Xero Shoes  Scrambler II Mid Hiking Boots - Men's

I have been experimenting with barefoot type shoes. I was wearing the Merrell vapors with vibram soul. They are great. I needed a high top for work to keep the bugs and branches out. I also needed something that had air flow. Not water proof. I put these on and the comfort was immediate. They stay tied, they allow massive air flow, the comfort is unmatched. I can’t speak for durability yet. But I am now a xero customer.

These are fantastic trail shoes if you are into the feel of the trail. They force you to place your foot where the trail is flat, if you don't your gonna feel it. You really get to use your toes in these, unlike traditional shoes and boots. I enjoyed hiking in these during the late winter and early spring, when traction was challenging and the weather was mild. These are not cold weather shoes, my feet got cold as soon as the air got cold and they can begin to feel a bit warm, especially when the ground surface is hot, in the summertime. They are sturdy and light, but I ran into some defects that detracted from the longevity of the shoe. The synthetic upper materials began separating from the mesh over toes (the bend crease across the top) very soon after "breaking in" the shoe. I noticed this around 100 miles into the shoe. I had purchased these thinking they might contend with others for a Camino de Santiago trip, but to my dismay, the grippy and very comfortable Michelin outsole did not last. Less than 1,000 miles into the shoe, my Michelins were out of tread, slick as snot and had me doing the slime shuffle on a recent trip to the Rockies. They didn't make it past 4 months of use. They are far too expensive to be buying every 4 months, so no longer on my roster. But they sure are comfortable and enjoyable to wear-out, hence the 4 out of 5 stars.

Very comfortable and light weight, well made but..... the top eyelets are tricky to lace as the base of the eyelets end up catching the lace. You have to go slow and carefully tread the lace through the eyelet to make sure it doesn't get caught under the eyelet base.... frustrating!!

Had the shoe for a few months, used it for everyday activities, hiking, and backpacking, and have no complaints so far. Good breathable and flexible hiking shoe.

Did not last long. The rand pealed away after 4 months. The sole has terrible traction. Otherwise comfortable.

I really like reí for all the living outside!!!

Unlike many other hiking boots, the Xero Scrambler II Mid are absurdly flexible while also being durable enough to withstand the rough and uneven terrain typical to most hiking trails. For me, these boots fit true-to-size and offer an almost sneaker-like wearing experience with additional ankle support from the mid-height ankle cuff. As these not waterproof, these boots are highly breathable and remain comfortable especially hiking in warmer climates. These perform great in dry environments but also air out quickly making occasional rain and shallow water crossings fairly manageable. The vents are located topside on this boot, giving you about an inch or two of depth to clear shallow water without flooding. The most compelling aspect of these boots of course is their flexibility, light weight, and short stack height. This results in a boot with unmatched maneuverability and a natural "barefoot" feel. I've never worn barefoot shoes before these boots and while it did take some getting used to, the increased sensation in my feet has grown on me. Haven't even mentioned the wide toe-box which feels amazing when compared to other shoes I own! It's like a hotel in there! Being able to flex my toes and direct my feet without bulky padding really makes these feel like ninja boots. The lack of a thick protective sole may be off putting for many, but for me, these are a perfect fit for a good day of hiking. The light weight also makes them a breeze to pack! [This review was written after hiking over 30 miles around Big Bend National Park, TX]