Roots Negative Heel Shoes Value Guide

These vintage 1970s Roots lace-up oxfords are a quintessential artifact of the decade's counter-culture and health-conscious movements. Featuring the revolutionary negative heel design inspired by the Earth Shoe, these Canadian-made suede shoes were engineered to mimic the natural sensation of walking on sand.

What Is Roots Negative Heel Shoes Worth?

The typical price range for Roots Negative Heel Shoes is $75 - $82 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the tan suede, specifically looking for water staining or heavy scuffing common in vintage footwear.
• Structural integrity of the rubber negative heel, as vintage rubber can become brittle or undergo 'blooming' over time.
• Size availability, with standard adult sizes typically fetching the higher end of the $75-$82 price range.
• Presence of original laces and the clarity of the interior Roots logo stamping.

How to Identify Roots Negative Heel Shoes?

• Verify the distinct 'Negative Heel' profile where the heel sits significantly lower than the ball of the foot.
• Look for the original 1970s Roots branding embossed on the leather footbed or the exterior suede.
• Check for the signature heavy-duty rubber sole construction paired with high-quality tan suede uppers.
• Confirm the Canadian origin markings, as these were a staple of Canadian manufacturing during the 1970s.

History of Roots Negative Heel Shoes

Roots shoes gained massive popularity in the 1970s following the introduction of the Earth Shoe. The 'negative heel' design, where the heel is lower than the ball of the foot, was intended to mimic the sensation of walking on sand and promote better posture. This specific style became a cultural icon of the era's health-conscious and counter-culture movements.