If you experience discomfort with the tongue of the shoe digging into your foot initially, please note that it will soften with regular use. We recommend wearing cotton socks for a few days to ease the break-in period while still enjoying the full benefits of grounding.

Sizing varies among our styles, With a few exceptions, our footwear is all wide-toed for optimal splay. They are wide at the toes but normal fit otherwise throughout the shoe. 

Always refer to the individual product pages for more specific information. Below is a general description for our different styles:

BIOS - most customers report that our sneakers run true to size.

Clays - Initial fit should be tight but not uncomfortable. Our shoes have no internal reinforcements and the natural leather will stretch naturally (about ¼ size) and take the shape of your feet within days to a few weeks depending on frequency of wear. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing up, especially if you intend to wear the shoes with socks.

Coppers (Sandals) - Due to the natural properties of leather, our sandals may feel a little stiff initially but then will stretch and soften naturally. We've found most customers report that our sandals run true to size. If you have a wider foot, we'd suggest sizing up to the next half size.

Still not sure? Check out our Sizing Page or contact us at support@groundz.com. We’re here to help!

Our non-padded leathers can be sort of stiff until broken in. An all-leather sole, however, will feel better and better over time because it will begin to mold and compress to the contours of your foot so that it feels well secured, yet cushioned. Same goes for leather bottom soles and any upper straps that will soften and mold to your foot. Break-in can take 1-2 weeks, after which you will want to wear no other sandal!

Yes, the beeswax-coated twine is an integral part of the construction of our stitched clays and is what allows us to not use cements and glues to attach the different parts of the shoe. It is completely normal to feel the twine and it will soften with use. The more you wear them the quicker they will soften. If they are extremely bothersome try wearing them with socks which will speed up the break in period. When wearing them with socks, the stitching is hardly noticeable. Wearing natural cotton socks will still provide grounding!

Many people believe that the solution to sore feet or foot problems is more support, more padding and more arch support, contradictory to studies that suggest that those interfere with ankle stability and cause tendon weakness and arch weakness.

Shoes are not meant to replace what your feet should be capable of doing on their own, but rather enhance what your feet can already do and keep them safe! The reality might be that your feet need to be rebuilt and re-strengthened so they can support themselves. That’s why we’ve designed our shoes to be basic and simple to provide as “barefoot walking” experience as possible with the added benefit of grounding.

Copper is a naturally occurring conductive metal, making our footwear more grounding. Wearing copper is said to have several health benefits including arthritis and joint pain relief.

The acidic nature of human sweat and other chemicals on the skin, such as soaps and lotions, react with the copper. This reaction causes a green patina or surface coating to form on the copper, and that color may get transferred onto the skin. The reaction varies according to an individual’s body chemistry and some people will experience no discoloration. The discoloration, is not harmful to one’s health, and is readily washed off with soap and water, baking soda and water or by wiping with rubbing alcohol. If not washed off, it will wear off over time.

If you’re experiencing an itching sensation or a rash after wearing any of our copper containing footwear, this may be a sign of an allergy. Please discontinue using the sandal and contact us.

Our Stitched Clay styles have a 100% leather outsole for added conductivity and may be slippery at first. After wearing them outside they will scuff and provide better traction. Please always be careful when walking on smooth or wet surfaces.

Currently, none of our styles are vegan. Our collections are crafted from eco-friendly genuine leather and recycled materials. We prioritize using natural materials in our shoes and avoid synthetics whenever possible. Most vegan products are synthetic and can be harmful to both your body and the environment. We are continuously developing new products and styles, so sign up to get updates and stay informed!

Our vegetable tanned eco-friendly leathers are traditionally made and are 100% biodegradable. They are thick and hard wearing, providing natural more organic feel and “earthy” smell. Leather, after some use, absorbs moisture from sweat and makes our shoes more conductive and grounding.

Absolutely not with normal use.

With direct exposure to sun, the copper rivet will heat up, however even after several hours of sun exposure, heat dissipates after just several seconds of touch. The Rivet will also cool down quickly after removal from sun exposure/heat source. Despite mild discomfort, no burn was experienced.

We do not recommend exposing sandal to prolonged direct sun/heat. 

Absolutely! All of our shoes and sandals are always grounding. Find out more about Groundinghere

Absolutely! All of our shoes and sandals are Barefoot and minimalistic. All have minimal cushioning, zero drop and wide toe box Find out more about Barefoothere