Any Barefooters Out There Ever Heard Of Earth Shoes?

Discussion in 'Barefoot' started by Mattekat, Jul 7, 2015.

  1. Mattekat

    Mattekat Ice Queen of The North

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    I'm just wondering if anyone has ever tried a pair. I think they sound perfect for when it's too cold out to barefoot. They have a negative heel and are meant to mimic the way a barefooters walk to some degree.

    Here is the website so you can see what I'm talking about:
    http://www.earthbrands.com/kalsoearthshoe
     
    Mattekat, Jul 7, 2015
    #1
  3. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    I had a pair back in the '70s. They stretch out your Achilles tendon. Other than that I saw no benefit.
     
    MeAgain, Jul 7, 2015
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  5. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    I use a pair, clogs, at work. Closed toes required. I also have a pair for deep winter.
    They don't mimic barefoot walking in the sense of a ball of foot/forefoot strike, but they do alow those who already strike with a forefoot(or who can do either, like I do) to continue.

    The toe box is nice and roomy, and forgiving of my toe grip, that shreds cheaper shoes.
    When I have to go enclosed, these are a good option.

    I'd say they are similar to walking in damp, not wet, sand barefoot. They won't retrain a heel strike walk, that I can tell. As I said I already do a hybrid, since I walk/hike barefoot but also use shoes as needed for a situation.
     
    drumminmama, Jul 7, 2015
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  7. Mattekat

    Mattekat Ice Queen of The North

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    Thanks for the info drumminmama! I think I am going to invest in a pair for the winter.

    My mom had a pair in the 70s. She is the one who gave me he idea. She loved hers.
     
    Mattekat, Jul 8, 2015
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  9. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    Pro tip, go try them on. Each style feels a bit different. Even same style vegan to leather (I got a gift).
     
    drumminmama, Jul 13, 2015
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  11. Mattekat

    Mattekat Ice Queen of The North

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    Unfortunately there are no stores that sell them that I can find near me. I might try looking when I am in vancouver later this year, but if I can't find any there to try on then I don't know if I ever will. Most minimalist style shoes I have seen online I can't really find in stores here.
     
    Mattekat, Jul 13, 2015
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  13. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    Earth aren't minimalist. Look for a walking specialty shop.
     
    drumminmama, Jul 13, 2015
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  15. hotasphaltblisteredsoles

    hotasphaltblisteredsoles  

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    No. I wear three different types of shoes when I can't be barefoot:
    • Flip flops, the preferred shoes unless it's a major rainstorm or frost on the ground.
    • Closed walking shoes, but as little as possible since all shoes squeeze the toes even slightly plus a closed shoe limits overall foot flexibility.
    • Steel-toed high top shoes only if I am dealing specifically with moving toe-breaking weight if it were to fall on even a closed non-steel-toed shoe.
    I've never been much for these minimalist soles so far, maybe if I ever visit somewhere like Phoenix, AZ in later summer weather. I would then have to assess if such a thin sole was effective enough against potentially 3rd degree burning hot asphalt vs. a rubber soled flip flop.
     
    hotasphaltblisteredsoles, Aug 6, 2015
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