This is my second pair of Xero Genesis sandals. It took me a couple years to decide to get a pair and I really have no idea why I waited.
I love the Z-Treks and these have the same sole thickness and material. The big advantage with the Genesis is that you can adjust them to be really secure. And there is just a little bit of flex/give to the laces, so even if you have them fairly snug, they allow your foot to move naturally without rubbing and chafing. Laces are soft and the toe loop is way better than the toe post on most other sandals (possibly the reason I waited was that I generally don't like anything rubbing between my toes).
My first pair is pretty new and in great shape - just got the second pair as my summer fitness plan is to be getting on some longer walks and hikes regularly; and I wanted one pair that I can just get dirty and rinse off as much as need...and I really like the new "stone" color. Sure, there will be days I'll be heading out in shoes or hiking boots, but I'm really working on strengthening my feet and wanting to stay cool - so a lot of my walking will be on dirt or crushed rock trails that don't require anything too protective or aggressive. These sandals will be perfect for summer temps and those terrains!

Genesis sandal
No matter how I adjusted the straps I couldn't get the soles to line up with my feet. I would tighten one side or adjust where the "knots" where and it would send it further out of whack. I would do the opposite becaise that should make it go the other way and at best I could get it to stay slightly off kilter big toe falling off to foot falling off of the side within a few steps. I did macro adjustments, micro adjustments but there is no way I can figure out how to make them work. After a thousand or so attempts to get them to fit and center themselves on my foot I never got close to making them work. Then while in the airport trying to adjust the "knot" on the side to get the sole to pull back to center the sole just split at the anchor point and the strap came out. Luckily I had a backup pair of cheap Mexican market sandals to use during vacation.

I really wanted these to work, but was sorely disappointed. I'll keep looking for a sandal for me. I don't want big **** berks, just something to protect from hot pavement and sharp glass. Taking recommendations if you know something else to try if these don't work for you.

I bought my first pair of these in 2019 and wore them to death. My first excursion in them was a cross-country road trip, walking up to 10 miles a day, exploring new cities, with a baby (and sometimes a toddler too) in a carrier. I didn't spend any time breaking these in, figuring I'd just deal with the consequences. I thought I'd be struggling with the lack of padding, especially with the added weight of a child in a carrier.

It was unreal to me how comfortable I was for the entire trip. I'd finally found what I'd been looking for- I just felt barefoot (but protected from the hot asphalt of a summer in the city). I never dealt with any break-in issues, I guess because they were so light and well-fitting that they never chafed.

My first pair finally succumbed to their fate last summer. The failure point was reparable (the piece holding the strap to the sole between the toes came off), but I figured after 4 years, I'd just treat myself to a new pair this summer.

After finishing out last summer in my old Birkenstocks and Sanuks, I'm overjoyed to have my feet free again!

Love these a ton. Great for poolside, saunas, bathhouses, hiking, rivers, rafting, paddle boarding, etc... I also have a pair of H-trails and wear both a lot. like the H-trails, they have a a great hold on your foot and the between the toe strap keeps you from sliding out of them when walking down hill, which is super key hiking. I particular like the genesis for in the water activities. They take zero time to dry after being wet. I will definitely be taking them with me whenever I travel and backpacking due to their lightness and drying ability. If you are not a fashionista, this style is totally hot right now. I saw a version at a well known department store here in DC area selling for $925!!! The only request I have heard from my partner is that she would like more colors for coordination.