Fashion, Evolved

But the reality is that Clark is now developing a new kind of shoe.  One that provides both protection and the benefits of walking around barefoot.  “You have more than 200,000 nerve endings in your feet,” he says emphatically, “sending necessary information to your mind that helps it maintain balance, agility, and spinal health.”

“There are an incredible number of Americans who have foot and back problems.  Yet when you go to cultures in Asia or Africa where shoes are not always worn, these problems are almost non-existent.  Far and away, the cultures that wear less shoes, have less foot and back problems.”

Armed with a team of scientists and researchers, Clark has made every effort to design the patented thin sole to optimize the six million years of evolutionary technology in the human body.  The line of mens’ and womens’ shoes are called Vivo Barefoot, and the movement Clark is touting is a “barefoot revolution”.  That is, wearing shoes that allow you to strengthen the muscles in your feet, improve your posture, and re-learn how to walk by letting you feel the surfaces you walk on.

“Wearing Vivo Barefoot shoes is like having your arm in a cast for many years and then suddenly taking it off.  There is a transition period where you have to adjust to the sensation.  But I’ve had professional and amateur athletes tell me that wearing the Vivo Barefoot shoes in everyday life has helped their performance in their respective sports.”

Vivo Barefoot is the latest line of shoes sold by Terra Plana, a shoe company that is passionate about making sustainable footwear.  That means that these shoes are not just good for your health–they are good for the planet.  Vivo Barefoot shoes use recycled mesh, eco-friendly linings, and vegetable tanned leathers.

The shoes are manufactured in China, but under the strictest ethical guidelines.  In fact, Clark speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese and travels to China six times a year.  He spends time walking the floor of the factory and talking to the employees personally to assess the conditions.  He speaks of the line with a sense of pride and the genuine enthusiasm of someone who believes in the product he makes.

“It’s like getting reflexology all day long,” he laughs, “feeling is believing!”

Buy Terra Plana’s Vivo Barefooot shoes online at:  www.terraplana.com.  You can also read Galahad Clark’s blog and learn more about the ethical and sustainable policies of Terra Plana on their website.