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On bikepacking tours, you're usually on the road for a long time. How nice when you arrive at your destination and can jump out of your bike shoes! But you usually don't allow yourself enough storage space to take your favourite sneakers AND a pair of slippers with you, which would also add extra weight.
Xero specialises in barefoot shoes and sandals. The two models in this test are one thing above all: they are easy to store and quite light. The plus point: they are also very comfortable to walk in. We tested the Xero Genesis and the Xero Z-Trail EV. The Genesis are minimalist, rollable and stylish, while the Z-Trail are more robust and with a treaded sole more of a classic trekking sandal.
The Xero Genesis minimal sandals put to the test
The Genesis sandals from Xero have a sole of just 5 mm and rubber laces. Together they weigh just 136 grams each in size 42. They can be rolled or folded to fit in any bikepacking bag or simply tied to it.
What is immediately noticeable is that the lacing, for which Xero has also applied for a patent, can be adjusted to fit the foot very well without cutting in anywhere or causing blisters, especially on the toe bridge, as is the case with some flip-flops. Once adjusted, the vegan sandals can be put on like socks. Although the sole is very thin and gives you a real barefoot feeling, it really does provide reliable protection against sharp stones, shards or other things that would otherwise damage bare feet.
The fit of the sole was also just right on the test specimen, but according to the manufacturer, you can simply cut the sole almost all the way round with scissors. And another difference to the flip-flops from the beach shop: the sole shows no signs of wear even after several weeks of use. Xero even offers a 5,000-mile sole guarantee!
Conclusion on the Xero Genesis barefoot sandals
The minimally thin Xero Genesis sandals are perfect for travelling because they can be packed very small in your luggage. The weight is low. The absolute plus point is the stylish and, above all, practical and super comfortable lacing. 55 euros may seem a lot for such a small shoe, but it gives the impression that it can survive two or three or even many more seasons.
Provided you are used to walking barefoot, you can wear these sandals all day long. And as the sole is very durable, you could also wear the Xero Genesis when cycling. Even paw pedals shouldn't harm them and your feet will have maximum air when pedalling. Bikepacker Wibke Lühmann shows how it's done with Birkenstock sandals on her tour from Freiburg to South Africa. If the grey sandals are too bland for you, you can choose from a further 4 colours.
The Xero Z-Trail EV sandals put to the test
The weight of these trekking sandals from Xero is astonishing. Although they look quite robust and have an 11 mm thick sole with tread, they hardly weigh any more than the thin Genesis, namely 147 grams per shoe. They can therefore be stowed just as inconspicuously in and on bikepacking bags. This is due to the construction of the sandals with a foam layer and a somewhat foam rubber-like surface. This feels very soft on the foot. When they get wet, the sandals don't squeak like many others, and the blue surface dries quickly.
The lacing is easy to adjust. After a short trial and error, I found a width where I can wear the sandals well, but can also put them on and take them off easily. The sole with its studs offers good grip, provides even better protection against sharp stones and doesn't slip on wet tiles or rocks. From the swimming pool bar to the rocky coast with a sure step, so to speak. Above all, the small "collar" on the heel protects it when you touch down and prevents you from getting dirt on it.
Conclusion on the Xero Z-Trail EV barefoot sandal
I wore the Z-Trail EV from Xero for a few weeks in Morocco and at home. Desert, salt water and Bavarian mountain streams have done nothing to them so far. However, they are less minimalist than the Genesis, but also have the usual barefoot shoe concept of having the heel and ball of the foot at the same height, so there is no heel or heel support. Closed shoes are also available for 90 euros, but these sandals also appear to be very durable and are made from recycled PET bottles, according to the manufacturer. The Xero sandals are available in various colours, e.g. from Bergzeit available.
Marc Strucken
Editor
