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Very pleased to say I ran a 50K this past Saturday, on lots of wonky grass, sticky trails, modest rolling terrain, six water crossing, very warm day ... Xero Z EV's were great. I'll need to tighten up the strap over the toes a bit more. I've already run two 100 milers in the older Z-Trails this year and plan to try running Mohican 100 Miler as a redemption run finish on Father's Day, in the new Z-Trail EV's. Some irony, after running the tough Gnawbone 50K two weekends prior to this past Saturday's Another Dam 50K ... both with no falls, relatively flawless efforts at reasonably pace ... a day or so after Gnawbone, walking thru out house, I caught my pinky toe on a chair leg while barefoot. It's bruised at the least, still aching, swollen ... but clearly not stopping my running. There's a chance it's broken, but I doubt it. Hope next to cover all of Mohican without falling and beat the 32 hour cut in the lightest footwear yet for me on such a tough course.
Randy well said the way you explained with the design of the sandals. I do love my Genesis sandals. Just waiting for some newer designs with more straps on the sandals 🩴
Super helpful, detailed review! You obviously have got a lot of experience with these sandals. I loved your hearing comparisons between the models, your personal modifications, and your wishlist for future models!
The new EV's look like a great improvement. I have had to use shoe goo on my old pair. I picked up two new pair of the original Z-Trails so unfortunately it's going to be quite a while before I can try a pair of the EVs. Looking forward to your post-race report on the new design. Good luck!
Hi Randy, I also cut back the side rubber by my little toe (but mine is the right foot) as that was on only point that I was getting a blister. Since doing that I have had no problems at all.
Hi Randy, this is my favourite sandal too and the EV changes look good as I had the premature heel wear out too. Regarding the hybrid ideal sandal you mentioned (side posts and thong style), the Shamma Warrior Maximus is exactly that.
Randy thanks for the great and informative review! I ran the first 37 miles in this year’s Leadville Trail 100 Run with the Z-Trail EV. I then put on the Mesa Trail shoe for the remaining 63 miles. Looking back, I should have kept the sandals on the whole time! I guess I’ll just have to do it over again, only in sandals! I also would go for your recommendation of merging the Z-Trail with the Genesis!
Wow!! That is something!! Congratulations. We got to visit Leadville briefly this week for the first time, after running the Creede 50K this past Saturday. I ran it in Z’s all the way… slower than hoped after getting off course roughly three extra mile!
Nice review! Exactly what I was looking for! I also plan to do my next 100 miles in sandals as well. The only thing that makes me hesitate is the risk of tick bites! (lyme disease)
I just got my first pair of Z-Trails and I'm looking forward to taking them for a test run today. As someone who has been wearing only barefoot-style shoes for a few years, the Z-Trails definitely have waaay more cushion than I'm used to-definitely more squish than my Genesis and Z-Trek sandals-which are essentially single slabs of tire rubber. I feel like I'm almost back in sneakers and I'm not sure if I like it yet. Whenever they come out with the "T-Kreills" (thong-style Z-trails), let me know! I could also see you making your own if you ever blew out a toe-strip anchor on some Z-Trails.
Your hybrid idea would be amazing to see them make. The heel strap addition in particular would be great so you can just leave your sizing adjustments as they are and just unstrap the back to take them off for the not trail models.
@@RandyKreill that’s true. I personally haven’t owned a pair of the trails that had the Velcro strap but didn’t think about that part. That’s one thing I love about the clouds and genesis is the fact that all the components last and don’t stop working.
My EVs should be here this week, so I’ll have a month till the marathon to break them in. I’m not a toe-post dude, but no doubt that option on the z-trail would give bedrock/luna a serious run for their money (I pun, I pun 😊)
Let Me know how the training goes! Do you want to tinker with the lacing I like to get the heel strap just right first and then just leave it alone. But initially it may take some adjustments! Also think about using some heavy body glide on the inside of all the leasing especially the front strap that goes over the big toe particularly under the zero logo but ends up being by the big toe.
Hey Randy these are the exact changes I wanted them to make in the Z-Trail. If they put that new outsole on the Genesis, I would definitely buy it. I have to first wear out my current Genesis and DIY sandals before I get any more. That could be several years! 😅 Do the new Z-Trails feel any heavier than the old ones? Thanks for the review and good luck at the Mohican! I predict a sub-30 hour finish for you.
What's your take on the Ev now? Does the increased lug create issues with durability? I have Shamma Chargers that I like overall, but they don't keep my foot centered, and I find my heel and toe coming off toward the side due to pronation. I think these may help because of that heel cut and the toe straps. I just bought some Birks because I want a sandal I can wear out while looking classy, but they feel so so so uncomfortable, so restricting, I don't know if I can do it.
Great review, Randy! I'll look into the new model. I would love to see info on how you adjust the straps. I quit running in Z-Trails because I had my laces set so my foot was too far back and the 1/2" of the sandal that was in front of my toes caught too easily on rocks and roots. I changed the straps so my toes are right at the front and don't seem to have the same issues. I also rounded the bottom edge at the toe so it isn't so prone to catch if my feet get lazy. I also wondered about the Body Glide. Does it attract and hold dust at all? Thanks again! Good luck on your 100!
My toes end up closer to half an inch from the front edge ... with Z's I've not needed to bevel the rubber under that area. On some sandals I've used a belt sander for that purpose. Those sizing and lacing Q's are tough as they can be relative to the size of the footwear relative to the actual size of the foot and each sandal tends to have two or three places that are variable. I start with the heel strap for fit ... I know about where it needs to be. Then give myself a loose strap over the toe ... then the top strap is easily adjusted ... if I run thru water I might feel a need to snug them down. Relative to catching the sandals, this is/was common on technical uphill trail ... think Chi Running ... "needle in cotton" ... "PEEL THE HEEL" ... no shuffles, spin those feet ... greatly reduces odds of catching the front of the sandal. If you do catch it ... deep breaths, slow down, regroup ... probably means you are going too fast for your energy level and focus.
Thanks for the info, wall of text incoming... Very curious about these but wonder if the strap design squeezes the big toe at all? My interest in running sandals is avoiding bunion issues so I’ve only looked at huarache style straps. I’m trying Bedrocks now (normal adventure), but my foot isn’t adapting to the inner side post friction and the outsole isn’t suitable for the southwest trails I run. Luna has a good looking outsole but I don’t like that (like Shama) they offer extra straps for running (seems poor design). So the outsole looks nice on these, but I wanted to know if you experience any bunion promoting pressure on the big toe with that strap design? I fully agree that a hybrid with that outsole and heal strap but a huarache toe post would be perfect. What I really want is an Altra Lone Peak sole with a huarache style strap system, but no one is going in that direction yet.
wow, like me you've put a lot of thought into this stuff. Cairn Pro by Bedrock is my go to "Jeep Wrangler" of huaraches for the toughest courses. My initial concern with Z's was that front toe strap, over the big toe with the logo over the big toe would cause too much friction, skin loss etc. But, that proved to not be a concern. Luna's toe posts do not work for me, but I've purchased their "tech straps" to use with lighter weight Bedrocks and Xero's in the past. So, no bunion concerns for me in anything really. With the Z's that front strap can be as loose as you'd like.
Hi Randy. Great video. I’m just starting to run in “barefoot” sandals and shoes. I was wondering if you ever run on roads and if so what do you wear for them?
I run a lot of roads, paved bike trails etc... for most of the year, Z-Trails work great. I love Xero HFS on roads, and Speed Force is good too, for faster attempts.
@@jamesblaser5329 sandals sort of float underfoot, as if a piece of rubber track material is placed at each contact… I think part of it is getting used to a loose fit ( what I generally prefer) and part of it is snugging the laces just right at each place that can be custom set
Hi Randy. This is my first hiking sandal. I did the printout for the 10 and 11 sizes and stood on both. I have about 1/2 an inch in front of my longest toe with the 11, with my heal pretty much lined up to the edge of the back. The 10 looks like it lines my foot exactly and has almost no room in the front or back. Which size would you recommend? Thank you.
I would go the next size up for two reasons ... sandals can be trimmed down for a custom fit and I like footwear loose ... with sandals, imagine that with each step you are laying down a bit of rubber track. Also... a little extra up front can help protect toes from roots, rocks etc
Thank you for watching and I'd love it if you support my channel and running by shopping my affiliate referral link. Same cost for shoppers. #paidXEROpartner www.XEROSHOES.com/go/randy_kreill
“Hello wonderful people”. Best way to start a video 👍🏻😇
Thank You Claude!
Very pleased to say I ran a 50K this past Saturday, on lots of wonky grass, sticky trails, modest rolling terrain, six water crossing, very warm day ... Xero Z EV's were great. I'll need to tighten up the strap over the toes a bit more. I've already run two 100 milers in the older Z-Trails this year and plan to try running Mohican 100 Miler as a redemption run finish on Father's Day, in the new Z-Trail EV's.
Some irony, after running the tough Gnawbone 50K two weekends prior to this past Saturday's Another Dam 50K ... both with no falls, relatively flawless efforts at reasonably pace ... a day or so after Gnawbone, walking thru out house, I caught my pinky toe on a chair leg while barefoot. It's bruised at the least, still aching, swollen ... but clearly not stopping my running. There's a chance it's broken, but I doubt it. Hope next to cover all of Mohican without falling and beat the 32 hour cut in the lightest footwear yet for me on such a tough course.
Thank you for this Randy!! Good to know about the heel wear. I’m excited to see the EVs after you get some wear on them!!!
Thanks for watching!
Randy well said the way you explained with the design of the sandals.
I do love my Genesis sandals.
Just waiting for some newer designs with more straps on the sandals 🩴
Stuff is in the works… sandals, but I don’t have details. Wear tester stuff is kept quiet till products launch.
Super helpful, detailed review! You obviously have got a lot of experience with these sandals. I loved your hearing comparisons between the models, your personal modifications, and your wishlist for future models!
Thank you for sharing! I ordered a pair from rei to replace my Merrell sandals and I'm excited to try them out and update my foot tanlines!
The new EV's look like a great improvement. I have had to use shoe goo on my old pair. I picked up two new pair of the original Z-Trails so unfortunately it's going to be quite a while before I can try a pair of the EVs. Looking forward to your post-race report on the new design. Good luck!
I saw you running down Dayton Xenia Rd yesterday. You looked like you were in a lot of pain. Maybe you should try some Hokas:)
LOL. Good stuff. Cheers. But NEVER.
Hi Randy,
I also cut back the side rubber by my little toe (but mine is the right foot) as that was on only point that I was getting a blister. Since doing that I have had no problems at all.
You are awesome, sir! Great review!
Hello and thanks for watching!
Hi Randy, this is my favourite sandal too and the EV changes look good as I had the premature heel wear out too. Regarding the hybrid ideal sandal you mentioned (side posts and thong style), the Shamma Warrior Maximus is exactly that.
Randy thanks for the great and informative review! I ran the first 37 miles in this year’s Leadville Trail 100 Run with the Z-Trail EV. I then put on the Mesa Trail shoe for the remaining 63 miles. Looking back, I should have kept the sandals on the whole time!
I guess I’ll just have to do it over again, only in sandals!
I also would go for your recommendation of merging the Z-Trail with the Genesis!
Wow!! That is something!! Congratulations. We got to visit Leadville briefly this week for the first time, after running the Creede 50K this past Saturday. I ran it in Z’s all the way… slower than hoped after getting off course roughly three extra mile!
Thanks for sharing that information with us!! 💪🏽
Totally agree ,it would be awesome
Nice review! Exactly what I was looking for! I also plan to do my next 100 miles in sandals as well. The only thing that makes me hesitate is the risk of tick bites! (lyme disease)
I believe tick risk is lower! You can see them easier with open sandals and no socks but I rarely do see them
Sounds good to me! Thank you for sharing your advice with me 👌
@@lucpare446 thanks for watching ...
I just got my first pair of Z-Trails and I'm looking forward to taking them for a test run today. As someone who has been wearing only barefoot-style shoes for a few years, the Z-Trails definitely have waaay more cushion than I'm used to-definitely more squish than my Genesis and Z-Trek sandals-which are essentially single slabs of tire rubber. I feel like I'm almost back in sneakers and I'm not sure if I like it yet.
Whenever they come out with the "T-Kreills" (thong-style Z-trails), let me know! I could also see you making your own if you ever blew out a toe-strip anchor on some Z-Trails.
Yes… this is one reason Z’s are good for running 100 milers!
Your hybrid idea would be amazing to see them make. The heel strap addition in particular would be great so you can just leave your sizing adjustments as they are and just unstrap the back to take them off for the not trail models.
Only thing is that the Velcro won’t last as long if it’s used frequently IMO… I try to set the Velcro and leave it be.
@@RandyKreill that’s true. I personally haven’t owned a pair of the trails that had the Velcro strap but didn’t think about that part. That’s one thing I love about the clouds and genesis is the fact that all the components last and don’t stop working.
Great review. Thank you.
Thank you randy for this informative video!
Definitely inspiring me to run at least 1 mile lol
Do it!! 👣🏃🏃
My EVs should be here this week, so I’ll have a month till the marathon to break them in. I’m not a toe-post dude, but no doubt that option on the z-trail would give bedrock/luna a serious run for their money (I pun, I pun 😊)
Let Me know how the training goes! Do you want to tinker with the lacing I like to get the heel strap just right first and then just leave it alone. But initially it may take some adjustments! Also think about using some heavy body glide on the inside of all the leasing especially the front strap that goes over the big toe particularly under the zero logo but ends up being by the big toe.
Hey Randy these are the exact changes I wanted them to make in the Z-Trail. If they put that new outsole on the Genesis, I would definitely buy it. I have to first wear out my current Genesis and DIY sandals before I get any more. That could be several years! 😅 Do the new Z-Trails feel any heavier than the old ones?
Thanks for the review and good luck at the Mohican! I predict a sub-30 hour finish for you.
They feel just as light to me!
What's your take on the Ev now? Does the increased lug create issues with durability? I have Shamma Chargers that I like overall, but they don't keep my foot centered, and I find my heel and toe coming off toward the side due to pronation. I think these may help because of that heel cut and the toe straps. I just bought some Birks because I want a sandal I can wear out while looking classy, but they feel so so so uncomfortable, so restricting, I don't know if I can do it.
so far I love the new EV Z-Trail. There's some compression at the heel mostly and some wear on the bottoms, nothing extensive.
Great review, Randy! I'll look into the new model. I would love to see info on how you adjust the straps. I quit running in Z-Trails because I had my laces set so my foot was too far back and the 1/2" of the sandal that was in front of my toes caught too easily on rocks and roots. I changed the straps so my toes are right at the front and don't seem to have the same issues. I also rounded the bottom edge at the toe so it isn't so prone to catch if my feet get lazy.
I also wondered about the Body Glide. Does it attract and hold dust at all? Thanks again! Good luck on your 100!
My toes end up closer to half an inch from the front edge ... with Z's I've not needed to bevel the rubber under that area. On some sandals I've used a belt sander for that purpose. Those sizing and lacing Q's are tough as they can be relative to the size of the footwear relative to the actual size of the foot and each sandal tends to have two or three places that are variable. I start with the heel strap for fit ... I know about where it needs to be. Then give myself a loose strap over the toe ... then the top strap is easily adjusted ... if I run thru water I might feel a need to snug them down. Relative to catching the sandals, this is/was common on technical uphill trail ... think Chi Running ... "needle in cotton" ... "PEEL THE HEEL" ... no shuffles, spin those feet ... greatly reduces odds of catching the front of the sandal. If you do catch it ... deep breaths, slow down, regroup ... probably means you are going too fast for your energy level and focus.
@@RandyKreill e
Thanks for the info, wall of text incoming...
Very curious about these but wonder if the strap design squeezes the big toe at all? My interest in running sandals is avoiding bunion issues so I’ve only looked at huarache style straps.
I’m trying Bedrocks now (normal adventure), but my foot isn’t adapting to the inner side post friction and the outsole isn’t suitable for the southwest trails I run.
Luna has a good looking outsole but I don’t like that (like Shama) they offer extra straps for running (seems poor design).
So the outsole looks nice on these, but I wanted to know if you experience any bunion promoting pressure on the big toe with that strap design? I fully agree that a hybrid with that outsole and heal strap but a huarache toe post would be perfect.
What I really want is an Altra Lone Peak sole with a huarache style strap system, but no one is going in that direction yet.
wow, like me you've put a lot of thought into this stuff. Cairn Pro by Bedrock is my go to "Jeep Wrangler" of huaraches for the toughest courses. My initial concern with Z's was that front toe strap, over the big toe with the logo over the big toe would cause too much friction, skin loss etc. But, that proved to not be a concern. Luna's toe posts do not work for me, but I've purchased their "tech straps" to use with lighter weight Bedrocks and Xero's in the past.
So, no bunion concerns for me in anything really. With the Z's that front strap can be as loose as you'd like.
@@RandyKreill thanks for your thoughts 🙌
Thank you for your good advices. What do you think of the Nabosso model?
That is one of the few Xero’s I’ve not tried!
Hi Randy. Great video. I’m just starting to run in “barefoot” sandals and shoes. I was wondering if you ever run on roads and if so what do you wear for them?
I run a lot of roads, paved bike trails etc... for most of the year, Z-Trails work great. I love Xero HFS on roads, and Speed Force is good too, for faster attempts.
Hi everyone, is this pair of sandals good for pilgrimage mainly on concrete or do you advise a thicker sole?
Thank you in advance!!
For serious barefoot runners, the harder and smoother the surface… the BETTER. I love Z’s on concrete or trails
Hey randy great review im not sure if its me but my feet dont seem to stay center in these any thoughts cheers randy
@@jamesblaser5329 sandals sort of float underfoot, as if a piece of rubber track material is placed at each contact… I think part of it is getting used to a loose fit ( what I generally prefer) and part of it is snugging the laces just right at each place that can be custom set
What’s your opinion of the naboso as opposed to the Z-trail ?
I have not tried the Naboso version but the idea is interesting… the difference is in the texture of the “insole” surface.
Have you tried shamma sandals?
Not really…
@@RandyKreill it has exactly what you are asking for.
Hi Randy. This is my first hiking sandal. I did the printout for the 10 and 11 sizes and stood on both. I have about 1/2 an inch in front of my longest toe with the 11, with my heal pretty much lined up to the edge of the back. The 10 looks like it lines my foot exactly and has almost no room in the front or back. Which size would you recommend? Thank you.
I would go the next size up for two reasons ... sandals can be trimmed down for a custom fit and I like footwear loose ... with sandals, imagine that with each step you are laying down a bit of rubber track. Also... a little extra up front can help protect toes from roots, rocks etc
@@RandyKreill thanks randy! 11's it is!
@@david243121 hope you end up happy... measure twice, cut once! If you trim the 11’s. Do so slowly after some use IMO.
@@RandyKreill I talked to xero shoes and they said that my heal will probably be forward more than I think so it should probably fit perfect.
@@david243121 I agree
Z is a nogo these days.........
Why no go with the Z’s?
@@RandyKreill just referring to the war in Ukraine 🇺🇦 😐
Love the Xero shoes, but don't want to have a tan line with a z 🤔🙄................
@@petersen_michael_ you could wear socks! But no …
@@RandyKreill 😱🤣