New as part of Xero’s Spring 2024 collection, the H-Trail is a super-light huarache-style trail sandal. The H-Trail is your perfect companion for outdoor adventures from warm-weather hikes to beach and cottage fun.
Folks who don’t like conventional flips flops often find barefoot thong sandals like these way more comfortable as they are secured around the ankle and don’t cause pressure between the toes. They’re also compatible with Japanese Tabi socks, in case you’re doing a chilly fall camping trip.
Features
- Secure and comfortable design has many points of adjustment so you can customise the fit and feel
- FeelTrue® rubber outsole with the dual chevron lug pattern
- TrailFoam™ middle layer evens out the bumps
- BareFoam™ footbed gives you the just-right comfort
- Vegan
- Adjust the tension and angle of the toe strap, the location of the instep strap, and the position of your foot in the sandal with the heel strap
- Holds your foot wherever you take it without the pressure points typically associated with a thong-style sandal
- Hiking tread suitable for firm ground trails, manicured trails, and urban environments, or as a recovery sandal for use at camp after a long hike
- Should be grippy in water too
- Zero drop, foot-shaped, and flexible
- A nice balance between medium high groundfeel and a little bit of comfort
Sizing
Xero sandals tend to fit true to size, although some will take a size down from their Xero shoe or boot size as there’s no need for extra length in a sandal like there would be in a shoe.
Xero makes US men’s and women’s sizing. In their sandals, a men’s 8 will be the same length as a women’s 9, and so on. However, the men’s sizes are wider throughout (forefoot, midfoot, and heel), and sometimes have wider straps than women’s sizing.
Fit Notes
- The sandals will fit the way they fit when they are new, they will not stretch out
- Xero sandals have a rectangular footprint shape
- Xero sandals tend to suit folks with average to high volume feet best, though the adjustability sometimes works for low volume feet too
- Notes on width: average width, similar to Xero’s shoes
- Four points of fit adjustment in the lacing
- What is the toebox shape: sloping shape
- Width in the forefoot area is: centred
Ground Feel
With a slightly thinner sole than the Z-Trail EV but using the same cushiony materials, these will be soft and flexible while giving you tons of ground feel! Great for all summer long, but be careful if you’re just starting out with minimal shoes, these will ask a lot from your feet.
If you want a little bit more cushion, try the Z-Trail EV, or if you want a little less, try the Aqua Cloud.
Care
You can just hose them down, or wipe with a damp cloth and gentle soap. They’ll dry quickly.
Best Uses
For summer walks and hikes, and for experienced barefoot runners you’ll like these too! With a casual athletic style, you probably won’t be wearing these to a wedding, but you might find yourself reaching for them on almost every other occasion– they’re just so comfy! Like a second skin, they are so light and flexible you’ll forget you have them on.
This style of lacing is based on the sandals made by the Rarámuri people in the mountainous areas of Mexico, you can see our blog about “huarache sandals” here. The benefit of the design is that your whole foot is securely attached, so you can use your feet as if you were barefoot.
