Earth Footwear –Frequently Asked Questions –

Company:

• Where are your shoes made?
o 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 our relationships with partner factories in this country have been in place for more than 10 years.

• What are your factory labor conditions?
o We do not own our factories, but we do work closely with our partner factories to ensure the highest of standards. Year after year, we work closely with our partners around the world to ensure that their individual standards are on par with the high baseline and standards of our own US offices.
o Specifically in China, where we’ve worked with regional partner factories in China’s special industrialized zones for more than 10 years, our influence in this market has helped to affect progress. Our nature is to push the envelope in all aspects of our business model as we continually look for a better way of doing things, right down to the working and living conditions of our employees and those of our affiliates.

• Are your shoes environmentally-friendly?
o For some time, we’ve been ahead of the curve when it comes to incorporating environmental-friendliness into our product. Within the shoe industry, we were one of the first manufacturers to dedicate 100% of our line to using water-based adhesives. While this is an important step toward creating ‘green’-er product, it is not the only one. We continuously seek to improve on all that we do, and we’ve recently stepped up our use of recycled cardboard shanks, and the use of more environmentally-friendly materials in our uppers. Beyond footwear production, we’re also a member of the Eco-Ethics Network within the industry. In this capacity, we work with other suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers to provide a transparent view into the opportunities presented by pursuing more sustainable product development.

• Are your shoes considered biodegradable?
o Our shoes are not biodegradable (*if you come across some, please let us know*). We do, however, package our shoes in unique shoe bags – either made from earth-friendly hemp, or PLA. PLA is a recycled plastic and is 100% biodegradable.

Product:

• How do your sizes run?
o 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 KalsØ 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.

• Are any of your shoes waterproof or water-resistant?
o 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. Our 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. Our water-resistant styles have been weather-treated, but are not intended for extreme conditions. Currently, in our Women’s line the Igloo and Summit are water-resistant styles. In our Men’s line, the Explorer is waterproof and the Colorado and Montana are water-resistant.

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

• What is a Vegan shoe?
o 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 we’re proud that we can support these interests. Approximately 30% of our line uses such non-leather alternatives.

Technology:

• What makes Earth Footwear different?
o The primary point of difference with Earth Footwear is KalsØ 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 KalsØ 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.

• Does all Earth footwear have KalsØ Negative Heel® Technology™?
o Yes. In most every style, the feature is incorporated into the design of the sole. In certain styles, the 3.7° 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.

• Why is the angle 3.7°?
o Designed by a Danish yoga master, the 3.7° of Kalso® Negative Heel Technology™ simulates the angle of one’s feet during the Tadasana pose performed in yoga. 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.

• How long does it take to get adjusted to KalsØ Negative Heel® Technology™?
o 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.

• What is Gelron2000®? Does all Earth footwear have it?
o Gelron2000 is a memory gel located in the footbed of most Earth footwear. In concert with KalsØ 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.

• Can Earth footwear be worn for all types of physical activities?
o Yes. We design our shoes to satisfy a range of casual lifestyle end-uses since we believe the benefits of KalsØ 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.

• I hear Earth footwear can cause medical problems like plantar fasciitis. Is this true?
o We’ve never looked upon our footwear as prescriptive, orthopedic, clinical, or medical, and therefore we 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.

• Does Earth footwear really help to burn calories?
o 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 us to speak behind the calorie-burning effects of our 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 fiber length used while walking in our footwear. Where short fibers generally mean short duration of work, longer fibers 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 our consumers have reported these perceived results and have shared them in the form of consumer testimonials that we include on our web site at www.earth.us.

• I have a pre-existing medical condition. Will your shoes work for me?
o We’ve never looked upon our footwear as prescriptive, orthopedic, clinical, or medical, and we 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.

• Can I wear my orthotic in your shoes?
o Generally, yes, but most people claim they do not require one when wearing Earth Footwear. We’ve never looked upon our footwear as prescriptive, orthopedic, clinical, or medical, and therefore we don’t position KalsØ Negative Heel® Technology™, or the design of our 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.

Administrative:

• How can I clean my shoes/footbed?
o Cleaning your shoes will largely depend on the material used in the upper (top of the shoe). For our shoes with suede or leather uppers, after rinsing away dirt and dust, most any traditional suede or leather conditioner and toner will work best. For our non-leather, or Vegan styles, using a cloth with soap and water is most effective.

• Can I put my shoes in the washing machine?
o From time to time, we’ll be contacted by consumers who have successfully put our footwear in their washing machine, particularly styles from our KalsØ-Lite™ Collection that features a micro-fiber 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.

• Is there a lifetime warranty?
o While we’ve heard from many Earth wearers who have happily worn their shoes for years, we don’t offer a lifetime guarantee. We do stand behind our 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 our footwear.