Xero Shoes Genesis – Lightweight, Packable, Travel-Friendly Sandal

Detailed Review

You can also check out the Shoe Review: XeroSoes Genesis Huarache Style Minimalist Sandal by avid minimalist ultra runner Randy Kreill.

The Xero Genesis Shoes were inspired by the brand’s first-ever product – their DIY sandal kit. It is made up of nylon Achilles straps with silicone grip and a contoured 5mm FeelTrue rubber outsole. It doesn’t get much simpler than that footwear-wise.

Materials

There aren’t a lot of specifications and materials to the Xero Shoes Genesis as it has the simplest huarache design. Since fewer materials make up the shoe, it’s extremely lightweight. The men’s size 9 is only about 4.6oz each. 

The bottom part of the Genesis Sandal is Xero’s FeelTrue® rubber outsoles which was specifically designed for barefoot running, made from some recycled stock. It was co-developed with the former lead designers from Nike and Reebok.

The topsole, the part that comes in direct contact with the foot, has a different texture than the usual footbed as it is soft but still supplies greater traction in both dry or wet conditions. 

In terms of the laces, the toe loop is made of a softer lace material as it was designed to be barely there. The laces are made up of sturdy nylon which have not broken easily based on Xero Shoes Genesis Reviews.

Durability & Grip

In terms of abrasion resistance, the FeelTRue outsole is covered by Xero’s 5000-mile warranty. If the FeelTrue outsole wears down to less than 1mm thick at the ball or heel area, Xero can replace the worn-out pair at 60% off MSRP. Read more of the 5,000 sole warranty here.

Those who opt for a pair of Genesis Sandals can rest assured that their sole will last for miles. The FeelTrue Rubber is intended to last. It is covered by the brand’s warranty, however, it still has its limitations in terms of grip and overall protection. Compared to dirt roads or pavement, the grip wasn’t as effective especially on terrain that required runners or users to shuffle from one surface to another based on some Genesis Xero Shoes observations. The responsiveness of the Xero Genesis Sandals from the ground is excellent but it was not ideal to be used on jagged topography, said consumers.

Xero Genesis Reviews have mentioned that the tread has a dual-directional chevron pattern meant to deliver uphill or downhill traction. Even though the outsole exhibited sufficient traction on usual outdoor surfaces, most did not recommend the minimalist sandal for highly technical topography.

On the upside, the laces are strong, they don’t break easily. However, one user mentioned that others need to be more careful when adjusting the Genesis Sandal when worn. The sides where the nylon laces were looped tore apart when he did it this way. The same user mentioned that it’s best to tighten the laces while the sandal is off. 

Design & Usage

The Xero Shoes Genesis Sandals is as minimalist as it goes. All you have are the nylon laces and the sole. Because of its huarache design, it works great as footwear for summer outfits – shorts, dresses, and so on. 

Many have used their pair when doing different activities – running, lifting weights, strolling, and so many more. A good number of consumers found the sandals’ versatility to be advantageous. Those who choose to purchase the footwear are those who want to do different things while allowing their feet to be unrestricted.

Sizing

Most Xero Shoes Genesis Review mentioned that the sandal is true to size. According to their website, the sizing is unisex style where a men’s 7 is the same exact shoe as a women’s 8.

Fit

The fit of the Genesis Sandal is reliant on how the laces are tightened. Ideally, the lacing system has to be pulled enough for to sole to firmly and securely stick to the bottom of the foot. To help consumers further, Xero has provided a video of how to get the right fit for the Xero Genesis Shoes which you can check here.

If the shape of the platform is the issue, the brand recommends trimming down the rubber using scissors to shape it exactly the same as the wearer’s foot.

The shoe is pre-laced. Users can slip into the Xero Genesis and tighten the laces with a tug and a pull to get the right fit.

Final call

The Genesis Sandal is the footwear you would want to grab if you’re looking for protection while maintaining the most minimalist experience with a shoe. Although the huarache-style sandal has its limitations in terms of grip and dorsal foot protection, it’s multi-purpose enough for many reviewers to use on a number of activities.

The Xero Genesis Shoes does need some getting used to especially for those who are first-timers with barefoot footwear. It’s also a bit awkward to move in if a user does not secure the laces correctly. Regardless, many barefoot enthusiasts have given the sandal a thumbs up because of its price, usage, and delivered protection.