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

Kelli doussan August 23, 2018 07:54 PM PDT

I love your shoes and brand!! My only suggestion would be more color options :)

Steven D August 23, 2018 07:54 PM PDT

Dope sandals but you guys should release some options specific for working out in!

Sarah Antonio August 23, 2018 07:53 PM PDT

We love the idea of Earth Runners! I’d love to see a style developed for kids. We have seven outdoorsy kids and most of them only wear shoes when we make them. We’d love to see a pair of kids shoes with toe and back straps, so they stay on well. We also have a kiddo with clubfoot who will need shoes that allow his feet to grow strong. Earth Runners for kids would be perfect for that!

Hailey Neluna August 23, 2018 07:53 PM PDT

I’d love to see the development of a shoe designed by earth runners that are for winter weather. I hate to wear shoes and I hate the cold but hiking in the colder seasons would be better if I had shoes that were comfy, kept me warm, but also kept me grounded! Instagram: @rawthoughtshealing

Stephen Henriquez August 23, 2018 07:52 PM PDT

This looks great. Often times I find myself transitioning between water and land. This will be great to wear when it’s available. When I’m not hiking or exploring the Adirondacks I fix airplanes, among other things, by trade. This requires bulky work boots for proper foot protection. I would love to see an earth runner inspired work shoe that meets the standard of earth runners while protecting the foot in a maintenance work environment. Thanks!

Nick August 23, 2018 07:52 PM PDT

Idea to prevent slipping : slight imopression or cutout under big toe joint and/or under the big toe pad. could do that at base of all toes (balls of feet). a ridge might work as well.

Stephen Henriquez August 23, 2018 07:52 PM PDT

This looks great. Often times I find myself transition between water and land. This will be great I wear when it’s available. When I’m. It hiking or exploring the Adirondacks I fix airplanes, among other things, by trade. This requires bulky work boots for proper foot protection. I would love to see an earth runner inspired work shoe that meets the standard of earth runners while protecting the foot in a maintenance work environment. Thanks!

Haley Cloud August 23, 2018 07:51 PM PDT

I’ve used my EarthRunners as water sandals and love them, but have been disappointed with traction on several occasions. I love the durability of the Vibram sole, but I would mind a different tread for better traction. When surfaces are slippery (especially smooth water rocks) I find that the laces bite my foot when I slip. Maybe some lugs? Not too big, because that would interfere with the grounding I believe. I’ll still continue to love my EarthRunners, and use them in and out of water, of course.

Haley Cloud August 23, 2018 07:51 PM PDT

I’ve used my EarthRunners in and out of water and ulove them

Christine August 23, 2018 07:51 PM PDT

I just ordered my sandals so haven’t received yet, but I would love: 1. Leather straps (brown, black, natural) with leather footbed. Conductive element included while the bottom/base could still be vibram. 2. Minimalist leather ballerina mocassins with leather footbed and vibram soles with conductive element would be my ultimate shoe! I bought mocassins with leather bottoms for grounding but I can see after wearing a few times they won’t hold up.

Jaime Kaminski August 23, 2018 07:50 PM PDT

I’ve followed your brand on Instagram for some time and reallly admire the minimalist shoe you have created. I’ve read through your blog and can’t think of much to add. It seems like you have done all the groundwork and made a fine shoe! My only suggestion would be to use vegan materials 🌱. If you make your shoes 100% cruelty free, you will help animals, while at the same time, reducing greenhouse emissions, air and water pollution, and excessive land use for factory farms. Your shoes will bring joy to animals, people, and the Earth. We all win!

Jade August 23, 2018 07:49 PM PDT

More color options! A buyback option after one wear to see if people like them because it’s hard to know what is comfy without trying it on first.

Anthony August 23, 2018 07:49 PM PDT

It would be an immense improvement if these were completely recyclable, commercially compostable, or if you offered an upcycling program. The only way to improve a 1000+ year old design is a commitment to keeping the earth beautiful for thousands more years.

Ryan August 23, 2018 07:48 PM PDT

Hey! Love what you guys are doing with natural footwear, and hope to win a pair! My idea(s): one thing that I would like to see developed is a metal buckle, all the sandals that I have owned and backpacked and hiked in the one thing that always goes is a nylon/plastic buckle, whether I crack it on a rock or pop it by sinching it too hard I would love to see a minimalist sandal with a small metal buckle. Another Idea would be different choices in strap width, I find that a wider strap around my ankle and heal allow me to traverse and climb rocks much easier. Thanks for listening to my ideas!!! Much love to being wild and bringing natural foot movement to the world!!!!!

Douglas Tolman August 23, 2018 07:46 PM PDT

I wish Earthrunners would make grounded and ergonomic rock climbing shoes! The most connected to the earth you can be is clinging to it 80 feet high on a rock wall.

Jami August 23, 2018 07:46 PM PDT

I would be very interested and pleased to see some kind of arch support in this sandal. I wear insoles I bought from my physical therapist and they are truly helping my overall posture as well as leg/hip/feet pain. The way our feet “splay” out when we walk, I think some kind of arch support that is minimal and able to be eventually molded down by wear of the user would be a winner in my book! I love wearing sandals but they leave my feet so sore from improper structure if you will. (Not specifically these! Speaking in general) Seeing more foot support snuck in the design is what I would like to see as a consumer. :)

Onur August 23, 2018 07:45 PM PDT

I’ve several ideas but I’m sorry that my English not enough to explain it … maybe it can be more orthopedic…

Tania August 23, 2018 07:45 PM PDT

I love Earthrunners! The only thing I would like to see from them is a children’s line! I would love for all to be able to experience the greatness that these sandals provide for me 💕

Norm August 23, 2018 07:42 PM PDT

You guys should get in on the sock market. Your sandals are so versatile but on those colder days it’s hard to stay in them. While toed socks exist, you all could really make these sandals an all year wearable with moisture wicking summer and winter socks. And it would protect from some of the spiny plants on the intense hikes!

Benno August 23, 2018 07:41 PM PDT

looks good to me already! I would love to try them in the dutch wetlands and polders!

Carlos August 23, 2018 07:39 PM PDT

It would be sweet to develop a non thong shoe that has a strap going across the toes for those who don’t like anything between their toes. Also maybe a different buckle color. Another plan could be to have a thong cushion to soften the strap in between the toes. Some sort of cushion option or a rounded insert to keep the thong soft.

Brittany August 23, 2018 07:38 PM PDT

We love our EarthRunners, we have some older models, but something we’d like to see as we purchase new ones in the future would be runners with an organic sole. Thanks!

Kendra Benson August 23, 2018 07:37 PM PDT

I’ve been wearing my EarthRunners for 2 years now and truly love the Hemp Earth Footbeds. I’m excited to see how the cotton ones compare. Over those 2 years, I can’t find much to gripe about. Once I got the laces adjusted perfectly and worn in, I often forget that I’m wearing “shoes” at all. The laces themselves are just now barely beginning to fray where they wrap around the sole, and I’m excited to try out the Performance Laces. The only time I do realize I’m wearing something on my feet is when I sit cross-legged and the outsides of my feet are resting on the ground. The buckles press somewhat painfully into my foot and I have to readjust or sit a different way altogether. I would love to see a buckle with a slimmer profile that doesn’t press into the foot. It would also give a more minimalist look to the sandal, which falls right in line with their whole purpose as well.

victor_pma August 23, 2018 07:36 PM PDT

I’m really looking forward to try a pair of this sandals. Keep up the good work!

Becky August 23, 2018 07:36 PM PDT

I would love to see these in toddler sizes. I am new to the minimalist foot movement , slowly but surely I have been switching all of my shoes over , I am now working to get my kids switched over as well.

Ashley August 23, 2018 07:36 PM PDT

Non slip barefoot shoes for people in the restaurant industry would be so helpful for those of us on our feet for such long hours confined to the required“nonslip” shoes.

alex August 23, 2018 07:35 PM PDT

inspirational quotes on strap or sole

Eli English August 23, 2018 07:35 PM PDT

I believe the folks using Earthrunners would benefit from having an “at-home” sandal option. I live in a warm and rocky environment, but I don’t want to have to use the rubber-soled sandals for traversing my garden, but the ground is too treacherous for merely walking barefoot. If there was a way to adapt a comfortable and protective material for the outsole that functions more as a casual home and garden sandal, rather than an active running/walking sandal, many people would find that helpful. I, for one, would prefer not to wear the same sandal from the river/trail/lake in my livingroom/garden/lawn. Likewise, this sandal could maybe offer a massage-like, reflexology based inner sole. Light bumps or ridges in the innersole of the sandal could provide a welcome form of reflexology on those days where we just cannot make it to the riverbed or gravel driveway. Thanks for keeping feet healthy!

Frederich Goldberg August 23, 2018 07:33 PM PDT

Pueden diseñar una sandalia que se pueda cambiar la suela? Para adecuar su uso en arena, lodo, pavimento con solo cambiar la suela…..

Farah Fox August 23, 2018 07:32 PM PDT

Hey, I don’t really have any new ideas for the sandals, other than more darker colour options for the laces. Your design is so amazing, can’t wait to see what your new sandals are like!

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