The start of Earth Sole.

Anouk Anansi is the founder of Earth Sole. The first time she thought of making a shoe (ever), was on a cold festival in the winter of 2020 in South Africa. Let her share her story with you about the beginning of Earth Sole!

Anouk Anansi at the beginning of her journey: "When I still thought a standard last was the answer!"

"That time I had recently watched the documentary Kiss The Ground, and I found myself drawn to the concept of grounding. Holding the leather in my hand, I was thinking of how special it would be to create my very own shoes, allowing me to stay in contact with the healthy energy of Mother Nature through its soles.

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 shoe making, and knowing the many benefits of the shoes, the idea of making them for others was too overwhelming.

But then, when the second pair I made for my partner had gained so much interest at a festival I thought, wow. Something is in there, and people need this footwear! Another 6 months later, I participated in a 10-day meditation retreat and I gained so much clarity and knew: I have to do this!

(Photographs of the shoe making process at the very start) Fast forward to May 2022, I moved back to Cape Town. I started the long journey of creating the perfect-fitting shoe. I did this by measuring many people's feet at parties and markets, and having them try the latest version of their size. ​

I created a small team, with enthusiastic and creative ladies from the area that would work from home, creating the intriguing 2-hour production of the shoe in their own time and pace. Scroll down to meet the team.

And now, I'm very proud of where we are. A solid, passionate team making beautiful handcrafted footwear, and many enthusiastic Earth Sole fans worldwide! Thank you for joining the journey. 

In love and light,

Anouk Anansi