It’s a story that goes back
more than 40 years...
Anne Kalsø was born in the Faroe Islands off Denmark in 1905. Her life was defined by a deep immersion in the study of yoga, and the fundamental belief that wellness principles needn’t be reserved for just one aspect of an individual’s life, but could be wholly integrated as part of an everyday existence.
Kalso’s passion for yoga led her to study in Switzerland and eventually in Santos, Brazil. It was there, in 1957, that she observed the excellent posture of indigenous Brazilians, and the impressions left by their bare footprints as they walked through beach sand. She observed that the footprints laid were deeper in the heels than in the toes. This natural body position resonated with the thoughtful Kalso. It echoed a formative yoga pose she knew well – Tadasana (the ‘Mountain’ pose). As she herself emulated the pose of the native Brazilians, she noticed how her own posture improved, and how her breathing passages opened. She was inspired.
Returning to Denmark, Kalso enlisted the help of a Portuguese shoe maker to begin what would become a 10-year process to design the original Kalso Shoe. Although not a shoemaker by trade, Kalso was deeply immersed in the process of shoe development -- even testing prototype models on long hikes that covered hundreds of miles. According to Kalso, “it took numerous years of hard work before I reached the final form of my shoe that takes into consideration all the natural demands of the foot and body. It is only now that I know I have created something. It is no longer an idea in my mind, but is something that is thoroughly tested and proven.”
Kalso began selling her shoes from a modest storefront in Copenhagen. Those who discovered her shoes became passionate about their benefits. Many reported that the shoes helped ease chronic foot and body problems. Expectedly, people from around the world inquired about the shoes. But Kalso insisted that they be experienced in-person prior to being worn. Even with such interest and fervor, it was not until the mid-to-late 1960’s that Kalso entertained the idea of expansion – ultimately exploring retail beyond Denmark and particularly in the United States.
April 1st, 1970 would mark the much-heralded opening of the first United States distribution point for Kalso’s shoes. Coinciding with the first Earth Day, the name of the shoes - on the spot – was changed to “Kalso Earth Shoes” and capitalized on the youthful movement and energy that defined the day. The trajectory of a wellness enterprise was underway. With much thanks and credit going to a Danish yoga instructor, a belief that wellness could be part of everyone’s daily existence, and a simple shoe.
Kalsø Earth Shoes. Designed by Nature. Created by Kalso.
1971
The Kalsø Earth Shoe becomes the symbol of the ‘casual revolution’ started on college campuses around the country. Comfort and wellness inform the thinking of many progressive young people nationwide.
1975
The MET Museum of Art places a Kalso Earth Shoe in its permanent collection, securing its place as an icon that balances both form and function.
1990’s
Restoring the name and its technologies, the Kalso Earth Shoe is re-scoped and re-vitalized under a new company -- Earth, Inc. New fashion-forward styling and an expanded assortment - all of which features the Kalso Earth Shoe’s signature “negative heel” – provide the underpinnings for the enterprise.
2003
Kalso Earth Shoe distribution expands into markets including Canada, Japan, Italy and Australia.
2008
Reputable industry trade publication, Footwear Plus, honors Earth, Inc. with an “Excellence in Design” award.
1970
The first Kalsø Earth Shoe store opens on East 17th St in New York City, coinciding with the world’s first celebration of Earth Day.
1974
TIME Magazine publishes an extensive story on the Kalsø Earth Shoe. Demand soars. A full-page ad appears in national publications stating, “Please Be Patient. We’re Making Our Shoes as Fast as We Can!”
1980’s
Unable to keep up with demand,
the Kalso Earth Shoe in its first incarnation is no longer able to be sold at retail in the US. Regional networks of consumer loyalists develop petitioning to bring back the Kalso Earth Shoe in some form.
2001
The Kalso Earth Shoe is officially re-launched. Noting its re-emergence, famed European shoe designer, Manolo Blahnik, remarks in a June TIME Magazine article “…the Kalso Earth Shoe was the first shoe to make a social statement …”
2004
Leading the sustainable footwear design evolution, Earth, Inc. becomes one of the first shoe manufacturers to introduce water-based adhesives throughout 100% of its line.
2010
Leveraging the 40th Anniversary
of Earth Day, Kalso Earth Shoes celebrate their 40th birthday.