# Barefoot Summer Sandals The Xero Minimalist Rope Sandal Offers Barely-There Comfort By Amy Duong | Published 2026-07-12 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xero References: [ssense](https://www.ssense.com/en-us/men/sale/sandals)  The new Xero Shoes [Genesis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/streamliner-genesis-2) sandal reinterprets minimalist footwear through a lightweight design built around slim soles and adjustable cord straps. Originally developed as a barefoot-style sandal, the model has recently gained renewed attention through collaborative editions and seasonal colorways that expand its appeal beyond outdoor enthusiasts. Its stripped-back construction emphasizes flexibility and natural movement while maintaining a compact, packable profile for everyday summer wear. The renewed interest in minimalist sandals extends beyond performance footwear into the fashion industry. Luxury brands including [Miu Miu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miu-miu-bubble-shoe) and [Celine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefall-2026-advertising-campaign) have explored similar low-profile silhouettes, while collaborations continue introducing updated materials, colors, and finishes to the category. Alongside classic flip-flops and sport sandals, the Xero Shoes Genesis sandal represents growing demand for lightweight footwear that balances simplicity, versatility, and comfort. Image Credit: XERO SHOES ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.3/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 85% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Minimalist Footwear Revival:** Renewed demand for barely-there sandals signals room for brands to merge ergonomic design, fashion styling, and lightweight construction into everyday warm-weather footwear. - **Packable Summer Essentials:** Compact sandals with flexible soles reflect a broader preference for travel-friendly products that support active lifestyles without sacrificing style or comfort. - **Performance-fashion Hybrids:** Collaborations and seasonal finishes are reframing functional barefoot footwear as a style category where technical utility and luxury aesthetics can overlap. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** Low-profile sandal designs create openings for new material systems, adjustable fit technologies, and comfort-led silhouettes in casual and performance markets. - **Fashion:** Luxury adoption of minimalist sandal shapes highlights opportunities to reinterpret utilitarian products through premium finishes, limited editions, and trend-driven colorways. - **Travel Goods:** The popularity of lightweight, packable footwear connects with demand for versatile accessories suited to vacations, outdoor recreation, and compact packing needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lifestyle Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-990v4-pumpernickelpink-chalk.md) - [Adaptive Trail Runner Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-acg-zegama-hike.md) - [Hiking Sandal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hike-sandal-sneaker.md) - [Technical Lifestyle Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u5030-blackblack-metallic.md) - [Leather Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-force-1-low-lx.md) - [Women's Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-jordan-4-birds-of-paradise.md) - [Leather Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-shoe-leather.md) - [Colorful Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily-running-shoe.md) - [3D-Printed Basketball Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-bb01.md)