Why leather-soled shoes make sense

Let’s be honest—finding a pair of shoes that not just look, but also feel good can be a bit of a mission. You want to feel good after a full day of walking, exploring, working or just existing. One thing that can make a real difference? The sole. It’s funny how something as simple as the sole of a shoe can change the whole experience of comfort and relaxation. For those of us who love being outdoors, enjoy that natural barefoot feeling, or just enjoy feeling a little more connected to the ground we walk on, it can be a game-changer. Let's dive a little deeper into the wonderful world of leather soles!

Can't beat a pair of leather-soled shoes.

Health benefits of leather soled shoes.

The shoes we wear affect how we feel — physically, not only style-wise. They are at the base of our being, and therefore an important piece of clothing to take in account, when we want to feel rested at the end of our day. Most of our everyday shoes feature hard, not flexible rubber soles. Though, back in the days, our early anchestors would wear nothing but shoes with leather soles. Soft and flexible leather soles have the benefit of strengthening foot muscles, improving posture and balance, and encouraging a more natural gait. Let's say - going back to our natural posture! Natural leather soles also help to ease up the strain on your feet, legs, and even your back, especially if you're on your feet most of the day, plus they reduce discomfort that firm shoes can bring, according to the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. Leather soles mold to the shape of your feet without straining your natural foot shape and support a natural body posture. In contrast, modern cushioned shoes can weaken foot stability over time and disrupt natural movement patterns, according to the study The effect of minimal shoes on arch structure and intrinsic foot muscle strength.

Also, a fun fact: leather doesn’t trap moisture the way synthetic materials do, making your feet feel free and keeping that barefoot feeling. It also helps keep your feet cooler and therefore way less smelly! It’s those little things that start to add up!

"Rubber soles replaced leather mainly from the 1940s–1960s because they were cheaper, more durable in wet conditions, and better for grip and shock absorption"

From leather to rubber

Though, not many brands offer shoes with leather soles these days. Rubber soles replaced leather mainly from the 1940s–1960s because they were cheaper, more durable in wet conditions, and better for grip and shock absorption. Mass production and the demand for practical, everyday shoes made rubber the standard (Decent Foot). About the advantages of barefoot walking was not much known, and the industrial revolution was of greater importance than personal health. Only since the early 2000s, the benefits of barefoot walking have gained traction, with research showing it strengthens foot muscles, improves posture, and supports natural movement. The 2010 book Born to Run helped popularize the idea, leading to wider interest in minimalist shoes and their health advantages.

How leather soled shoes bring you closer to the earth

One of the more unexpected things we have learnt about leather soles is how they can help with something called grounding, or earthing.

It’s the idea of connecting with the Earth’s natural energy, and while it might sound a little out there at first, a lot of people swear by how calming and restorative it feels. We’ve come across studies, like those in the Journal of Inflammation Research, that suggest grounding may help reduce inflammation and improve sleep.

A great feature is that leather, being a natural material, doesn’t block that connection the way synthetic soles do. So when you're walking on soil or grass in leather-soled shoes, you'll still be able to absorb the positive energy from the Earth, and release your own. Just like a house, it needs to stay connected to the earth, providing a safe path for excess electricity (like from a lightning strike or a short circuit) to flow into the earth, and to regulate its voltage.

Just like a house, it needs to stay connected to the earth, providing a safe path for excess electricity (like from a lightning strike or a short circuit) to flow into the earth, and to regulate its voltage.

Why comfort starts with the right sole

Comfort makes all the difference when it comes to shoes. That’s one of the things that first drew us to leather-soled shoes. As leather soles are soft and flexible, your feet can naturally spread and feel like being packed in a box that is too tight. Leather molds to the shape of your feet over time, and the fit feels surprisingly natural. It’s not stiff or tight; just flexible enough to move with you, whether you're out for a walk or spending the day on your feet. Also, leather breathes in a way that most materials don’t. On warmer days, your feet stay cool, which makes a huge difference! Someone described leather-soled shoes as walking barefoot with another layer of skin, which I can fully find myself in.

So comfy, customers have fallen asleep with our shoes on!

The magic of Earth Sole

It’s not always easy to find shoes that feel good, look good, and actually do good, but that’s what we set out to create with Earth Sole. Starting back in 2022, we took the old-school wisdom of leather soles and brought it into the now, handcrafting every pair with soft, thoughtfully sourced leather. The result is a barefoot shoe that supports your feet naturally, moves with your body, and keeps you feeling grounded in more ways than one.

We don't believe in fast fashion, but make our shoes in small batches, to order, ensure quality over quantity, take care of our team and we use recycled leather for all our top and back parts. No two are exactly alike, which we kind of love. It’s a little reminder that just like our shoes, we’re all unique, and that’s something worth celebrating. At Earth Sole, we’ve loved seeing how people connect with our shoes; one person even said, “These are the most beautiful and comfortable things I’ve ever put on my feet.”

So, if you’ve been searching for shoes that align with your values and your lifestyle, Earth Sole might just be the step in the right direction. Discover your favorite design, or create your own by combining your favorite colors here.

Warmth,

Earth Sole Written by Aneeqah Ebrahim and Anouk Anansi

Proudly made in South Africa