Over the past six years, I’ve massively increased the time I spend barefoot because of the unreal benefits I’ve felt firsthand. I’m blessed that with my current business, working from home, I can keep that up. Truth is, they don’t call me Grounded Ginger for nothing 😉. These days, I’m barefoot about 80% of the time, in earthing shoes 15%, and the last 5% is reserved for sneakers, leather shoes, or football boots. The more grounding I do, the better I feel.
If you want to dive deeper into why grounding is such a powerful practice, I’ve written about it here: The Lost Practice of Grounding. You can also check out one of many scientific articles on it.
Grounding (or Earthing) is simply direct contact with the Earth, walking barefoot on grass, sand, dirt, whatever. My fav is feet in the sand swimming in the ocean. By doing so, your body soaks up the Earth’s supply of negatively charged ions and free electrons. This helps neutralise free radicals, working like a natural antioxidant that reduces inflammation, improves sleep, calms the nervous system, and can lift your mood and energy.
So when I stumbled across The Hemp Haven at the Eumundi Markets here on the Sunshine Coast, walking with my amazing mum, I was instantly drawn in. The patterns on their shoes are epic, but one pair in particular caught my eye. Amanda, the founder, told me “Even The Iceman himself Wim Hof has a pair!” Different style, same pattern. How could I not grab them? Two Icy Legends choosing the same print, meant to be. Mine are the slip-ons, and that little fact honestly makes them even cooler… literally. Ice cold ❄️.
And Amanda, what a legend. Her passion and customer service made the whole experience as authentic as it gets.
Amanda even went the extra step and grounded my shoes by adding a brass rivet through the sole, creating a direct pathway for earthing. That simple touch turned them from just stylish, eco-friendly kicks into something that actually supports my grounding practice every time I wear them.
Why Hemp Shoes?
Hemp is seriously underrated when it comes to footwear. Here’s why I rate it:
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Comfort: Feels like linen, warm in winter, cool in summer. Super lightweight, so the slip-ons are feather-light and ridiculously comfy.
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Durability: 4 times stronger than cotton, which means they last longer and don’t wear out as quick.
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Antimicrobial: Naturally resists bacteria and moisture, so no sweaty shoe stink.
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Eco-friendly: Uses way less water and land to grow compared to other fibres. Choosing hemp means lowering your footprint and supporting sustainability, it’s as natural as it gets
Here’s where Hemp Haven steps it up. Most soles block your connection to the Earth, but Amanda’s design adds a brass rivet just behind the ball of your foot, creating a direct pathway for earthing without sacrificing comfort.
Pair the strength of hemp with simple grounding tech, and you’re not just wearing shoes, you’re wearing a wellness tool.
Another huge plus is the roomy design. Your toes can actually spread out naturally, unlike in traditional shoes that squash them in causing issues. Hemp Haven keeps it functional and natural, supporting your body’s structure and balance.
How This Connects to My Cold Exposure Practice
Okay, hemp shoes don’t technically make ice baths easier, but I do love slipping them on as I walk outside to plunge. And when you think about it, it’s all connected. Optimum health and nature’s elements working together:
🌱 Earth – Grounding (barefoot or grounded hemp haven shoes)
💧 Water – Ice baths, ocean dips, creek swims
☀️ Fire – Sun
🌬️ Air – Breath
Stack those together and you’ve got a lifestyle that makes you feel alive.
In my recent video, you’ll spot me rocking my Hemp Havens on the way to the ice bath. In it, I share a simple breathing technique to stop you from losing the plot in the cold (basically reducing that fight-or-flight response). It softens the shock, grounds you in the moment, and helps your body adapt.
Final Thoughts
Hemp Haven shoes tick every box for me:
✔️ Eco-friendly & sustainable
✔️ Durable & lightweight
✔️ Naturally antimicrobial
✔️ Grounded with brass for earthing
The fact they’ve become part of my wellness stack just makes them even more special.
If you’re ever at the Eumundi Markets, go say hi, you’ll see why I call Amanda a gem. Otherwise, check out The Hemp Haven online at thehemphaven.com.au
They even have sizes for Kids...
I trust you got some value from my little grounding insights.
And if you’re looking to level up your cold exposure game, build your own DIY ice bath using a chest freezer, or treat yourself to a wellness getaway at our Grounded Villa or check out groundedginger.com.au
Our Grounded Villa isn’t just an Airbnb, it’s your wellness reset. And yep, you’ll have plenty of lush subtropical land to ground on while you’re here.
Stay Grounded, Stay Icy.
Jacob
Grounded Ginger