What Materials Are Conductive?

What materials are conductive? It’s a good question to ask if you want to know how to practice earthing besides walking around outside in your bare feet. Take a look below at a list of both conductive and non-conductive materials to help you better plan how you will maximize your grounding time. It is our hope that after reviewing this list, you will better know what to wear, what to touch and where to stand to help you practice earthing throughout your day.

YES Conductive!

Leather

Leather is conductive, so it is good to wear leather-soled shoes. It is even more conductive when moist, so if your feet sweat a little in your shoes, it’s a good thing. Leather shoes allow grounding after the footwear has been worn long enough to absorb environmental moisture. The conductivity of the leather increases with wear as the shoes absorb more dampness over time.

Copper

Copper is conductive, which is why some earthing shoes have copper dots or plates in the soles to allow you to connect to the earth while wearing them. Some footwear will have copper dots underneath the toes or the heel, while others have a dot or rivet in the center. Regardless of the method, as long as your skin is in contact with the copper, you will experience earthing.

Skin

There is no comparison to walking barefoot on the grass or other natural terrain if you desire to practice earthing. Not only do electrons flow into your body unhindered, but the sensory feeling of the surface of the earth is therapeutic and relaxing. Skin is incredibly conductive, right in the middle of the ball of your foot, as it connects to your whole body. Earthing is most effective by electron transfer through your feet.

Metal

Metals originate from the naturally occurring solid material, ore. Mining extracts ore, specifically bauxite, from the Earth's crust. Metal will allow electron transfer to flow as it is a natural material. Earthing devices often use silver or carbon as conductive agents because they are durable and last long.

Concrete

Concrete is generally made up of 41% crushed rock, 26% sand, 16% water, 11% portland cement, and 6% entrained air. Concrete is moist and, if poured directly onto the earth, can be used as a reasonable substitute for walking on the ground for electron flow. The concrete cannot have a sealer or other inhibitors as it will be unsuitable for earthing.

Beaches

Go to the beach as often as you can! Beaches are great for conductivity because everyone walks barefoot on the beach. You will receive a hefty dose of electrons, and the sound of the waves and the atmosphere will also lift your mood.

Water

Bodies of water, such as the ocean, lakes or ponds, are conductive. Since water is conductive, it will transfer electrons from the earth around it. Swimming in these types of water will give you a large dose of electrons into your body and refresh your mind. Make sure you know how to swim!

Clothing

Clothing made of cotton, wool or any natural fibre is conductive. Make sure the material is not too thick and that your skin can still connect to the earth. Direct contact with the ground or an earthing pad is always best, but natural fibres are the next best when it's too cold. Some clothing has silver thread sewn into the material. These clothes are also an excellent option for allowing electrons to flow into your body.

Socks

Like the clothing mentioned above, socks are only conductive when made from pure and natural fibres. Silver-lined socks are especially great for an earth connection. You will not be earthing if you wear your socks with regular, insulated shoes. You also need to make sure your shoes are conductive.

Blankets

Again, like socks and clothing, blankets made of cotton, wool or any natural fibre will also allow earthing to occur. So if you take a blanket on a picnic, ensure it is a wool blanket instead of a synthetic blanket such as a microfiber blanket.

Trees

Trees are living and connected to the earth so if you are touching a tree grounding can occur. Trees are living and connected to the earth, so earthing will occur if you touch a tree. Directly toughing tree stumps is an easy and free way to ground yourself. You can even do this while walking your dog. Dogs always love to sniff around, so take a moment and touch the tree they are sniffing.

Grass

With earthing, the rule of thumb is the more natural a material, the more conductive. The grass is as natural as it gets. The grass is extra conductive when moist. You should be careful of pesticides or other harmful chemicals on your lawn, especially when going barefoot.

Dirt

Dirt is, of course, conductive as it is on the earth! So go on and get dirty if you are brave enough. Play in the mud, work in the garden. The messier, the better!

NO Not Conductive!

Pavement

Asphalt pavements combine coarse and fine aggregate and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) to a particular recipe and then add asphalt cement as the black sticky glue that holds the pavement together. Pavement is not conductive, as you can see by how it is made. So if you live in the city, you’ve got to get to a nearby park!

Wood

The text above lists trees as conductive, but wood is no longer conductive once cut. So, even if you live in a stick frame house, you will not be practicing earthing. Wood is an insulator.

Plastic

Plastic is also not suitable for earthing, so flip flops, most deck furniture, and many other items are not conductive. It doesn't mean you can't use plastic for your outdoor comfort. Just be mindful of opportunities you can touch the ground.

Rubber

Rubber boots or soled shoes do not allow electrons to permeate through. There are specially made earthing shoes such as Harmony783 that have black carbon and rubber targeted soles which are actually made to be conductive.

Sealer

Sealer or painted concrete are non-conductive as the electrons don’t pass through the sealer or paint very well.

Synthetic Materials

Any synthetic material will not be conductive which rules out most common footwear such as running shoes, dress shoes, work boots etc.

Insulated Materials

Any insulated materials such as foam, glass, porcelain work the complete opposite as conductors.


With a better idea of what materials are conductive, you can begin to practice earthing on purpose today. Start with a pair of Harmony 783 or natural moccasins for earthing. If you cannot change your footwear try grounding pads, blanket or bedding for earthing. Healthy & Grounded has a complete line of copper dot plated footwear as well as leather soled moccasins that are designed with earthing in mind. We have sandals and shoes for men, women and children so visit one of our product pages today for a great deal on some footwear for earthing. You won’t be disappointed as we have great selection, remarkable prices, friendly service and fast shipping.

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