8000Kicks Review: Hemp Shoes That Are Changing the Footwear Game

Hey there, eco-conscious fashion lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for stylish clothes and accessories that also minimize your environmental impact. That‘s why I was beyond excited when I recently discovered 8000Kicks – an innovative shoe brand that‘s crafting ultra-comfortable sneakers from hemp and other sustainable materials.

As someone who practically lives in sneakers, I‘ll admit I was skeptical at first about hemp shoes. Would they be as durable and comfy as my go-to leather and synthetic kicks? The short answer: yes. After rocking my 8000Kicks for a few months now, I can confidently say they‘ve blown me away in terms of fit, performance, and eco-friendly cred.

In this comprehensive 8000Kicks review, I‘ll be giving you the full scoop on this groundbreaking brand, from their inspiring origin story to the nitty-gritty details of their signature sneaker‘s construction. I‘ll also share some eye-opening stats on hemp‘s sustainability superpowers, real customer reviews, and my firsthand experience with these game-changing kicks. Let‘s dive in!

The 8000Kicks Origin Story

Launched in 2018, 8000Kicks is the brainchild of Portuguese entrepreneur Bernardo Carreira. After learning about the devastating environmental impact of the fashion industry – which is responsible for a staggering 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater – Bernardo set out to create a shoe that would be part of the solution, not the problem.

His search for a sustainable sneaker material led him to hemp – a incredibly versatile plant that‘s been used for centuries to make everything from textiles to paper to biofuels. As it turns out, hemp is also a bit of an ecological superhero. It grows quickly, requires minimal water and pesticides, and can actually help regenerate soil. In other words, it‘s pretty much the opposite of planet-polluting materials like cotton and synthetic fibers.

Armed with this knowledge, Bernardo and his team spent months developing a durable hemp fabric and working on shoe designs. After a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019, 8000Kicks was born. The brand has since earned major buzz from the likes of Hypebeast, Men‘s Journal, and Gear Patrol for their fresh take on sustainable footwear.

The Signature Sneaker: Explorer V2

At the heart of the 8000Kicks collection is their flagship style: the Explorer V2. This sleek, minimalist sneaker is crafted almost entirely from eco-friendly materials, starting with the 100% hemp upper.

I gotta say, I had no idea hemp could be this soft and breathable. It definitely rivals the comfort of cotton canvas, but with added durability and weather-resistance. The high-top silhouette and cushioned collar provide awesome ankle support, while the perforated toe box keeps air flowing freely.

Moving down to the midsole, you‘ll find ultra-lightweight Bloom Foam. This innovative material is made by harvesting algae biomass from freshwater sources and mixing it with EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). Not only does this process help clean and restore aquatic ecosystems by removing excess algae, but it also results in a flexible, bouncy foam that‘s a pleasure to walk on.

On the bottom, the Explorer V2 features a grooved rubber outsole made from 30% recycled content. I‘ve found the traction to be reliably sticky on a range of surfaces, from city sidewalks to grassy fields. For those drizzly days, 8000Kicks finishes the sneakers with a proprietary PFC-free water-repellent coating. It‘s not a rain boot, but it does a solid job of keeping your feet dry in light precipitation.

Looks-wise, the Explorer V2 has a cool, utilitarian vibe that pairs well with both casual and tech-wear outfits. I personally love the Limestone colorway, which has a perfect ashy gray hemp upper with white accents and a gum sole. You can also snag the style in classic Triple Black or Sand Olive.

Hemp vs. Traditional Sneaker Materials

One of my biggest hang-ups with traditional sneakers is how resource-intensive (and often toxic) their production process is. Did you know that it takes a mind-boggling 1,800 gallons of water just to grow enough cotton for one pair of jeans? And that‘s not even accounting for the carbon footprint of petroleum-based synthetics like polyester, nylon, and EVA foam.

Hemp, on the other hand, is a total water miser. According to a report by the Stockholm Environment Institute, one kilogram of dry hemp fiber requires just 343 liters of water to produce. That same amount of cotton guzzles a whopping 10,000 liters. Hemp also thrives in a variety of climates without the need for pesticides, making it a cleaner crop overall.

And when it comes to performance, hemp fabric is no slouch. It‘s naturally antimicrobial, quick-drying, and UV-resistant. Plus, it gets softer with every wash and wear without losing its shape or durability. In fact, hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers on the planet, with a tensile strength eight times greater than cotton.

By choosing hemp over conventional materials, 8000Kicks is proving that sustainability and style can absolutely coexist in the footwear world. And they‘re not stopping at sneakers – the brand has hinted at expanding into hemp apparel and accessories in the near future.

What Customers Are Saying

Since 8000Kicks is still a relatively new brand, I was curious to see what other buyers have been saying about their hemp kicks. After scouring reviews across the web, I‘m happy to report that the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

On the 8000Kicks website, the Explorer V2 sneakers have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 150 reviewers. Customers rave about the shoes‘ surprising light weight, instant comfort, and versatile style. A few adventurous souls even put the waterproofing to the test, reporting that their feet stayed bone dry after tromping through rain and puddles.

The brand has also earned high marks for their speedy shipping and responsive customer service. Several reviewers mentioned receiving personalized fit advice from the 8000Kicks team, who happily facilitated size exchanges. The only consistent critique I could find was that the shoes ran a bit narrow for some folks with wider feet – something to keep in mind when placing your order.

My Honest Take

Now that I‘ve had a chance to thoroughly break in my Explorer V2s, I feel confident giving 8000Kicks a glowing recommendation. These hemp sneaks have become my go-to for everything from running errands to exploring the trails near my house. They‘re shockingly lightweight (my women‘s size 8 clocks in at just 11.2 ounces) and require zero break-in time to feel amazing on your feet.

Comfort-wise, the insoles and Bloom Foam midsoles provide just the right balance of cushioning and support for all-day wear. I‘ve worn my 8000Kicks for 12+ hour stretches with nary a blister or hot spot in sight. The air circulation is also legit – my feet feel way less sweaty and stinky after a long day in these compared to my old cotton sneaks.

Aesthetically, I love the streamlined, goes-with-everything design. These are the kind of sneakers you can effortlessly dress up or down, making them a true wardrobe workhorse. The black and gum colorway has become my new favorite for travel – it looks super smart with joggers or a sundress, and wipes clean easily.

Most importantly, I feel great knowing that my 8000Kicks are helping to lighten my carbon footprint without sacrificing an ounce of quality or performance. In an industry dominated by fast fashion and environmental cut corners, this brand is a real breath of fresh air.

The Future of Footwear

If my experience with 8000Kicks is any indication, hemp is poised to be a serious game-changer in the world of shoes. Its unbeatable blend of eco-friendliness, durability, and comfort makes it a worthy challenger to conventional synthetics and unsustainable crops like cotton.

As more and more shoppers prioritize sustainable fashion, I predict we‘ll be seeing major footwear brands hopping aboard the hemp train in the coming years. And with trailblazers like 8000Kicks leading the charge, the future of our shoes is looking a whole lot greener.

The Sole-ful Bottom Line

To recap, here are the key reasons why I‘m giving the 8000Kicks Explorer V2 sneakers two very enthusiastic thumbs up:

✔️ Made from sustainable, planet-friendly hemp and recycled materials
✔️ Extremely comfortable and breathable, with no break-in period
✔️ Versatile, low-key style that pairs with any outfit
✔️ Durable construction that holds up to daily wear and tear
✔️ Responsive customer service and easy returns/exchanges
✔️ Feel-good factor of supporting an innovative, mission-driven brand

Retailing at $129, I think the Explorer V2s are an absolute steal for the quality of the materials and construction. Yes, they‘re slightly pricier than your run-of-the-mill canvas sneakers. But considering the sustainable upgrades and comfort that lasts for miles, I‘d argue they‘re worth every penny.

I hope this 8000Kicks review has given you a comprehensive look at what makes this brand and their hemp shoes so special. If you‘re ready to step into a new realm of earth-friendly footwear, head to 8000kicks.com to explore the full collection. The friendly staff is always happy to answer sizing questions and help with orders. Here‘s to rocking hemp kicks and taking steps towards a greener future – one sole at a time! 👟🌿