Xero Shoes has taken their best-selling trail shoe and updated it, resulting in their Fall/Winter 23 release: the Mesa Trail WP. The WP stands for Waterproof!
Features:
- Waterproof: Xero-Tex seam sealed membrane/bootie layer
- Gusseted Tongue
- Gaiter attachment point
- Vegan
- Welded protective toecap and sidewalls
- 3.5mm trail foam layer for comfort
- Lugged sole in dual chevron design for soft terrain grip
- Extremely lightweight compared to conventional trail shoes
- Zero drop: no raised heel, you are flat on the ground
- Foot-shaped: wide toe box
- Medium ground feel: wear with or without the insole
Sizing
Most customers take half a size up in this model compared to CEM's sizing chart recommendations (especially those with square shaped toes or wide feet, or wishing to wear a thick sock).
Xero uses gendered American sizing. A W9 = a M10.5 in the same model (1.5 sizes' difference).
Fit Notes:
- Does not stretch out
- Rectangular footprint shape
- Medium volume fit (width and height of shoe)
- Average width model
- Laces help adjust the fit around the midfoot
- Sloping toebox shape
- Width in the forefoot area is centered
Ground Feel
The Mesa Trail WP offers medium groundfeel and flexibility.
The sole and uppers design allow for more bending and flexing than conventional trail shoes but not as much as our most barefoot-feeling shoes.
The trail foam and trail sole allows for more groundfeel than conventional trail shoes but not as much as our most barefoot-feeling shoes. They are designed to be comfy during trail running.
The Mesa Trail WP is suitable for most* customers who are new to barefoot shoes and experienced minimal shoe folks seeking a waterproof shoe with a trail grip. If you are new to barefoot shoes, seek out education on transitioning safely, especially if you plan to run in them.
*Due to the lug design not extending under the arch area, if you have a lot of lateral instability or a tendency to over pronate, this may not be a good transition shoe for you. Ask us for resources on how to strengthen your feet!
Care
Spot clean the uppers. You can wipe the soles with a damp cloth. Do not put in the washing machine. Handwash sparingly (lay flat to dry).
Using lugged shoes as city shoes may cause the lugs to wear down faster than saving them mostly for trails.
Best Uses
Our customers have been asking for years for a waterproof shoe, and finally we can offer you the Mesa Trail WP!
If you want a waterproof trail option that is low cut allowing for more opportunity to move your ankles freely, a waterproof shoe for walking the dog through dewy morning park grass, or a hiking shoe that gives you confidence to explore without fear of getting caught in a surprise bout of rain, the Mesa Trail WP is our top pick for you!
