The Xero Blog

You asked. So we brought it back. The Genesis DIY Sandal Kit returns to where it all began — a simple, handmade solution that grew into something bigger. When we paused the DIY kit during our Shopify migration in October 2025, we didn’t expect much reaction. We were wrong. You kept asking for it — again and again. What started as our original product is still one of the most meaningful. That’s why it’s back, and why we’re calling it what it is: the Genesis DIY Sandal Kit. The Origin Story Before Xero Shoes was a brand, it was a solution. Back in 2009, founders Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix weren’t trying to build a company — they were solving a personal problem. Steven wanted a sandal he could sprint in without getting injured. So he made one. Then others wanted one, too. What started with friends in Boulder quickly spread. People weren’t just wearing the sandals — they were making them. Choosing their own cords. Experimenting with tying methods. Creating something uniquely theirs. Everything was done by hand. Living room workspace. Hardware store materials. Shipping kits out from the local post office. In 2013, that simple idea reached a national stage on Shark Tank. The founders turned down the deal — but within a week of airing, more than 270,000 people visited the site. That’s when it became clear: this wasn’t just a sandal. It was a different way to think about footwear. Over time, the design showed up in unexpected places — including Australia Fashion Week in 2023, and across fashion and culture in 2024 and 2025 as minimal, functional sandals re-emerged. But this isn’t about trend cycles. The Genesis DIY Sandal Kit is the origin of everything we do. Re-Introducing the Genesis DIY Sandal Kit This is the starting point. The Genesis DIY Sandal Kit strips things back to what matters: a thin, flexible sole and a durable cord system. No unnecessary structure. No overbuilt features. Just what you need to move naturally. It’s simple by design — and that simplicity is intentional. But what makes this different isn’t just how it feels. It’s how you experience it. You don’t just open a box and put something on. You open a box and start creating. You choose the look. You control the fit. You shape the final result with your own hands. That’s what this kit offers: A hands-on, customizable design A sense of ownership and craftsmanship A simple, approachable process from start to finish Because this isn’t just something you wear. It’s something you make How to Tie your Genesis DIY Sandals Ready to create your own customized sandal? Your Genesis DIY Sandal Kit comes with everything you need—just choose your cord color and outsole color when you place your order, and you’re ready to go. Cord Colors: 18 different colors! Outsole Colors: Black or Mocha Earth Outsole Rubber: 4mm or 6mm  Both outsoles provide a close connection to the ground, so you feel like you’re barefoot, but your feet are protected. (For reference, our Genesis sandal is 5.5mm) In this video, you can see how a little bit of handiwork and creativity turns into your own unique sandals from our Genesis DIY Sandal Kit. Follow along with the video below, or you can also follow the step-by-step written instructions (download here). After choosing your outsole and cord, follow these steps to lace and tie your sandals. 1. Punch the holes Use the hole punch provided to punch a toe hole positioning it between the big toe and second toe 2. Make a stopper knot Before threading the cord through the outsole, create a stopper at one end of the cord so it will not pull through the sole. Tie a knot at the end of the cord. Carefully use a lighter to melt the knot slightly so it stays secure. 3. Thread the cord through the toe hole Insert the cord through the toe hole from bottom to top. The knot should be on the bottom of the sole. 4. Thread the cord through the outside ankle hole Bring the cord to the outside ankle hole and thread it from top to bottom. Bring the cord toward the front of the sandal, then loop it underneath and back around to create a loop around the outside ankle hole. 5. Run the cord across the heel Take the cord across the back of the sandal where your heel strap will sit. 6. Thread the cord through the inside ankle hole Thread the cord through the inside ankle hole from top to bottom. This time, loop the cord from the back to the front to create a loop around the inside ankle hole. 7. Tie the main huarache knot Starting with the cord coming from the inside ankle hole: Loop it over and then under the top cord coming from the toe hole. Then loop it over the inside ankle loop and over the outside ankle loop. Thread the cord through the triangle-shaped opening created by the cords. Pull tight. This secures the main structure of the sandal. 8. Create a second cord pass.  To create the double-cord design: From the center knot, bring the cord down toward the inside ankle loop. Loop it under the top cord. Then bring it over the cord that forms the heel backing. This creates a locking wrap that helps hold the strap in place. 9. Lace around the heel Bring the cord around the back of the heel: Loop it under the outside ankle loop Then under the lower heel cord Then over the top cord coming from the toe post At this point, you should see two even lines of cord running from the center huarache knot, around the ankles, and across the heel. 10. Finish the final knot To secure everything: Slightly loosen the center knot Thread the cord through once more Pull tight to lock it into place Trim off remaining cord Now you can wear the sandal and adjust the cord tension until the sandal feels secure and comfortable on your foot. Once the fit feels right, you should not need to retie the knot each time. You can simply slip the heel strap on and off when wearing your sandals. You’ve done it! Download the DIY instructions here. We can’t wait to see what you design! Tag us @xeroshoes to show off your style.  The Genesis DIY Sandal Kit isn’t just back—it’s where everything started. Simple. Customizable. Built by you.  

You may have heard of the term, “zero-drop” as it relates to our shoes. But what exactly does it mean?  Zero-drop simply means your heel and forefoot are at the same height. If you’re standing barefoot on flat ground, this is your body’s natural position—balanced, aligned, and stable. Now compare that to most modern shoes. "Zero Drop" is not just a footwear industry term anymore. It’s an essential part of Xero Shoes’ barefoot DNA.  In this blog, we’ll break down what zero-drop shoes are, how they compare to traditional footwear, and why they’re a key part of natural movement. What Is “Heel Drop” in Shoes? Most traditional shoes are built with an elevated heel, meaning your heel sits higher than the ball of your foot. This design was originally intended to cushion impact in runners. But here’s the catch: That elevated heel can subtly shifts your body forward and changes how your body moves. That’s why a non-negotiable with barefoot shoes is a zero-drop design. Having your entire foot from heel-to-toe in one plane allows for natural movement. A barefoot shoe’s thin, flexible sole allows your feet and toes to bend and flex.  Zero-Drop vs. Traditional Shoes Here’s the simplest way to think about it: Traditional Shoes: Elevated heel (positive drop) Thick cushioning Stiff structureToe spring (toes pushed upward) Barefoot Shoes (like Xero Shoes): Zero-drop (level from heel to toe) Thin sole for ground feedback Flexible so your foot can move naturally Foot-shaped design for natural toe splay The Big Misconception About Zero-Drop You may have seen many footwear brands promoting “zero-drop” shoes. Sounds like a step in the right direction, right? Sometimes. But not always. Here’s where things get misleading. Not all zero-drop shoes are barefoot shoes. Not all zero-drop shoes promote natural movement. Some shoes are labeled “zero-drop,” but still: Have added cushioning that limits groundfeel Feature stiff soles that limit natural movement Include toe spring (where your toes are pushed upward unnaturally) So while the heel height might be level, the overall experience is still far from barefoot. Zero-drop alone doesn’t equal natural movement. What Actually Makes a Shoe “Barefoot” If a shoe truly supports natural movement, it’s not just about drop. It’s about the full package: Zero-drop (level heel and forefoot) Thin sole for ground feedback Foot-shaped design so your toes can spread naturally Flexibility so your foot can move naturally No forced arch support Miss one of these, and you’re not really getting the benefits people associate with barefoot shoes. We design Xero Shoes to be minimal to the max: Everything you need to optimize your body’s natural movement. Nothing you don’t. Why This Matters for You It’s easy to get caught up in labels like “zero-drop” or “minimalist.” But the real question is: Does the shoe let your foot move the way it’s designed to?That’s what actually matters. When your footwear works with your body instead of against it: Movement feels more natural Your feet can function the way they’re supposed to And comfort comes from alignment—not artificial support Or put simply: The goal isn’t just a flatter shoe. It’s a freer foot.

White shoes look bright and clean until… you do practically anything. A speck of dirt, a coffee drip, a scuff. Everyday life leaves real marks. The good news? Keeping your white Xero Shoes fresh doesn’t require harsh chemicals or a complicated routine — just the right approach for the right material. Read on for tips to keep your white Xero Shoes clean, with special care instructions for knit, mesh, leather, suede and canvas. Let’s start simple. The 3-Step Xero Shoes Cleaning Method For most materials like knit and mesh, we recommend an easy, 3-step method, and you likely already have everything at home.  Step 1: Mix a Gentle Solution Combine: 2 cups cold water 1 teaspoon non-bleach laundry detergent Why non-bleach? Bleach can weaken fibers, discolor uppers, and break down materials over time.  Step 2: Spot Clean Gently Grab an old toothbrush or soft plastic-bristle brush. Avoid metal, which can tear materials. Lightly scrub dirty areas on the top, side and bottom of your shoes (ie: upper, sidewalls, and soles.) Step 3: Air Dry. Always. Rinse cleaned areas with cold water.  Let your shoes air dry completely. We don’t recommend putting shoes in the dryer, using heaters, or any heat method to speed up drying. High heat can warp materials and shorten the life of your shoes. How to Clean Specific Shoe Materials With more than 70 styles of Xero Shoes out there for performance, casual and everything in-between, our shoes are designed with the best materials for the intended use. If you want to get specific with your shoe cleaning, scroll to the material for specific care instructions. Knit Lightweight. Breathable. Flexible. Knit uppers are built to move — but they don’t love being soaked with water. How to clean: Brush off dry dirt first. Use the mild non-bleach laundry detergent and water mix (50/50). Gently scrub with a plastic bristle brush in circular motions. Avoid oversaturating with cleaner or water.Stuff with paper towels while drying to maintain shape. Skip: Machine washing Hot water Knit structures can stretch or lose integrity under high heat or heavy agitation. Keep it gentle. Mesh Mesh is breathable — which means dirt can hide in tiny openings. And with many Xero Shoes performance and hiking footwear made with this material, if you wear them right, you’ll have to clean them often. How to clean: Tap shoes together to knock off loose debris. Dry-brush first with plastic bristle brush. Clean lightly with diluted non-bleach detergent and water solution. Blot stubborn spots with a wet microfiber cloth. Skip: Aggressive scrubbing Chlorine or bleach-based cleaners Too much friction can fray fibers. Controlled pressure works better. Leather Leather is tough — but to keep your leather boots or shoes looking good for years to come, focus on a balance of minimal water and leather conditioning.  How to clean: Wipe dirt off with a damp cloth. Use mild soap and water sparingly. Wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth (don’t soak). Stuff inside with paper towels (or paper bags). Let air dry. Apply leather conditioner with a microfiber cloth once dry. Conditioning helps restore natural oils and keeps leather supple and strong. Skip: Submerging in water Household cleaners Abrasive brushes Suede Suede is leather’s more sensitive cousin. How to clean: Let mud dry completely first. Use a suede brush to lift dirt. Use a suede eraser for small stains. For tougher spots, lightly dab with white vinegar. Brush again after drying to restore texture. Skip: Soaking in water Scrubbing hard Liquid detergent saturation Water can flatten suede’s texture and leave marks. Canvas Durable. Classic. Surprisingly easy to clean. How to clean: Use a plastic bristle dry brush to loosen debris. Use a mild non-bleach detergent/water mix. Scrub gently. Rinse lightly. Air dry. For bright white canvas, a baking soda + water paste can help lift stains. Skip: Bleach (it can yellow over time) Dryer heat Should You Use a Protectant Spray? If your shoes are brand new, applying a protectant spray (like Scotchgard™ or KIWI® Protect-All) can help repel water and stains. Always test a small area first. Think of it as preventative care — not a force field. How Often Should You Clean Your Shoes? The sooner you clean them, the easier because dirt that stays on materials bonds to fibers over time. A quick wipe-down after messy adventures saves you from deep scrubbing later. If you wear your white shoes often: Light wipe weekly Deeper clean as needed Want Care Instructions for a Specific Style? Check the Care tab on each Xero Shoes’ product page. We include material-specific guidance there so you don’t have to guess.