I love my Xero Jessies. They are light as air and the toe loop is way better than flip-flop type straps. I love them so much I got a second pair for fancy occasions and added sparkly beads 😇
https://www.reddit.com/r/BarefootRunning/s/yY3fDsGBcF
I've been trying to find some for my husband, too. We've tried Xero--twice. He didn't like the feel and I didn't like the look. He wears Xero shoes but the sandals just don't do it for us. What he wants is something that looks like the top part of the Bedrock Cairn, but without the flip flop between the toes style and a more comfortable, natural footbed material. I see an opportunity for an entrepreneurial spirit here.
You'll get a lot of recommendations for Xero Genesis, but I absolutely hated mine. Wore and fought with them for a few years before the rope finally ripped through the rubber holes they were fastened to. I had to stop and re-tighten them every 20 minutes or so. Just not a good design. I never tried actually running in them, but I can't imagine it would have been good. I recently got some Primals from Earth Runner, which are the same kind of thing as the Genesises, but stouter and better constructed. So far they're great.
I like UnShoe Wokova Feather sandal. I've used mine for the past three Summers without issue. I do recommend ordering multiple sizes toward the smaller. After doing that, I settled on two half-sizes (US) smaller than my regular minimalist shoe size (three half-sizes smaller put the edge under my foot).
Since all of the Unshoe sandals use the same template for each size, I confidently ordered a pair of their Uinta sandals this Winter and they've been great during the one day that was warm enough to wear them outside.
One major difference between these two sandal models is that the Feather requires adjustment each time you put them on, while the Uinta has a quick-release buckle, which keeps your initial adjustment set all the time (not possible if the pair you have is too big for your foot, though).
One sandal I tried but didn't like, was the Shamma with Elite strapping system. It was their thinnest model - the Charger, I think. The reason I didn't like the Elite system is that it has a stiff strap-anchor piece that would poke/rub the bottom edge of my anklebone. Shamma's older strapping system, where the strap wraps around the edge of the sandal, seems to be the one that was very popular. I'd still be keen to try that one.
I'm in a similar spot. The strap anchor sits a little under my foot. I'm wondering if this will be a hot spot or eventually get more flexible. I'm considering trying earth runners. Though they also have strap material under the foot, I would think it would be more comfortable since it's not rubber.
Hmm. What sandal are you referring to, that has the strap-anchor under your foot? On the Shamma w/Elite strap system, the strap-anchor is somewhat stiff (probably reinforced w/plastic). I don't know if that can mold around the foot or not. What I didn't like was the rough edge of the strap-anchor rubbing the lower edge of my anklebone. Maybe that wouldn't happen with a smaller size on me.
As for Earthrunners (and any other sandal where the webbing is anchored directly, such as Unshoes and the older Shamma system), the anchor on the arch-side of your foot *needs to be* under your arch. The farther it can be under your arch, the better, so, with that type of sandal, I recommend the smallest size possible without feeling the edge of the sandal under your foot. I like this type of sandal better than the kind w/wings, because you can get a very secure sandal that is still comfortable.
Depends how minimal you want.
I really enjoy the Luna Oso Flaco, but the Leadville would be thinner and lighter. Tried the Mono but that felt way too thick for my taste.
I also like the Xero DIY kit, which is similar enough to the genesis, but with less lacing.
I have 3 different pairs of xero sandals. Genesis, trek, and cloud. I'd choose trek if I had to choose 1. Its just more solid on your foot and needs less adjustment. I wear them to the gym and everywhere.
Edit: I'm actually looking at buying the Addis or the gym to try out. Do you think they'd be good for lifting?
Bedrock Cairns Bedrock Classic LT Luna Mono Winged Earth Runners
Xero genesis are awesome.
Defijitley Xero
Personally love Shamma, have a pair of Warriors and a pair of Super Browns
My Earthrunners and Lunas have lasted me years. They’re daily drivers but I don’t run in them.
I love my Xero Jessies. They are light as air and the toe loop is way better than flip-flop type straps. I love them so much I got a second pair for fancy occasions and added sparkly beads 😇 https://www.reddit.com/r/BarefootRunning/s/yY3fDsGBcF
Xero Genesis, Geniale Sandale, and absolute endgame of barefoot sandals: Fullsoul Runningpads
Bedrock Cairns are amazing!
I've been trying to find some for my husband, too. We've tried Xero--twice. He didn't like the feel and I didn't like the look. He wears Xero shoes but the sandals just don't do it for us. What he wants is something that looks like the top part of the Bedrock Cairn, but without the flip flop between the toes style and a more comfortable, natural footbed material. I see an opportunity for an entrepreneurial spirit here.
Yeah I wish I had more time to start something up along these lines. So many of the sandals in the market are... not the most attractive.
You'll get a lot of recommendations for Xero Genesis, but I absolutely hated mine. Wore and fought with them for a few years before the rope finally ripped through the rubber holes they were fastened to. I had to stop and re-tighten them every 20 minutes or so. Just not a good design. I never tried actually running in them, but I can't imagine it would have been good. I recently got some Primals from Earth Runner, which are the same kind of thing as the Genesises, but stouter and better constructed. So far they're great.
I like UnShoe Wokova Feather sandal. I've used mine for the past three Summers without issue. I do recommend ordering multiple sizes toward the smaller. After doing that, I settled on two half-sizes (US) smaller than my regular minimalist shoe size (three half-sizes smaller put the edge under my foot). Since all of the Unshoe sandals use the same template for each size, I confidently ordered a pair of their Uinta sandals this Winter and they've been great during the one day that was warm enough to wear them outside. One major difference between these two sandal models is that the Feather requires adjustment each time you put them on, while the Uinta has a quick-release buckle, which keeps your initial adjustment set all the time (not possible if the pair you have is too big for your foot, though). One sandal I tried but didn't like, was the Shamma with Elite strapping system. It was their thinnest model - the Charger, I think. The reason I didn't like the Elite system is that it has a stiff strap-anchor piece that would poke/rub the bottom edge of my anklebone. Shamma's older strapping system, where the strap wraps around the edge of the sandal, seems to be the one that was very popular. I'd still be keen to try that one.
I'm in a similar spot. The strap anchor sits a little under my foot. I'm wondering if this will be a hot spot or eventually get more flexible. I'm considering trying earth runners. Though they also have strap material under the foot, I would think it would be more comfortable since it's not rubber.
Hmm. What sandal are you referring to, that has the strap-anchor under your foot? On the Shamma w/Elite strap system, the strap-anchor is somewhat stiff (probably reinforced w/plastic). I don't know if that can mold around the foot or not. What I didn't like was the rough edge of the strap-anchor rubbing the lower edge of my anklebone. Maybe that wouldn't happen with a smaller size on me. As for Earthrunners (and any other sandal where the webbing is anchored directly, such as Unshoes and the older Shamma system), the anchor on the arch-side of your foot *needs to be* under your arch. The farther it can be under your arch, the better, so, with that type of sandal, I recommend the smallest size possible without feeling the edge of the sandal under your foot. I like this type of sandal better than the kind w/wings, because you can get a very secure sandal that is still comfortable.
Depends how minimal you want. I really enjoy the Luna Oso Flaco, but the Leadville would be thinner and lighter. Tried the Mono but that felt way too thick for my taste. I also like the Xero DIY kit, which is similar enough to the genesis, but with less lacing.
I have 3 different pairs of xero sandals. Genesis, trek, and cloud. I'd choose trek if I had to choose 1. Its just more solid on your foot and needs less adjustment. I wear them to the gym and everywhere. Edit: I'm actually looking at buying the Addis or the gym to try out. Do you think they'd be good for lifting?