After a strenuous day of running or hiking, there’s nothing quite like slipping your aching feet out of muddy shoes and into a breezy pair of sandals. From Nike and Adidas slides to Chacos and Birkenstocks, I’ve churned through many styles and brands. But now I think I’ve finally found a pair that’ll last me a lifetime – the Xero Genesis.
With an unprecedented 5,000-mile guarantee, these barefoot sandals are built for the long haul. I’ve been wearing a pair of Genesis for two years now, taking them on trips around the globe and racking up thousands of miles. Despite their light weight and minimalist design, they’ve held up remarkably well. And at just $45, they’re a shockingly affordable investment for anyone seeking a durable, travel-friendly pair of sandals that aren’t destined for the trash in a few years.
Better than Birkenstocks
I’ve been known to blow through a pair of sandals in less than a year, so Xero’s 5,000-mile warranty piqued my interest. I loved my old Birkenstocks, but wearing them in water isn’t recommended, and the weather (and beaches) of Charleston, South Carolina, eventually got the best of them. My Chacos were a bit more versatile, but the straps quickly began to fray and the soles began to crack – allowing water to seep inside and greet me with a lovely squeak as I walked.
$44.99 at Nordstrom (men’s)
$44.99 at Nordstrom (women’s)
The Xero Genesis have no such caveats. Whether hiking around Boulder, Colorado, exploring the Sonoran desert near Tucson, or wading into alpine lakes in the Rocky Mountains, my Genesis sandals have never disappointed me. After all those miles, the polyester cord shows no signs of fraying, and the rubber sole has no chips, rips, or tears. While there’s (finally) a bit of wear on the tread, they’re still perfectly grippy and capable of handling terrain from trails to beaches. For a $45 pair of sandals, I’m mighty impressed.
More is less
Unlike a chunky Birkenstock, the Genesis is a “barefoot” sandal. That means they offer no cushioning, putting your foot as close to the earth as possible. Personally, I love the fit, which is a welcome relief after hours of running or hiking in ultra-supportive shoes. They also help develop different muscles in your feet – though this entails a bit of acclimation. And while I use them for serious hiking, something with more cushioning would be a better choice if you’ll be trekking across rough terrain – the limited underfoot padding isn’t ideal for jagged rocks.
Here’s the fine print on the 5,000-mile warranty: Xero will give you a 60% discount on replacements if you manage to grind the soles down to less than 1mm. Mine still measure about 3mm at the absolute thinnest. On top of that, Xero layers on a 24-month manufacturer’s warranty, offering a full replacement if you experience a manufacturing defect within that timeframe. After two years of flogging mine, I can’t imagine many people will make use of either.
Staying out of a landfill for 5,000 miles is one way Xero reduces its environmental footprint, but they also carefully source material, and use less of it. Xero’s Restricted Substances Test Protocol outlines testing and limits for the use of everything from Pfas “forever chemicals” to lead, and Genesis’s minimalist design means there’s no need for materials like foam midsoles. Less shoe, less waste. Other Xero models also make use of sustainable materials like hemp, coffee carbon fiber and recycled polyethylene.
The Xero Genesis are probably the best pair of sandals I’ve owned, and a staple of my year-round wardrobe. For all but the rockiest of conditions, the lightweight barefoot sandals are a wonderful fit for anything life throws your way.
Specifications
Type: Huaraches
Weight: 4.6oz per sandal (size 9)
Colors: Stone, sand, black, raspberry, lake blue, sea moss
Materials: Rubber sole, polyester cord
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Jon Bitner is a writer covering travel, outdoors and technology for outlets including GameSpot, Digital Trends and Islands. He is an avid hiker and loves exploring the Rocky Mountains from his home in Boulder, Colorado.
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This piece is a part of Guardian US’s Buy it for life series, highlighting durable products built for the long haul. If you’d like to suggest a product that has stood the test of time in your own life, please contact us at thefilter.us@theguardian.com
