GAIA Grounding Sandals™

$96.00 US + Free Shipping

With our Silver-Threaded Conductive Webbing™

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For the minimalist. GAIA Conductive Grounding Sandals are handcrafted from the ground up using high-quality materials and the highest quality conductor - Silver (Ag) which is tried and tested with a multimeter. The outsole is hand-cut from ultra-durable Soletech® which provides excellent traction and shock absorption. The bedding is cut from premium FULL-grain leather which makes it impeccably strong. The tie-down system is inspired by the Tarahumara Indians of Chihuahua. Triple-plated copper is installed at the forefoot where a silver-coated thread runs along the webbing, allowing you to take in all of the goodness that would come from being barefoot! (SIZES ARE IN US MEN’S - WOMEN PLEASE CONVERT)

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FAQs

Why Minimalist footwear?

Thick soled, over-cushioning shoes not only further insulate you from the earth’s surface charge, they also make your feet weak. It’s impossible to have a natural gait pattern when wearing bricks on the bottom of your feet. People go most of their life wearing shoes with massive outsoles, inserts, and add on’s in an effort to relieve foot pain, and, well, because it’s comfy! But this doesn’t address the root of the problem, which is a weak and unstable base - your feet. By fixing the feet your body will naturally correct itself further up the chain (ankle, knees, hips, spine, etc.). Minimalist footwear are an approach to solving this problem.

Why Conductive Footwear?

Most shoes are made of an insulating rubber outsole, including these sandals. Rubber prevents you from experiencing the health benefits that come from being barefoot. A small copper plate is installed at the forefoot of GAIA which provides a channel for surface charge, allowing you to still experience the benefits of being barefoot while trekking. The trademarked nylon tie-system, connected to this plate, is infused with a silver-coated thread that wraps around the foot. Silver was chosen as it is the best conductor.

How Often Should I Wear Them?

Not everyday to start. If you’ve been wearing thick-soled shoes your whole life it’s best to take it slow. Ease yourself into them. You know your body better than anyone else, so it’s up to you how quickly you make your transition.

The idea for GAIA sprouted in April of 2020. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when many of us had more time to focus on what really mattered in life. For me, this was grounding. Grounding was and still is a novel concept to the masses. Growing up in the rich Native American tradition of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, where the earth is held as extremely sacred and healing, I was no stranger to this concept. The idea that simply standing barefoot on the earth produces physiological changes that can heal you of many modern ailments is ludicrous. Or is it? Research is showing us how the electrical properties of the earth alters you internal state. The bio-electrical, anti-coagulate, mood-altering, sleep-improving benefits are too difficult to ignore.

Sandals of all shapes and sizes exist on the market today. Some are great. Some aren’t. I had to think of things that I would want in a sandal. This is what was came up with:

• Conductive. my silver-threaded webbing facilitates this.

• Very little cushioning (minimalist) but still provides adequate shock absorption and traction

  • This allows you to develop foot strength but still be able to tackle moderate activities in various environments.

• Flat. A heel lift is unnatural to the human body.

• Lightweight. GAIAs range from 4 to 14oz.

• Natural toe-spacing. A wide toe box allow your toes to be at natural placement in relation to each other. it also allows for a more solid base.

• Durable Footbed. premium full-grain leather. Dark walnut with a natural mill pebble texture. It is soft and supple.

• Comfortable lacing. Nylon was my first choice as it’s easy on the skin and super durable.

• Adjustable. A simple buckle allows you to adjust the webbing as needed.

A lot of experimentation with practice materials and webbing styles took place prior to the final design. Many sandals utilize the Tarahumara lacing system, which I enjoy because of its simplicity. I also couldn’t think of anyone utilizing the awesome conductive properties of Silver, so I decided to integrate this into my design. It’s now a staple component of GAIA sandals. I set up shop in my basement where I could develop these for others.

In a world where we are sheltered and insulated from the earth via shoes and buildings it’s more important than ever to be grounded. I wanted to address two problems here:

• Ungrounded Humans

• Weak Feet

Two birds with one stone. Over-padded footwear make feet weak. If your feet (your base) are weak, it alters bio-mechanics further up the musculoskeletal chain. Barefoot is the way nature intended you to be. That coupled with the fact that your shoes are insulating you from the earth makes for a bad combination. Minimalist footwear allow your feet to develop the strength and stability that over-cushioned shoes prevented you from developing.