The Xero Shoes TerraFlex II is a zero-drop, minimalist shoe for trail running and hiking. It has a 6.5 mm FeelTrue sole with 4 mm lugs and weighs 9.6 oz per shoe in a men’s size 9 [1]. It’s the current version: Xero calls it “an update to the best-selling original” TerraFlex, still sells it on its own site and lists a $109.99 regular price [1]. Choose it for ground feel on the trail. Look elsewhere if you need cushioning, ankle support or a waterproof membrane.
Status
Xero currently lists the TerraFlex II on its US site as its men’s trail running and hiking shoe [1]. The first-generation TerraFlex has been replaced by this update [1]. When we checked, the men’s page showed a sale price of $32.99 against the $109.99 regular price and offered restock notifications [1]. Some sizes or colors may therefore be limited. Xero doesn’t link to a newer version from the page [1].
TerraFlex II specs
| Spec | TerraFlex II (men’s) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.6 oz per shoe, men’s size 9 [1] |
| Upper | Abrasion- and water-resistant upper [1] |
| Waterproof membrane | None claimed. Xero describes the upper as water-resistant [1] |
| Outsole | 6.5 mm FeelTrue sole with 4 mm lugs [1] |
| Cushioning | Embedded 3 mm TrailFoam layer [1] |
| Drop | Zero drop [1] |
| Stack height | Not published as a total. Sole is 6.5 mm [1] |
| Protection | Toe bumper [1] |
| Fit features | Huarache-inspired adjustable heel and mid-foot webbing, wide toe box [1] |
| Intended use | Trail running, hiking, casual off-road walking [1] |
| Sole warranty | 5,000-mile sole warranty [1] |
| US list price | $109.99 regular price [1] |
How it’s built
The TerraFlex II follows Xero’s usual recipe: a thin, flexible sole, a level “zero drop” heel and a wide toe box [1]. Xero adds a 3 mm TrailFoam layer inside the sole and a toe bumper that the company says “helps guard against unexpected bumps” [1]. The heel and mid-foot webbing, a nod to Xero’s huarache sandals, lets you snug the fit around the heel and arch [1].
The shoe isn’t waterproof. Xero describes the upper only as abrasion- and water-resistant [1]. Expect it to handle a damp trail or a shallow splash better than a deep stream crossing.
Who it suits
- People already used to minimalist or barefoot-style shoes who want lugs and a bit of protection on dirt and rock [1].
- Hikers and trail runners who want a wide toe box and room for the toes to spread [1].
- Anyone counting ounces. At 9.6 oz per shoe [1], it’s far lighter than a traditional mid boot.
Who should skip it
- Hikers moving from conventional, high-drop boots. A zero-drop shoe with a 6.5 mm sole [1] is a big change. If you’re curious, ease into it.
- Backpackers with heavy loads or anyone who wants ankle support. This is a low-cut shoe with minimal cushioning [1].
- Wet-climate hikers who want dry feet. The upper is water-resistant, not waterproof [1].
Current alternatives
| Shoe | Price | Weight | Sole / stack | Drop | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xero Mesa Trail II (men’s) | $107.99 regular [2] | 7.8 oz, size 9 [2] | FeelTrue sole, 3.5 mm lugs, 3.5 mm TrailFoam [2] | Zero [2] | Not claimed [2] |
| Xero Scrambler Mid II WP (men’s) | $194.99 [3] | 1 lb 8.2 oz per pair, non-WP version [5] | 11.5 mm stack + 3.5 mm insole, non-WP version [5] | Zero, non-WP version [5] | Yes, per model name [3] |
| Altra Lone Peak 9 (men’s) | $144.95 [4] | 10.4 oz, size 9 [4] | 25 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot [4] | 0 mm [4] | No [4] |
- Xero Mesa Trail II. A lighter, mesh-upper sibling for trail running. Xero describes it as having a moisture-wicking lining and 3.5 mm lugs [2].
- Xero Scrambler Mid II WP. Xero’s waterproof mid-height hiker [3]. Choose it for ankle coverage and wet trails while keeping a zero-drop platform. REI lists the non-waterproof Scrambler II Mid as discontinued [5], so make sure you’re looking at the WP model on Xero’s site.
- Altra Lone Peak 9. Choose it if you like zero drop but want far more cushioning. Its 25 mm stack is built for rocky, technical trails and long hikes [4].
Bottom line
The TerraFlex II is a light, flexible, zero-drop trail shoe with real lugs and a toe bumper [1]. It’s a good fit if you already like minimalist footwear and want one shoe for both trail runs and hikes. If you need waterproofing or more cushioning, the Scrambler Mid II WP and Lone Peak 9 are the better places to start.
Sources
- Xero Shoes — TerraFlex II, Trail Running and Hiking Shoe, Men (accessed Oct 8, 2026)
- Xero Shoes — Mesa Trail II, Men (accessed Oct 8, 2026)
- Xero Shoes — Boots collection (accessed Oct 8, 2026)
- Running Warehouse — Altra Lone Peak 9, Men's (accessed Oct 8, 2026)
- REI — Xero Shoes Scrambler II Mid Hiking Boots, Men's (accessed Oct 8, 2026)