Randy Kreill, January 7, 2021

Minimalist AVR Score 10

Editor Overall AVR Score 10

Price $39.99 Men’s or Women’s. Available primarily online at www.XEROSHOES.com/go/randy_kreill #XeroAmbassador (affiliate)

Review Summary

In my opinion the Genesis is best in class for ultra lean huarache style sandals with a toe post design. Feather light, durable, functional and perfectly evolved from years of experience with prior Xero models. Initially the business started as “Invisible Shoes”, marketing 4MM and 6MM “do it yourself” sandal kits for about $20-$25 each. I learned so much from a pair of 4MM kit sandals. They were game changers for my running and wellness. I suggest a pair for nearly everyone, as a replacement for flip-flops or even as a showering sandal. A pair of Genesis takes up very little space for travelers. I’ve run ultra marathon distances in them, so they are very sturdy.

Pros

~ Value – Priced right for a very long wearing sandal.

~ 5000 Mile Sole Warranty.

~ Simple, grippy, effective, and proven tread pattern.

~ Reflective laces for better night time visibility.

~ Genesis is a perfect example of the design principal of form following function in it’s pure minimalist footwear application.

~ Tubular, wider, and stretchy lace material for optimal function.

~ Sizing for men runs in even sizes from 5-14, while women’s sizing run in even sizes 6-12. The Xero website has templates you can print out to figure out your best sizing option. For me, all Xero Shoes and Sandals are working in size 12’s and my actual foot length is 11.5 inches.

Cons

Based on my rating of a perfect 10 for Genesis, there are no real negatives for the Genesis. With only 5MM of very flexible outsole, at the front end the outsole can “catch” the ground and “roll” underfoot. While this can be annoying, I see it as “operator error” and think of this as a reminder to always pick up my feet and use proper technique for walking or running. And, a thin sandal like this forces one to pay extra close attention to what they are doing. With awareness, Genesis can help teach you to be better runner, with more knee bend, and quicker cadence while keep the feet under your center of gravity. Ultimately all of this can help reduce risk of injuries.

Minimalist AVR Score 10

Weight – 10 – 4.6 oz. per men’s size 9.

Toe Box – 10 – Not really applicable, but the outsoles are wide enough for most runners, and can be easily trimmed down for a more custom fit.

Heel to Toe – 10 – All Xero products have zero drop from heel to toe.

Sole Flex – 10 – Extraordinarily evenly flexible outsole

Foot Grip Support – 10 – You may want to tinker with the lace tensions from the side posts, heel strap and the knot from the toe post back to the ankle area.

Cushion – 10 – There is no real cushion for Genesis. It’s built for the ideal amount of connection and protection. There is enough protection to cover some areas of crushed gravel.

Flat Sole – 10 – The soles are of even thickness, but the heel area seems to have some molding manufactured into it to fit the heel. There is no arch support in any Xero products. The outsole is 5MM thick.

Other Parameters 10

Does the Genesis deliver on it’s intended use and benefits? Yes. I consider this a strengthening “tool”. Genesis is more of a running sandal. I like them more for running, or driving than walking.

Grip – Very good grip

Temperature Isolation – Very well ventilated for keeping the feet and body cooler on hot days. With toe socks, these can be used for cooler temperatures as well.

Specs

Use – A much better version of the popular “flip-flops”. For everything from walking, running, yoga, wet areas, and general use.

Weight – Incredibly light. 4.6 ounces per men’s size 9

Materials – Rubber and fabric. “Vegan Friendly”

Widths – One standard width, wide enough for most people

Seasons – A warm weather sandal, but toe socks can be worn with the Genesis.

Detailed Review

The original primitive extra minimalist huarache style sandals from Invisible Shoes (Now Xero Shoes) help spark an upward spiral in my well being. All this for about $20, about ten years ago, one of my better investments.

I had been overweight, and had cancer in 2004. Feeling desperate to adopt positive changes that might decrease my likelihood of a cancer recurrence or any of the common chronic diseases, I adopted the better habits of the Raramuri (Tarahumara) after reading the best seller “Born To Run”. That book inspired the creating of Invisible Shoes and sparked a “barefoot” running movement.

Invisible Shoes offered 4MM and 6MM kit sandals. Each came with some thin rope and a hole punch for a custom fitted “toe post” hole. We tied a knot under the sandal toe post, smashed it with a hammer and used some fire and Shoe Goo to give it some strength. While the experience taught me a lot, it also made me extra appreciative of the evolution and details build into the Xero Genesis.

I experimented with lacing techniques for months, before nailing a fool proof method of running a marathon in my $20 kit sandals with no adjustments needed for the entire race. This led to what I like to think of my “experiments in truth” experiment where I lived more like a Raramuri suburban dad in Ohio. A wildly successful and fun experiment I would add. So successful, I started a YouTube channel with my lacing method and attempt to help people start or extend and upward spiral in their well being.

Within the first mile of running in those kit sandals, part of the magic of huarache running was revealed. A 4MM outsole will not allow a runner to shuffle their feet. The sandals help teach us better technique. If I did not pick up my feet properly and keep a higher cadence, the rubber outsole would catch up front. This was as close to being barefoot as it gets, with no worries about picking up tiny slivers of glass in my feet.

Over the years, Xero created new models from the kit sandals and improved those until they created a perfect ten, the Genesis. Winning business people listen very closely to their customers and become experts in their niche.

The outsole is easily trimmed with a kitchen scissors for a more custom fit. The outsole is just right at 5MM, so I’ve run as far as 44 miles in them and could have run further. The outsole gives just enough protection, yet great connection.

The laces are wider, thicker and tubular, and they stretch. This gives me confidence that they are snug enough, without over tightening the laces, for an easier custom fit. The stretch in the laces is forgiving to the side post contact points on the outsole, which are built up to keep the laces away from the ground. Of course, there is no lacing material under the outsole and the “double” fabric toe post spreads the load on the area between the two largest toes just right, for a very comfortable feel.

With awareness on your part, Genesis can help you strengthen from the toes up and help you move more naturally, becoming a better walker or runner. I believe we are distance runners at our primal core and that the many things we do to become better runners, can make us happier, healthier human beings.

At $39.99, Genesis is a great investment.

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