Backside Line
With a low stack top, zero drop design, minimal cushion, and pure foot form, the Xero Footwear Scrambler Path Low WP targets barefoot and minimalist hikers who want safety in moist mountaineering situations.
As a result of minimalist design, this shoe would require some adjustment time for these used to conventional mountaineering footwear with increased drop heights, extra stability options, and thicker cushion. Nevertheless, for these already mountaineering in barefoot-styled footwear, this shoe received’t require a lot break-in time. Whereas this shoe gives wonderful floor really feel, it additionally limits underfoot safety from sharp rocks and different path obstacles chances are you’ll encounter.
Although we discovered the waterproofing expertise to be each extraordinarily efficient and breathable throughout winter wet hikes in Northern California, the higher materials felt a bit stiff. We additionally famous some discomfort on the toe joints. Nevertheless, relying on the quantity and size of your foot and the way it sits within the shoe, this will not be as noticeable.
We had been additionally a bit upset with the traction on the outsole when mountaineering throughout a rainstorm. Though it carried out adequately on dry terrain, it lacked grip, leaving us with heavy mud-caked toes on the finish of a sloppy path. Nevertheless, we had been impressed with the sturdiness of those footwear, particularly given the light-weight minimalist design.
General, if you’re out there for a water-proof barefoot/minimalist mountaineering shoe, then it’s value making an attempt this one out. Although in the event you’re on the lookout for one thing with extra cushion and assist, we have now different choices in our ladies’s mountaineering footwear gear information.
How We Examined
We hiked via state parks in Northern California throughout the moist winter months. Taking this shoe out throughout rainstorms, we completely examined the effectiveness of its waterproofing and traction in moist situations.
Fast Specs
Xero Footwear Scrambler Low Path WP
Stable Minimalist Climbing Shoe
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.1/5.0
Value:
$150
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 3.2 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop:
0 mm
Professionals
- Pure foot form
- Wonderful floor really feel
- Breathable
- Excellent for minimalist runners & hikers
Cons
- Might not present sufficient cushion
- Doesn’t shed mud nicely
Consolation
The Xero Footwear Scrambler Low Path WP is a superb decide for individuals who choose barefoot and minimalist mountaineering footwear and plan on adventuring in moist climate. These footwear supply a low stack top of 11.5 mm; whereas they improve floor really feel, additionally they present much less safety from rocks and different path obstacles underfoot.
As a result of lack of cushion, these footwear will not be the most suitable choice for these in want of extra assist options and luxury when crossing technical and rocky terrain.
Whereas the footwear match the pure contours of your foot, we had been a bit upset with the sensation of the higher materials. Whereas mountaineering, the stiff materials creased on the toe joints, creating an uncomfortable bunching.
Traction
Whereas mountaineering in moist climate, we had been somewhat upset with the traction on these footwear. The FeelTrue rubber was slippery in mud and over moist rocks, not giving us the arrogance we desired in inclement situations. This was particularly complicated for waterproof footwear.
Nevertheless, the outsole was a lot grippier in dry situations and options bigger lugs, made with thick rubber, that may possible final a very long time over many miles of use.
Weight
The Xero Footwear Scrambler Path Low WP is likely one of the lighter mountaineering footwear in our lineup – partly attributable to its minimalist design. We clocked a pair on our scale at 1 pound, 4 ounces. This makes it one of many lightest pairs within the lineup.
Sturdiness
With their thick rubber outsole and polyester textile higher, these footwear are extremely abrasion and snag-resistant, with the flexibility to sort out quite a lot of terrains. Though a bit stiff and thick, the higher materials could be very sturdy and prone to have a protracted lifespan, although the footwear don’t have the identical pure look as these fabricated from leather-based.
We discovered no put on and tear after use, and all of the seams gave the impression to be sealed tightly for cover from the weather.
Climate Resistance
We had been impressed with the efficiency of the XeroTex 2-layer waterproof membrane. When mountaineering in moist and wet climate, our toes stayed snug and dry. Water beaded and rolled off with out absorbing into the higher materials. The Xero Footwear membrane can also be extremely breathable, and our toes by no means overheated whereas mountaineering as a result of moisture-wicking liner.
Nevertheless, attributable to how low the shoe sits in your ankle, you’ll need to watch out when puddle hopping and creek crossing.
Ought to You Purchase the Xero Scrambler Low Path WP?
The Xero Footwear Scrambler Low Path WP is designed for barefoot and minimalist hikers who need enhanced floor really feel, whereas additionally being protected against the weather.
With its zero-drop platform, low stack top, and minimal cushion, this shoe targets a distinct segment group of adventurers. Those that want extra safety underfoot, want extra stability options, and plan on carrying heavy masses or tackling lengthy distances over technical terrain will possible need to contemplate different mountaineering footwear in our gear information.
This shoe is a superb worth if you’re out there for a minimalist design and discover the match and sizing to work nicely on your particular person foot form, the place the higher materials hugs your foot nicely and doesn’t trigger discomfort the place your foot bends.
What Different Ladies’s Climbing Footwear Ought to You Contemplate?
If the Xero Footwear Scrambler Path Low WP doesn’t present the extent of consolation and assist you’re trying to find, take a look at our full record of one of the best ladies’s mountaineering footwear for extra choices to think about. Beneath are some particular fashions which might be an important place to start out, that additionally supply a extra pure match!
Altra Lone Peak 9 Evaluate: In the event you want a zero-drop shoe with a pure foot form, however need extra cushion and safety than the Xero Footwear, take a look at the basic Altra Lone Peak. This newer mannequin offers enhanced sturdiness and an up to date responsive cushion for hikers and path runners alike.
Topo Ultraventure 4 Evaluate: Whereas not a zero drop shoe, the Topo nonetheless gives a low drop top at 5mm, however with a better stack top for elevated cushion and safety, and in addition a wider toe field for bigger toes.
Saucony Peregrine 15 Evaluate: The Saucony is one other decrease drop shoe and is a superb possibility for these with narrower toes who want a snugger match. This shoe can also be extremely gentle and breathable – although if climate safety is vital to you, chances are you’ll need to contemplate footwear with waterproofing or no less than a thicker higher materials.
