A return to what has always been there
Grounding-earthing
Grounding, also known as earthing, is inspired by this ancient connection.
It is based on the fact that direct contact with natural surfaces such as grass, soil, sand and stone allows the body to reconnect with the Earth's natural electrical charge.
While research into grounding continues to develop, studies have explored its potential relationship with reduced stress, improved sleep, recovery and overall wellbeing.
More importantly, many people describe grounding as something they can feel: a greater sense of calm, presence and connection.
Grounding - science
Perhaps this is because grounding is about more than science alone.
It is about remembering that we are part of nature, not separate from it.
It is about stepping away from screens, slowing the pace, breathing more deeply and reconnecting with something that has supported life for millions of years.
The challenge, of course, is that modern life rarely allows us to walk barefoot everywhere. And that is where our journey led us to copper.
There is something instinctive about walking barefoot on Earth
Long before roads, buildings and modern lifestyles separated us from the natural world, humans spent their lives in direct contact with the ground beneath them.
Every step connected them to the landscapes they crossed, the seasons they lived through and the rhythms of nature that shaped daily life
If grounding is about connection, then connection requires a pathway.
Among nature's conductive materials, few are as respected, trusted and effective as copper. For centuries, copper has been valued for its extraordinary ability to conduct energy.
It powers our homes, connects our technologies and forms the invisible networks that allow the modern world to function. Wherever reliable conductivity matters, copper is often the material of choice.
Yet copper's story began long before modern technology. It comes from the earth itself.
Formed deep within the planet over millions of years, copper is a natural element that carries within it the same origins as the landscapes we seek to reconnect with through grounding.
Copper has long been associated with wellbeing in many cultures and traditions. While modern science clearly supports its antimicrobial properties and essential biological role as a trace element, research into the health effects of prolonged skin contact is still evolving.
For us, this makes copper uniquely meaningful. It is not simply a conductive material. It is a natural bridge between the human body and the natural world.
At the heart of our grounding technology lies a specially integrated copper grounding element designed to help maintain conductive contact between the wearer and the earth beneath.
When walking on natural conductive surfaces, copper helps create the pathway that grounding relies upon, supporting a direct connection without sacrificing the comfort, protection and freedom of modern footwear.
Small in size, yet fundamental in purpose, it is the feature that makes our approach unique.
Many barefoot shoes are designed to improve natural movement.
We wanted to go further. We wanted to create footwear that supports not only the way we move, but also the way we connect.
The result is a design where every step has the potential to become a moment of reconnection.
ERDA Grounding Shoes feature a copper grounding element strategically positioned beneath the central part of the foot, approximately in the area corresponding to the solar plexus region in foot reflexology maps.
From a biomechanical perspective, this area plays an important role during walking. It is located near the midfoot, a region that naturally participates in weight transfer and maintains frequent contact with the insole throughout the gait cycle.
Positioning the conductive element here helps maintain consistent contact between the foot and the grounding component during movement.
In traditional reflexology, this same area is associated with the solar plexus, a region believed to influence relaxation and overall balance.
Potential Benefits Supported by Research
One of the leading hypotheses behind earthing is the transfer of free electrons from the Earth's surface into the body. These electrons may act as natural antioxidants, helping neutralize reactive oxygen species (free radicals) involved in chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Several pilot studies have observed reductions in inflammatory markers, improvements in blood flow, and accelerated recovery after injury or exercise, although larger randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm these findings.
References
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Oschman JL, et al. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, 2015.
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Chevalier G, et al. One-Hour Contact with the Earth's Surface (Grounding) Improves Inflammation and Blood Flow. 2015.
Grounding has been associated with improvements in sleep quality, particularly by supporting a more natural circadian rhythm. Studies have reported that grounded participants experienced fewer nighttime awakenings, felt more rested upon waking, and demonstrated more balanced cortisol secretion over a 24-hour cycle.
While the available studies involve relatively small participant groups, the findings consistently suggest a positive effect on restorative sleep.
References
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Ghaly M., Teplitz D. The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep. 2004.
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Oschman JL, et al. (2015).
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Koniver L. Practical applications of grounding to support health. 2022.
Grounding appears to influence the autonomic nervous system by shifting the body toward greater parasympathetic ("rest and recover") activity. Researchers have also observed normalization of cortisol rhythms and improvements in heart rate variability (HRV), both recognized physiological markers associated with resilience to stress.
These findings suggest that grounding may help the body recover more efficiently from everyday physical and psychological stressors.
References
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Chevalier G. Emotional Stress, Heart Rate Variability, Grounding and Improved Autonomic Tone. 2011.
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Oschman JL, et al. (2015).
Research has found that grounding may reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), decrease pain perception and support recovery after strenuous exercise. Scientists suggest these effects may be related to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress during the recovery process.
Although further clinical evidence is needed, these findings have generated growing interest within sports recovery research.
References
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Brown R., Chevalier G., Hill M. Grounding after moderate eccentric contractions reduces muscle damage. 2015.
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Oschman JL, et al. (2015).
Preliminary studies suggest that grounding may improve circulation by reducing blood viscosity, a recognized cardiovascular risk factor and by increasing blood perfusion. Improvements in heart rate variability have also been reported, indicating a possible positive influence on cardiovascular regulation.
These observations remain preliminary and require confirmation in larger clinical trials.
References
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Chevalier G., Sinatra S. Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—A Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease. 2013.
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Oschman JL, et al. (2015).
Research on earthing has expanded considerably over the past decade, with studies investigating its effects on inflammation, sleep, stress physiology, recovery, circulation, and autonomic nervous system function. Many findings are promising, but the field is still developing. Most published studies involve relatively small sample sizes and researchers consistently emphasize the need for larger, well-controlled clinical trials before definitive medical conclusions can be drawn.
Bibliography
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Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R. The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Inflammation, the Immune Response, Wound Healing, and Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research. 2015.
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Koniver L, et al. Practical Applications of Grounding to Support Health. Biomedical Journal. 2022.
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Earthing Institute. Research Library. Colecție de studii publicate despre earthing și grounding.
A natural element for a natural experience
We chose copper because it reflects everything we believe in.
- Natural.
- Timeless.
- Durable.
- Authentic.
Unlike synthetic solutions, copper belongs to the earth.
It exists as part of the natural world we are trying to spend more time in, protect and reconnect with.
Its role inside the shoe is quiet but powerful. Invisible to the eye, yet essential to the experience.
Working continuously beneath every step, helping maintain the connection between your body and the ground while allowing you to move freely through your day.
From ancient element to modern innovation
For us, copper is more than a component, it represents a philosophy, a belief that technology should bring us closer to nature, not further away from it.
A belief that innovation can coexist with simplicity.
And a belief that some of the most meaningful experiences come from reconnecting with things that have always been there, the earth beneath our feet, the natural world around us and the connection that exists between them.
Grounding begins with contact.
Copper helps make that connection possible.