Veracruz: Mens Casual Sandal

The Veracruz sandals have essentially the same outsole and footbed as the Z-Trail EV, which makes them very comfortable and flexible; and they have great traction. The strap system is really unique and fits comfortably. For the little while that I tried these on, it barely felt like wearing any sandals at all. One thing that I'm not sure about yet is how well they stay in place. It seems that by adjusting the two straps, you can secure your ankle and rear part of your foot rather well. The toe strap is not adjustable, so unless you have a thicker toe (and mine aren't skinny, but they don't "fill" the toe loop) the front of the sandal seems like it could shift around a bit. As I have time to play with the straps, I'm going to see how well I can get my foot secured. As it is, these would be great for daily wear, but I'd be a little cautious with running/sports until I'm sure my forefoot isn't going to slide to the inside at all. Having an adjustable toe loop would eliminate that concern completely. Otherwise, I like that they are light and comfortable. I also love the design.. I got the green ones with the geckos/lizards on the straps, and I like that the footbed is a light color. I often take my sandals off near the water, and like the option of having lighter colors, so they don't get really hot if they are out for a little while in the sun.

Great quality, have bought another pair

I ordered a pair of these on 16th November, I was “invited” by email to review them on 24th November. So far, all my correspondence has been ignored by Xero Shoes. Today, 15 days after placing the order, I’m finally told they are actually on their way. 15 days later!! Is this what you guys call good customer service... ?!?!

Awesome sandals. Exactly as described. Protect your feet from the hot bitumen but still let you feel Like your barefoot.

Very comfortable sandal that fits true to size (Size US8 would be equivalent to EUR 41). A little fiddly to get on but feels great once on. I have the Amuri Cloud for casual wear and run in the Amuri Z-Trek, both with the heel cup cut off (I hate that heel cup!), and these Vera Cruz could replace them both.

The toe loop is a lot bigger on one than the other.

Don't buy these. Not even for the $40 they're selling for. I own, use and love Z-Trail, Prio and Mesa Trail for their specific purposes. Figured I'd give the Veracruz a shot because it seems like a good concept and since they were $40. Bought two sizes with the intention to return one, ended up returning both. After hours of fiddling and trying to convince myself I like them, I returned them and that made me realise why they are being sold for $40 with free shipping and returns. It may be a good concept but it is executed poorly: -The heel strap that attaches near the little toe attaches on the actual footbed, which takes up significant room and that ends up twisting your foot off the sandal and also pressuring and rubbing that area of your foot. The Z-Trail attach on the outside of the footbed, this is a far superior design. -If you want a snug fit, you have to cinch down the ankle straps, if you do that the sandal has a tendency to fold due to the heel strap anchoring at a single point at the forefoot. -If you don't tighten the ankle straps you end up with a floppy sandal tugging on your big toe. If you do tighten the straps you end up with an incredibly uncomfortable sandal. There is no way to balance the tension and get a good fit without blisters, flapping, folding, twisting of foot off the platform. -The higher lugs on the forefoot actually make the sandal have a negative drop by apx. 2mm. -The lack of surface area due to the sparse lugs contacting the ground on the forefoot lead to quite a slippery surface when not on dirt/grass etc. -These issues lead to an incredible uncomfortable, unnatural and unusable sandal.

These sandals are very comfortable. They do end up going kind of sideways after 5 steps or so and the outside of my heel ends up hanging off the edge and I have to keep sliding back to the middle but hopefully I can experiment with the straps a bit to try to change that. All in all very comfortable.

First time trying xero shoes and I'm pleased I didn't pay full price. As a podiatrist who believes in the benefits of barefoot movement, I really don't like the positioning of the lateral forefoot strap as it puts pressure on the 5th metatarsal phalangeal joint at toe off, not allowing the forefoot to spread. If I move my foot far enough forward to have the strap in a better location the toe loop digs in, so don't think it's likely to be much better for a larger foot. As a sandal bought to have minimal impact on natural biomechanical function I could not recommended to others. I'm not convinced they're worth $40.