What started in Denmark in the late 60’s set off a global frenzy in early 1970 – the introduction of a line of comfortable shoes based on the simple principles of everyday, whole-body wellness. Shoes developed by a then-little-known Danish yoga instructor, Anne Kalso, that would trigger the emergence of the euro-comfort movement in the United States. Shoes with a negative heel based on the popular yoga “Mountain” pose, and designed to mimic walking barefoot in the sand by naturally positioning the body over the frame. Shoes that improved posture and reduced joint stress.
Launching on April 1st – the first “Earth Day” – “Kalso Earth Shoes” would signal the humble beginnings of wellness footwear as we know it today. It would further serve as the seeds behind an entire portfolio of wellness-oriented comfortable shoes – including the original Kalso Earth Shoes, Earth, and Earthies – all of which are designed and developed by Earth, Inc. for the greater marketplace today. |
1971
The Kalso 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 Metropolitan 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 of the new 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 Kalso Earth Shoe store opens on East 17th Street in New York City, coinciding with the world’s first celebration of Earth Day.
1974
TIME Magazine publishes an extensive story on the Kalso 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 United States. 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 ever 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.
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