Frequently Asked Questions

Most RHIZAL styles fit true to size and are designed to be worn without socks. The women's Brio and Kuyu run a touch small.

If you're between sizes, each product page has a sizing tab with more info for that style. 

There is some flexibility in the sizing, as a snug pair will stretch and break in more than a relaxed pair. Ideally they will be slightly snug at first and quickly break-in to perfection. You may prefer to size up if you prefer a relaxed fit or plan on wearing thick socks. 

We offer free size exchanges within the US. International exchanges must cover return shipping. 

For exchanges, reach us at: info@rhizal.co

RHIZAL (RY - zal) is inspired by the mycorrhizal network: a communication network in the soil where trees communicate with each other through their roots.

Myco means fungi, and rhizal means roots (or of roots, from singular rhizae).

RHIZAL represents reconnection to the living breathing Earth.

Most shoes today have serious issues: They smash your toes into a narrow point and have cushion and "support" that weaken your feet.

Barefoot shoes have:

• a wide toebox, giving your toes the space they need.
• no raised heel and no arch support, perfect for natural foot movement.
• a thin and flexible sole, so you feel the ground.

Earth has a natural negative charge which your ancestors were in sync with 24/7.

When you spend all day indoors or wear rubber-soled shoes outdoors, you are now almost never grounded (in sync with Earth's charge).

RHIZALs have a pure 100% copper plug which goes through the sole of the shoe. Your foot is making contact with the copper, and the copper is making contact with the ground.

The natural leather sole is fairly conductive on its own as it is a biologically native material. The copper plug creates an undeniable connection. 

While they are designed to be worn without socks, you will still be grounded with most socks (especially if natural materials, and if you're even slightly sweating).

Read Blog: The Science of Grounding: How the Earth Recharges Your Body Like a Battery

Dive deeper into the science with our Grounding Science Hub.

It's simple to test if RHIZALs really ground you with a voltmeter or continuity meter.

That's the easy part. Because if you're touching conductive copper in the sole, and that copper is touching the ground, you can be confident that your foot is conducting with the ground. Even without the copper, our leather-only sole is conductive, just not as much as copper for an undeniable grounded connection.

But do they really work? Check out this little experiment:

Read blog: Do Grounding Shoes Really Work? A Geneticist Tested RHIZAL — Here’s What Happened to Her Blood

For a deeper dive into research-backed insights, check out our Grounding Science Hub for a curated collection of published studies.

^{While our shoes are conductive, they are not a medical device. The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have a medical condition or concern, consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes.}

Simply touching copper doesn't ground you. Copper is highly conductive, so your foot is "touching" the ground via the copper. 

Surfaces that are grounded: concrete sidewalks, grass, dirt, and sand.

Surfaces that are not grounded: indoor floors, and asphalt roads.  

Yes. Most natural material socks (like cotton and wool) are semi-conductive - especially with a little moisture from your skin. Synthetic socks like nylon or polyester can reduce conductivity, but you’ll still generally be grounded.

RHIZAL shoes are most often worn without socks, but if you do prefer to wear socks, we recommend cotton or wool.

Read blog: Why Natural Clothing Matters: The Science Behind Ditching Polyester for Cotton, Leather, and Natural Fibers

No! You'll be amazed how effective the natural leather is at absorbing sweat and minimizing smell. 

RHIZALs are designed to be worn without socks, but go for it if you prefer! You'll still be grounded.

Pretty much no. It's flat on the side that your foot touches. 

When brand new, the copper plug sticks out slightly on the ground-facing side. Copper is a soft metal so this will wear down until flush. This ensures you always have great contact to stay grounded. You may feel it slightly at first, but not a problem. 

They're the most comfortable shoes you'll ever own!

Our shoes don't have synthetic rubber-plastic outsoles - just natural water buffalo leather. 

When new, the leather sole can feel a little slick - but once you take your first walk on concrete, the scuffs will quickly add traction.

It is not recommended. They are natural leather, and getting them wet can speed up how quickly they wear. But a little won't ruin them, don't worry too much! 

The Rana flip flop can get wet, but can be slicker than "normal" flip flops!

Yes! We're always working on more. Let us know what you hope to see!

We can accomodate certain custom orders, like if you see a color on a different style. And sometimes we have leathers not shown on the website!

Custom orders are final-sale. Reach out: info@rhizal.co

RHIZALs are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans in Turkey and Pakistan using traditional generational methods. 

Our workshops are small, family-owned facilities where artisans still hand-cut and stitch each pair - the same way traditional leather shoes have been made for centuries.

If a size is out of stock, the add to cart button will change to made-to-order. 

When you place a made-to-order order, we'll quickly get to work crafting your shoes. 

Made-to-order shoes typically ship within ~3 weeks or less.

Still eligible for exchanges or returns.

For special sizes or other minor customizations, contact us. 

RHIZAL shoes offer flexibility in the way they fit. If on the snug side they will stretch more, and on the big side, some may prefer a more relaxed fit.

Ideally they should be slightly snug (but not constricting or jamming your toes) to a perfect fit at the beginning, and then will mold to your foot.

If you do need a different size, no problem! 

Contact us to set up a free & easy size exchange. International orders must cover return shipping.

We offer free shipping on all US orders! Your order will typically ship within 24 hours via USPS and generally arrive within 2-5 days. (This is after any made-to-order production timeline quoted for out of stock styles)

For international orders, shipping cost will be calculated at checkout. Import taxes may apply depending on your country and are your responsibility.

We do! International shipping costs are calculated at checkout.

For international returns or exchanges, you must cover return shipping back to us.

Import taxes may apply depending on your country and are your responsibility.

If you don't want to exchange them for a different style or size, we offer a 60-day return window for shoes in unworn condition (including the bottoms). Please try on your shoes carefully indoors to be eligible. 

Contact us to start a return.