The Ultimate Water Adventure Sandals

July 11, 2018Michael Dally75 comments

Edited by Colin Evans

The Earth Runners team has continued to ReWild our lifestyles ever honing in on a more ancestraly based approach to our health, happiness and community. As a result we have been spending more and more time in the dirt, outsourcing less of our movement to modern technology. This has involved traversing on foot ever greater distances over all of Earth's geology and hydrology to keep our soles strong and free. One key advantage to our sandals that we have focused on over the past few years has been their ability to transition between land and water seamlessly, proving them to be the ultimate water sandals.

The Key Features of a Perfect Pair of Water Shoes:

Minimal Upper: reduced resistance in the water & superior drainability.
Footbed Water Traction: excellent adherence of the wet foot to the footbed.
Outsole Water Traction: the tread of the sole grips wet surfaces well.
Foot Security (In water): the hydrophobic binding or upper of the shoe effectively secures the foot to the sole.

Minimal Upper: All Material above the sole

Our modern rendition of the ancient huarache running sandal has proven to be the simplest yet most secure upper we have yet to encounter in our 5 years of R&D on land and water. Considering the amount of security achieved by the minimal amount of upper material, Earth Runners has a very lean weight-to-security ratio. We have torture tested endless numbers of prototypes where we tried adding and removing materials to the upper and have not come up with anything that is more efficient or effective than the tried and true minimalist lace design of the ancient huarache sandal for amphibious exploration.

Footbed Water Traction

In the Spring of 2017 we released our Hemp Earth Grip footbed with a great deal of excitement due to it being a huge step forward in the evolution of Eco Traction. We have been very happy with its increased water performance and reception by the Earth Runners tribe. We received a tremendous amount of information in the form of feedback from the thousands of miles logged by the Earth Runners Community. We analyzed the data and came up with something better! Hemp is known for the extreme strength of it’s natural fibers but what we have learned is that it’s durability does not meet our standards when it comes to abrasion resistance in an aquatic environment. Being that strong abrasion resistance is one of the main attributes our water sandal footbed needs to exhibit, we have found another natural fiber that holds up better for this application while still providing all of the excellent characteristics that made the Hemp Earth Grip bedding so effective. Our new 2018 Earth Grip footbed is made of 100% low impact dyed (GOTS certified) cotton. It has proven to hold up substantially longer while ensuring effective function over the increased lifespan of the sandals. We are excited to offer the greatest combination of traction, wicking and longevity to date with our new heavy duty Earth Grip footbed!

Water Adventure Sandals

Outsole Water Traction

The goal of an amphibious sandal outsole is to provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces both in and out of the water. Achieving superior traction on both land and in water takes a fine balance. Many factors must be considered including not only the height, contact area and spacing of the tread lugs but also what compound they are made of. We have put a lot of energy into testing all these variables utilizing the world leaders in rubber, Vibram, to find the best combination for the ultimate water tread traction. Our new water sandal outsole is still in development and we are excited to offer this to Earth Runners worldwide when the time is ripe.

Foot Stability (In Water)

Given the minimal yet demanding role of our single lace binding mechanism, the design elements of this system are crucial. It has taken years to understand what is specifically required to create ever higher levels of performance from our lacing system which continues to evolve. From tensile strength/stretch, to dry material properties, to water performance, there are seemingly endless variables . After fully understanding the required functions of our lace we have been working with specialty mill manufacturers to design the ultimate water performance lace. This has involved much testing, trial and error to determine what material combination would achieve the greatest longevity function and comfort on both land and water. Our new Performance Laces are in the works and will be available once all the production details have been finalized.

Available Now: Shop Performance-Laced Adventure Sandals


Trail ready light weight cushioned sole	The ultimate barefoot traction running sandal

75 comments

Veladya August 29, 2018 05:04 PM PDT

This is a wonderful advancement. Suggestion: Although I often hike in my sandals; I would buy hiking shoes from Earth Runners in a HEARTBEAT. Or if you create grounding straps we can attach to hiking boots. Giving thanks for your line. Would love to feature you on our Youtube: Earth Mama Medicine one day.

Caroline August 29, 2018 05:04 PM PDT

I love the idea of earth runners. I would love a pair that I could wear around the city. Most of my life is city based, and I want to be able to get the benefits of Earth Runners in environments other than the outdoors. This could be as simple as leather straps to give it a more formal look, to creating a closed toe version.

Kyle Farrick August 29, 2018 05:04 PM PDT

I would like earthrunners to have more variety of colours.

Marissa August 29, 2018 05:04 PM PDT

I absolutely love my earth runners! On a day to day basis, we walk on concrete. Even though we’d like to be more natural and walk on dirt and wood chips (ahhh-mazing), it’s unfortunately not possible. I do wish there was a pair of Earth runners that were enclosed with an upper that would specifically support the foot just a slight bit for those of us who have not yet strengthened our feet completely yet to move onto the very minimal sandals. (PLUS i would wear them in the gym!) Thank you!

Marissa August 29, 2018 05:04 PM PDT

I have a pair of one of the older versions of your sandals! I have been wearing them for about 3 years now and love them! They are the only pair of sandals I will wear. I do feel my foot slide forward sometimes and the “thong” part between my toes can chafe a bit while running in them. Maybe making a strap closer to the midfoot that goes around would help? Or “thongs” that go in between each of the toes so as to help separate/ take pressure off of that one area.

Sam Curtis August 29, 2018 05:04 PM PDT

I love seeing the mesh of the old style and new technologies! I think that a great addition, although small would be to add a small, sensory- focused texture to the soles of the shoes. Neurologically speaking, this “wakes up” the muscles in the pelvis ( which are crucial for safe hiking and running) and the brain ( which keeps it alert and attentive), essentially allowing for a better experience and greater awareness while still allowing a safe distance between the foot and the terrain. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!

Ricky August 29, 2018 05:04 PM PDT

I’d definitely would like to see kid earthrunners and affordable sustainable clothing from you guys.

Casey August 29, 2018 04:59 PM PDT

I would love to see a wider toe space. Many sandals have me feeling like my toes are falling off. I also think using natural dyes from nature would be awesome. Oak provides different browns from the acorns and bark. I love the idea of non chemical dye bases. I think barefoot sandals are the bees knees

Christophe August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I react a little late. I ordered a pair of circadian but not yet received. I can not wait to receive them to test the grip with the cotton footbed in the water. if there was anything to improve it could be to have the almost perfect sandals earthrunners on dry ground and a removable outsole in felt to increase the grip on wet rock as one can see among the fly fishermen. light, compact and quick to dry.

Bogue D August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I love Earth Runners and what I would love to see come out as one of their products is a shoe that is obviously minimalist but also can be work on hiking adventures in the high mountains. A lot of times when hiking in the mountains you have difficult and differing terrain such as snow fields versus talus fields. Having a minimalist shoe that can conquer the outdoors in this fashion will reduce the weight of hikers packs who go on trips throughout the world.

Jori August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I would love to see a pair of Earthrunners that I could use with socks so I can use them as camp shoes as well as water crossing shoes. I sleep in socks and would like the ability to easily slip these on and off for nighttime bathroom breaks. Right now I either have to try and finagle my feet into the shoes with socks on, or take my socks off just to get the shoes on. It would be nice to see a design that gives me the option to wear my socks with them.

Justin B. August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

One of the hardest pieces of footwear you can make is a waterproof one. People are picky about water, especially when they’re out in the wild. For sandals the thing I like most is the fact that they can dry quicker, if the materials were able to breath more or lighter weight/size to breath better, that may be ideal. Another thing I might suggest and/or market is the ability to float, if people are using these in and around water, there could be a chance they may sink and be lost forever, depending. I haven’t seen anything on your site on whether any of the sandals can float. A general thing for all sandals may be to have reflective lacing or trim for night runners. Best of luck to this company in finding success, I hope to get a pair soon!!

Ola August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

The same copper thong piece you have but between more than just those two toes. Extra strap or two could lessen the slippage of the foot.

Four_acres_yoga August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I enjoy my Earthrunners immensely, they’ve been amazing for helping with foot and low back pain. I do struggle with the laces in and out of the water, which is what I originally bought them for. The laces get slack and then it’s an all day and next day battle to get them ‘just right’ again. Also the hemp bed is super drying to the soles of my feet, but sounds like the leather footbed style might be better for next summer! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Cejaye August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I would really love to see the plastic clasp to be made from recycled plastic…we all need to find more ways of re-using the plastics we all use on a daily basis I would also love a pair with straps that are a little bit wider 🙌🏻

Charmaine Ricacho August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

Cold weather friendly version please

Catie August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I havent tried them yet but it seems like your team has thought of everything. I’m pretty sure I read that they were vegan but if not that would be a great addition :)

Ethan Smith August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I do a lot of hiking in my Earthrunners in Creeks and wet trails. An improvement could be preventing the nylon straps from expanding and contracting when going from wet to dry. If you do not want to change out the nylon straps which I do like except in those scenarios, you could a small additional pad on the front strap and on the back of the heel strap. This could prevent slipping on the straps and also provide a little bit of cushion which would prevent rubbing if the straps slip a little bit when wet.

Isabel August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I’d love to see an earthrunner boot or a shoe I could wear to the office!

MJ August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I’d love to see child sized footwear. Start them out on the right path with shoes instead of correcting years of bad shoe choices. (And maybe something with a closed toe for those of us who live with snow half of the year, or something you could wear to work).

kelly August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I would love to see earthrunners made from completely natural materials, so they can go back to the earth when finished, leaving no trace. Also, please make them for kids!

Viki August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

Make sandals for the children too.

Fran Zavala August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

I love my earthrunners even tho I just bought them I can’t see myself changing them! Since it’s a minimalist shoe the least the better, but thinking about a wet shoe, an extra layer of protection would be great, I ran into a puddle and while wet my big toe went into a different direction, how about adding a big toe strap?

Krista August 24, 2018 05:09 PM PDT

Love the look of everything but a kids line would rock and maybe more color options!!! ✌🏼

JP Mitchell August 24, 2018 05:03 PM PDT

I’d love to see Uk distributors. Usually ordering amazing things from America gets import taxed and these can be as much if not more than the product itself.

Lori Garton August 24, 2018 05:03 PM PDT

I am awaiting my first pair of earthrunners! Yeeeee! Trying to think up a suggestion for your giveaway… I think it would be cool if people could turn in their old earth runners to be upcycled into.. wait for it… new earth runners!! Love what you guys do thanks!

LISA August 24, 2018 05:02 PM PDT

I love the Earth runner minimalist shoe concept promoting natural movement & gait . In keeping with the water type I would recommend a footbed with a layer of sand like material…like sandpaper but comfortable to assist in grip when wet and promote circulation of the feet and to stimulate key reflexology points on the foot for added wellness. The footbrd could be also considered a textured massage for the feet.

Aaron August 23, 2018 07:54 PM PDT

Would love to see both an eco friendly buckle (I have to admit I didn’t research to see if your plastic is recycled), and antimicrobial copper or silver lacing/lining of some sort in the footbed.

Jessica August 23, 2018 07:54 PM PDT

I would love to see leather laces, though I have no complaints about the current ones. And I super want kid’s sizes! Both of my boys try to wear mine around the house and the crappy plastic kid sandals are a poor substitute.

The Ultimate Water Adventure Sandals

Minimal Upper: All Material above the sole

Footbed Water Traction

Outsole Water Traction

75 comments

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