Step into Sustainable Fashion with Hemp Shoes

The fashion industry is undergoing a significant transformation as consumers become more conscious of the environmental and ethical impact of their purchasing decisions. The fashion-conscious consumer of today seeks more than just style—they seek a story, a commitment to the planet, and a reflection of their values. Hemp shoes have emerged as a frontrunner in sustainable fashion, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional footwear materials. Known for its versatility, durability, and minimal environmental impact, hemp is the go-to choice for those who want their fashion choices to make a positive difference.

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In this blog, we will explore the benefits of hemp shoes and give you our top recommendations for the best hemp shoe brands in the market.

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Why Hemp?

Hemp, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, has a rich history of versatile use in textiles and rope.

Hemp is a renewable and versatile material that has been used for centuries in various industries, including textiles and fashion. When it comes to footwear, hemp offers exceptional durability, breathability, and antimicrobial properties, making it an ideal choice for crafting high-quality shoes. 

Additionally, hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires minimal water and no pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials like leather and synthetic fabrics.

The production of hemp shoes typically involves weaving the hemp fibers into a durable fabric, which is then used to construct the various components of the shoe, including the upper, lining, and insole. This durability not only ensures that the shoes have a longer lifespan but also reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to a more sustainable consumption cycle.

Some brands also incorporate other sustainable materials, such as recycled rubber for the outsole and eco-friendly dyes for coloring. The result is a pair of shoes that not only looks and feels great but also minimizes the environmental impact of its production

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Top Hemp Shoe Brands

Now, let's explore some noteworthy hemp shoe brands that are at the forefront of this green revolution:

1. Bohempia

BOHEMPIA is at the forefront of establishing a global culture of sustainable barefoot footwear, originating from the heart of Europe. Their sneakers, inspired by iconic designs, are produced in family-owned, high-standard factories, powered entirely by solar energy in the EU. Proudly achieving PETA certification as a vegan brand, BOHEMPIA® combines style with conscious practices.

Founded in 2015 by Tomas Rohal, BOHEMPIA is an innovative, fast-growing company based in Prague. Specialising in vegan barefoot shoes, apparel, and accessories made from sustainable materials like hemp and Ultrasuede. Their hemp-centric design philosophy is minimalistic, environmentally friendly, and comfortable—traits that extend to their entire product range.

Lifestyle sneakers exude timeless style, making them a versatile and chic choice for any occasion, for both men and women.

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‍Highlights:

• Breaking away from mainstream brands like Vans or Converse, BOHEMPIA introduces stylish hemp sneakers in high-tops, low-tops, and slip-on designs. 
• 100% hemp canvas upper, vulcanized outer sole, 100% vegan, PETA-certified, REACH-certified eco-friendly dyes, natural rubber outsole, and a removable insole for ultimate comfort. 
• The molded PU insole not only provides cushioning but also supports good posture and absorbs shock with each step.
• BOHEMPIA, located in Prague, uses EU-sourced organic hemp, minimizing global shipping for each pair of sneakers. With a fully transparent supply chain, you'll know exactly where your shoes come from.
• The brand emphasizes impregnation for water resistance, ensuring the shoes stay vibrant and resistant to external elements.
• Handmade with care in the European Union, each pair of BOHEMPIA  hemp sneakers is a testament to ethical and ecologically responsible craftsmanship. 
• Respect is at the heart of BOHEMPIA. They believe in a fair 'living wage' for everyone, from their team to factory workers. Proudly collaborating with Fashion Revolution to spotlight the conditions of fashion industry workers.

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2. Astral Designs

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Founded by Philip Curry in 2002, Astral Designs has revolutionized outdoor gear with a commitment to sustainability and innovation. From eliminating toxic PVC foam in life jackets to pioneering breathable designs, the brand's journey showcases a dedication to eco-conscious practices. Noteworthy milestones include the introduction of ultra-performance hemp shoes in 2012 and the shift to using hemp and 100% post-consumer recycled materials in 2020.

Astral Designs is a pioneering US brand dedicated to crafting sustainable performance products for "wilderness athletes." Renowned for innovations like PVC-free life jackets and the world's first breathable life jacket patent, Astral extends its commitment to sustainability with a line of casual and performance hemp shoes for both men and women.

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Highlights:

• Astral Designs prioritizes eco-friendly materials, with most shoe uppers crafted from blends of hemp and 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Notably, the Hemp Loyak boasts a composition of 77% hemp and 23% recycled polyester.
• The brand offers identical men's and women's hemp shoes with the same sizing and a D-width fit, providing options for all.
• Astral Designs prioritizes ethical practices in their supply chain, ensuring that shoes and PFDs are manufactured in China by selected suppliers and manufacturers who share the brand's commitment to values.
• On a mission to combat plastic pollution in rivers and oceans, Astral Designs actively develops eco-friendly performance products. Their notable achievement includes producing the world's first bluesign® approved life jackets.

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3. Sanuk

Based in California, Sanuk's mission is clear—to spread smiles and encourage a ripple effect of positivity. With surfers and yogis as ambassadors, the brand emphasizes the importance of caring for our "happy places" for the well-being of future generations.

Founded in 1997 by Jeff Kelley, Sanuk embarked on a mission to spread joy and positivity. From the iconic furreal astroturf flip flops to the innovative Yoga Sling and the laid-back Sidewalk Surfer, every creation is infused with a sense of fun. 

The brand manufactures hemp-based shoes for men, women, and children, offering a diverse selection of sustainable footwear, which also includes responsibly sourced leather sliders and sandals.

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Highlights:

• Sanuk's commitment to sustainability is reflected in their choice of materials. Hemp canvas shoes are crafted with various blends, incorporating responsibly sourced cotton, TENCEL, linen, jute, or virgin polyester. 
• The brand embraces sustainable practices, utilizing hemp materials, recycled elements, and offering vegan shoe options.
• The brand also utilizes innovative materials like BLOOM™ foam made from repurposed algae for the midsoles & outsoles.
• Sanuk, as part of Deckers Brands, ensures adherence to ethical standards. The brand conducts audits against the Decker Brand's Ethical Supply Chain Code of Conduct.
• Sanuk conducts the majority of its production in Vietnam and China, adhering to ethical and sustainable practices. 
• The brand is committed to inclusivity, offering All-Gender Styles with adjustable straps for various foot widths and sizes.
• Sanuk partners with the Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to protecting the world's oceans and beaches. 
• Additionally, the brand supports the Pacific Pride Foundation's advocacy and educational efforts for the LGBTQ+ community, contributing a portion of sales and a guaranteed donation.

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4. Vibram

Vibram, renowned for revolutionizing the footwear industry with minimalist wonders like the FiveFingers foot gloves, has now set its sights on sustainable hemp. At the helm of this visionary journey is Paolo Manuzzi, Vibram's Global General Manager, steering the brand towards a future where comfort and conscience coexist. 

Vibram offers a range of hemp shoes, including the CVT LB, a light and grippy FiveFinger model with a hemp upper, catering to barefoot enthusiasts. For those not inclined towards the five-toe style, the Vibram One Quarter provides a lightweight hemp slip-on alternative, both being perfect for travel with their lightweight and foldable design.

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Highlights:

• The CVT LB cleverly blends hemp uppers with Vibram's iconic minimalist outsole technology, achieving the perfect fusion of style and substance. 
• 84% of Vibram's suppliers and manufacturers have embraced the Vibram Code of Ethics, reflecting our unwavering commitment to ethical practices.

• Since the 90s, Vibram has been a pioneer in waste reduction, incorporating production scraps into outsoles and leading the charge in minimizing environmental impact.
• The brand currently employs nearly 100% renewable energy across its global sites and recycles an impressive 73.4% of waste at its headquarters.
• Vibram's "Repair If You Care" campaign encourages consumers to repair and customize their shoes, and the machine-washable FiveFingers contribute to prolonging the life of each pair.
• Engaging with various nonprofits and community organizations, Vibram collaborates with initiatives focused on schools, youth, and sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the footwear industry.

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5. Kustom Footwear

Australian brand Kustom Footwear, inspired by the modern surfing culture and adventurous spirit of the Gold Coast, specializes in creating "classic footwear with a modern twist." Their diverse lineup includes classic hemp sneakers, beach-ready hemp sandals, and convenient hemp slip-on shoes, all designed for those who appreciate timeless style with a contemporary edge. Hemp shoes that won't get you high but will certainly elevate your style game! 

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Highlights:

• Kustom's commitment to sustainability shines through its hemp canvas shoes, crafted from 80% hemp and 20% cotton. Both the hemp sneakers and slip-ons feature natural rubber outsoles, with the sneakers boasting a castor bean oil footbed.
• As a subsidiary of the surfing brand Billabong International, now owned by Boardriders Inc, Kustom operates within the Boardriders Group, collaborating with over 80 manufacturers in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 
• Committed to ethical manufacturing, the group established QUEST (Quicksilver Ethical Standards of Trade), encompassing a Supplier Workplace Code of Conduct and adherence to the Modern Slavery Act. 
• Independent audits are conducted across all factories to ensure compliance.
• Kustom's commitment to sustainability extends to future plans, with a focus on designing more products using organic and recycled materials, showcasing a dedication to minimizing their environmental impact.
• Aligning with their love for the ocean, Kustom collaborates with ocean nonprofits, exemplified by their partnership with Sea Shepherd for the Defend. Conserve. Protect. collection. A portion of each co-branded product sale contributes to Sea Shepherd's crucial work in protecting ocean wildlife.

‍6. 8000Kicks

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Meet 8000Kicks, the trailblazing Portuguese brand that has seamlessly blended innovation and sustainability to introduce the world's "first waterproof cannabis sneaker." Embracing hemp as their signature fabric, 8000Kicks encourages individuals to "hemp themselves up from head to toe" with their ethical sneakers, offering two distinctive models for both men and women. 

At the forefront of sustainable innovation, 8000Kicks proudly presents the world's first waterproof cannabis sneaker, utilizing super-strong cannabis hemp fibers and ecological soles made of algal blooms. Embodying a commitment to eco-friendliness and vegan principles, their breathable and waterproof sneakers cater to individuals with an active lifestyle, showcasing the versatility of hemp beyond its "sober cousin" reputation.

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Highlights

• Responsibly sourced hemp from farms in China, France, and Romania is the key material for 8000Kicks, used not only for the uppers but also for breathable, antibacterial, and temperature-regulating insoles. 
• The Explorer V2 features outsoles made from Bloom Algae, a recycled material that actively cleans waterways, while the Seeker's outsoles are crafted from recycled and natural rubber.
• Shoes are manufactured in regularly inspected factories in China and Portugal. The brand ensures transparency and ethical practices by employing a representative at each factory. The Portuguese factory goes above and beyond by providing free education and health care to its workers.
• Both factories partially rely on renewable energy, with ongoing efforts to increase this percentage.
• 8000Kicks meticulously ensures the quality of its hemp fabric through continuous monitoring and testing by CITEVE. Their sustainability practices are guaranteed by Eco-stylist, and adherence to the gold standard for textile quality, OEKO-TEX, is a minimum requirement. 
• 8000Kicks' commitment to sustainability is evident in their significantly reduced CO2 emissions per pair. The average emissions for a pair of running shoes are 14kg of CO2, and 8000Kicks has successfully reduced that to an impressive 4.1kg.

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Hemp shoes come in various styles, ranging from casual sneakers to elegant dress shoes and comfortable sandals. Embracing hemp footwear allows you to step into sustainable fashion without compromising on style. Whether you're strolling through the city streets or attending a formal event, there's a pair of hemp shoes to suit your taste and occasion.

In a world where every choice we make has an impact, opting for hemp shoes is a step in the right direction. Make a statement with your footwear and contribute to a more sustainable future—one stylish step at a time.