Xero Shoes Mesa Summit & Mesa Summit Waterproof

These are Xero Shoes newest trail hiking shoes.  Over the past few years, Xero has been particularly excelling with its hiking lineup, offering a variety of high-top and low-top options, waterproof models, and different outsole designs.

The Mesa Summit surprised me right out of the box. Despite having a rock guard added, it's super flexible and lightweight from the moment you put it on. While many barefoot hiking shoes, including some of Xero's previous models, are known for their flexibility, it's surprising just how soft and supple these feel, especially considering they have a rugged trail outsole. The waterproof version also features a sock-like cuff, making it very easy to slip on.

Note: This article contains affiliate links; however, my opinion is my own.

You can buy them here.

Unique attributes

ESS Rock Guard

This is the first Xero shoe that has an ESS rock guard. We expected a much chunkier outsole, but as you can see, it doesn't really affect the shoe's flexibility or ground feel at all.

Polyester mesh upper

The polyester mesh upper gives it a very comfortable, sock-fit construction. The durable 3D-printed overlay helps it fit securely without causing abrasion or chafing.

Grip

While this isn't Xero's grippiest shoe, it performed well on small rocks, large rocks, and even muddy terrain. The waterproof version also performed well on wet trails.

Ground feel

Ground feel is great! You just don't feel the pointy rocks as much.

Sizing

Definitely true to size. The size ranges are listed above.

Width and Feel

Best fit for narrow to medium width foot with socks and the insole. The waterproof version has a sock-fit construction in upper due to the cuff/tongue continuous piece, zero break in time.

Waterproof Performance

The waterproof shoe is truly waterproof, but don't hike through a stream like I did, or water will eventually come in over the top. The cuff/tongue sock-fit insert is one piece preventing water from getting through the sides where a tongue would normally be.

Durability

Xero Shoes have been getting more durable over the years, but since these are a new release, we haven't yet reached the point where we can comment on their long-term wear and tear.

Mesa Summit

The regular Mesa Summit is a low-top hiking shoe featuring a unique ESS rock guard placed in select areas. This helps reduce the impact of sharp rocks and more technical terrain while trail running or hiking without taking too much away from the ground feel.

It's fairly breathable, although I'd recommend wearing it with socks. It has a narrow-to-medium foot width fit, an easy-to-secure lacing system with no metal eyelets or hooks, and a gusseted tongue.

Available colors

Men: Black, Dark Irish Cream, Orange Flame

Women: Asphalt/Multicolor, Burnt Brick, Orange Flame

Specifications

• MSRP: $124.99

• Weight: 9.8 oz (Men's Size 9), 8.4 oz (Women's Size 8)

• Stack height: 12 mm (9.5 mm base + 3.5 mm removable insole)

• Lug height: 3.5 mm

• Upper: Abrasion- and debris-resistant polyester mesh reinforced with a durable 3D-printed overlay

• Protection: Strategically placed ESS rock guard embedded in performance foam to protect high-impact zones

• Outsole: Lightweight, rugged outsole for trail-ready performance

• Zero drop: 0 mm

• Sizing: True to size (Men's 6.5–13, 14, 15; Women's 5–12)

Mesa Summit WP

The waterproof Mesa Summit quickly became a personal favorite of mine on the trails with my dog. With its simple sock-fit construction, it is so simple to slip into even though it is laces. (I'm a sucker for slip-ons), it's waterproof while still being low-top and lightweight. Despite having more of a bootie-style construction, it remains light and comfortable and makes a great trail runner.

It isn't quite as breathable as the regular version, but is an exceellent option for those wet trails.

Available colors

Men: Asphalt/Multicolor, Army Green, Rawhide

Women: Asphalt/Multicolor, Lunar/Xero Blue, Irish Cream

Specifications

• MSRP: $144.99

• Weight: 10.4 oz (Men's Size 9), 9.6 oz (Women's Size 8)

• Stack height: 12 mm (9.5 mm base + 3.5 mm removable insole)

• Lug height: 3.5 mm

• Upper: Abrasion- and debris-resistant polyester closed mesh upper reinforced with a durable 3D-printed overlay

• Waterproofing: XeroTex® waterproof membrane with an integrated debris collar

• Protection: Strategically placed ESS rock guard embedded in performance foam to protect high-impact zones

• Outsole: Lightweight, rugged outsole for trail-ready performance

• Zero drop: 0 mm

• Sizing: True to size (Men's 6.5–13, 14, 15; Women's 5–12)

I really like the combination of a low-top, lightweight, waterproof shoe, especially one that's easy to slip on. Even though it has the rock guard, it doesn't affect its flexibility and just makes for a great trail-running and hiking shoe.

You can buy them here.