The Best Grounding Shoes You Can Buy: Earth Runners Benefits Explained

My husband and I got a pair of Earth Runners as a wedding gift in October 2021, and they immediately became our go-to shoes.

After four years of nearly continuous use, we’re confident in saying these are the best grounding shoes you can buy.

In this post, I’ll break down exactly what Earth Runners are and explain their benefits – from the science-backed health perks of earthing to the practical advantages of their minimalist design – all while sharing our personal experience of living in these sandals.

What Are Earth Runners Sandals?

Earth Runners are a type of minimalist sandal inspired by the ancient huarache running sandals of the Tarahumara tribe. In essence, they recreate the primal feeling of running or hiking barefoot, but with a protective sole to minimize injury on rough terrain.

Each sandal features a lightweight Vibram® rubber sole and a simple strap system that secures your foot without restricting it.

The design offers a satisfying “ground feel” underfoot, thanks to a thin and flexible sole and a textured Earth-Grip footbed that provides all-weather traction similar to bare earth.

What truly sets Earth Runners apart is their built-in grounding technology. Embedded in the sole is a copper plug, and threaded through the straps are stainless steel conductive fibers.

This original conductive lacing™ system creates a grounded circuit, allowing you to absorb the subtle electric energy of the Earth through the sandal – essentially connecting you electrically to the ground as if you were barefootearthrunners.com.

In ordinary shoes, rubber and plastic soles insulate us from the earth (blocking the “vital bio input” our bodies crave), but Earth Runners sandals keep that connection intact.

Key features of Earth Runners include:

• Zero-drop, foot-shaped design: There’s no raised heel or cramped toe box. Your foot sits flat and can splay naturally (the strap between your toes even acts like an “active toe spacer” to encourage proper toe alignment). This design promotes a natural gait and healthy posture.

• Built-in grounding technology: A copper plug and conductive laces ground you with every step, so you reap the benefits of earthing (more on these benefits below).

• Adjustable performance laces: A single continuous strap laces around your foot and ankle, providing a secure yet comfortable fit. Once you adjust the tension to your liking, the buckle keeps it in place reliably. We found the straps stay put – my husband hasn’t had to readjust his at all in years, and I only made minor tweaks during pregnancy when my feet swelled.

• All-terrain Vibram® soles: The durable Vibram outsole is built for adventure. It’s thin enough for ground feel but tough enough to handle rocks, pavement, mud, and daily wear. In our experience, these soles truly last (ours have endured four years of heavy use with only modest wear).

Earth Runners currently offer a few different sandal models to suit personal preference.

The core designs are the Primal (ultra-thin sole for maximum barefoot feel), Circadian (mid thickness, a balance of ground feel and protection), Alpha (thicker cushioned sole for long treks), and the newer Atlas (a rugged thick sole).

All models share the same grounding technology and strap system, so you can choose your ideal thickness without losing the Earth Runners essence. No matter which style you pick, you’re getting the signature Earth Runners experience of barefoot freedom plus earth connection.

Grounding Benefits: The Science of Earthing on the Go

One of the biggest reasons Earth Runners are touted as the best grounding shoes is that they let you stay electrically grounded while wearing footwear.

Why does this matter? Decades of research on “earthing” (also called grounding) suggest that maintaining direct physical contact with the Earth’s electrons has significant health benefits.

Normally, when we go barefoot on grass, soil, or sand, our bodies absorb the Earth’s abundant free electrons, which can neutralize excess positive charge and free radicals in our bodies.

However, modern lifestyles keep us insulated – we live and walk on concrete, wear rubber-soled shoes, and rarely touch the natural ground. Earth Runners solve this by bridging that electrical gap.

Health benefits of grounding that have been reported in studies include:

• Better sleep and balanced hormones: Connecting to the Earth helps synchronize our internal circadian rhythm. In one study, people who slept grounded (for example, using grounding mats or footwear) showed normalized cortisol levels aligned with a natural 24-hour cycle. Many users report deeper, more refreshing sleep after regular earthing, thanks to this cortisol regulation.

• Reduced inflammation and pain: Being grounded can have an antioxidant effect in the body. The Earth’s electrons help neutralize reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals), which in turn curbs the cascade of inflammation. Research has documented that grounding significantly reduces inflammation markers and even chronic pain over time. If you struggle with inflammatory issues or exercise-induced soreness, earthing might assist in recovery.

• Improved mood and lower stress: Grounding has a calming effect on the nervous system. Studies have noted improvements in mood, decreases in subjective stress, and even enhanced heart rate variability (a measure associated with reduced stress and improved resilience) when people are grounded regularly. Many people simply feel more relaxed and centered after walking barefoot or wearing grounding shoes.

• Better blood flow and heart health: There is intriguing evidence that earthing improves circulation. Being grounded increases the surface charge on red blood cells, which prevents them from clumping together and reduces blood viscosity. In turn, this healthier blood flow can reduce cardiovascular strain. Some researchers even call grounding “one of the simplest and yet most profound interventions” for reducing the risk of heart issues.

• Enhanced recovery and energy: Athletes have started paying attention to grounding because of its potential to boost recovery. Staying grounded during workouts or afterward has been shown to lessen muscle soreness and support a positive nitrogen balance in the body (indicating better protein utilization for healing). Endurance athletes like marathoners and hikers find that being electrically connected to the Earth may subtly increase their stamina – essentially tapping into “Earth energy” to reduce fatigueearthrunners.com.

With Earth Runners sandals, you can tap into all these earthing benefits anytime you’re on a natural surface. Whether you’re walking on a city park lawn, hiking a mountain trail, or gardening in your backyard, you remain connected.

Personally, we can attest to this: even with the sandal soles between us and the ground, we feel grounded. There’s a certain vitality and stability we notice when wearing our Earth Runners, especially compared to regular shoes.

My husband, who has been mostly barefoot his whole life, immediately appreciated that “when you’re wearing these sandals, you’re grounded no matter what” – a claim even notable health experts echo.

For us, Earth Runners provide the perfect middle ground between going fully barefoot and wearing conventional shoes. We get the electrical connection and well-being boost of being barefoot, plus a bit of protection for our soles when needed.

Natural Foot Health and Barefoot Freedom

Aside from grounding, Earth Runners offer all the benefits of barefoot-style footwear.

If you care about foot health and overall mobility, this is a huge plus. Traditional shoes (especially those with thick soles, narrow toe boxes, or high heels) can alter our natural gait and even weaken foot muscles over time.

In contrast, Earth Runners’ minimalist build allows your feet to function as nature intended:

• Natural gait & posture: With a thin, flat sole, Earth Runners encourage you to walk and run with a more natural stride. There’s no chunky heel forcing a heel-strike or awkward posture. Instead, you tend to land on your midfoot/forefoot gently, which can improve your walking and running form and reduce impact on joints. The sandals let you feel the ground just enough to adapt your steps, improving your balance and proprioception (your sense of foot position). We noticed that after switching to Earth Runners, our posture and walking mechanics felt more aligned and fluid – it’s the closest thing to being truly barefoot, as the company likes to say. In fact, one could say these sandals “changed the way we walk and move”, to borrow a sentiment from other enthusiasts.

• Stronger feet & muscles: The minimalist design forces your foot muscles to do their job. The footbed is flat (no arch support), which might sound uncomfortable but actually encourages your arches to strengthen themselves. Over time, wearing Earth Runners can help build up the intrinsic muscles in your feet and lower legs because you’re flexing and engaging them more with each step. The lack of a restrictive upper or toe box also means your toes can spread and grip naturally, which improves stability and can prevent issues like bunions or hammertoes. Essentially, Earth Runners allow you to use your feet the way nature intended, which can lead to healthier feet and even better overall alignment.

• Active toe splay: Unlike cramped shoes, these sandals have no walls around your toes. The strap between the first two toes helps keep the sandal in place and incidentally acts like a gentle toe spacer. We’ve found that our toes have plenty of room to spread out with each step. This toe freedom is a key “barefoot benefit” – it improves balance and gives your foot a wider, more stable base. Earth Runners themselves describe their sandals as having the benefits of a “No Toe Box™” shoe with built-in active toe spacers, meaning the design naturally encourages your toes to align correctly rather than squeeze together. If you’ve ever worn toe-spacer devices or wide toe-box shoes for foot health, these sandals provide a similar benefit just by design.

My husband’s experience is a great example of these benefits. He’s lived virtually barefoot for years, and Earth Runners are one of the only “shoes” he’ll wear because they don’t mess with his foot mechanics.

For me, switching to Earth Runners took a bit of adjustment (as anyone new to minimalist shoes might experience), but once my feet adapted, I noticed less foot fatigue and a sense that my feet were getting stronger.

We hike, run, and even do gym workouts in our Earth Runners without the aches or pains that traditional athletic shoes sometimes caused. Our feet and toes move freely, our arches engage naturally, and we feel more connected to our movements.

In short, Earth Runners truly “free your feet” – improving foot health while still giving you enough protection to tackle various environments.

Durability and All-Terrain Performance (Tested Over 4 Years)

One question we had when first getting our Earth Runners was: can a sandal this minimal really hold up to heavy use? After four years, our verdict is a resounding yes.

These sandals are impressively durable. Consider that between the two of us, we have worn our Earth Runners multiple times a week, every week, for four years straight.

We don’t treat them gently either – they’re our default footwear whenever we leave the house, and we often prefer them over closed shoes. Despite that, our Earth Runners are still intact and going strong.

To give you an idea of their all-terrain versatility, here are some real-world places and conditions in which our Earth Runners have excelled:

• Rocky hikes and mountain trails: We’ve scrambled up steep, uneven trails where sharp stones and gravel are everywhere. The Vibram soles provided reliable grip and enough protection that we didn’t get bruised feet, yet we could still feel the contours of the ground for secure footing.

• Beach walks and river crossings: From dry sand to crossing streams, the sandals handled it all. They stay securely on our feet in water and don’t get waterlogged. The Earth-Grip footbed actually seems to gain grip when wet, so we don’t slip around on the footbed. We also love that unlike water shoes, these sandals dry out quickly after getting soaked, thanks to the open design and quick-drying materials.

• Mud, gardens, and muddy trails: We do a lot of gardening and often end up in muddy fields. Earth Runners strap firmly to your feet, so they don’t get stuck or suction off in mud like some shoes can. We just hose them off afterward – easy cleanup.

• City streets and everyday outings: For errands, walks around town, or traveling through airports, the sandals are comfortable and low-profile. We’ve worn them through countless airport security lines (bonus: you can slip them off and on faster than shoes with laces!). The simple style actually looks fine with casual outfits; they’re not overly “sporty” or attention-grabbing.

• Travel and camping: They’re light and packable, making them perfect travel companions. We’ve backpacked with them and appreciated having one pair of shoes versatile enough for hiking during the day and relaxing by the campfire at night.

After all this abuse, our sandals definitely show cosmetic wear – the footbed fabric is worn in and the soles are a bit thinner than when new – but structurally they’ve held up incredibly well.

The Vibram rubber sole lives up to its reputation for toughness (these are the same type of soles used on rugged hiking boots, just thinner). The laces and buckles have never failed or torn on us, which is impressive given how often we tug them on and off.

We’ve truly put these sandals through the wringer, and they have met the challenge.

To be completely transparent, the only slight issue we’ve noticed is that after years of use without a deep cleaning, the footbeds can accumulate a film of dirt which made them a bit slippery on very slick mud or algae-covered rocks.

This is likely on us – a good scrubbing would restore the full grippy texture. In normal dry or moderately wet conditions, they still grip fine.

We don’t consider this a flaw in the sandal at all, but rather a reminder that even durable gear benefits from occasional maintenance (note to self: clean our sandals!).

Overall, the durability and versatility of Earth Runners are a major benefit. You’re investing in sandals that can handle daily life, outdoor adventures, and everything in between.

Unlike many flimsy flip-flops or expensive running shoes that fall apart after a season, these huarache-style sandals are built to last. Earth Runners themselves highlight their “all-terrain durable Vibram® soles” and “sturdy fit”, and we can wholeheartedly confirm that claim.

After four years, our Earth Runners are still our primary footwear, and we anticipate many more miles ahead.

Comfort and Adjustability (Plus a Pregnancy Perk!)

Comfort is king when it comes to footwear, and Earth Runners truly deliver in this department.

At first glance, some people worry that a sandal with just a lace and a thin sole can’t be comfortable for hours on end – but our experience has been the opposite. We often forget we’re even wearing shoes when we have our Earth Runners on, because they feel so natural and lightweight.

Adjustable, secure fit

One reason these sandals are so comfortable is that you can fine-tune the straps to your foot shape. The lace passes through the sole and loops around, so you can tighten or loosen various sections to get a custom fit.

When you first get a pair, you spend a little time adjusting the tension between the toe, heel, and ankle regions. After that, you lock the fit in place with the buckle – and you’re done. The laces stay in place remarkably well; we’ve hiked for hours without any loosening.

Unlike flip-flops, there’s no floppy movement since the straps hold the sole firmly against you, yet unlike shoes, there’s no constriction or pressure points once you get the tension right.

As mentioned earlier, my husband dialed in his fit once and never had to change it again in four years! I adjusted mine only slightly during periods when my feet changed size (more on that in a moment).

The fact that the straps don’t require constant fiddling means you get all-day comfort without hassle. As Earth Runners advertises, they’ve achieved a balance of “comfortable laces + sturdy fit” that gives you confidence on rough ground while feeling almost like you’re barefoot.

Barefoot comfort

Because Earth Runners have a zero-drop sole and no arch support, they let your foot relax in its natural state.

Counterintuitively, this can be more comfortable than cushioned shoes in many cases, because your foot isn’t being forced into an unnatural shape. The footbed material (a cotton canvas fabric) conforms a bit to your foot over time, almost like how leather sandals break in.

We’ve worn ours on day-long outings and our feet felt great – no arch pain, no blisters. On particularly rocky hikes, you do feel the ground, but we came to appreciate that sensation and didn’t find it painful, just informative.

If you’re used to thick shoes there’s an adaptation period, but once you adjust, the flexibility and freedom are addictive. Additionally, since the sandals are so breathable, our feet stay cool and we rarely, if ever, get any unpleasant rubbing or chafing.

There are no tight spots to cause blisters – a huge plus compared to traditional sandals with fixed straps.

Pregnancy & swelling accommodation

I (the wife in this duo) have worn Earth Runners through three pregnancies – including the one I’m currently in!

Anyone who’s been pregnant knows that feet can swell and change size, often making your regular shoes tight and uncomfortable. These sandals were a lifesaver for me.

Whenever my feet started to swell on hot days or in later trimesters, I simply loosened the straps a tiny bit. That extra slack let my feet expand naturally without any painful pressure. I never had to go out and buy “pregnancy shoes” or size up my footwear – Earth Runners flexed to my needs.

It was such a relief to have one shoe that I could trust from trimester one through postpartum. Through all three pregnancies, I could continue wearing the same pair of sandals every day, just tweaking the fit as needed.

And because they’re so easy to slip on (no bending down for laces or boots), they were convenient when I was carrying a big belly too!

Honestly, if I had to pick one pair of shoes to live in long-term, Earth Runners would be it. They adapt to you, rather than you having to adjust to them.

For any moms-to-be or anyone who experiences foot swelling (even from travel or hot weather), this adjustability is an unsung but incredible benefit.

In summary, Earth Runners excel in comfort once you give your feet a chance to get used to the barefoot style. The combination of a customized fit, lightweight design, and foot-friendly shape means we can wear them for hours or even all day without issues.

No heavy clunky shoes to tire out our legs, no straps digging in – just an easy, natural feel. It’s no wonder so many people who care about foot health or who dislike regular shoes end up saying these sandals are “the next best thing to being barefoot”. We fully agree!

Year-Round Use (Even Winter Grounding)

You might be thinking, “All this sounds great for summer, but what about cold weather?”

We live in an area with very harsh winters – think snow, ice, and temperatures well below freezing. Surprisingly, we didn’t have to give up our Earth Runners when winter came around. With a simple addition of toe socks, we’ve worn our Earth Runners straight through winter days and even in light snow.

Now, let’s be realistic: on extremely cold, snowy days, you’ll probably opt for insulated boots.

But on milder winter days, or if you’re just quickly outside, Earth Runners paired with a set of toe socks (which are socks that have individual compartments for each toe, allowing you to wear sandals) can keep your feet reasonably warm while still letting you stay grounded.

We invested in some Merino wool toe socks and found that they worked beautifully with the sandals. The straps didn’t even need much adjusting to accommodate the sock thickness, and our toes were covered from the cold.

This way, we continued to get fresh air on our feet and maintain that earth connection in colder months, rather than swapping to fully insulated (and un-grounded) shoes for half the year.

Why bother with grounding in winter? It turns out, winter is actually a time we might need earthing the most. During the cold season, people tend to stay indoors, get less sunlight, and often experience more stress and lowered immunity (holiday indulgences, anyone?).

According to the folks at Earth Runners, “benefits of earthing include better sleep, reduced inflammation, regulated circadian rhythm, and improved mood” – all things we could use more of during winter’s dark, cold days.

Even brief sessions of connecting to the Earth (like a walk in your earthing sandals, or standing on ground) can help decrease stress and boost your immune response, which might be one reason some of us feel a bit more energized and upbeat after getting outside despite the chill.

We certainly felt the difference – on sunny winter days, we’d bundle up elsewhere, slip on our Earth Runners with toe socks, and go for a grounded walk. It’s invigorating without being uncomfortable.

Of course, everyone’s cold tolerance varies. We’re not claiming these sandals turn winter into summer, but they do extend the range of barefoot-style living more than you might expect.

If the ground is dry, you can even wear them with regular socks (though note that a normal sock will break the direct contact with the ground; some enthusiasts use conductive threading or simply ensure part of the foot touches the metal rivet).

In our case, we mainly valued that we could keep using our favorite footwear and maintaining a bit of earthing time daily, instead of imprisoning our feet in heavy boots for months. And when spring and summer returned, we were already accustomed to our sandals – no need to recondition our feet.

In short, Earth Runners can be a three-season (or four, with courage) shoe. They’re obviously ideal in warm weather, but with a little creativity like adding socks, they can carry you through cooler days too.

This versatility means more opportunities to stay grounded year-round and more value out of your sandals.

For those chasing the earthing lifestyle or simply wanting to keep that barefoot feeling as much as possible, Earth Runners make it feasible even when the temperature drops. (And yes, if you’re wondering, we did get some funny looks in the snow with sandals on – but we were comfortable and happy, which is what counts!)

Cleanliness and Minimal Maintenance

An unexpected benefit we discovered with Earth Runners is how low-maintenance and odor-free they are. After years of tromping through various muck and sweat, you’d think any shoe would develop a stink or require deep cleaning.

Yet, we’ve had virtually no issues with odor in our Earth Runners. The open-air design helps a lot – your feet aren’t trapped in a moist environment, so sweat dries quickly and odor-causing bacteria don’t get much chance to party.

The Earth-Grip footbed also seems to handle moisture well; it’s described as a wicking cotton footbed with aggressive traction, which likely contributes to keeping things dry and less prone to odor. We typically just leave our sandals by the door, and even after many barefoot miles, they don’t smell funky.

Cleaning the sandals is simple. Most of the time, a quick rinse with a hose or in the sink is all that’s needed if they’re dirty. The materials (rubber sole and nylon straps) don’t absorb much, so mud and sand wash off easily.

Once in a while, we’ll use a scrub brush and mild soap on the footbed if there’s a lot of dirt stuck in the texture. In four years, we’ve probably given them a thorough clean only a handful of times – they’re truly “wash and wear.”

As mentioned earlier, we do plan to give them a good scrub soon to restore peak traction on the footbed, but considering the abuse and lack of pampering, they’ve remained remarkably resilient. Also, because there’s no foam padding or thick layers, there’s nowhere for dirt to hide and linger – a very practical plus for those of us who actually use our gear in the wild.

Another aspect of maintenance is replaceable parts. Earth Runners sells replacement laces and hardware, so if you ever do wear out a strap or want to change colors, you can swap the laces without buying a whole new sandal.

We haven’t had to do this yet, but it’s good to know the option exists, further extending the life of the footwear.

All told, owning Earth Runners is an easy experience – you spend your time enjoying them, not taking care of them. No special cleaning products, no fuss.

Just rinse off when needed, and off you go. And since they don’t harbor odor, you (and your family) will appreciate that they don’t stink up the entryway. For what essentially amounts to our barefoot adventure shoes, they’re pleasantly hassle-free.

A Note on Kids and Family Use

One of the only drawbacks we’ve encountered is that Earth Runners currently don’t come in small children’s sizes.

We fell in love with this sandal style so much that we wanted our kids to enjoy the same benefits of barefoot freedom and grounding. Since we couldn’t get Earth Runners for them (toddlers and little kids grow fast anyway), we ended up finding similar minimalist sandals for our children.

The fact that we sought out lookalikes for the kids speaks to how much we believe in the concept – we wanted our whole family to have that free, grounded footwear experience.

Our kids run around in their own huarache-style sandals all summer and love them. So if you have a family and you’re into this lifestyle, know that while Earth Runners might not outfit the tiniest feet yet, you can still instill the barefoot/earthing habit early with other options.

And hopefully, as this movement grows, we’ll see more kid-sized grounding footwear in the future! In the meantime, our family outings often feature two barefoot parents in Earth Runners and a gaggle of barefoot or sandal-clad kiddos happily exploring the world with healthy feet.

My Honest Verdict (Why I Recommend Earth Runners)

After four years of daily adventures, three pregnancies, countless hikes, and a variety of climates, we can sincerely say that Earth Runners sandals have exceeded our expectations. They are not just another pair of sandals; they’ve become an integral part of our lifestyle.

We truly have no major complaints about these sandals. If anything, the only caveat is that you should give yourself time to adjust if you’re new to minimalist footwear – start with short walks and build up as your feet strengthen, to avoid soreness.

In conclusion, Earth Runners aren’t just hype. They combine ancient-inspired design with modern science to deliver a sandal that keeps you grounded, literally and figuratively.

Our own journey with them – from receiving them as a gift, to embracing them as our main footwear for years – has convinced us that they’re something special. If you’re looking for the best grounding shoe or simply a healthier way to be shod, we wholeheartedly recommend giving Earth Runners a try.

They’ve allowed us to “stay connected” to the Earth and our natural movement in a way no other shoe has.

They are tested, trusted, and loved in our household, and we’re excited to continue exploring the world with our feet firmly (and electrically) connected to the ground, one sandal-clad step at a time.

FAQs

Do Earth Runners Require a Break-In Period?

Yes — but it’s less about the sandal and more about your feet.

If you’re coming from cushioned, supportive shoes, your muscles and tendons may need time to adapt to a minimalist, zero-drop design.

Most people benefit from starting with short walks and gradually increasing wear time over a few weeks. Once adapted, many users find them more comfortable than traditional shoes.

Can You Run in Earth Runners?

Yes, many people run in Earth Runners – including long-distance runners.

They were originally inspired by running huaraches and are often used for trail running, road running, and sprint work. That said, proper running form is essential. Minimalist sandals encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike, so transitioning slowly is key to avoiding injury.

Are Earth Runners Slippery When Wet?

Generally, no – but conditions matter.

The Earth-Grip footbed provides excellent traction in most wet environments. However, heavy buildup of dirt, oils, or algae over time can reduce grip. Regular cleaning helps maintain traction, especially if you frequently use them in rivers, mud, or wet terrain.

Do Earth Runners Work on Concrete and Asphalt?

Yes, they do – but grounding effectiveness depends on surface conductivity.

While natural surfaces like soil, sand, and grass conduct electrons best, concrete and asphalt can still provide grounding, especially if they’re unsealed or slightly moist. Even when full grounding isn’t achieved, you still benefit from the foot-health and movement advantages of minimalist footwear.

Are Earth Runners Good for People With “Bad Feet”?

It depends on what “bad feet” means.

Earth Runners can be incredibly helpful for people with:

• Weak arches
• Plantar fasciitis (when transitioned slowly)
• Bunions or toe crowding
• Foot pain caused by over-supportive shoes

However, they are not a medical device. If you have severe foot conditions, nerve issues, or injuries, it’s best to consult a professional and transition gradually. Many people find their foot health improves once they allow their feet to move naturally again.