FAQs
Pre-order model
How does your pre-order model work and what are the timelines?
Some products may be available for pre-order. If this is the case for the product you wish to purchase, the timelines for delivery will be displayed on the product page and you will be emailed with updates on your pre-order.
Launching via a pre-order model is the quickest way to get our shoes to you, allows you to guarantee your favourite colour/size and allows us to operate more sustainably.
- Guarantee your colour and size - A pre-order model allows us to accurately gauge demand. Without this model, we may under-order a popular colour or size and you as the customer may miss out!
- Quickest way to get your shoes - A pre-order model is the only way for us to bring our brand to life and bring our grounded running shoes to you!
All consumer rights remain and orders can be cancelled for a full refund at any point prior to delivery, and can be returned within 30-days of delivery in line with our returns policy.
If you have any questions about the pre-order process, need advice on sizing or anything else please email us at reconnect@bahe.co
Grounding and Green exercise
What is the difference between grounding and earthing?
There is no difference! They are synonymous terms for having a physical connection with the earth.
Can you guarantee the benefits of grounding?
While we and many others believe in the documented benefits of grounding and green exercise, we can’t guarantee the effects. Every human is different.
We believe that exercising in nature and having a greater connection with our earth is beneficial for everyone.
Are there any dangers of wearing conductive shoes?
Humans have been barefoot or worn leather-soled shoes (naturally conductive) for many years, so there is nothing inherently dangerous about wearing conductive shoes. However, electrically conductive footwear should not be used if there is an obvious risk of shock from any nearby electrical apparatus or electrically live parts.
What surfaces can I be grounded on?
You can ground on any natural surface that is connected to the earth, this includes the following:
- Grass
- Soil / Earth
- Sand
- Gravel
- Cement
- Rock / Natural stones (including paving)
- Water (Ocean, lakes & rivers)
Synthetic surfaces such as tarmac, asphalt and polyurethane running tracks are insulated surfaces and not suitable for grounding. When training on these surfaces we suggest you incorporate some post exercise stretching on natural surfaces to experience the benefits of grounding.
We’ve also found that when the ground is wet or damp, conductivity is enhanced, so now you have a reason to get outdoors even if the weather isn’t perfect!
Can’t I just be grounded by being barefoot?
You absolutely can and we encourage you to do so when possible. Our shoes were designed to be an extension of barefoot grounding, not a replacement for it.
As mentioned above, the more grounding the better, so Bahé was created to allow grounding to be integrated into your normal lifestyle or training regime where going barefoot may be uncomfortable or unsafe.
Will wearing socks prevent me being grounded?
In most cases, wearing socks will not prevent you being grounded.
As you exercise, your feet will perspire and this perspiration will allow for a connection to be made between your foot and the in-sock via your socks.
We’re tested on all different types of socks and we recommend thinner socks to allow for a connection to be made more quickly, but thicker socks should work fine.
Will I feel anything when I’m grounding?
Some people claim to ‘feel’ different while being grounded, while others feel nothing. Everybody is different. Many people do however, feel better right away. They sleep better, have more energy and less pain. But some individuals can feel temporary symptoms of detoxification as the body starts to function more efficiently. These are generally people with some disease or with chronic inflammation and pain who have not been grounded for many years.
Are my current shoes grounded / earthed?
The vast majority of shoes (even ‘barefoot-style' shoes) won’t be grounded / earthed as if any of the layers between the ground and your feet are non-conductive, this will block the ability for electrons to flow into your body. You can test if you’re grounded in your normal shoes using a continuity meter. If you are grounded (as you can test in barefoot) the light will come on, however if it does not stay on, you will not be grounded.
What is green exercise?
Coined by researchers at the University of Essex in 2003, ‘Green Exercise’ refers to engaging in physical activity whilst simultaneously experiencing nature, and has sometimes been referred to as ‘exercise squared’. The concept blends the psychological, physiological, social, and other benefits of exercise, coupled with the nature-based environments such as parks, woodlands, and countryside.
Acute green exercise participation has shown to benefit cognitive functioning. Such improvements are relevant for workplace and educational performance.
Sustainability
Are the shoes as sustainable as ‘sustainable shoes’?
Our aim is to combine performance and sustainability, creating a shoe that delivers incredible performance with a lower impact on the earth.
Most of the materials used in the shoe are either plant-based or use recycled plastics. More detail about the materials and processes we follow can be found here. We will continue to innovate in materials science to push the boundary of sustainable performance.
Are your shoes as good as ‘normal’ running shoes?
When designing our more sustainably made grounded shoes, our main goal was to never compromise on performance. We wanted to prove that high performance didn’t have to cost the earth.
Our shoes are specifically designed for running, from the way it’s constructed, to the materials used.
Our Recharge runner is a crossover shoe for daily running between the pavement and the trails.
Made from 30% recycled polyester, the engineered mesh upper is structured and supportive but also extremely light and breathable. As well as delivering a minimal aesthetic the upper panels also provide additional structure to the shoe and keep splash-prone areas of the shoe dry and easy to clean, if you get caught in the rain.
The sugar-cane infused midsole is perfectly tuned to help avoid fatigue in the legs and keep you going on your more difficult runs. It has superb energy return, the sweet spot between a racing flat and an ‘easy-day’ shoe. The midsole is topped with a plush bio-based in-sock, which In addition to containing conductive elements to maintain a connection with the earth, it feels like you’re stepping on marshmallow!
Finally, made from 65% natural rubber, the full coverage outsole provides versatile grip whether you’re on the road or hitting the trails.
Digital Gift Cards
Who can I purchase an digital gift card for?
Currently, gift cards can only be gifted to customers in the UK. Any gift cards purchased for non-UK customers will be unredeemable.
If I purchase a digital gift card who will receive the code?
If you buy a gift card for someone, you will receive the order confirmation email. Whoever you list as ‘the recipient’ during purchasing will receive an email with the gift card details.
Can I use discount/promotion codes to purchase gift cards?
You will be able to use your e-gift card to purchase styles on promotion, but you will not be able to use a promotion or a discount to purchase an e-gift card.
When do digital gift cards expire?
Our gift cards will expire one year after their purchase date.
If I return a product will I be refunded to the same gift card code?
Yes. If you used a gift card to pay for the purchase, then the same gift card will be refunded.
If you purchased using a gift card and other methods of payment, then each payment method will be refunded accordingly.
Can I use several gift cards for my purchase?
Yes, you will be able to use several gift cards on one order.
How do I check the balance of my gift card?
Email reconnect@bahe.co and we will let you know the balance of your gift card.
Caring for your shoes
We do not recommend machine washing our shoes as this may affect the conductivity of the shoes and disrupt the grounding technology.
Instead, we recommend a light hand wash every so often to keep them clean.
What you’ll need to clean your shoes:
- Mild detergent or clothing-safe soap
- A soft scrubbing brush or toothbrush
- A sponge
- Paper towels
- A bucket of warm water
How to clean your Bahé running shoes:
- You’ll want to wash the different parts of your shoes separately, so start off by taking out your shoelaces.
- Fill a bucket or bowl with warm water and add 15-30ml of mild detergent or mix a little bit of the soap in the water
- With a dry brush or paper towel, clean off any clinging mud, dirt or debris before you get your shoes wet.
- Use a soft scrub brush or toothbrush dipped in warm, soapy water and gently clean the outsoles (bottoms of the shoes) by hand. Rinse with a wet sponge or paper towel.
- The next job is to clean the uppers of your shoes. The upper can be cleaned using a wet, soapy sponge and rub gently. Our materials can handle handwashing, but do not submerge your shoes in water.
- You can clean your shoelaces using soap and a scrub brush under running water.
Once all of the parts of your shoes have been cleaned, let them air dry with paper towels stuffed inside. This will help absorb moisture and maintain the shape of your shoes as they dry. (Just take care not to dry them near a radiator or in direct sunlight, which can cause damage).
Note: Our insoles contain conductive elements such as silver and conductive glue, so we suggest you avoid cleaning them unless absolutely necessary.
If you do, use a clean, slightly damp cloth without detergent and gently wipe away any dirt or debris. Don’t soak the insoles or you risk damaging the foam and its shape.
