Barefoot Shoes, sustainably made in Cape Town, South Africa
About our Shoes
Why I love them
Aard Shoes is more than just a footwear brand—it’s a labor of love, craftsmanship, and deep respect for both people and the planet. When I took over the South African branch of Earth Sole and rebranded it as Aard Shoes, my goal was to continue creating grounding, barefoot footwear that honors natural movement while embracing sustainability and mindful living.
Our shoes are handmade in Noordhoek, Cape Town, by a talented team of artisans who put care into every stitch. We use repurposed leather, transforming what would have been discarded into something beautiful and functional. This not only reduces waste but also ensures that every pair is unique—no two shoes are exactly the same.
The soft, flexible leather soles are at the heart of what makes Aard Shoes special. Designed to mold to your feet, they allow for natural movement while keeping you grounded. Unlike modern shoes that can feel rigid and restrictive, Aard Shoes move with you, offering comfort, durability, and a barefoot feel that allows your body to function as it was designed to.
But Aard Shoes isn’t just about personal well-being—it’s also about ethical and sustainable choices. Our materials are sourced with minimal environmental impact, and every purchase contributes to something bigger. We give back by donating a portion of our profits to local NGOs, supporting initiatives that uplift communities and restore the environment.
I truly believe that what we wear matters—not just for how it looks, but for how it feels and the impact it leaves behind. Aard Shoes is an extension of that philosophy: footwear that respects your body, the craft of shoemaking, and the earth itself.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Whether you’re slipping into your first pair or adding to your collection, I hope Aard Shoes brings you the same joy and connection to nature that it has brought me. Towards that Better than Barefoot Feeling.
-Zoe
Our Origins with Earth Sole
Aard Shoes shares deep roots with Earth Sole, the original brand that inspired our journey. While Earth Sole continues to serve international customers, Aard Shoes has grown into its own identity, dedicated to handcrafted barefoot footwear for the South African market. Earth Sole started in 2020 in Cape Town, and our partnership allows it to stay a locally produced product!
Both brands uphold the same values—sustainability, ethical craftsmanship, and natural movement—with each pair made from repurposed leather and designed to provide comfort while keeping you grounded. Aard Shoes continue to manufacture for Earth Sole, to keep our African footprint for both brands. Whether you’ve worn Earth Sole before or are discovering Aard Shoes for the first time, you’ll find the same dedication to quality, conscious production, and timeless design.
Our Ethics
Selling a product is a sticky business, with lots of opportunities to put capital over conscientiousness. We navigate this by:
Giving Back: Donating a Portion of Profits to NGO's (track here)
Sustainability: Made-to-Order from upcycled leather offcuts
Upskilling and Fair Pay: All team members get a fair wage and are supported in growing new skills
Quality and Process: We minimize waste in-studio and spend time hand-making each shoe to the highest standard
Female-Empowerment: We have an all female team and all female management