving minimalist shoe designs, and we’ve praised them accordingly for transitioning from sandals to performance, highlighting the Speed Force as a true racing flat, the Pagosa Fireside as “a cozy, highly packable pick” in our camp-shoe rundown, and the Mesa Trail as the Best Minimal Trail Running Shoe for its ground feel and protection.
The two Mesa Summit models carry forward the zero-drop, wide toe-box design principles of Xero’s popular Mesa Trail line to help people move on trails “the way their bodies were designed to move,” as Xero Chief Product Officer Michael Pao puts it. Here’s how new updates enhance their signature natural feel, flexibility, and ground connection to elevate your barefoot experience on trail.
Superior Ground Feedback
Thin, flexible rubber outsoles on the Mesa Summit and Mesa Summit WP grip well with EVA cut-throughs that reduce weight and maintain traction (similar to those on the popular Mesa Trail II trail runner). They allow your feet to feel the terrain, improving your spatial awareness on uneven ground.
Enhanced Agility
With 3mm lugs and a 12mm stack height (including a 3.5mm removable insole), the zero-drop, non-elevated heel keeps your foot flat and stable, reducing the risk of rolling an ankle compared to high-stack, elevated midsoles of hiking boots and max-cushion trail runners. The minimal height yields big weight savings with each pair at 9.8 ounces (Men’s 9) and 8.4 ounces (Women’s 8).
Natural Foot Strength
Wide, foot-shaped toe boxes let your toes splay and grip naturally, actively strengthening your intrinsic foot muscles while you run, hike, or trek rather than locking them into rigid support. The midfoot and heel remain secured to ensure stability, control, and precise foot placement.
Added Protection
A new ESS rock guard, the first in Xero Shoes, is embedded into a layer of performance foam in high-impact zones. By shielding your foot from rocks and roots (without stiffening the ride), the guard helps you bomb down trails more confidently. The updated abrasion- and debris-resistant polyester mesh upper, reinforced with a 3D-printed overlay, adds durability without compromising flexibility or lightweight comfort.
All-Weather
In wet conditions, the Mesa Summit WP retains breathability with waterproof protection. Credit the XeroTex® Waterproof Membrane combined with a comfortable knit debris collar, which overall adds only $20 to the price tag ($144) compared to the Mesa Summit ($124) and marginal weight increases to 10.4 ounces (Men’s 9) and 9.6 ounces (Women’s 8).
This article is sponsored by Xero Shoes.
