Barefoot Sandals 101

No—and your feet will feel the difference.

Flip flops rely on unnatural curling and gripping of your toes to stay on, which can feel awkward over time. Barefoot sandals use secure straps around your ankle to hold the sole in place, so your foot can relax and move naturally.

Yes—once they’re adjusted properly. In fact, most people say they forget they’re even wearing them.

Think about your common “pain points for sandals”: strap pressure points, no ability to adjust, and thick or stiff rubber.

Our sandals are designed with:

• Adjustable straps for a personalized fit
• Lightweight materials that won’t rub or feel bulky
• Flexible, thin soles that move with your foot

Barefoot sandals have thin, flexible soles for a reason. You’ll feel more of the ground—in a good way.

Think about walking barefoot: on smooth ground, you relax. On grass, you might pick up your pace. On gravel, you instinctively slow down and step more carefully. That’s the kind of feedback your feet are designed to use.

Our sandals give you that awareness—while still providing a layer of protection, even on rough surfaces. Over time, many people find their movement naturally adapts to whatever terrain they’re on.

It depends on the style.

We offer a range of sole thicknesses—from ultra-thin for maximum ground feel to slightly thicker options for more protection on rugged terrain.

Either way, you still stay close to the ground for better balance and natural movement. If you’re trying to decide, this guide may help:

• 4mm sole – in DIY Genesis Kit
• 5.5mm – Genesis
• 6mm sole – DIY Genesis Kit
• 7mm – Z-Trek and Aqua Cloud
• 10mm – D-Trail and H-Trail
• 12mm – Z-Trail EV

Absolutely.

They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and secure enough for walking on sand, boardwalks, or getting in and out of the water. When you’re not wearing them, strap them around your beach bag and you won’t lose them.

Our barefoot sandals are also great for paddleboarding or kayaking—especially when you’re getting in and out of the water.

With multiple adjustable straps, they stay secure on your feet, even in moving water.

Plus, the soles are built to handle water exposure – and were designed so they won’t be damaged from saltwater or from chlorine.

Start with how you’ll use them:

• Everyday / travel → Any style works (all are lightweight and versatile)
• Style-forward → Genesis or DIY kits
• Hiking / more protection → Z-Trail EV, Z-Trek, or D-Trail

When in doubt, check out the reviews on our sandal pages to see how people are using them. If you have questions, email our customer happiness team.

Humans have been making barefoot-style sandals for thousands of years. We’re bringing you back to that craft.

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.

You choose the look: pick your sole and cord color.
You control the fit: lace the cording in a style that fits your foot.

You shape the final result with your own hands.

Check out the step-by-step instructions about how you can design your DIY Genesis Sandals.

Our sandals are available in whole sizes only. If you’re between sizes or want to dial in your fit, we recommend measuring your feet for the best fit.

You can:

• Go to our sizing page
• Measure your foot length
• Use our printable template
• Match to your size

If you want a truly custom fit, the Genesis DIY Sandal Kit lets you trim the sole to your exact shape.

Aim for secure, not tight.

There’s a “sweet spot” where the sandal stays in place without feeling restrictive. Most people find it quickly—and once you do, you’ll be on your way to natural movement.

We offer two strap systems for adjustment:

• Corded styles (like Genesis, Aqua Cloud)

These feature an adjustable knot on top of your foot and around your heel.

You can slide the knot closer to your toes or your ankle to fine-tune the fit—but most people find the sweet spot about two-thirds of the way up the foot for the best balance of comfort and security.

To adjust around your heel, aim for a snug, comfortable tension that keeps the sandal secure without feeling tight.

• Webbing styles (like Z-Trek, Z-Trail EV and D-Trail)

These have adjustable straps on the top of the foot and around the ankle. You can tailor your fit around the ankle, over the top of your foot, and behind your heel.

• DIY Genesis Sandal Kit → You want full control over fit and style
• Ready-to-wear → You want something dialed in out of the box

Both give you the same natural movement experience.

Not surprisingly, you’re already in the right place. If you’re based in the EU, make sure to order through our EU website.

Xero Shoes also sells at many authorized retailers worldwide, you can find them here.

Most differences come down to width and fit.

Some styles (like Genesis and Aqua Cloud) are unisex, designed to fit a wide range of foot shapes. Others use gender-specific soles—women’s are slightly narrower with a more tapered heel.

If you have a narrower foot, you may prefer women’s styles. If you have a wider foot, men’s styles may be a better fit.