Xero Shoes Genesis Sandals BareTread Review
By Alin Ciocan | December 12, 2023

The Xero Shoes Genesis sandals offer the liberating feel of going barefoot with the protection of a minimalist shoe. Weighing only 4 ounces, the sandals feature a flexible 5mm FeelTrue rubber sole for ground feedback.
The adjustable lacing system and soft webbing ensure a custom, secure fit for all-day wear. From hiking dusty trails to strolling city streets, the packable Genesis sandals provide just enough coverage while letting your feet move and flex naturally. Adventure in comfort with these versatile, barefoot-inspired sandals.
Reviewed at $44.99, prices may vary
Barefoot Comfort
5/5
PRICE / VALUE
5/5
Style / Design
4.5/5
durability
4/5
Xero Shoes Genesis Review: Honest Testing Results + Best Price
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Quick Verdict
The Genesis delivers authentic barefoot feel with surprising durability. Perfect for barefoot beginners and weekend adventurers seeking packable, versatile summer footwear.
Free shipping & 5,000 mile warranty
As an adventurer always seeking to optimize my gear, I’m constantly experimenting with the latest innovations in barefoot footwear. Minimalist shoes promise a more natural experience that strengthens feet and enhances proprioception. However, finding true barefoot magic often requires sacrificing performance and protection.

In my quest to test the leading options in the barefoot universe, the Xero Shoes Genesis Sandals caught my eye. Xero Shoes pioneered the modern huarache-style minimalist shoe.
Their popular Genesis Sandal represents an evolution of those beginnings into an adaptable, do-anything summer adventure sandal.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Great value for the price
Good ground feel and flexibility
Contoured footbed
Easy to put on and adjust
Vegan friendly
Cons
Lack traction in wet conditions
Minimal protection for feet
Straps may wear out over time
Not as secure as some other sport sandal models
Can take time to adjust to minimalist design
✓ Pros
- Customizable Fit: Adjustable lacing and Achilles strap accommodate different foot shapes perfectly
- Premium Materials: Molded EVA midsole and durable FeelTrue® rubber enhance comfort and longevity
- Versatile Traction: Performs admirably across most surfaces (except slippery wet rock)
- Ultra-Lightweight: At 4-5 ounces, they’re perfect for travel and backcountry trips
- True Barefoot Feel: 5mm sole provides excellent ground feedback and proprioception
- Exceptional Value: Premium features at around $45 with 5,000-mile warranty
✗ Cons
- Minimal Cushioning: 5mm sole means feeling every pebble on pavement
- Wet Surface Limitations: Traction decreases significantly on wet rocks
- Huarache Slap: That distinctive sound draws attention in urban settings
- Limited Support: Not ideal for heavy pack loads or technical terrain
- Break-In Required: Toe strap may cause initial irritation for sensitive feet
This Xero Genesis sandal review will break down exactly who I’d recommend this unique huarache-inspired design for and where it falls short. Because while testing, I found the Genesis stretches the definition of “minimalist sandal” nearly to a lightweight hiking shoe.
Xero Shoes Genesis Overview: Reviving the Ancient Huarache

Xero Shoes launched in 2009 as “Invisible Shoes”, selling kits for customers to make their own huarache-style sandals. Their journey from Shark Tank appearance to barefoot footwear leader is remarkable.
Basically, huaraches date back as one of the most basic human shoe designs: a flat sole with interweaving cords securing it to the foot.
After years of refining materials and construction, Xero Shoes now directly manufactures multiple huarache variations rather than just DIY kits. The Genesis Sandal represents a culmination of that decade of learnings into a feature-packed yet zero-drop barefoot hiker.

Genesis Sandal Specifications
But what exactly does this translate to for performance? I put them through a gauntlet of testing environments to find out.
Testing Xero Shoes Genesis for Durability: Urban Hikes to Rugged Trails
Minimalist sandals often come with compromise—either low durability or lack of protection. With the Genesis, I was curious just how rugged of adventures one could undertake with barely-there shoes.
To test the durability and protective limits, I wore the Xero Genesis for everything from urban travel to rocky mountain trails. Here’s how the sandals held up to the diverse summer conditions:
High Mile Urban Exploration in the Genesis
First, I wanted to trial the comfort of Xero Genesis for long hours of walkability. I strapped them on for all-day treks through the city during the summer for 20+ miles on steamy pavement over a few days.

The barefoot soles prevented my feet from getting too hot while maintaining decent ground manipulation. But more importantly, thanks to the molded EVA midsole and adjustable lacing, my feet avoided sore, tired hotspots during the lengthy slogs. This performance rivals our top-rated Xero Z-Trek sandals.
The only downside was sound—the unique slap of huarache sandals inevitably draws looks in urban settings. So wearers need to accept the conversation-starter factor.
Xero Shoes Genesis on Sandy Beaches and Sea Rocks
What’s more iconic summer footwear than sandals? So I had to know—could the Xero Genesis handle the surf and sand? I compared them to our favorite barefoot water shoes in various conditions.

Strolling down the beach, the Genesis delivered. The minimalist design prevented sand overload while the grippy sole flickered away debris collected while hiking to and from the tide lines.
However, once I entered the water, limitations quickly surfaced. Attempting any rock scrambling or climbing using the wet barefoot sole felt sketchy at best. The sandy sharkskin texture failed to inspire sea cliff confidence.
Xero Shoes Genesis has its limits
So while perfect for casual beach bumming, don’t expect the Xero Genesis sandals to transform into water adventure shoes. They swim just fine. Just watch slippery surfaces once saturated.
The Genesis on Rocky Trails and Dusty Paths

The true test came pounding the rubber soles on extended backcountry treks across scree fields, desert landscapes, and alpine forests. Similar to our tests with the Mesa Trail 2, durability proved exceptional.
Mile after mile, the Xero Genesis straps kept feet locked comfortably in place. The adjustable lacing alleviated swelling pressure during steep descents. Compared to flip flops, the heel strap prevented the slap of unsecured shoes.
Both on and off trail, the flexible sole allowed the feedback and dexterity of being barefoot without puncture threats. I could nimbly scramble boulders and tree roots free of constraints.
In the end, Xero Shoes notes the Genesis works well for marathon distances. And their claim proved spot on for me. The barely-there feel sets them apart from traditional hiking sandals for rugged adventures.

Xero Genesis vs. Other Minimalist Sandals
Feature | Xero Genesis | Xero Z-Trek | Luna Mono | Earth Runners |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $45-50 | $80 | $95 | $69 |
Sole Thickness | 5mm | 5.5mm | 12mm | 8-15mm |
Weight | 4-5 oz | 5.4 oz | 5.3 oz | 6-8 oz |
Adjustability | Full lacing + heel | Z-strap system | Single strap | Lacing system |
Best For | All-around value | Water activities | Long hikes | Grounding |
Xero Genesis Sandal Sizing and Fit Experience
Minimalist sandals live or die by their ability to secure firmly to unique foot shapes. We come equipped with all sorts of curvatures that can cause problems for adjustable straps. For detailed sizing advice across all Xero models, check our comprehensive Xero Shoes sizing guide.
Thankfully, the Xero Shoes Genesis Sandals shine when it comes to accommodating variance. Both the stretchy heel strap and adjustable lacing conform well without pinch points.
📏 Sizing Tips
- Genesis runs true to size – order your normal shoe size
- Wide feet: The adjustable lacing accommodates most widths
- Between sizes: Size up for comfort, down for performance
- First-time huarache wearers: Allow 1-2 weeks for toe strap adjustment
Out of the box I found the sizing accurate to what I’d expect in normal summer shoes. But the customizable features then enabled really dialing in the perfect tension.
I appreciated how easy it was loosening and tightening the fit when slipping on and off for creek crossings or removing trail debris. The process only takes seconds once you find your custom lacing pattern.
Thanks to this YouTube video I found I managed to get rid of the slapping noise
The only consideration is adjusting to having fabric strapped between the toes. The webbing aims to minimize any irritation points. But depending on foot sensitivity, it may take an initial breaking-in phase.
Ideal Users for the Xero Shoes Genesis Sandal
The Xero Genesis carves out an intriguing niche between a casual barefoot sandal and versatile adventure hiker. Here’s who can maximize the unique blend of minimalism, comfort, and protection:
🏃 Barefoot Beginners
Want to test the barefoot waters beyond simple flip flops? The Genesis provides the perfect transition with protection and adjustability.
🏔️ Weekend Adventurers
If fastpacking moderate trail distances with light packs, the Genesis provides impressive versatility without burdensome weight.
🏄 Water Sport Enthusiasts
Quick-drying construction serves well for paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing where wet conditions are only occasional.
🎒 Ultralight Thru-Hikers
Technical backpackers appreciate the barely-there construction for long miles where every ounce matters.
✈️ Travel Minimalists
Perfect for cruises, tropical getaways, or car camping. The Genesis saves luggage space with compressible minimalism.
Final Verdict: Gateway Drug to the Barefoot World
Through all my testing across soggy shorelines to mountain peaks, the Xero Shoes Genesis Sandals impressed with their blend of adaptability, toughness, and grounded feel. The crafted-over-years lacing system and molded sole highlight attention to quality and performance.
While purist barefoot enthusiasts may gripe about slight thickness compromising ground feedback, the 5mm sole still transmits texture well for most feet. And in trade enables all-day miles—something you can’t say about all barefoot summer shoes.
The Bottom Line
For those looking to dip their toes into minimalist footwear, I’d whole-heartedly recommend the Xero Genesis as a gateway sandal. Before committing to full barefoot running shoes, the Genesis allows conveniently testing enhanced proprioception and foot dexterity.
Free shipping + 5,000 mile warranty
Yet with the rugged durability, you may just find this barely-there huarache replaces all your other summer footwear. I know for my quiver of adventure sandals, the Xero Genesis now anchors the lineup. For more options, explore our complete barefoot shoe reviews.
Have you tested the Xero Shoes Genesis or other barefoot sandals? Share your experiences and questions below!
Frequently Asked Questions
While the Genesis can handle light jogging and trail running, they’re not specifically designed as running sandals. The 5mm sole provides good ground feel but minimal cushioning. For dedicated barefoot running, consider the Xero Z-Trek or check our guide to the best barefoot running shoes.
Xero backs the Genesis with their 5,000-mile sole warranty, which speaks to their durability confidence. In my testing and based on user reports, expect 1-2 years of regular use or 500-1,000 trail miles. The adjustable straps typically outlast the sole. The Xero warranty covers manufacturing defects but not normal wear.
Yes, the Genesis handles water well for casual use. The materials are quick-drying and won’t degrade from water exposure. However, traction decreases significantly on wet, smooth surfaces like river rocks. They’re great for beach walks and creek crossings but not ideal for technical water sports.
Yes, the Genesis typically runs true to size. Order your normal shoe size for the best fit. The adjustable lacing system accommodates minor sizing variations and foot swelling during activities. If you’re between sizes, size up for a relaxed fit or down for a performance fit. Check our complete Xero sizing guide for more details.
The characteristic ‘huarache slap’ can be minimized by adjusting the heel strap tighter and ensuring the toe plug sits properly. Some users also find that slightly loosening the front lacing while keeping the heel secure reduces noise. It takes some experimentation to find your optimal quiet configuration.
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