Xero Scrambler Low EV Review
By Matthew Klein
Xero Scrambler Low EVPrice: $149.99 ($119.99 currently) at Xero and REI
Weight: 9.2 oz, 261g (men's size 9), 7.4 oz, 210 g (women's size 7)
Stack Height: 14 mm heel / 14 mm forefoot (with the 3.5 mm insole)
Drop: 0 mm
Shoe Purpose: Minimal Trail/Hybrid Shoe
Pros: Great Traction, Wider but Secure Fit, Highly Durable
Cons: Heavier Than Necessary
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Xero Scrambler Low EV is a sturdy minimal trail running shoe for those who want an anatomic, natural ride with a tiny bit of structure and some solid grip. An abrasion-resistant mesh keeps dirt out while providing an anatomic and easily secured fit. A Michelin Fiberlite outsole with a small bit of midsole provides a surprising amount of protection for a minimal shoe, perfect for miles on trail. A well lugged outsole provides solid grip, making this a great choice for the minimal trail runner who wants a little bit more protection and grip for longer outings on the trail and even road.
SIMILAR SHOES: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG 3.5
PAST MODEL: Xero Scrambler Low
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Xero Scrambler Low EV fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. These fit similar to most Xero shoes, ie I can feel a tiny bit of pressure from the toe guard when I first try them on but that goes away quickly. I have worn these for 15-hour days without issue, so I would go true to size (ultramarathoners may need to consider a half size up from natural foot swelling). The fit is wider and anatomic throughout without being sloppy. The forefoot is anatomic, rounded and fits just right for me (ie slightly wide). The volume is normal to slightly higher and is stabilized by the flexible toe guard. This continues into a wider midfoot. The tongue is slightly thinner and ungusseted but did not slip on me. The thicker overlays on the sides allow for the midfoot to be easily secured by tightening the laces. I never had any heel slippage and did not have to lace lock the shoe. I did have to tighten down the midfoot but that was all that was needed to secure my feet. The heel is normal to a tiny bit wide. There is no heel counter but there is structure from external overlays. My heel did incredibly well here so those with Haglund deformities will do great. While the shoe is slightly wider throughout, the laces and external overlays make it easy to lock down. Even on unstable terrain I did note feel any internal translation after getting the fit right. On the sockless front, there are no internal stitches, making this an excellent shoe to go sockless in. The inner liner is fairly comfortable and has done well for 8-10 hour stints without socks. However, those new to sockless running shoe be careful as the edges of the tongue can create a little bit of pressure that is fine short term but can cause some mild pressure over longer efforts. Plus, I have had some debris get into the shoe thanks to the slightly wider heel, so socks are a bit better on soft dirt terrain.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Yes
How Flexible is the Shoe: Mostly Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Not Applicable (Minimalist)
Recommended for Haglunds: Yes
Recommended for Sockless: Yes
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Xero Scrambler Low EV is a minimal but tough trail running and hiking shoe. The outsole is a full length Michelin Fiberlite material with a small amount of TrailFoam midsole. Combined with a 3.5mm insole, this provides a surprising amount of material between the foot and the ground for a minimal shoe (~14mm). The insole is removable and the inner part of the sole has additional padding to allow the Scrambler to be either worn with or without the insole. This is more than other minimal shoes and while the ride is obviously firm, there is still plenty of protection between the foot and the ground. While the shoe feels plenty nimble, the weight is a bit heavier for a shoe like this, coming in at 9.2 oz (men's size 9). This comes not only from the tough outsole but the slightly thicker upper. Regardless, it feels less than the listed weight. There is a 0 mm heel drop (obviously) and that is exactly what the shoe feels like. The whole shoe is flexible, although the heel and posterior midfoot is a tiny bit stiff with a bit of structure. The heel transition is normal for a minimal shoe and feels fine walking or running. The forefoot transition is flexible with a tiny bit of stiffness. Only those with maximal toe and ankle mobility will be able to use this shoe as it requires full motion from all areas of the foot.
Purpose-wise this shoe is meant as a minimal shoe and will work for most people over shorter distances. Those with extensive minimal experience will find that this shoe can really go the distance as it has more protection than most minimal shoe and a tiny bit of structure. Pace-wise, it feels best on easier efforts but feels nimble enough for uptempo efforts. It isn't quite what I would use for a racing shoe as there are lighter and more minimal options for short fast distances but it will move as fast as you can in this shoe type.
The traction is excellent on both road and trail. While I have used this
shoe on technical terrain and trail, most of my mileage has been on
road. The lugs grip well but do not get in the way on smooth surfaces.
On soft surfaces this shoe is excellent and allows your foot to adapt to
the terrain. It is not the best shoe for foot protection from rocks,
but the slightly thicker sole for a minimal shoe does provide a mild bit
of protection. The grip is great on soft trail, light mud and dry
surfaces. In deep mud the traction isn't quite good enough but it makes
up for this by easily transitioning between road and mild to moderate
trail.
The durability is absolutely phenomenal despite using it in so many different ways. I have over 100 miles in my pair and the lugs are still completely intact. There is no wear on the outsole and I expect this shoe to last far longer than maybe any shoe I have had. Although that is not abnormal when there is less shoe to wear out, Xero does extremely well with shoe durability.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Xero Scrambler is a minimal shoe with no traditional methods of stability. However, there are some really mild methods that are not common among minimal shoes. The first is that there are mild sidewalls in the heel. The second is that there is a little bit of stiffness in the heel and posterior midfoot. This adds a tiny bit of structure to the rearfoot. Not enough to make this a stable neutral shoe, but enough that those that need a tiny amount or just need a tiny bit of stiffness in the rear part of the foot may find the Scrambler Low EV a bit more stable than the average minimal shoe. Outside of that, there are no further sidewalls or stabilizing elements. The sole is wide and the midfoot is filled in but outside of those elements this is a minimal, natural shoe, albeit with a bit more protection/structure than average.
Thoughts as a DPT: More Structure Doesn't Take Away from It's Minimalism
By Matthew Klein
Although I spend most of my training in moderate to maximal stack height shoes, I still have a soft spot for minimalist shoes. For walking, gym work, standing and daily activities, I greatly prefer having less shoe and being able to move my feet. I was surprised with the small sidewalls in the Scrambler Low EV and the slightly stiffer rearfoot and midfoot. This makes sense in traditional footwear but is not as common in minimal footwear. For my feet, this works well and is probably why the Scrambler Low EV works better for me than the HFS series.
While this is more structured than typical minimalist footwear, it certainly remains minimal. The stack height is still low, the drop is zero, there is an anatomic fit, there is plenty of ground feel and a high amount of flexibility especially in the forefoot. This shoe just happens to have a little extra protection and structure for its purpose as a trail shoe. The unstable, sometimes hazardous terrain requires a different design with a little protection protection that a hyper-flexible minimalist shoe may not do well on. The mild structure/stiffness in the heel/midfoot acts as more stable surface for the foot to land on and fortunately the wide, grippy outsole offsets any potential proprioceptive loss. Every shoe is a tool and must be appropriate for what you plan to use it for. The Scrambler Low EV will have more structure and grip than many minimalist shoes. This may allow some people to go farther, making it simply a more sturdy minimal shoe. It still has all the qualities to qualify it, just adapted for trail running.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: Given my mileage and usual preference/training in more maximal shoes, it is fair to say I have enjoyed the Xero Scrambler Low EV. It has been something I continually reach for, has been a fantastic foot-strengthening tool and something I even was brave enough to run extensively in. That said, I still have a few suggestions. My main point, which can easily be disagreed with, is the weight. 9.2 oz for a minimal shoe feels heavier than it needs to be. I completely understand with the tough outsole that will last longer than any traditional road shoe and an upper that is equally durable. However, there are other trail shoes with more cushioning that are lighter. They may not have the same anatomic fit (New Balance Minimus Trail) but are almost 2 oz lighter. This may be the trade off for better versatility and durability but I would love to see things a tiny bit lighter to match the minimal design. Outside of that, not only is this my favorite shoe from Xero but is my favorite minimal shoe.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Xero Scrambler Low EV is for minimal runners wanting a secure but anatomic fit and a protective ride that can handle more moderate terrain. The upper is incredibly durable and is easily locked down thanks to solid laces and protective overlays. The fit will work best for those with normal to wider feet given the slightly wider an anatomic fit. The ride will work best for those who want less shoe but still want a tiny bit of structure and minimal cushioning for more aggressive terrain. This is also a great option for those coming from higher stack shoes wanting to gently experiment with more minimal options during walking, hiking or light running (initially). The lugs and outsole are incredible, which justifies the $150 (you can actually find them on Xero for $120 right now) price tag as these will last a long time. The Scrambler Low EV is a great example of a shoe that is minimal but not bare bones so. There has been a loss of variety in the minimal, lower-to-the-ground and even moderate stack height shoes until recently. As all the attention has been on maximal shoes, I am hoping we see a little swing back to some focus on the rest of the categories. The Scrambler Low EV is a great example of a minimal shoe that adds just a tiny bit more to the sole for improved versatility and tolerance to more aggressive terrain or training. While you still need adequate foot strength and mobility, this training tool may help you go a bit farther than other minimal products.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Anatomic fit with adjustable use with or without insole that is easily tightened down/secured with laces)
Performance: B/B+ (Great traction and cushion for a minimal shoe. Great on moderate terrain but no rock plate for technical rocky terrain. Insanely durable and can easily handle roads as well)
Stability: N/A (Technically not applicable as a minimal shoe but small sidewalls in heel and mild stiffness in rearfoot)
Value: A- ($120 for a shoe that will last forever and can handle a variety of surfaces is a great deal)
Personal: A- (A great comfortable option that takes the edge off the ground. Wish it was a tiny bit lighter)
Overall Design: B+/A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORXero Scrambler Low EVPrice: $149.99 at Xero ($119.99 currently) and REI
Shop Men | Shop Women
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FURTHER READING
A lower stacked Cloudsurfer model for On.
A greatly refined stability trainer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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