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Feet function optimally when positioned naturally. We have developed a certification system, through which we evaluate shoes for their foot-healthy qualities.
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Our feet are designed perfectly. With 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments we can flex, rebound, and absorb shock naturally, throughout many activities. Therefore, we recommend shoes that allow your feet to function naturally. Many manufacturers add features that can hinder our feet and toe alignment. Below are important features to consider when looking to purchase healthy shoes.
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Xero Umara Z-Trail | 5 
This shoe has a natural foot-shape design and is lightweight, with a thin, flexible sole and zero unnecessary features such as artificial arch support and motion control.
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 1. Weight Men's | 5.4 oz
Weight Women's | 5.1 oz
2. Stack Height | 10mm
3. No Artificial Arch Support.
4. No Motion Control
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We recommend shoes that are flat from the heel to the ends of the toes. This means that you want to purchase shoes that do not have elevated heels or toe spring (a feature that lifts the ends of the toes higher than the ball of the foot).
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Xero Umara Z-Trail | 5
This is an excellent shoe because it is completely flat (heel to toe), and possesses zero heel elevation, and zero toe spring.
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We recommend shoes that are widest at the ends of the toes (like a baby’s shoe), not at the ball of the foot. This shape allows for natural toe splay, and will not compress your toes into a deformed position.
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Men's Xero Umara Z-Trail | 5
This shoe offers excellent width —allowing for natural toe splay and accommodates Correct Toes for most people.
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Women's Xero Umara Z-Trail | 5
This shoe offers excellent width —allowing for natural toe splay and accommodates Correct Toes for most people.
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Natural feet are widest at the tips of the toes, not at the ball of the foot. Correct Toes helps place the toes back into their natural alignment. To make sure your shoe is wide enough to accommodate natural toe splay, remove the shoe liner from the shoe and stand on it while wearing Correct Toes. If your foot stays within the margins of the liner, this indicates a foot-healthy shoe. If your foot spills over the shoe liner considerably, then this shoe may be too narrow and could cause adverse effects.
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Men's Xero Umara Z-Trail | 5
As you can see, the Z-Trail allows natural toe splay with Correct Toes. Part of the pinky toe appears to hang off the sandal, however, this male noted it is not a problem because his toes do not feel compressed by the open-toe design.
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Women's Xero Umara Z-Trail | 5
As you can see, the Z-Trail allows natural toe splay with Correct Toes. Part of the pinky toe appears to hang off the sandal, however, this female noted it is not a problem because her toes do not feel compressed by the open-toe design.
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This shoe meets all of our foot-healthy criteria, and works well with Correct Toes.
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Unlike other companies that recommend “supportive” shoes, which can act like a cast, we recommend shoes that allow natural movement and articulation of your foot bones. We test each shoe for flexibility within each point of flexion and extension.
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Xero Umara Z-Trail | 5
This shoe is thin and flexible, especially when compared to other outdoor shoes on the market. Each test point offers great flexibility, and allows natural movement of the foot.
Note: The Xero Umara Z-Trail offers a cushioned midsole and is slightly thicker than other Xero Shoes.
Points of Flexion and Extension
1. Material
2. Heel Counter
3. Arch
4. Ball
5. Ends of Toes
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The flat, wide and flexible design of the Umara Z-Trail makes this an excellent outdoor sandal for men and women. The TrailFoam™ midsole adds cushion for those who need an extra layer of protection while enjoying their favorite activities. Thank you Xero Shoes for creating a sandal that possesses all the natural foot-healthy qualities!
If you have not already transitioned into thin, flexible footwear learn how to transition under our Correct Toes Tips.
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