Earth Shoes was developed by Anne Kalso, a yoga instructor in Copenhagen, in the late 1950s, and made it to the U.S. in the early 1970s. Perfect timing, as the “hippie” movement was in full swing. People were actively looking for something better for their health, and the environment. Today Earth Shoes are back to serve multi-generations as the “green” movement is once again pulling attention to healthy and eco-friendly products.
What is an Earth Shoe?
Ms. Kalso developed her shoes with the theory that the heel strikes first and bears the most weight. A tall heeled shoe (stilettos for example), force the body’s weight onto the ball of the foot, sometimes causing irreparable damage to the bursa, causing bunions to develop and putting a great strain on the back and pelvis. Ms. Kalso’s solution became part of the hippie counter-culture where a shoe with a negative heel was as fashionable as the Jesus sandal.
Today’s Earth Shoe sports the title of Kalso® Negative Heel Technology™, a specific 3.7 degree incline is created in each shoe that causes the body’s weight to shift more towards the heel. The result is an alignment of the posture from the feet up mimicking the yogic Tadasana, or mountain, pose where the toes are slightly elevated from the heel.
Available in a wide variety of styles and colors the Earth Shoe can be worn for day-to-day footwear needs or for the athletic individual. The new Kalso Lite offers a highly breathable exterior combined with a lightweight and flexible base, it is part of the new Earth Vegan collection of animal friendly shoes.
The Vegan Earth Shoe
Earth Shoe works under the Vegan Society to produce their Earth Vegan collection. The Vegan shoes do not use any animal or animal by-products within the design and the manufacturing, including the elimination of animal testing. Materials such a microfiber, faux suede, hemp, nylon, neoprene, faux fleece and more make up the variety of this collection ranging from boots to sandals to running shoes.
How do they fit?
The average Earth Shoe has a wider toe box and narrow heel box, like an inverted triangle, which is a step up from many shoes that have a narrower toe box than the heel. Some of the Earth Shoe collection offers a wide width, such as the women’s Mary-Jane “Solar” and the clog “Dharma.” Most of the collections offer whole and half sizes though sizes 11 and 12 are whole sizes primarily. Finding a good fitting shoe is important for every size and shape of foot.
It can take a little getting used to the negative heel of an Earth Shoe. Some people find it is easier to start wearing their new shoes around the house or office before venturing out onto uneven surfaces outdoors. Others have no difficulty adapting to the subtle change and wear their shoes straight out of the store.
Where to find Earth Shoes
The official Earth footwear website offers a retail locator for many major countries. There are also many online stores that sell all or part of the Earth Shoes collections. It is recommended to try any shoes in person before buying to determine a proper fit.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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