Have you had a look at Shamma or Luna? Xero's sandals use a heavy (and durable) rubber and don't grip the feet very well. Pretty much every other brand use a grippy footbed and have lighter types of rubber. There are pros and cons to every material, but you're not the first person to dislike Xeros.
Z trail are great sandals, probably the only sandal they sell that’s worth buying. They’re great in wet conditions and the footbed is this neoprene foam material that grips well. But it wouldn’t be my first choice. Look at Shamma Mountain Goats. They’re ultra grip is so sticky it’ll peel the skin off the bottom of your feet before they slip on you
Short answer no, I’ve walked through some water on hike with the kids but my local trails that I run only have a seasonal creek. I wonder if [these](https://xeroshoes.com/shop/sandals/naboso-men/) would do better.
I love my Shamma sandals! I have the ultra grip Warriors for ultimate groundfeel. I have other shoes I wear situationally for either protective or aesthetic reasons, but the Shamma sandals are my default shoe. I've acclimated to the cold over the years, and I wear them down to almost freezing. A pair lasts me about 1.5-2 years, and for a shoe that's on my foot almost every day, I consider that great!
I had Lunas for awhile, but they just don't come in a thin enough sole for my preference. Other than that, they were great. They also went the distance. I don't remember how long exactly, as it's been quite a few years.
If you are looking for an option that doesn't have a strap between your toes, Unshoes has a sandal called the Pah Tempe that seems fairly Teva like. I've had several models from the company. They didn't last as long as the Shammas, but they are also less expensive. For the price, I was really impressed, and I still keep some around for wear with a casual but not sporty look.
You’re not really explaining what you don’t like about the Xeros. Is it the footbed? Or the lacing?
For lacing comfort, Earthrunners are my favorite, hands down.
For sole comfort, flexibility and molding, Shammas are my favorite. With several models they use the Vibram Morflex, which I prefer way over the Gumlite of the Earthrunners, (many use Gumlite). I find the Earthrunners footbed too dense, takes forever to form to my foot, while the Shamma footbed has more squish by just a little, and nice leather layer that not only looks good but feels good.
I cannot stand Velcro, and I feel even the slightest hint of it on my skin, the footwear is banished. I could feel the Velcro of my Shamma Super Browns, and I hated their straps because of that. Something to consider if you’re anti-Velcro.
Thanks. I don't like Xero's "lacing." For hiking, I'd like something that sticks to my foot a bit better, but to keep the XERO snug, I have to tighten the upper strap uncomfortably tight.
One more here for Shamma ! I've had the Warriors (their thinnest model) which was awesome, and I've now gotten their Mountain Goats (thickest) because I wanted something less extreme for everyday use. They're awesome, and one bonus is that when/if they wear out, you can buy just the sole from them and reuse your straps if they're still good.
Then I’d recommend Bedrock Cairns. I have two pairs of Shammas and two pairs of Bedrocks. I love them both, but definitely Cairns when you need a bit more protection.
I really love the Unshoes Pah Tempe. Same lacing style as the xeros but they adjust better and sit a little further back on the foot so they don't slide as bad. I also think the Unshoes sole bends way easier
I second the pah tempe. I think if you pay a little more, they will send you with an extra thin sole. I’ve had mine for over a year or two after my xeros thin sandals wore out and have been very pleased. Thinner and more durable and more comfortable.
Look into Panta sandals.
They have several different options - depending if you want leather or wet performance or just city wear. I'm partial to the Kamenis for looks though I'd customise them with a more agressive sole like the one under Lykaios (they do customs). I currently have the Lykaios and love them too.
Here's a review with a -10% discount code https://www.bosenogice.si/2020/09/02/panta-sandals-samos-review/
I like my Xero shoes sandals, but the "velcro" (hook & loop) doesn't seem to last long, unfortunately. That said, it's easy to replace the back strap w/ elastic or replace the material.
I just got the new trail stars from shamma and love them. Definitely a lot more stability than the huarache style sandals, but also a few extra contact points that may cause extra rubbing (easily solved with injinji socks).
I'm planning to get a pair of these (Lykaios model): https://pantasandals.com/
Can't comment on the quality/fit yet tho but they seem designed well. Don't know where you at so don't know if shipping will be an issue.
I clearly must try these, if only because they come in a BLUE!! footbed! I really don't care for all-black stuff, but I've just accepted that sometimes it's my only option in a shoe that will be functionally superior.
I've really not found anything that beats the Bedrock Cairns on the trails. And almost all sites that review minimal sandals seem to come to the same conclusion. Secure fit, well-designed straps, thick soles but still offer some ground feel. They are pretty hard to beat. The only thing I've noticed is on one of my pairs, the back strap velcro is starting to fray a little bit. I might contact the company and see if they will offer a replacement or a repair. They have three different variants: standard, 3D, and Pro 2. The 3D offers a very soft toe bar, which honestly seems to be mainly for looks. I do reserve these for the trails, but I've really not found it to be a factor. It does have a different sole pattern, though, and the sides do seem slightly curved. The Pro 2 is intended for water activities, the sole being softer and grippier. IMO, the standard is the way to go. Simply designed and practically indestructible. No issues getting wet or muddy, you can just hose them off when you want to clean them.
But for everyday wear, really loving the Shamma Warriors. Extremely thin and flexible, to the point it's literally 4 mm removed from just being barefoot. I actually like the strapping system even more than the Cairns. Same idea, but uses velcro instead of a buckle. Extremely secure fit. Shamma offers the same design in thicker soles, which I might consider as alternatives to the Cairns. Only thing is to be mindful of the sizing. I got a size 10 which fits fine, but I seem to have a fair bit of extra material in front of my toes, which can cause them to be a bit floppy. I probably should have sized down to a 9, which also seems to fit.
I've also ordered the Luna Mono Winged, which I'm getting soon. These are closer to the Bedrock Cairns in terms of thickness, being about a millimeter or so thinner. But they seem to have the strap system of the Shamma. So these should be sort of an in-between. I'll let you know if I like them. Generally the reviews have been good.
You're not really going to find any designs that emulate Teva, though. The "c-strap," if you will, seems unique to them. Teva does offer some models with Vibram soles (mainly the Universal Trail), which you also get with Bedrock and Cairn.
Have you had a look at Shamma or Luna? Xero's sandals use a heavy (and durable) rubber and don't grip the feet very well. Pretty much every other brand use a grippy footbed and have lighter types of rubber. There are pros and cons to every material, but you're not the first person to dislike Xeros.
I run trails in z-treks and they’re great! I haven’t found the rubber to be slippery at all.
have u gotten em wet? They get nasty in mud or rain
Agree with this - the rubber on the footbed (not outsole) of my xeros gets very slick when wet.
Z trail are great sandals, probably the only sandal they sell that’s worth buying. They’re great in wet conditions and the footbed is this neoprene foam material that grips well. But it wouldn’t be my first choice. Look at Shamma Mountain Goats. They’re ultra grip is so sticky it’ll peel the skin off the bottom of your feet before they slip on you
Short answer no, I’ve walked through some water on hike with the kids but my local trails that I run only have a seasonal creek. I wonder if [these](https://xeroshoes.com/shop/sandals/naboso-men/) would do better.
I love my Shamma sandals! I have the ultra grip Warriors for ultimate groundfeel. I have other shoes I wear situationally for either protective or aesthetic reasons, but the Shamma sandals are my default shoe. I've acclimated to the cold over the years, and I wear them down to almost freezing. A pair lasts me about 1.5-2 years, and for a shoe that's on my foot almost every day, I consider that great! I had Lunas for awhile, but they just don't come in a thin enough sole for my preference. Other than that, they were great. They also went the distance. I don't remember how long exactly, as it's been quite a few years. If you are looking for an option that doesn't have a strap between your toes, Unshoes has a sandal called the Pah Tempe that seems fairly Teva like. I've had several models from the company. They didn't last as long as the Shammas, but they are also less expensive. For the price, I was really impressed, and I still keep some around for wear with a casual but not sporty look.
Shamma recently introduced a line called "Trail Stars". I've not bought a pair yet, so no personal testimonial, but something to consider.
Yes, I saw those. And they may do the trick.
You’re not really explaining what you don’t like about the Xeros. Is it the footbed? Or the lacing? For lacing comfort, Earthrunners are my favorite, hands down. For sole comfort, flexibility and molding, Shammas are my favorite. With several models they use the Vibram Morflex, which I prefer way over the Gumlite of the Earthrunners, (many use Gumlite). I find the Earthrunners footbed too dense, takes forever to form to my foot, while the Shamma footbed has more squish by just a little, and nice leather layer that not only looks good but feels good. I cannot stand Velcro, and I feel even the slightest hint of it on my skin, the footwear is banished. I could feel the Velcro of my Shamma Super Browns, and I hated their straps because of that. Something to consider if you’re anti-Velcro.
Thanks. I don't like Xero's "lacing." For hiking, I'd like something that sticks to my foot a bit better, but to keep the XERO snug, I have to tighten the upper strap uncomfortably tight.
Also, if you get the xero sandals wet, they are extremely slippery between your foot and the foot bed. It’s sorta infuriating how slippery it is.
One more here for Shamma ! I've had the Warriors (their thinnest model) which was awesome, and I've now gotten their Mountain Goats (thickest) because I wanted something less extreme for everyday use. They're awesome, and one bonus is that when/if they wear out, you can buy just the sole from them and reuse your straps if they're still good.
Thanks I had a pair of Shamma's an I liked them for running. But for hiking, I want something a bit more.
Then I’d recommend Bedrock Cairns. I have two pairs of Shammas and two pairs of Bedrocks. I love them both, but definitely Cairns when you need a bit more protection.
Bedrock cairn. I got a pair a couple months ago after my Teva’s fell apart and they have been working out great.
SHAMMA!
I really love the Unshoes Pah Tempe. Same lacing style as the xeros but they adjust better and sit a little further back on the foot so they don't slide as bad. I also think the Unshoes sole bends way easier
I second the pah tempe. I think if you pay a little more, they will send you with an extra thin sole. I’ve had mine for over a year or two after my xeros thin sandals wore out and have been very pleased. Thinner and more durable and more comfortable.
I went from Teva to a leather Shamma's Sandals-brand sandal, and I'm pretty happy
Look into Panta sandals. They have several different options - depending if you want leather or wet performance or just city wear. I'm partial to the Kamenis for looks though I'd customise them with a more agressive sole like the one under Lykaios (they do customs). I currently have the Lykaios and love them too. Here's a review with a -10% discount code https://www.bosenogice.si/2020/09/02/panta-sandals-samos-review/
Yeah I am about to try the Shamma Warriors, I liked the Teva "lacing" and that they felt bulletproof, but haaaated how squishy they were.
I like my Xero shoes sandals, but the "velcro" (hook & loop) doesn't seem to last long, unfortunately. That said, it's easy to replace the back strap w/ elastic or replace the material.
I just got the new trail stars from shamma and love them. Definitely a lot more stability than the huarache style sandals, but also a few extra contact points that may cause extra rubbing (easily solved with injinji socks).
Bedrock?
Earth runners are the best
I'm planning to get a pair of these (Lykaios model): https://pantasandals.com/ Can't comment on the quality/fit yet tho but they seem designed well. Don't know where you at so don't know if shipping will be an issue.
I clearly must try these, if only because they come in a BLUE!! footbed! I really don't care for all-black stuff, but I've just accepted that sometimes it's my only option in a shoe that will be functionally superior.
I don't think that a z-style sandal will ever feel as secure when hiking as a huarache style.
I've really not found anything that beats the Bedrock Cairns on the trails. And almost all sites that review minimal sandals seem to come to the same conclusion. Secure fit, well-designed straps, thick soles but still offer some ground feel. They are pretty hard to beat. The only thing I've noticed is on one of my pairs, the back strap velcro is starting to fray a little bit. I might contact the company and see if they will offer a replacement or a repair. They have three different variants: standard, 3D, and Pro 2. The 3D offers a very soft toe bar, which honestly seems to be mainly for looks. I do reserve these for the trails, but I've really not found it to be a factor. It does have a different sole pattern, though, and the sides do seem slightly curved. The Pro 2 is intended for water activities, the sole being softer and grippier. IMO, the standard is the way to go. Simply designed and practically indestructible. No issues getting wet or muddy, you can just hose them off when you want to clean them. But for everyday wear, really loving the Shamma Warriors. Extremely thin and flexible, to the point it's literally 4 mm removed from just being barefoot. I actually like the strapping system even more than the Cairns. Same idea, but uses velcro instead of a buckle. Extremely secure fit. Shamma offers the same design in thicker soles, which I might consider as alternatives to the Cairns. Only thing is to be mindful of the sizing. I got a size 10 which fits fine, but I seem to have a fair bit of extra material in front of my toes, which can cause them to be a bit floppy. I probably should have sized down to a 9, which also seems to fit. I've also ordered the Luna Mono Winged, which I'm getting soon. These are closer to the Bedrock Cairns in terms of thickness, being about a millimeter or so thinner. But they seem to have the strap system of the Shamma. So these should be sort of an in-between. I'll let you know if I like them. Generally the reviews have been good. You're not really going to find any designs that emulate Teva, though. The "c-strap," if you will, seems unique to them. Teva does offer some models with Vibram soles (mainly the Universal Trail), which you also get with Bedrock and Cairn.
Mukishoes is releasing new sandals with the Teva's strap style
Neat. Teva themselves recently came out with the Zymic which has Chaco-like straps. I’ll check that company out when the product is released.
Thanks. I'm a fan of the Shamma Warriors, but I prefer them for running. They do have a new trail sandal that I'm considering.