If you followed my previous reviews, you know I really enjoyed the original Scrambler Low. That’s why I’ve been eager to get my hands on this updated version: the Xero Shoes Scrambler Low EV (men’s and women’s) — a zero-drop, lightweight trail runner that offers a bit more substance and protection than something like the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail.
Here is my look into how the Scrambler Low EV performs on the trail, what has changed, and whether it’s worth adding to your minimalist trail running shoe rotation.
Intended Use & Distance Range
The Scrambler Low EV is a lightweight, zero-drop trail running shoe designed to give you a true barefoot feel while still providing enough protection for rugged trails. These are good outdoor shoes in general, suitable for running and hiking.
In terms of distance, I find this shoe to be a good daily trainer and maybe a shorter distance racer:
- For Training: It performs well up to about a half-marathon range. It has enough underfoot protection to keep you comfortable on longer training runs.
- For Racing: Personally, I would limit these to about a 10K distance for racing. Beyond that, the lack of heavy cushioning means foot fatigue starts to set in for me during high-effort race paces. Barefoot training makes the feet and legs stronger, but the shoes still cause fatigue which might be reduced in more built shoes during racing (imo).
Upgraded Upper, Strange Laces (Change Them)
The biggest issue with the original Scrambler (Version 1) was the durability of the uppers. On my original pairs, I experienced a lot of fraying right along the sides where the foot flexes.
I’m happy to report that Xero Shoes has improved the uppers on the Scrambler Low EV. They replaced the fragile material with a much more durable, robust mesh that holds up better to trail abuse without sacrificing flexibility.
Besides the updated upper, Xero kept the good features:
- Wide Toe Box: Your toes have plenty of room to splay naturally, which is crucial for stability and comfort on uneven terrain.
- Huarache-Inspired Tension System: The classic instep strap system is still here. When you cinch up the laces, the straps tighten securely around your midfoot and heel, locking your foot in place so you don’t slide around.
The Scrambler Low EV upper material is a big improvement over v1. I find the padding around the heel a little cushier than I might normally want, but it doesn’t bother when running and hiking. For those who are wondering: this seems like it can be a four season shoe as long as you aren’t using it in freezing slop or deep snow. I did run them in a light snow storm with friends and they were fine.
The round stock laces are weird and don’t snug well. Swap them for something like these laces.
Outsole Performance: Michelin Fiberlite Traction
The keystone feature of the Scrambler series remains the Michelin Fiberlite outsole. They have a kid’s cleat-like lug system which is sticky and soft. The work well in our dry climate with many hard-packed trails.
- Weight: At just 9.2 ounces in a men’s size 9, these shoes feel nimble.
- Traction: The rubber compound is exceptionally sticky. If you run in high-desert, scrambly, or rocky conditions, the grip is excellent. It instills confidence on steep rock faces and loose gravel.
- The Trade-Off (Durability): Because the rubber is so soft and sticky, the lugs can wear down quickly if you ride them hard. I went through two pairs of the original Scramblers and burned the lugs off very fast. Xero does offer a 5,000-mile sole warranty, though I’ve never personally tried to cash in on it since I subject my shoes to pretty extreme, punishing terrain. Just keep in mind that if you need maximum stickiness, you might sacrifice some long-term lug durability.
Underfoot Cushioning & Interior Comfort
Unlike some of Xero’s ultra-minimalist offerings, the Scrambler Low EV has a thin foam layer built into the sole. This gives more cushioning than a bare-bones barefoot shoe, making it a good entry option for those who want trail feel without feeling every sharp pebble. In fact, I think the have a little more buffer than the newer Xero Shoes Mesa Summit which features a rock guard (go with those if you are more of a barefoot purist).
Inside the shoe, Xero Shoes has paid close attention to detail:
- Padding: The collar and tongue are nicely padded. It’s actually a bit more padding than I personally require in a minimalist shoe, but it is comfortable and hasn’t caused my feet to overheat.
- Breathability: The upper mesh is breathable, making this an good summer shoe. However, because it has thinner material in places, it’s definitely not a slushy or deep snow shoe, moisture will get in.
- Removable Insole: The included insole features weight-saving cut-outs and the shoe works without an insole for those who prefer a raw barefoot experience. The interior of the shoe is fully finished and comfortable enough to wear without the insole.
Additional Features & Protection
- Toe & Heel Guards: There is solid protective overlays on both the toe box and the heel to guard against rock strikes and trail debris.
- Gaiter Hooks: If you like to run with gaiters to keep sand and debris out of your shoes, there is a dedicated gaiter hook on the front.
- Waterproof Alternatives: If you run in wet or cold climates, keep in mind that Xero Shoes makes a waterproof version of the Scrambler, as well as a taller, high-top hiking boot version. The waterproof version is much more rigid, a hiking shoe and less a running shoe. For dry and warm conditions, I highly prefer the Low EV for its superior flexibility and lightweight feel.
The Verdict 4.6/5
Xero Shoes is a homegrown shoe company out of Colorado known for excellent customer service, and they’ve release a solid update.
While the sticky Michelin lugs may wear down faster than a hard-compound sole, the sheer grip, lightweight design (9.2 oz), and natural zero-drop fit make the Xero Shoes Scrambler Low EV a worthy candidate for any minimalist trail runner or hiker.
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you out on the trail!
