Xero Shoes Genesis DIY Sandals Review: A Fun Barefoot Project That Actually Delivers
Disclosure: The sandals featured in this post were gifted to me at no cost so I could experience them firsthand. As always, all opinions are my own.
I'll admit it...
When I first opened the box, I wasn't sure what to expect.
A barefoot sandal that you build yourself sounded fun, but I also wondered if it would be complicated.
It wasn't.
In fact, putting them together ended up being one of my favorite parts.
If you've ever wanted to try barefoot sandals without spending a fortune, I think these are such a fun place to start.
New to barefoot shoes? Learn what barefoot shoes are and whether they're the right choice for your feet before making the switch.
Quick Pros & Considerations
What I Love
A true barefoot sandal
Zero-drop design
Thin, flexible sole
Excellent ground feel
Completely customizable fit
Surprisingly easy to assemble
One of the most affordable barefoot sandals available
Fun DIY experience
Considerations
You'll need to assemble them yourself.
The footbed has a wider shape than some other minimalist sandals, so it may feel roomy if you have narrow feet.
What Makes These Sandals Different?
Most barefoot sandals arrive ready to wear.
These arrive ready to become your sandals.
You punch the holes, lace the cord through the sole, and adjust everything to fit your own feet.
It's such a simple idea, but it makes the experience surprisingly fun.
Wondering if minimalist footwear is actually healthy? Read my guide to whether barefoot shoes are actually good for your feet.
Was It Hard to Assemble?
Not at all.
I will say...
I made it harder than it needed to be at first.
The kit includes a tool for punching the holes, and I somehow convinced myself I was supposed to push it through by hand.
I quickly realized that you're supposed to use a hammer…
Once I did that, the holes took just seconds to make.
From there, threading the laces was much easier than I expected.
I had never made my own sandals before, but the process was straightforward and actually kind of satisfying.
Comfort & Barefoot Feel
Once they were assembled, they felt exactly like I hoped they would.
These check every box I look for in a true barefoot sandal:
Zero-drop sole
Flexible construction
Thin sole with incredible ground feel
Lightweight design
Natural foot movement
Because you lace them yourself, you're also able to customize the fit in a way that's difficult with many traditional sandals.
That made them feel surprisingly secure on my feet.
If you're new to minimalist footwear, check out Xero Shoes' tips for transitioning to barefoot shoes.
My Favorite Part
Honestly...
It's the experience.
There's something really satisfying about making your own sandals.
It makes you appreciate them a little more, and it's fun knowing they're adjusted specifically for your feet.
They're also incredibly lightweight, so once they're on, you almost forget you're wearing them.
Who I Think They'll Be Perfect For
I'd recommend these if you:
Want an affordable barefoot sandal
Have been curious about minimalist footwear
Enjoy quick and easy DIY projects
Want to customize your fit
Enjoy feeling connected to the ground while walking
I also think they'd make a really fun gift for someone who's interested in barefoot shoes.
Looking for more barefoot shoe recommendations? Check out my guide to the best women's barefoot shoes I've personally tested.
Are They Worth It?
Absolutely.
They're one of the most unique barefoot sandals I've tried.
The DIY aspect isn't just a gimmick—it genuinely makes the sandals feel more personal.
They're comfortable, surprisingly easy to assemble, and they deliver everything I look for in a barefoot sandal.
If you've been wanting to try barefoot sandals without spending a lot of money, I think these are an excellent place to start.
FAQs
Are the Xero Shoes DIY Sandals difficult to make?
Not at all. Once I realized the hole punch tool is designed to be used with a hammer (instead of trying to muscle it through by hand like I did 🤦🏼♀️), the process was quick and easy. The lacing instructions were simple to follow too.
Are they comfortable?
Yes! They're lightweight, flexible, and provide the ground feel you'd expect from a true barefoot sandal.
Are they good for beginners?
Definitely. They're one of the most affordable ways to try barefoot sandals, and because you customize the lacing, you can really dial in the fit.
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