Dana Ruprecht, photos by Trevor Connell

A Relationship With Nature

Jul 24, 2026

We learn to value the earth by building a relationship with it, learning about the natural landscape that surrounds us.

For many — especially those who live rurally or in small towns — this means home.

It’s a favourite tree you used to climb when you were a kid. The farmer’s fields you drive by on your way to work, or maybe you work those fields yourself. The beach where you take your kids for a swim, the trails you hike, the grass and gardens you tend.

Sometimes, that relationship with nature and the environment is generations in the making.

Picture of the women who own and operate The Brown Bear Distribution Inc.

The Brown Bear is a family business based in the village of Westport, Ontario, a place where forest, fields, lakes, and livestock are woven into the fabric of every day living. Three generations of the Scheuermann/Hartwick family have put their heart and soul into sourcing authentic moccasins, high quality goods, and earthing products for their customers. As they’ve built and grown their business, they’ve stayed true to their hometown, with enduring connections to local residents, tourists, and global online shoppers.

In the spirit of the Westport community and its beautiful surroundings, new branded Earthing Moccasin Boots for men have been crafted in Canada by Laurentian Chief especially for The Brown Bear.

Pair of men's Canadian hand-crafted earthing moccasin boots crafted with genuine leather next to the tag from The Brown Bear Distribution Inc. resting in nature against a tree.

Earthing footwear is designed to enhance the energetic link between humans and the natural world. When we come into contact with surfaces in nature like soil, rock, lakes, and oceans, we experience an exchange of energy from the Earth’s magnetic field, and our bodies respond in healthful ways. We sleep better, heal faster, and feel more vigorous. Our immune system becomes strengthened, and our nervous system, eased.

Earthing moccasin boots are made entirely of leather, with no synthetic sole, and therefore no man-made separation between foot and ground. This allows for the unimpeded flow of the Earth’s energy with every step.

Man practicing earthing by walking in a pair of leather sole earthing moccasins in nature in the woods on a dirt path.

The Brown Bear Earthing Moccasin Boots are traditional in style and handcrafted with genuine maple-toned leather. Fringe surrounds the ankle cuff and heel and the classic puckered vamp is finished with criss-cross artisanal stitching. Easy to slip on and off, the boots can be adjusted with matching rawhide laces.

Close-up of hand-crafted details you can see on the stitching and double-fringes on a pair of Canadian handmade moccasins perfect for earthing.

What makes them extra special? The soft leather outsole is embossed with the distinctive Brown Bear logo on the underside of the boot. Earthing Moccasin Boots are as organic in design as nature itself... the supple leather construction molds itself to your personal footprint, creating a customized fit like no other. As you walk to experience a connection with the Earth, these leather boots are taking shape while walking with you.

Top view of a man walking on a path wearing a brown pair of earthing moccasin boots, you can see the fringe detailing and raw hide laces.

The Brown Bear celebrates its passion for nature with this branded pair of Earthing Moccasins. Let their continuing local history with community, service, and wellness inspire your own relationship with the natural world!