Product test
Putting the Norda 005 through its paces: luxury aesthetics and high-tech performance
by Siri Schubert
Three weeks until my half marathon – why I’ve started running in barefoot shoes
22.9.2023
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Super cushioned shoes have never been my thing. I like to run with the motto «less is more» in mind. So, I’m putting minimalist trail running shoes from the brand Xero Shoes to the test.
In the three weeks until the Lake Halwill half marathon on 14 October, I’m focusing on fine-tuning. I want to improve my running style – and switching to the Mesa Trail II barefoot shoes in the hope they’ll help. I certainly won’t run the 21 kilometres in them, but I want to know if they’re a good training tool for easy runs.
A trip to Mexico and the history of barefoot running
It’s been just under fifteen years since Christopher McDougall captured many runners’ hearts – including mine – with his book Born to Run.
The book inspired not only me, but an entire generation of runners and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Less is more became my credo. Like many others, I switched from well-known brands to barefoot running shoes. The Vibram Five Fingers was a particularly popular model. I myself have three pairs of it that I still wear.
The pendulum swings back and forth
Now, because just about every movement triggers a countermovement, the barefoot trend didn’t last long. Running shoes with thick cushioning, high stability and plenty of support for the foot became the norm. Brands like Hoka, Adidas, and On rely on hardcore cushioning in some of their models.
But now – true to the principle of movement and countermovement – barefoot shoes are coming back into fashion. Born to Run 2 being published a few months ago highlights this trend.
On the way to becoming a forefoot runner
Minimalist and barefoot shoes have some characteristic features. They generally have a wider toe box that allows the toes to move and offers the foot a wider base. This helps your balance. In addition, the shoes are very flexible and provide no arch support. They’re flat with no slope («drop», in technical jargon) between the heel and forefoot.
The Mesa Trail II from Xero Shoes in practice
Taking a barefoot shoe into the mountains takes a healthy dose of confidence. If you break your ankle there, you may have to call the rescue service. That’s why I’m first testing the Mesa Trail II shoes while jogging on farm roads, forest trails and paths padded with wood chips.
Lightly padded and flexible
Inside, the shoe is lightly padded at the heel and tongue, which prevents slippage and blisters. On the sides, there are reinforced elastic straps around the midfoot area that provide additional support. I appreciate this especially during quick changes of direction, like when dodging roots or stones.
The shoe is very flexible overall. When I run, I feel like there’s nothing slowing down the natural movement of my foot. The upper is light and airy, so my feet don’t overheat. However, the mesh fabric isn’t waterproof. After running on a dewy meadow, my feet were wet. I’m not too bothered by this, though, as the shoes are quick to dry.
I really like the sole with the 3.5-millimetre tread. Even on moist surfaces, the grip is good. The toe protection made of rubber is also useful. It prevents the shoe from tearing if I get caught on a branch or root.
Summary: everything you need, but no more
By now, my feet are well trained enough to do an easy 45-minute run in the Xero shoes. In the beginning, however, you should approach barefoot running slowly. Start by going for a walk or run in the shoes for just a few minutes, otherwise the risk of injury increases due to the low cushioning. Gradually, however, your feet will become stronger – and then it becomes fun to run on uneven ground with a light shoe in a relaxed and natural way.
I like the Mesa Trail II shoes. They have everything you need to be on the dirt road, but no more. Of course, I do still want to test how they fare in the mountains. But for easy runs on gravel, forest and country roads with only a few metres of change in altitude, I think they’re great. They’ve definitely earned a spot in my half-marathon prep.
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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