John ran the Mesa Summit for six hours, praising its natural feel and protection. The Xero Mesa Summit offers a 0mm drop and 12mm stack height, with a reinforced mesh upper. It balances comfort with durability, making it suitable for various activities.

The Mesa Summit's design includes an ESS rock guard for protection and a pull tab for ease of wear. Despite its minimalist approach, it provides structure and durability. John appreciates its subtle design and the outsole's durability after 25 miles. Read more trail coverage.

At $125, the Mesa Summit offers great value. John recommends it for those interested in Xero's philosophy. He notes the challenge of convincing runners to embrace a different approach to running. He believes the Mesa Summit is the best entry point for those curious about Xero. Related: New $250 Neon Trail Shoe Designed for Mountain Runners.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Believe in the Run. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.