Xero Z-Trek Review - Fit, 6mm Sole & Wet Use

The short answer

The Xero Z-Trek still makes most sense as a thin, packable sandal for travel, camp use, everyday summer wear and water-adjacent trips. My original reason for buying it was as a lightweight backpacking camp shoe and stream-crossing sandal, and that remains the use case where I think it is easiest to understand.

The current model keeps the key formula: a 6.0 mm FeelTrue sole, fully adjustable rPET nylon straps and a very light build. Xero currently lists 7.2 oz per sandal in a men's US 9.

The important caveat is fit. Xero says the Z-Trek is the one sandal in its range that often fits larger than expected, so this is not a model I would buy from your normal size alone.

Current Z-Trek specification

• Sole: 6.0 mm FeelTrue rubber
• Upper: smooth tubular nylon straps made from recycled PET
• Weight: 7.2 oz each in men's US 9
• Closure: fully adjustable Z-style strap system
• Care: hand wash with warm water and mild soap, then air dry

Those are current manufacturer specifications, not proof of performance on every surface. In particular, a tread description does not guarantee grip on wet rock, algae, polished tile or any other specific surface.

Fit and sizing: check the template

Xero's current sizing page says the Z-Trek runs roughly half a size large and advises trying one size smaller than usual, then checking the printable template. The men's and women's versions also use different widths, so the label is less useful than the outline that actually matches your foot.

My advice is to treat the template as part of the purchase, not an optional extra. A sandal this open and thin can feel obviously wrong when the sole extends too far beyond the foot or the strap path does not sit where you expect.

What I liked in real use

It packs almost flat

This was the reason I bought the Z-Trek for backpacking. It takes very little room in a pack and gives you a separate camp or water shoe without carrying a conventional trainer.

The straps became easier after adjustment

My straps initially felt tighter and more noticeable than I wanted. Once I had adjusted the system and worn the sandal for a while, the fit settled down. After that, getting in and out was straightforward.

That is my experience with my pair, not a promise that every foot will like the strap path. If you are sensitive across the top of the foot, pay attention to where the webbing sits when you use the printable template.

They worked well for my water use

I used my pair for stream crossings and swimming and did not have the sole flapping around underneath my foot. I also found the grip better in wet conditions than I expected from some other reviews.

I would not turn that into an all-surface traction claim. Wet grip changes dramatically with the surface, contamination and tread condition. Treat my result as one wear test, not a safety guarantee.

What I would change

The hook-and-loop area collects debris

On an outdoor sandal, hook-and-loop closures eventually meet sand, fibres and general trail debris. On my pair that could reduce how cleanly the closure stuck until it was cleared out. It is a small maintenance issue, but a real one if you use the sandal around beaches or campsites.

The sizing is less intuitive than it should be

A model-specific larger fit is easy to miss if you already own other Xero sandals. Xero's current guidance is much clearer than old reviews: verify the Z-Trek separately rather than transferring a Genesis or Z-Trail size automatically.

Z-Trek vs Z-Trail EV

The current Z-Trail EV is the thicker trail-oriented alternative. Xero lists an 11 mm FeelLite sole with a TrailFoam middle layer, compared with the Z-Trek's 6.0 mm FeelTrue sole.

Choose the Z-Trek when thinness, packability and a simpler underfoot feel are the priority. Compare the Z-Trail EV when you want more material underfoot and a trail-focused platform. Neither is universally the better sandal.

Who should consider the Z-Trek?

It makes sense if you want:

• a very packable travel or camp sandal;
• a thin 6.0 mm sole;
• adjustable straps rather than a toe post;
• a sandal you may also use around water;
• a simpler, lower-profile alternative to the Z-Trail EV.

I would compare something else if:

• you want more underfoot separation for rough trails;
• you do not want to use a printable sizing template;
• you need a traction guarantee for a specific hazardous surface.

Bottom line

I still like the Z-Trek for the same reason I originally bought it: it does a lot while taking up almost no space. The useful update is to be more precise about what that means. It is a thin, adjustable, packable sandal that worked well for my camp and water use. It is not a biomechanical intervention, and my wet-grip result is not proof that it will grip every wet surface.

How this review was checked

This update was checked on 23 August 2026 against Xero's current Z-Trek product page, current sandal sizing guidance and current Z-Trail EV page. Mutable specifications, fit guidance and the Z-Trail comparison were re-checked rather than carried forward from the older review.