About Earth Sole | Handcrafted Grounding Footwear made in Cape Town

Our Story

Anouk Anansi, founder of Earth Sole, Handmade Grounding Barefootwear

Our Story

In December 2020, Earth Sole's journey began. It all started when my friend Sarah handed me repurposed leather. I had recently watched the documentary "Kiss The Ground," and found myself drawn to the concept of "grounding." Holding the leather in my hand, I thought about how special it would be to create my own shoes, allowing me to stay in contact with the healthy energy of Mother Nature.

Throughout the following year, I continued being surprised by the interest my shoes got when I wore them myself. Despite having no experience in either leather or shoemaking, and recognizing the numerous benefits of the shoes, the idea of making them for others took hold…

Fast forward to May 2022, I had moved back to Cape Town, and started looking for repurposed leather and for people to help me with the intricate 2-hour process of crafting a pair. I started measuring many people's feet, on both markets and parties and I continuously improved the designs made, again, by fitting them on people’s feet.

I started creating a small team, with locals that would work from home, in their own time and at their own pace. Although we do have a small studio in Cape Town, our ladies still work in their own space.

Today, we celebrate our journey toward crafting comfortable, high-quality footwear that inspires a healthier life. Thank you for joining our journey, which started with a single pair of shoes and has now touched the feet and hearts of people worldwide.

Warm regards,

Anouk Anansi - Founder of Earth Sole

Our Mission

At Earth Sole, we're passionate about sustainability. From the start, we've been committed to using repurposed leather for our shoes. All our tops and backs are crafted from scrap leather even our shoe bags are made from reclaimed fabric the upholstery industry had no longer use for.

But it's not just about the environment; it's about people too. We take care of our staff, ensuring fair wages and a supportive work environment. And when it comes to shipping, we choose for paper envelopes over plastic envelopes.

And we're not just a business; we believe in sharing our success. That's why, four months into our journey, we began donating a part of our retail price to three local charities. More about this at the bottom of this page.

For more information on our mission, staff care, or our use of repurposed materials, don't hesitate to reach out. We're proud to share our story with you.

Team

Meet Our Team

We're proud to introduce you to our dynamic team members.

Anouk Anansi

Founder, Manager & Designer

It's me who started Earth Sole back in '22! Besides running this brand, I also much enjoy video & photography, creating music and the outside life on the beach and in the sun.

Mark

Studio Manager

With nearly 20 years in magazine media as an editor of outdoor and leisure publications, I bring a passion for nature to Earth Sole. Joining Earth Sole is an exciting new chapter in my journey, combining my love for quality craftsmanship and the outdoors.

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Zoë

Online Customer Support

Hi, I’m Zoë. I’ve recently joined Earth Sole and am excited to help with customer support. I am a graduate student in Sociology and have a passion for connecting people to their natural selves.

Natasha

Production - Phase 1

I've been working for Earth Sole since the beginning. My job is the cutting, gluing, and making the loops and holes. After many trial and error, I now proudly make my leather work. I enjoy working in the comfort of my home.

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Jade

Stitcher - Phase 2

I'm Jade, and I started sowing shoes for Earth Sole in December 2023 and have been loving it! While starting my journey as a young adolescent, I never thought I would have the opportunity to be part of such a powerful brand.

Avril

Seamstress Bags

I'm Avril and started making bags for Earth Sole last year. I always get repurposed fabric which is sometimes challenging, as they come in different thicknesses and sizes, but it keeps me creative!

Benifits

Healthy: Our shoes maintain the natural contours of your feet allowing your feet to spread. Through the leather soles, acupuncture points below your feet get activated which energizes your body. Lastly, barefoot walking improves your balance, physical strength and posture.
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Comfortable: Our soft leather molds to the unique shape of your feet.
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Grounding: Leather soles keep you connected to the Earth's energy.
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Light & Pliable: Perfect for any adventure, our shoes are light and flexible.
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Sustainable: Top and back sections are crafted from leather offcuts, reducing environmental impact.
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Durable: Leather's natural strength ensures long-lasting quality.
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Authentic: As each pair is made by hand, with repurposed leather, each pair is one of a kind.

Happy souls wearing Earth Soles Grounding Barefoot Shoes, in Noordhoek, Cape Town, South Africa

Production Process

Each Earth Sole is an authentic creation, carefully handcrafted. Whether it's a Regular Fit or a Custom Fit, the process begins in our small studio. Here, we thoughtfully combine our wide range of repurposed leather in various colors with your preferred choice of wax and rivet. The journey continues with Nadia, who visits the studio weekly, breathing life into these creations.

Our comfortable leather barefoot shoes are made by hand. Earth Sole, based in Cape Town, South Africa

Prepairing your order

Our studio is a hub of activity as we pack orders, often working with 15 to 30 different leather types. We maximize every scrap, and combine even the smallest pieces to create shoes for shops and orders.

Phase 1

Once the leather arrives at our skilled craftswomen's homes, they cut it according to custom or regular patterns. They meticulously glue the pieces together and create holes for stitching. The time spent varies based on the shoe's size and complexity, ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours.

Phase 2

Phase 2 involves the stitching of the shoes using natural wax thread. To ease the process, we use pliers, ensuring precision. The time required ranges from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on shoe size.

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Packing & Shipping

We love adding a touch of creativity to your Earth Soles. Before they embark on their journey, we pack them carefully with dried lavender and place them in our eco-friendly Earth Sole bags. Even these bags are crafted from repurposed fabric. After packing, they're ready to be shipped worldwide.

Production Process

Creation Process

This is how we make our bespoke shoes!

Charity

Giving Back

Your support means the world to us! To continue the circle of giving and receiving, R30 from every pair of Earth Sole sold goes to one of these incredible local NGOs: