The primary point of difference with Earth Footwear is Kalso® Negative Heel Technology™. Its unique design actually positions one's toes higher than their heels. The incline is slight - 3.7 degrees - but the significant benefit is that Kalso Negative Heel Technology helps to shift your weight back over your heels, and moves you into a more natural, empowered, position. Walking and standing becomes more anatomically correct, and more efficient, unlocking an array of whole-body benefits including better leg and calf toning, tighter thighs, firmer stomach muscles, straighter posture, and better breathing.

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Yes. In most every style, the feature is incorporated into the design of the sole. In certain styles, the 3.7 degree incline is actually incorporated into the construction of the footbed. In either case, the whole-body benefits generated by the technology are the same since the foot is effectively positioned at the same angle.

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The 3.7 degrees of Kalso® Negative Heel Technology™ was designed be Anna Kalso. At this angle, one's toes are positioned higher than one's heels, directing primary cushioning to the most weight-bearing part of the foot - the heel pad. This angle further shifts one's body weight back over the heels, moving you into a more natural, empowered position. This becomes the proper body position to trigger an array of whole-body benefits. It's a rather small change that makes a sizable difference.

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Like most any new experience for the body, periods of adjustment can vary from individual to individual. Most people adapt right a way. For those who may have a pre-existing foot condition, or who wear high heels, the transition can take a bit longer, and can involve some minor discomfort. In these cases, we recommend that the individual consult a medical professional so the adjustment to a neutral foot and body position can precede their shoe selection. A series of exercises can complement the transition to Earth Footwear so the foot and body are able to properly welcome the whole-body benefits of the footwear from a sound foundation.

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Gelron2000® is a memory gel located in the footbed of most Earth footwear. In concert with Kalso® Negative Heel Technology™, and an anatomically-optimized arch, the technology in Earth Footwear is designed to offer the consumer a complete 'health and wellness' experience. Over time, many consumers remark that the Gelron2000® gel will form to the shape of their feet, offering a more customized and supportive fit throughout the life of the shoe.

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Yes. Earth footwear is designed to satisfy a range of casual lifestyle end-uses since we believe the benefits of Kalso® Negative Heel Technology™ broadly apply. Like most any new experience for the body, periods of adjustment can vary from individual to individual. Most people adapt right a way. For those who may have a pre-existing foot condition, or who wear high heels, the transition can take a bit longer, and can involve some minor discomfort. In these cases, we recommend the individual consult a medical professional so the adjustment to a neutral foot and body position can precede a shoe choice or transformation. A series of exercises can complement the transition to Earth Footwear so the foot and body are able to properly welcome the whole-body benefits of the footwear from a sound foundation.

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Earth has never looked upon their footwear as prescriptive, orthopedic, or as a medical device, so APMA certification does not apply to their shoes. They do, however, consult with a Senior Advisory Staff for the design and development of our footwear. The Staff includes a biomechanist, a yoga instructor, a chiropractor, and a podiatrist. They each recommend Earth Footwear as a complementary component to their respective practices, and offer helpful insights to our design team to ensure our products deliver on their whole-body benefit promise.

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While there are few, comprehensive, science-based studies that speak to specific caloric-burning arguments in footwear, there is substantial qualitative evidence and consumer testimonials that help Earth to speak behind the calorie-burning effects of their footwear. Simply stated, our calorie-burning effect is a byproduct of the increased time that one's foot stays in contact with the ground due to the longer muscle fibre length used while walking in Earth footwear. Where short fibres generally mean short duration of work, longer fibres mean the opposite. An additional benefit of Earth footwear is also the longer contact time of the stance foot increases the extension of the knee, which effectively increases the length of the hip-to-ankle lever. This longer level is therefore able to generate more torque when acted upon by the hamstring during hip extension. Many of Earth's consumers have reported these perceived results and have shared them in the form of consumer testimonials.

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Earth has never looked upon their footwear as prescriptive, orthopedic, clinical, or medical, and therefore don't put forth any medical claims. Like most any new experience for the body, periods of adjustment can vary from individual to individual. Most people adapt right a way. For those who may have a pre-existing foot condition, or who wear high heels, the transition can take a bit longer, and can involve some minor discomfort. In these cases, we recommend the individual consult a medical professional so the adjustment to a neutral foot and body position can precede a shoe choice or transformation. A series of exercises can complement the transition to Earth Footwear so the foot and body are able to properly welcome the whole-body benefits of the footwear from a sound foundation.

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Generally, yes, but most people claim they do not require one when wearing Earth Footwear. Earth has never looked upon their footwear as prescriptive, orthopedic, clinical, or medical, and therefore don't position Kalso® Negative Heel Technology™, or the design of their footbed, as an orthotic replacement. Wherever there are medical questions related to the transition to our footwear, we always recommend that you consult a health care professional.

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There's some natural variability in sizes, particularly within our leather styles where natural leather nuances can affect how a given shoe will stretch over time. That said, our sizes are very consistent and are held to tight fit tolerances during production. One notable benefit of the Kalso Negative Heel Technology design is 'fit' - it tends to be more secure in the heel, but then allows the toes to spread out in the forefoot. This general 'relaxed' fit accommodates a broader range of consumers, and helps to ensure the footwear will work effectively between half-sizes.

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Yes. The specific styles that are waterproof or water-resistant are marked with a hangtag or label to indicate as such - either on the product itself, in our catalog, or on-line. The waterproof styles have not only been weather-treated, but the overall design has been modified to ensure that moisture can't leak through stitching or lacing gaps. The water-resistant styles have been weather-treated, but are not intended for extreme conditions.

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Most of Earth footwear is designed with slip-resistance in mind and it's a development area upon which Earth pride their footwear. Each season they test their soles with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) across a range of conditions. Consistently, they receive high-marks - particularly in Dry and Wet condition testing. For questions related to specific office/work slip resistance standards or conditions, please contact Earth by e-mail at info@earth.us to review performance results of a given sole/construction against a stated benchmark.

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Simply put, a shoe with the Vegan Society's logo has been certified to not use any animal or animal by-products in its design or development. For many consumers who live the values of a Vegan lifestyle, having the opportunity to extend these principles into their footwear choice is especially meaningful, and Earth are proud that they can support these interests. Approximately 30% of their line uses such non-leather alternatives.

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Yes and no. The Kalso® Negative Heel Technology™ found in each shoe of our Earth Footwear collection is the same design element as found in the original 'Earth Shoe' of the 1970's. The angle of 3.7 degrees is also identical to the original design. Where Earth Footwear makes a rather dramatic departure from the original Earth Shoe is in the area of style. Where many consumers found the original Earth Shoe to be a somewhat 'lovable creature', many were also more outspoken about its box-y design. Synthesizing Kalso Negative Heel Technology, the positive healthy and whole-body benefits that are associated with this design, and upgrading the style to make it both contemporary and trend-right, is a formula that Earth has brought to Earth Footwear, and that - so far - seems to be working.

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Cleaning your shoes will largely depend on the material used in the upper (top of the shoe). For Earth footwear with suede or leather uppers, after rinsing away dirt and dust, most any traditional suede or leather conditioner and toner will work best. For the non-leather, or Vegan styles, using a cloth with soap and water is most effective.

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From time to time, Earth will be contacted by consumers who have successfully put Earth footwear in their washing machine, particularly styles from our Kalso-Lite Collection that features a micro-fibre upper. Since washing machines vary from one to the next, we do not have recommended washing instructions and suggest close monitoring of your footwear if you choose such a care approach.

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The retailer from where you purchased your Earth Footwear will be best able to address your repair concern including defective returns or exchanges. Earth are sometimes asked if their shoes can be re-soled and this isn't possible given the molded footbed construction they use throughout their line.

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While we've heard from many Earth wearers who have happily worn their shoes for years, we don't offer a lifetime guarantee. Earth do stand behind their products and want all of our consumers to naturally be happy with their purchase. If you feel you've received a defective product, we suggest contacting the retail partner from where you've purchased to arrange for an inspection. Everyone wears their shoes a little differently. Some people wear a single pair each day in extreme weather conditions without proper treatment. Others alternate between several pairs, properly caring for them. Largely for these reasons, there is no guaranteed life expectancy on Earth footwear.

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Consistent with the majority of the footwear industry, the bulk of our sourcing and manufacturing is done in China's special industrialized zones. Many of Earth's relationships with partner factories in this country have been in place for more than 10 years.

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For some time, Earth has been ahead of the curve when it comes to incorporating environmental-friendliness into our product. Within the shoe industry, they were one of the first manufacturers to dedicate 100% of their line to using water-based adhesives. While this is an important step toward creating 'green'-er product, it is not the only one. Earth continuously seek to improve on all that they do, and they've recently stepped up their use of recycled cardboard shanks, and the use of more environmentally-friendly materials in their uppers. Beyond footwear production, they are also a member of the Eco-Partners.

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Earth shoes are not biodegradable (*if you come across some, please let us know*). They do, however, package their shoes in unique shoe bags - either made from earth-friendly hemp, or PLA. PLA is a recycled plastic and is 100% biodegradable.

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