“I never found a shoe company I could believe in until I put these on my feet. I’m so happy to partner with Xero Shoes, and I’m 100% confident in recommending them to anybody.” – Christopher McDougall, co-author, Born to Run 2.
“The Mesa Trail II gives the fit and feel I want with the protection I need for the mountains. The Zelen is my all-purpose shoe for every day and my go-to for road running.” – Eric Orton, co-author, Born to Run 2.
The Trail and Road Shoes Natural Running Experts Love
Christopher McDougall and Eric Orton, co-authors of the best-selling Born to Run 2, have teamed up with Xero Shoes to create exclusive versions of their favorite naturally inspired running shoes.The Mesa Trail II and Zelen’s lightweight, foot-friendly designs have already helped tens of thousands of people experience the joy of barefoot-style running.They’re also an eye-catching, minimalist must-have for everything you do.
Wearing the Born to Run trail and road shoes says you’re part of a community that’s serious about running faster and further with ease – and keeping your feet healthy and happy doing it.
Pair The Ultimate Running Shoes With the Ultimate Running Plan
In this follow-up to Christopher McDougall’s iconic Born to Run, co-authors McDougall and Orton dive even deeper into how to be a happier, healthier runner – and human being.
Here’s what you’ll discover in Born to Run 2:
A complete 90-day training plan, adaptable for multiple goal distances
“Movement snacks” and form drills to develop optimal running technique in just minutes a day
A library of simple, easy exercises to build your “foot core”
Inspiring stories of diverse runners transformed by the Born to Run 2 approach
Free access to the Born to Run training app in Training Peaks
Born to Run Mesa trail II
Best for trailsColor: BTR Red with Born to Run logosBreathable mesh upper with moisture-wicking liningWelded sidewalls, durable toe capAdjustable in-step and mid-foot straps tension straps for secure fitVegan-friendlyRemovable 3mm sock-liner (for more/less barefoot feel)Rugged 3.5 mm lugs for on-trail traction3.5 mm TrailFoam™ layer Light weight: 8.2 oz (232 g) M9
Born to Run Zelen
Best for roads, tracks, and pavement
Color: BTR blue with Born to Run logos
A road running shoe made with recycled upper materialsBreathable knit upper with silky-smooth sock liner
Adjustable in-step and mid-foot straps tension straps for secure fit
Vegan-friendly
Removable 3mm sock-liner (for more/less barefoot feel)
5.0 mm FeelTrue™ sole with tire-inspired tread
Light weight: 7.8 oz (221 g) M9
WE MAKE TRAIL AND ROAD RUNNING SHOES SO COMFORTABLE, YOU'LL FORGET THEY'RE EVEN ON.
If your feet don’t feel as good at the end of the day as they did in the beginning, you haven’t tried the Born to Run Mesa Trail II and Born to Run Zelen.
Life-changing comfort and superior performance come from letting your feet do what’s natural – bend, move, flex and feel.
All Xero Shoes feature a wider, foot-shaped toe box that lets your toes spread and relax, a non-elevated “zero drop” heel for proper posture, low-to-the-ground design for perfect balance and agility, and a flexible sole that gives you “just right” protection so you can bend, move, flex, and Live Life Feet First!
