The development of strain localization within shear zones is frequently observed during soil deformation. In fact, the phenomenon appears to be more often the norm rather than the exception. Conceptually, any soil condition that renders negative work increment is prone to localization. In this study, a broad range of soil and loading conditions are investigated to test this criterion, including: dilative soil subjected to drained shear (standard case), contractive soil sheared under undrained conditions, cavitation in dilative soil in undrained shear, inhomogeneous soils, particle alignment in contractive soils made of platy particles, soils that experience particle crushing, and the shear of low-moisture and/or lightly cemented loose soils. Unique specimens and test procedures are designed to separately test each of these soil conditions in the laboratory According to experimental test results, soil specimens with post-peak strain softening behavior are prone to progressive failure, localization of deformations, and shear banding. The state of stress, the soil density, inherent mechanical and geometrical properties of soil particles, low water content, and heterogeneity can contribute to triggering strain localization. Considering all possible cases of localization, the best method to obtain the critical state line in the laboratory is to use contractive homogeneous specimens subjected to drained shear.