The Xero Shoes Scrambler Low (womens and mens) is a unique zero drop trail running and hiking shoe. Initially, the name “Scrambler” confused me as it was hard to tell if the shoe was intended for running or meant to be some kind of approach or hiking shoe.
After five months of running in the Scrambler Low with significant use in winter and spring conditions, across widely varied terrain, I can confidently say they are compelling running shoes — quite fun to run in but also good for hiking and some scrambling!
Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Features
1) Michelin Soles
Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the Scrambler Low is the Michelin sole (yes, the tire company). Xero Shoes managed to strike a deal with Michelin for a shoe sole and the result is surprisingly versatile, especially since the lugs look like those on a kids soccer cleat.
The Michelin soles are admirably sticky and the lugs do a good job across mixed terrain. I’ve often ran/hiked them up 2500′-3000’+ on the hard packed and deteriorating granite in our area in dry, wet, muddy, and snowy conditions. The low profile of the Scrambler Low, combined with a generous toe box and capable tread combine to create a grounded feel.
The Scrambler Low won’t stand out in extreme conditions such as deep mud or heavy ice, but they will stand out in the majority of trail running conditions — even modest snow.
2) Versatile Uppers
Thanks to a more padded upper than some other Xero Shoes, the Scrambler Low worked for me in the snow and even handled Black Diamond Spikes (excellent spikes by the way, the best I’ve tried for running shoe use).
I have mixed feelings about the uppers. They are thicker and more padded in places than many barefoot shoes, feeling more like a traditional sneaker, but there are also mesh-like fabric areas which breathe. Running in the early summer has been fine so far and my feet haven’t roasted.
The uppers are not as lean and breathable as a shoe like the Mesa Trail II, but they have done the job with the huge added bonus of being decent in some winter weather.
Durability is a concern on the uppers, they fray on either side of the forefoot.
I have put a beating on the shoes and they still work great, but the outside of the forefoot is deteriorating too quickly compared to the rest of the shoe. Xero Shoes will want to revise this upper material.
3) Lacing System
As with other Xero Shoes, the Scrambler Low comes with a clever “huarache” style system in which the shoe laces are connected to a system which wraps around the outside of the foot. When the laces are snugged up, the sides of the shoes tighten as well. This is clever, and I’ve not noticed it on other shoes.
While the huarache system doesn’t make the foot completely locked down in the way a court shoe might be designed, it definitely helps!
Switch the Laces
A number of Xero Shoes, including the Scrambler Low, come with a rounded and firm shoelace which doesn’t look sporty and is cumbersome to tie. They generally stay tied, but I’ve never liked them so I switched the shoe laces out. First, I tried a wave lace, but then ended up being happier with a very simple, generic athletic shoelace. The generic laces I found on Amazon are squishy and tend to snug down and stay snug once tied.
4) Foot Protection
Some minimalist trail shoes require runners and hikers to carefully pick their way through rough terrain. The Scrambler Low is more built up in the sole and has suitable toe and heel protection so the wearer spends less time cherry picking through obstacles. I really like the Mesa Trail II, but it requires extra mindfulness and creates more fatigue than the Scrambler Low.
Part of the joy of barefoot and minimalist style shoes is definitely feeling more of the terrain and being mindful of traversing it, but sometimes speed or a little extra protection is appreciated. This is what I love about the Scrambler Low, I still get a zero drop and lean experience but with a bit more muscle. This amounts to covering more miles with less fatigue and less accidental stomps on half dollar sized rocks.
For those who are wondering how the Scrambler Low does on roads and hard-packed surfaces, they do great and are more forgiving than very lean shoes. I wouldn’t recommend running long distances on paved surfaces, but a half marathon and even marathon is doable for an experienced zero-drop trail runner.
Gaiter Anchor
For those who like a lightweight gaiter such as the Black Diamond Distance gaiter, there is an anchor point on the Scrambler Low for gaiters. I’ve been contemplating picking up a pair for an upcoming ultra race but have opted for tall socks for now.
5) Style
Let’s face it, many barefoot shoes look weird. The Mesa Trail I had a pill shape that always seemed goofy to me. While the Xero Shoe Scrambler Low don’t exactly look like normal, sporty running shoes — they do look better to me. Maybe not as sleek as some shoes, but not any worse than the foam high-rise maximalist shoe fad kicked off by Hoka! When caked with mud, the Scrambler Low can look burly!
Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Pros and Cons
Scrambler Low Pros
- A fun and capable sole with good traction, highly versatile
- Zero-drop and flat running experience
- Good balance of protection and minimalist experience
- Warm enough for careful winter use (with good socks)
- Built to go farther with less fatigue
Scrambler Low Cons
- Upper fabric starts to fray too early on both sides of forefoot
- Barefoot diehards may wish for a little more ground feel
- Shoe laces seem clunky
Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Conclusion
The Scrambler Low is a fun shoe for those who are interested in trying a more minimalist shoe or are already using barefoot style shoes and want a capable shoe which creates less fatigue. While a shoe like the Mesa Trail 2 is a great training shoe, I suspect more hikers and runners will reach for the Scrambler Low when considering longer distance, fatigue, and rough or hard surfaces.
I personally really enjoy running in the Scrambler Low and it has been my shoe of choice for sub-10 and even sub-15 mile trail runs recently.
