With Barefoot Design, Connectivity and Exceptional Craftsmanship
You know that feeling when you return home after a long day at work and change into your comfy clothes? Imagine easing into that zone of breathing easier. This is how my feet first felt when slipping on a pair of Groundz shoes….and it was before I experienced the added benefit of grounding in them.
Pictures of shoes can only tell you so much. Looking at Groundz shoes online, I could appreciate their stylishness and grounding functionality; but I didn’t appreciate their comfort, craftsmanship and design until they were actually on my feet. Groundz offers true standouts in the world of footwear. Through this review, I’ll explain why…
A SIDE NOTE ABOUT GROUNDING FUNCTIONALITY
All grounding shoes offer a benefit unmatched by conventional shoes…they help keep you connected to Earth’s vital, natural energy.
Instead of creating a barrier between you and the Earth like other shoes do, grounding shoes are made of conductive materials that permit the free flow of Earth energy into your feet.
Maintaining unimpeded contact with earth surfaces helps keep us healthy and in equilibrium. That’s why going barefoot makes you feel so good!
To learn more about how grounding shoes work, read “Grounding Shoes: the Ultimate Guide.”
Getting My “Vitamin G” Even With Shoes On
My primary reason for getting these shoes is to help me stay grounded when out and about. I try to spend as much time as possible in the woods, at the beach, etc. because being out in nature is healing. But I feel like I’m missing out on the more vitalizing experience of connecting with the Earth’s healing energy when I’m getting that nature fix in conventional shoes. Life happens, and more often than not I can’t go barefoot. So I look to grounding shoes to make my outdoor experience that much more invigorating.
The first time I put on Groundz shoes, I experienced a different kind of comfort right away. This was surprising because it usually takes me about 15-20 minutes to feel a grounding-induced calmness. Perhaps it was a function of the barefoot / minimalist design and materials themselves? This was my first experience with zero-drop soles and natural, wide-toe box design, which research shows strengthens the feet. Is it also possible my feet simply love being surrounded by high-quality leather? Sure, I’m Italian - we love well-made shoes!
Impressive Design and Craftsmanship
I’ll start with Groundz Clay Sneakers… The soft, smooth leather under and around my bare feet feels slipper-comfortable. Although you can wear cotton socks with these shoes and still benefit from the ground conductivity, I personally prefer not to. The leather feels better than any socks I’ve ever worn.
Holding them in your hands, it’s apparent that these are not your average quality shoes. The Clays are artisan-made using three different kinds of leathers and hand-sewn together with beeswax-soaked cotton thread. The soles are also secured with clay – hence the shoe style name.
It’s not just the Clays that are made like this…All Groundz shoes are 100% handmade with natural materials, and are free of synthetic glues, dyes, rubbers, plastics or fabrics commonly found in factory-produced shoes.
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Based on their description as “minimally cushioned,” I expected the Canary Retro Side Strap Sandals to have firmer soles, so I was pleasantly surprised at their soft leather cushioning.
Unlike my experience with the Clays, I did need to wear the sandals for about two days before the stylish strapping was broken in. Firm enough for the wear and tear of life journeying, yet soft enough to prevent blistering, these sandals complement both casual and dressier outfits.
Lastly, as someone who is no stranger to suddenly slipping, the all-natural rubber bottom soles are a nice safeguard.
In the picture here, the copper rivets you see in the soles are what conduct earth energy from the natural ground into your feet.
Both minimalist shoe pairs have soles that are firmer and thinner than what I’m used to, so I was surprised that they felt so good on my feet. Having trekked through several countries in Europe in these shoes, I can now attest that they are tried and true, comfortable walking shoes.
Making Minimal Footprints with Sustainable Packaging
When it comes to all-naturalness and sustainability, Groundz walks their talk!
Besides their earth-friendly materials and minimalist design, Groundz shoes come packaged in canvas bags that can be easily repurposed. Inside the shoes, there’s a minimal amount of recyclable paper to help them hold their shape. And the outside bag is fully compostable, so there’s very little to waste or even recycle.
I now use the canvas bag to pack my shoes in when traveling; the bag makes a convenient barrier between shoes and clothing so you don’t have to cram your shoes into a suitcase side pocket.
Putting the Prices In Perspective
As an affiliate, Grounded.com makes a commission when you purchase Groundz shoes via links on our site. So we do have incentives to talk them up. That said, my review of Groundz shoes reflects my 100% honest opinion, and I’d still shout their praises from the rooftops. As someone who rarely pays more than $70 for un-grounded sandals or sneakers, I can confidently say that Groundz shoes are worth every penny of the retail price. Not only stylish, they are handmade, super-comfortable and can strengthen your feet. Plus they were created and shipped with respect for nature and the Earth. How many conventional shoe brands can say all that?
Now that I am a grounding shoe enthusiast, I am used to paying more for shoes with grounding functionality. They are necessarily more expensive to produce than regular mass-produced shoes. This is primarily due to their unique, conductive design and construction. But Groundz’ takes it a few steps further with made-by-hand, barefoot design, and premium quality materials. A close look in person at their craftsmanship highlights a world of difference between Groundz shoes and factory-made shoes.
Rather than blow $100 or 200 in one evening on a nice dinner out, why not invest in happier feet for a much longer duration of time? I can truthfully say I will soon purchase additional pairs of Groundz shoes for myself and family members. For me, Groundz has raised the bar on shoes!
References:
Curtis R, Willems C, Paoletti P, D'Août K. Daily activity in minimal footwear increases foot strength. Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 20;11(1):18648. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98070-0. PMID: 34545114; PMCID: PMC8452613.
Holowka, N.B., Wallace, I.J. & Lieberman, D.E. Foot strength and stiffness are related to footwear use in a comparison of minimally- vs. conventionally-shod populations. Sci Rep 8, 3679 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-21916-7
Miller E., Whitcome K., et al., The effect of minimal shoes on arch structure and intrinsic foot muscle strength, Journal of Sport and Health Science, Volume 3, Issue 2, 2014, Pages 74-85, ISSN 2095-2546, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2014.03.011.