iON SYNC® Plugs for Earthing Shoes

iON SYNC® (Patented) Earthing Shoe Plugs are the result of years of research and development to devise a highly durable and conductive solution for enthusiasts of grounding shoes. This proprietary material is infused with a conductive lattice that facilitates the flow of electrons through the polymer, providing conductivity similar to that of medical electrode patches.

When installed through the soles of shoes, iON SYNC® plugs offer users an unparalleled earthing shoe experience that replicates the benefits of being barefoot, allowing for electrical flow between the body and the earth. With the introduction of iON SYNC® Earthing Plugs, a durable and effective earthing shoe solution is now available, revolutionizing the possibilities for individuals seeking a connection to the earth through their everyday footwear. These plugs are offered in three sizes, suitable for grounding shoes with thicknesses ranging from 4-15mm (3/16 - 5/8").

iON sync conductive plug being held in hands

How iON SYNC® Plugs Work

iON SYNC® plugs create a conductive pathway between your body and the Earth through your footwear. They are designed to replicate one of the key aspects of barefoot connection (direct contact with the Earth's natural electrical surface) while still allowing you to wear protective footwear.

Modern footwear often uses insulating materials that separate the body from the ground. iON SYNC technology uses conductive components to help bridge that separation by creating a pathway from your foot, through the footwear, and to the surface beneath you.

The iON SYNC connection works through three simple components:

1. Foot Contact

The plug is installed through the sole of a shoe of your choice, making contact with your foot.

2. Conductive Pathway

The iON SYNC plug creates a conductive route through the sole of the footwear.

3. Earth Contact

When the conductive plug reaches a naturally conductive surface such as soil, grass, sand, or rock, it allows your body to reconnect with the Earth's surface potential.

The result is a footwear system designed to provide the protection and freedom of modern footwear while preserving the grounding experience traditionally achieved through barefoot contact.

girl walking on a log in grounding sandals

The Science of Conductive Plugs

The Earth has an electric field, and barefoot humans have interacted with this environment throughout history. Modern footwear introduced insulating barriers between our feet and the ground, changing the way our bodies physically interact with natural surfaces in unprecedented ways.

Conductive footwear technology like iON SYNC works by introducing conductive materials through the sole of footwear that restores electrical connection with the earth underfoot.

iON SYNC technology uses conductive components engineered to create a reliable pathway through footwear. Similar to other conductive systems, performance depends on several factors including:

Contact between the body and conductive components
Conductivity of the materials used
The surface beneath the footwear
Environmental conditions such as moisture and soil composition

Natural surfaces such as grass, soil, sand, rock, and natural bodies of water are conductive sources. Except in rare circumstances, you cannot ground indoors.

iON SYNC is designed to bring the barefoot connection experience into more everyday environments while maintaining the protection and versatility of footwear.

Step-by-Step iON SYNC® Installation Guide

DIY Grounding Shoes: Add iON SYNC Technology to Your Favorite Footwear

Installing iON SYNC plugs allows you to transform compatible footwear into grounding footwear. The process is designed to be simple and accessible for DIY installation.

Step 1: Determine Plug Size

Determine what size plug to use based on the thickness of your shoe's sole.

The following formula helps calculate the Base Sole Thickness to determine the ideal plug size.

Base Sole Thickness = Stack height - Lug height

Step 2: Select the Installation Location

Choose a location in the middle of the shoe where there is a void in the outsole tread pattern that is at least 1.5-2mm deep to protect the barb of the plug.

Step 3: Punch a Hole

Place the shoe upside down on the included block anvil. Use the hole punch and a hammer to punch a hole in the location you chose.

Step 4: Install the Conductive Plug

Thread the tip of the earthing plug through the hole from the inside of the shoe and grab it from the outside. Pull it through. Once it's flush, trim it at the cut line.

Step 5: Get Outside

Once installed, your footwear is ready to accompany you on walks, hikes, outdoor workouts, gardening, camping, and everyday adventures where connection with natural surfaces is possible!

Transform Your Shoes – Shop iON SYNC® DIY Kit

Compatibility With Different Shoes

One of the advantages of iON SYNC® technology is that it allows you to add grounding capability to the footwear you already wear and love.

iON SYNC plugs are compatible with many footwear styles, including minimalist shoes, barefoot shoes, sandals, sneakers or dress shoes within the sole thickness range, and more!

For the best experience, choose footwear that:

✅ Has enough sole thickness for installation
✅ Allows comfortable foot placement after installation
✅ Has lugs deep enough to provide some protection to the exposed end of the plug.
✅ Allows your foot to move naturally (bonus for foot health!)

Because every shoe construction is different, compatibility depends on the materials, sole thickness, and internal structure of the footwear.

Footwear with very thick soles or designs that prevent the plug from reaching the exterior may not be suitable for iON SYNC installation.

If your shoes don't have an adequate recession in the outsole tread pattern profile for the barb of the plug to sit, you can use our skiving tool to remove any needed lugs from the outsole to create a recession in your shoe’s tread for the barb to sit. View our video below to learn how to use the Skive.

Benefits When Paired With Earth Runners Sandals

holding earth runners with grounding plug on a desert mountain

Earth Runners sandals combine minimalist footwear design with conductive grounding technology. When paired with iON SYNC technology, they provide a unique way to experience natural movement and connection with the outdoors.

Together, Earth Runners sandals and grounding technology offer:

Natural Foot Freedom

The open design allows the toes to splay and move naturally.

Minimal Barrier Between You and the Earth

Minimalist soles enhance body-ground awareness and proprioception.

Outdoor Connection

Whether walking through grass, hiking trails, camping, or spending time outside, Earth Runners are designed to support a more connected outdoor experience.

Protection Without Isolation

Traditional footwear often prioritizes protection by creating separation from the environment. Through our use of adventure-ready materials, and our different sole compositions and thicknesses available for your personal use-cases, Earth Runners aim to provide protection while preserving sensory feedback, mobility, and connection.

For those seeking a minimalist, grounded footwear experience, iON SYNC technology and Earth Runners sandals work together to combine ancient barefoot principles with modern materials and design.

Learn More About Earthing:

Earthing, also known as grounding, is when your body is in electric contact with the earth. The earth is a giant electron storehouse with a subtle electric pulse called the Schumann Resonance that has fostered the evolution of biological life on earth for all of time. When you are electrically grounded, whether by being barefoot or by wearing earthing shoes, your biology has access to an endless supply of electrons allowing you to function as you have evolved to, entrained to the 24 hour circadian rhythm of the earth which orchestrates normal diurnal hormone patterns.

FAQ:

Learn More: Recent Peer-Reviewed Research on Earthing & Grounding

The research below explores physiological effects associated with grounding (earthing), including studies examining sleep, cortisol rhythms, blood viscosity, inflammation, and recovery.