#8 on this list
Xero Z-Trail EV
Xero Shoes
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV is built specifically for ultralight hikers, fastpackers, and minimalist purists who refuse to carry heavy footwear. Stripping away all unnecessary bulk, this sandal rolls up into a tight bundle no thicker than a rolled pair of wool socks, taking up almost no volume in your pack. As an emergency river-fording sandal or end-of-day camp shoe, it has few rivals. The sole utilizes a smart three-layer FeelLite construction: a grippy chevron-lugged rubber base, a TrailFoam middle layer that blunts sharp stone edges, and a textured BareFoam top layer for comfort against the foot. The Z-style tubular webbing harness wraps comfortably across the forefoot and instep, tightening via an integrated heel strap and tension buckle that keeps the sandal secure during moderate trail walking. This is an authentic minimalist sandal with zero drop and zero arch support. If your feet and calf muscles are not adapted to barefoot movement, carrying a heavy pack on rocky, uneven terrain will quickly lead to sore arches and tired Achilles tendons. It provides minimal side-to-side lateral protection, meaning it belongs on mellow trails, flat water crossings, and around the tent site. **Highlights** - Extremely lightweight and flexible enough to roll up for easy pack storage - Three-layer FeelLite sole blunts sharp stone strikes while preserving ground feel - Zero-drop, wide footbed allows natural toe splay and foot posture - Quick-drying tubular nylon webbing strap system avoids sharp edges - Dual-chevron rubber lugs offer surprising traction on dirt and gravel **Watch-outs** - Zero arch support demands strong, conditioned feet for active hiking - Thin sole provides limited protection against jagged, technical talus - Not designed to support heavy backpacking loads over rough terrain
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#9 on this list
Lowdown Sandal
Chaco
The Chaco Lowdown Sandal is designed for hikers who love the supportive shape of Chaco footwear but want a lighter, lower-profile option for travel, easy day hikes, and camp relaxation. By swapping out the heavy, dense polyurethane midsole of the Classic for a lightweight EVA foam chassis, the Lowdown cuts substantial weight while retaining recognizable Chaco DNA. The footbed retains the signature LUVSEAT arch curve, offering noticeable structure that cradles your foot far better than standard flat flip-flops. However, the bouncy EVA foam requires zero break-in time, making these comfortable straight out of the box. The strap design differs from the classic pull-through system: the webbing is anchored directly into the sides of the sole, adjusting quickly through a simple ladder-lock buckle. The trade-off is reduced longevity and customizability. Because the straps are anchored rather than continuous, you cannot fine-tune the tension across the forefoot independently from the instep. The lighter EVA foam will also compress and lose its rebound much faster than high-density polyurethane when subjected to heavy trail use, and the anchored straps cannot be repaired via Chaco’s resole program. **Highlights** - Noticeably lighter and lower in profile than traditional polyurethane Chacos - Molded LUVSEAT arch support built into a flexible EVA midsole - Fast, single-buckle ladder-lock adjustment system - Packs flat into backpack pockets without adding heavy dead weight - Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsole provides solid casual traction **Watch-outs** - Straps are anchored, eliminating independent forefoot tension adjustment - EVA midsole lacks the multi-year durability of dense polyurethane - Not designed to carry heavy expedition packs over technical terrain
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Xero Z-Trail EV | Lowdown Sandal |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per Pair | 10.8 oz (Men's 9) | — |
| Stack Height | 11mm | — |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0mm (Zero Drop) | — |
| Sole Material | Three-layer FeelLite with BareFoam and TrailFoam | — |
| Webbing | Quick-dry recycled polyester tubular straps | — |
| Closure | Z-strap tension buckle with Velcro heel adjustment | — |
| Weight | — | 15.2 oz / 430 g per pair (Men's 9) |
| Midsole | — | Cushioned Upbound EVA foam |
| Outsole | — | Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber |
| Footbed | — | Contoured LUVSEAT arch |
| Upper Material | — | Polyester jacquard webbing |
| Lug Depth | — | 3.0 mm |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Xero Z-Trail EV
- Exceptionally packable and rolls up tightly for easy pack storage
- Three-layer sole blunts sharp stone strikes without killing ground feel
- Tubular webbing dries rapidly and causes minimal friction hot spots
- Zero-drop design allows natural toe splay and unrestricted movement
- Zero arch support demands conditioned feet under load
- Lacks lateral stability on steep off-camber terrain
- Exposed toes offer zero defense against loose trail scree
Lowdown Sandal
- Substantially lighter and flatter to pack than traditional polyurethane Chacos
- Anatomical LUVSEAT arch support provides superior foot fatigue relief
- Zero break-in required thanks to compliant Upbound EVA midsole
- ChacoGrip rubber outsole offers dependable wet and dry traction
- Anchored straps prevent independent tensioning across the forefoot
- EVA foam compresses and packs out much faster than dense polyurethane
- Anchored webbing and glued construction cannot be repaired via ReChaco
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