12 Best Hemp Shoes For Walking With Purpose
With the growing concern for environmental pollution, many shoe companies are now looking for ways to become more environmentally friendly. Hemp fabric is one of the most sustainable materials made from hemp plants. It is durable, versatile, and an excellent material for sustainable footwear. Read on as we look at some of the best hemp shoes from sustainable shoe brands.
Related: Why not pair your shoes with some hemp socks? We also have a great selection of hemp clothing brands to complete the all-natural look.
Why choose hemp footwear?
There are many reasons hemp shoes are an excellent choice for footwear. Firstly, hemp is an environmentally-friendly material that grows free of pesticides and fertilizers. It is biodegradable and uses less natural resources like land and water.
Hemp also absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and fertilizes the soil naturally. Since hemp shoes are biodegradable, you can be sure they will decompose naturally.
Hemp shoes are long-lasting, making them great for everyday use. They are also breathable making them a great choice for hot weather. And if that weren’t enough reason, they also have anti-microbial and antibacterial properties to help prevent foot odor. If you have sensitive skin, hemp shoes are super soft and hypoallergenic.
12 best hemp shoe brands you can shop from
Here’s a list of sustainable brands that make some of the most comfortable and stylish hemp shoes you can pair with any outfit:
Quick links to our picks of hemp shoes:
1. Rackle
Styles: Walking shoes
For: Men and women
Looking for comfortable, lightweight hemp walking shoes? Look no further than Rackle shoes. This footwear brand creates hemp shoes that are comfortable for all-day wear thanks to their added PLEXUS ARCH™ support to stimulate your feet all day.
Made with sustainably-sourced hemp and foam soles, you don’t have to worry about your shoes polluting the environment, as these shoes biodegrade faster than shoes with regular foam soles. They treat their EcoPure foam in a way that doesn’t compromise the lifespan or quality of your shoes.
With these hemp shoes from Rackle, you can reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet.
The company makes eco-friendly footwear in simple styles and provides free shipping and returns in the United States to encourage repeat purchases. Rackle shoes are available for both men and women.
Pros
- Arch support for super comfortable everyday wear.
- Lightweight and biodegradable.
- High performance and durability.
Cons
- It is not machine washable.
Shop on Amazon or Rackle.
2. 8000 Kicks
Styles: Waterproof hemp sneakers, hemp accessories, hemp shoes
For: Men and women
8000 Kicks’ makes its shoes from a Sativa branch of hemp from the inside to the outside. Additionally, they make the outsoles of seaweed; each pair removes 100 grams of toxic algae and uses 70% less water and carbon dioxide than your regular kicks. The company is also the first to create the world’s first waterproof hemp shoes.
Its durable hemp fiber is great for everyday use, hiking, and casual wear. You can also wear them out during the rainy season as they are water-repellent. Their shoes are sturdy, comfortable, and 100% vegan.
You can find women's and men's hemp shoes in different colors, sizes, and styles.
Pros
- Waterproof and comfortable.
- Vegan and eco-friendly.
Cons
- It is not machine washable.
3. Sanuk
Styles: hemp skateboard shoes, slip-on shoes, hemp sandals, flip flops
For: Men, women, and kids
Sanuk is a footwear brand that aims to make shoes creative and fun. Although they are best known for their hemp slip-ons, the brand makes sustainable hemp footwear and vegan sandals. You are sure to find something for men, women, and kids.
The shoe uppers come in hemp, recycled polyester, and spandex. The insole is an EVA footbed with anti-microbial properties that prevent foot odors and makes your foot comfortable.
Sanuk also has textile shoes containing wool and vegan shoes that are free of animal products.
Sanuk shoes are very lightweight and great for going to the beach or traveling. However, their shoes are not waterproof and are not the best for wet days.
What’s great about their hemp footwear is that they are machine-washable under a cold cycle.
Sanuk prioritizes reducing its environmental footprint and conserving natural resources. The brand partners with a non-profit environmental organization - Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to protecting our beaches and oceans.
Pros
- Made from sustainable and recycled materials.
- Breathable, lightweight shoes.
- Machine-washable under a cold cycle.
Cons
- Their hemp shoes are not waterproof.
- There are no sneaker options.
Shop on Amazon or Sanuk.
4. Astral
Styles: walking and hiking boots
For: Men, women, and kids.
If you’re considering getting durable hiking shoes for your camping trip, look no further than Astral. The brand creates lifestyle footwear with a mix of hemp and recycled polyester. The hemp fabric makes their boots durable, breathable, and comfortable for long hours to stand and walk in daily. Their shoes are also 100% vegan.
For proper support, Astral uses hemp uppers and high-performance rubber soles. Most shoe uppers from Astral are a blend of hemp and post-consumer recycled materials.
Apart from boots, the brand also makes sustainable sneakers and walking shoes in sleek and modern designs. Try their Rambler Shoes for mountain climbing or Hemp Chukker and Hemp Loyak for outdoor adventures or everyday wear.
You can also find PVC-free life jackets, apparel, and accessories for women, men, kids, and even a line of eco-friendly dog beds.
Astral, based in the USA, started in a small facility in Ashville. Today, the brand uses small ethical production facilities in India and China.
Pros
- Stylish, high-performance shoes for the outdoors.
- Comfortable and durable no matter where you find yourself.
Cons
- Some designs may sell out fast.
5. Rawganique
Styles: Hemp sandals, boots, dress shoes, slippers.
For: Men and women
Rawganique offers a wide range of hemp shoes using sustainable and natural materials like organic cotton, organic hemp, and linen. The brand grows, weaves, and sews everything to be truly organic. Their footwears come in hemp, and a natural rubber sole, elastic-free. You can be sure your shoes are safe for you and the planet because their range is free of harmful chemicals.
Apart from using natural materials, the brand also uses eco-friendly dyes. You can find sneakers, sandals, dress shoes, boots, ballet flats, and many other accessories on their site.
Rawganique shoes are made by artisans in Europe at Rawganique Atelier and in the United States.
Pros
- You can choose from a wide range of shoe styles.
- Sustainable shoes made with non-toxic materials.
- You can apply a waterproofing natural wax to make your shoes water-repellent.
Cons
- Their shoes are not machine washable.
6. Bohempia
Styles: Hemp skateboarding shoes, hemp sneakers, hemp sandals, barefoot shoes.
For: Men and women
Bohempia is a sustainable footwear brand that makes comfortable organic hemp shoes. You can also find hemp sneakers, hemp sandals, hemp clothing, and accessories on their website.
Their sneakers and shoes have a 100% hemp upper and organic cotton lining for comfort. The insoles have polyurethane with shock-absorbing heel supports, double stitching at the top, double foxing for flexibility, and natural rubber soles. Thanks to the hemp fabric, these hemp shoes are naturally anti-microbial and keep your foot cool and odor-free.
Bohempia makes its hemp products in ethical workshops in the European Union using natural hemp fiber. Their entire supply chain is transparent, so you know exactly where and how your shoes are made.
Pros
- Their shoes are made with natural fiber.
- PETA-approved vegan shoes.
- Barefoot options are available.
Cons
- Shoe sizes could run large.
7. Risorse Future
Styles: Hemp sneakers, boots, ballet flats.
For: men and women.
If you’re looking for sustainable, fashionable shoes, Risorse Future has a wide range of stylish footwear you would love. Each footwear item is made from natural fiber, from hemp sneakers to boots and ballet flats, like organic cotton and hemp.
Their craftsmen carefully hand-make the footwear locally in small batches reducing their carbon footprint.
Risorse Future’s shoes come with 100% hemp uppers with cotton lining for comfort and warmth. The cotton is unbleached and free of chemicals. For weight distribution, their shoes have a removable anatomic insole. These insoles have antibacterial properties and can absorb moisture. The outsoles come in natural rubber bonded with a classical seam and water-based glue.
This Italian brand also uses REACH-certified coloring free of chemical substances. For wet days, you want to use a waterproof coating on them. You can get their shoes in very bright and fun colors.
Pros
- Shoes come in eco-friendly materials.
- PETA-approved vegan shoes.
- Non-toxic and stylish.
Cons
- Not machine washable.
8. Seagale
Styles: Unisex hemp slip-ons, hemp sneakers.
For: men and women.
Seagale, a French clothing brand, creates a wide range of sustainable shoes made with environmentally-friendly materials like hemp, linen, and recycled materials. They source these materials within France and neighboring countries to reduce their environmental footprint. They also work with skilled experts and in small-scale workshops.
The hemp uppers and woven liners make Seagale hemp shoes durable and breathable. However, you can only get their hemp shoes in one style and a natural neutral undyed color. They are also not waterproof and not suitable for wet or cold weather.
Pros
- Eco-friendly sustainable products.
- Comfortable and breathable.
- Free shipping around the world for orders above $70.
Cons
- They are not waterproof or machine-washable.
9. Vans
Styles: Hemp shoes.
For: men and women.
Over the years, Vans has tilted towards the sustainable movement, creating some of the best shoes made with sustainable hemp you can shop for. Most hemp shoes from Vans come with natural rubber soles, suede uppers, a padded collar, and a signature waffle thread.
Their Circle Vee Collection has a hemp upper, organic cotton, and nylon.
You can find a small range of sustainable hemp shoes alongside sneakers, vegan running shoes, sandals, and slip-ons, in fun designs and solid colors.
Thanks to its sustainable and durable fiber, these hemp shoes from Vans are comfortable, breathable, and flexible to wear.
The company has a Worker & Community Development program that helps to guarantee a safe working environment in their brand factories. The brand also aims to include more recycled materials and altogether remove single-use plastic packaging by 2025. They also partner with Ocean Conservancy and donate $1 for each product they sell.
Pros
- Comfortable, breathable, and flexible shoes to wear.
- Lightweight and environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Not machine-washable.
10. Vivobarefoot
Styles: walking shoes, slip-ons, sandals.
For: Men, women, and kids
Vivobarefoot makes some of the best hemp shoes made of 100% hemp. They have other collections made of materials like 100% recycled cotton and recycled PET reinforcement. They also have collections that are leather-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
The outsoles of their barefoot shoes are very thin, and the insoles are made of EVA algal bloom, giving you the sensation of walking barefoot.
You can find everything from walking shoes, slip-ons, high-tops, and sandals. You can pick from their simple, striking silhouette range or bright and dark colors.
Pros
- Their hemp shoe comes in sustainable materials.
- Durable and flexible shoes for daily use.
Cons
- Their hemp shoes are not machine-washable.
Shop on Amazon or Vivobarefoot.
11. Vibram
Styles: barefoot shoes.
For: men and women
If you’re a barefoot fan, these hemp shoes are one you would love. Vibram is famous for its unique FiveFingers foot gloves made from hemp. They are lightweight, foldable, machine washable, and easy to pack for trips.
Apart from their FiveFinger model, they have lightweight hemp slip-on shoes as an alternative.
Their hemp shoes come in hemp and recycled polyester blend, making them durable, breathable, and super comfortable outdoors. Thanks to their lightweight nature, you can gain good traction and support even when walking or running on uneven trails.
Most of their suppliers and manufacturers are under the Vibram Code of Ethics regarding their supply chain.
Vibram uses 100% renewable energy and recycles 73.4% of its waste. They also aim to reduce their waste further by implementing better production processes and extended product life cycles thanks to their repair shops. The brand also partners with non-profit organizations, including sustainability initiatives.
Pros
- Lightweight and foldable shoes.
- Good traction and support.
- Sustainable Production and ethical labor practices.
- Machine washable.
Cons
- Not many shoe size options.
12. Kustom Footwear
Styles: hemp sneakers, hemp slip-on shoes, hemp sandals.
For: Men and women
Kustom Footwear is an Australian brand that creates the most classic footwear, including sneakers, sandals, slip-on, and more. Their hemp shoes come in 80% hemp and 20% cotton. Their hemp sneakers come with outsoles made of natural rubber and a footbed made with castor bean oil. These hemp shoes are also dye-free.
Kustom Footwear prioritizes ethical manufacturing and is under the QUEST (Quicksilver Ethical Standards of Trade). QUEST includes the Modern Slavery Act and Supplier Workplace Code of Conduct.
The brand also partners with ocean non-profit organizations and donates a portion of its proceeds to protecting ocean wildlife.
Pros
- Their hemp shoes come in sustainable materials.
- Ethical supply chain and labor practices.
- Comfortable classic designs for the outdoors.
Cons
- Not many color options.
Are hemp shoes waterproof?
The hemp fiber is a water-resistant natural material. However, not all hemp shoes are waterproof. If manufacturers do not treat hemp shoes with waterproof coating, they can absorb lots of water. However, a few hemp shoe brands, like 8000 Kicks, make waterproof hemp shoes.
8000 Kicks uses a bio wax coating that prevents water from entering your shoes.
How to take care of hemp shoes
When taking care of your hemp shoes, you want to look at the brand’s manual to find what cleaning methods work best. However, here are a few best practices for ensuring your hemp shoes last longer:
- Wipe your hemp shoes regularly using a wet cloth or wipe to remove dust, and once done, you can air-dry them to keep them looking good as new.
- The hemp fabric is durable but shrinks. You want to avoid cleaning your hemp shoes with a washing machine. For thorough cleaning, you can use a mild detergent and wet cloth or mild brush to hand wash and air dry. For the rubber soles, you can use baking soda or detergent to scrub them.
- For spots, mud stains, and food spills on your shoes, use a mild detergent and wet cloth to wipe them off. For more stubborn stains, you can use a mild brush and baking soda to scrub them off.
- To clean your shoelaces, simply remove, soak them in water mixed with detergent, and hand wash them or put them in your washing machine.
- Avoid getting your hemp shoe wet, as this can cause shrinkage.
- Avoid exposing your hemp shoe directly to sunlight, which can weaken or fade your shoe.
- Store your hemp shoe in a clean, cool, and dry place.
Final thoughts
Hemp is an eco-friendly and durable fiber which makes them great for shoes. With hemp shoes on your feet, you don’t have to worry about bacteria or microbes as they are naturally antibacterial and anti-microbial.
These shoes are also great for everyday use as they are lightweight and durable. To find the perfect hemp shoe, go through our list of the best hemp shoe brands that create sustainable, high-quality footwear.
Jen’s a passionate environmentalist and sustainability expert. With a science degree from Babcock University Jen loves applying her research skills to craft editorial that connects with our global changemaker and readership audiences centered around topics including zero waste, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.
Elsewhere Jen’s interests include the role that future technology and data have in helping us solve some of the planet’s biggest challenges.
