The idea of minimalism isn’t a new one but as our culture trends towards ever increasing complexity and the proliferation of “stuff,” minimalism is rapidly gaining in popularity as more and more people seek a simpler path. Perhaps the most converts come from avid travelers. By definition a minimalist will have less to carry and thus worry about. A light load lends itself to spontaneity and thus a greater possibility of adventure. Everything a minimalist carries will have more than one use, and this approach means they are actually more prepared for the unexpected. When seeking adventure in out of the way places, less stuff means greater mobility and access to greater ranging into parts unknown. Arriving at an incredible spot in the backcountry feeling refreshed because your pack was ultralight or finding that perfect secluded camping spot alongside the river deep in BLM land because your motorcycle was unencumbered brings an incredible uplifting feeling of freedom that can be garnered no other way. That’s what it’s all about. 

Since the book Born to Run hit shelves in 2009 runners around the world have been on a mission to reconnect with their roots. This has stimulated a resurgence in minimalist footwear that continues to grow to this day. Many variations on the minimalist theme are available, but the objective of minimalist running footwear is to offer an experience that closely resembles moving barefoot. Thus, the end goal is thinner zero drop soles that maximize propreception while offering a wide toe area that allows the toes to splay out naturally. As runners around the world have liberated their feet of conventional “foot-coffins,” they have developed superior lower body strength with an increased resilience to fatigue and injury. These consistent results have stimulated a quest for the best minimalist running shoe. There are many excellent options available, but outside of mimicking the physical aspect of running barefoot, little attention has been given to the electrical experience of going unshod upon the Earth.

When barefoot on the earth’s surface we share the same electric potential of zero volts. This is achieved by absorbing free electrons from the earth through the soles of our feet. We essentially become an extension of the earth’s surface by sharing the same neutral charge. By practicing earthing we tap into our planets storehouse of free electrons, our body is able maintain homeostasis, and therefore superior biological function. This interaction with the local environmental bio rhythm, causes us to sync up our circadian clock and achieve natural resonance.

 

 

 

 

When considering the physiology of the human foot it is important to understand it's capacity to interface as a link between our body and the Earth. The sophisticated mechanics of our foot combined with its complex neurology make for a sensory base capable of more than most people think. Awareness of the electrical aspect of going barefoot is of fundamental importance to our health, and is overlooked in the minimalist footwear equation at our peril. Up until the advent of modern rubber in the 19th century, the soles of shoes were made nearly exclusively of leather. It is interesting to note that leather is measurably conductive when wet as opposed the insulating effects of rubber. North American Indian tribes were conscious of this fact to a degree and were known to dip their leather moccasins into water before dance ceremonies to enhance their connection with mother earth. The Huarache running sandals of the Tarahumara as featured in the book Born to Run, are an ancient design that

has proven itself for centuries. Simplicity in the design makes for the ultimate minimalist footwear experience. The lacing system allows for maximum breathability while offering adequate security for nearly any application. The thong harness not only allows for full range of motion of the toes and splaying of the forefoot, but also stimulates our liver meridian, located between the 1st and 2nd toes. According to Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. Therefore, by stimulating the liver channel we encourage better blood flow to the extremities of the body resulting indirectly in more fluid and efficient locomotion.

What distinguishes Earth Runners from other minimalist footwear is our original design that allows you to absorb the ever-present subtle electrical energies of the earth: this provides the closest experience we know to going barefoot, while still enjoying a measure of safety from varied terrains or street hazards. Typical modern footwear blocks the incoming flow of vital bio-input present on the earth, and thus impacts our health and how accurately our body is able to track time. This is real time known as Solar time not the made up time we call civil time. Earth Runner’s barefoot technology offers energy flow between the foot and earth. Both our copper inserts and conductive laces ground you electrically by allowing electron transfer from the planet – direct to your body.

Our mission is to reconnect people with the natural world. Literally. Our current modern society has insulated people from their inherent connection with Earth while causing a neurological deficiency of epidemic proportions. We feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to help the manifestation of this reemerging concept. Reconnect, Sync up, and get Outside!