The laces on my Aqua Cloud or Genesis are too long. What can I do?Updated 25 days ago

Our huarache-style sandals, depending on foot dimensions, can have extra lace this is so they’ll fit the widest range of feet. Once you’ve dialed in your fit, you can shorten them.

Watch how

We have a short video walking through it: How to shorten the lace on your Genesis or Aqua Cloud. It’s also on our blog post, Adjust Your Sandals for a Perfect Fit.

Before you cut anything

• Test the sandals for a few days first indoors. Strap tension usually settles as you break them in, and what feels too long on day one may feel right by day three.
• Try tucking the excess instead. Many people tuck the extra lace under the heel strap or work it into the knot, which leaves you room to readjust later.
• Leave yourself margin. If you do cut, take off less than you think you need. You can always trim more, but you can’t add length back.
• Need a extra pair of lace ends. We sell Xero Lace Ends if you need a replacement pair. 

Please note: once the lace is cut, the sandals are considered altered, so they can’t be returned or exchanged, and alterations aren’t covered under our warranty. Make sure you’re happy with the fit first.

How to Safely Trim & Refinish Your Cords

Trimming your cords is quick and easy, but safety comes first! Always cut on a flat, stable surface, cutting away from your body and keeping fingers clear. Once trimmed, attach the included lace ends (or your separately purchased replacements) to finish the look and secure the cords.

Note: Cord trimming and end replacement for kids' sandals should always be completed by an adult.

My sandals keep coming loose or won’t stay tied

This is almost always a tension or knot issue rather than a problem with the sandal. Work through these in order:

• Re-check your tension after break-in. Cord settles over the first few wears, so a fit that felt right on day one can loosen. Snug everything back up and you’re usually done.
• Make sure the stopper knot is holding. If the cord is creeping through the hole at the toe, the knot underneath the sole is too small. Retie it bigger so it can’t pull through.
• Check where the slack is. Tighten the heel strap first, then the section across the top of your foot. Most looseness comes from the heel, not the toe.
• Add a backup knot. A second knot on top of your finishing knot keeps it from working itself loose during long walks or runs.
• Retie before water. Wet cord is slipperier and stretches a little, so snug your sandals up before swimming, paddling, or a wet hike.
• Confirm the knot itself. If the finishing knot slips no matter how tight you pull it, it may not be the huarache knot. Our adjustment video walks through the correct knot for the Genesis and Aqua Cloud.

You can also add a set of Xero Lace Ends to help keep your lace ends secure and tidy.

If your foot is sliding around on the footbed rather than the straps loosening, that’s usually a sizing issue instead. Check our Sizing & Fitting page, and remember exchanges are free on US orders.

Replacement laces

If you cut too short, or just want a different color, replacement cordage is available on our DIY Sandal Kit page, along with Xero Lace Ends to finish them off. [CONFIRM: cordage fits Aqua Cloud and Genesis retail sandals, not just DIY kits]

Still not comfortable?

If the laces feel long because the sandal isn’t fitting right, shortening them may not fix it. Contact us with your size and a photo of your foot in the sandal, and we’ll help you sort out whether it’s an adjustment issue or a sizing one.