Are Xero Shoes Good for Backpacking?

A very popular brand of footwear among those who prefer to keep their footwear choices as minimalist as possible is Xero Shoes Good for Backpacking. Is it possible to backpack with Xero Shoes?

The model of Xero Shoes you choose and what kind of trekking you like to do will determine whether they are good for backpacking.

These hiking boots from the company are a nice choice for backpackers, but they do not provide as much ankle support or underfoot cushion as similar models from other top brands.

While hiking boots from Shoe compartments aren’t for everyone, they are a good option if you enjoy lightweight backpacking.

When it comes to backpacking footwear, there are many different opinions about what you should wear on your feet. To help you decide whether Xero Shoes are the right choice for you, we’ll examine the pros and cons of these shoes.

Best Xero Shoes for Backpacking

While Xero Shoes can be used for backpacking, not all of the company’s shoes are well-suited for the hills.

The Xcursion Fusion and the Daylite Hiker Fusion are examples of Xero Shoes’ purpose-built hiking boots. With their high-traction outsoles and plenty of foot protection, these lightweight mid-top hiking boots are a nice option for hiking in rugged terrain. 

A few other hiking boots from top brands like La Sportiva, Vasque, and Merrill provide more ankle support and cushioning underfoot than Xero Shoes.

Xero Shoes are definitely worth considering if you like minimalist shoes with zero heel drop and a minimalist design.

There are, however, some Xero Shoes that aren’t suitable for trail use. 

Many hikers need ankle support and traction from their walking and running shoes. Xero Shoes’ lightweight trail running shoes are a good alternative to low-top hiking shoes.

For backcountry hikes, the company’s regular road running shoes probably won’t cut it. 

Are Xero Sandals Good for Hiking?

People who are looking for lightweight and durable open-toed footwear love Xero Shoes’ sandals, like the Z-Trek and the Naboso Trail. However, most trekkers don’t recommend using them for mountain hiking, even though some do.

As far as your toes and upper feet are concerned, Xero sandals don’t provide any protection.

Furthermore, they have relatively little cushioning underfoot and don’t provide ankle support. Since Xero sandals are not comfortable for hiking, most people do not wear them.

However, there is a small but powerful contingent of trekkers who only wear Xero sandals on the trail. 

They don’t care too much about ankle protection or underfoot cushioning and are okay with getting their feet a little dirty and scratched up as they hike.

Some people enjoy hiking in Xero sandals, so we can’t necessarily recommend that everyone do so.

Take things slow when switching to a minimalist sandal like what you can get from Xero Shoes to give your feet time to adjust.

From there, work your way up slowly from smaller, less challenging hikes. By doing so, you will be able to determine if hiking in sandals is the best choice for your personal style of trekking.

Are Xero Shoes Water Resistant?

It really depends on what model you buy, but some Xero Shoes are water resistant. Xero Shoe models that are water-resistant and waterproof include:

Waterproofing and water resistance are not prominent features of Xero Shoes, however. The majority of the company’s trail and road running shoes fall into this category.

Most Xero Shoes are quick-drying instead of water-resistant, so they’re best used if you don’t mind getting your feet wet during your adventures in relatively warm climates.

How Long Do Xero Sandals Last?

The lifespan of your Xero sandals will depend on how often and in what environments you use them. The Xero sandals usually last at least a couple of years without needing to be replaced.

The company has an awesome 5,000-mile sole warranty in place so you can get a new pair of shoes at an affordable price if you wear out your Xero Shoes. 

The FeelTrue outsoles on your sandals, shoes, or boots will give you 60% off the full, non-sale retail price of a new pair of Xero Shoes.

The outsoles must be worn down to less than 1 mm thick at the heel or ball of the foot in order to qualify for the warranty.

Xero Shoes will provide you with a replacement pair if you wear out the soles of your shoes. The 5,000-mile sole warranty offered by Xero Shoes is pretty awesome since no pair of shoes will last forever.

The footwear sold by Xero Shoes is also guaranteed against manufacturing defects for 24 months after purchase. Even though this isn’t a lifelong warranty, it’s a good deal compared to other hiking shoes on the market.

Xero Shoes For Backpacking: Yay or Nay?

When it comes to lightweight, minimalist footwear for running, walking, and everyday use, Xero Shoes has plenty to offer. If you know what you’re doing, you can even wear Xero Shoes while backpacking. 

These hiking boots from the company offer good foot protection and traction, making them a good choice for backpackers.

 The underfoot cushion and ankle support are not as good as you can get elsewhere. The result is that Xero Shoes aren’t the best option for hikers who prefer heavy-duty boots.

A hiking boot from Xero Shoes or another manufacturer won’t work for every backpacker at the end of the day.

A pair of Xero Shoes might be good for you if you generally enjoy zero-drop, minimalist footwear. Otherwise, you might want to find backpacking boots somewhere else.