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8000Kicks Review
The Only Shoe I've Found That's Made From the Same Plant We're All Here For
I'll be honest: when I first heard "hemp shoes," I pictured something out of a Grateful Dead parking lot circa 1994. I was so wrong. These things are gorgeous, waterproof, and made from hemp, and I wear them everywhere.
I Didn't Go Looking for Hemp Shoes. They Found Me.
The Bite Me community talks a lot about the hemp plant: its history, its chemistry, its ridiculous versatility. So when I started hearing about 8000Kicks, a brand making waterproof shoes from hemp, my first reaction was: okay, that's my kind of company.
I reached out to founder Bernardo, got him on the podcast, and then ordered a pair to actually test them. Spoiler: I now own multiple pairs. My feet are basically brand ambassadors at this point.
What won me over wasn't just the sustainability story (though wow, it's good). It was that these are legitimately beautiful, well-made shoes that hold up to real life: rain, hiking, travel, day-long kitchen sessions. If they didn't perform, I wouldn't be writing this 8000Kicks review. You know I don't do fake endorsements.
I Put Them Through Their Paces. Here's What I Found.
A full walkthrough: what they look like, feel like, and how they hold up in the wild.
The Plant We Know, Used Differently
If you've spent any time in the Bite Me world, you know hemp is a genuinely remarkable plant. 8000Kicks figured out how to turn those properties into footwear, and the result is a shoe that's better for your feet and the planet.
Naturally Waterproof
8000Kicks engineers hemp fiber into a water-resistant upper that actually keeps your feet dry, without the stiff, plasticky feel of synthetic alternatives. Wear them in rain. Don't think twice.
100% waterproofBreathable by Nature
Hemp fiber has a hollow core that lets air circulate constantly. Your feet can breathe even while staying dry, which is exactly the opposite of most waterproof shoes I've tried.
3ร more breathable than cottonAntimicrobial (Naturally)
Hemp has natural antimicrobial properties, which means less odor and less bacteria buildup. You already know the plant has this going for it. Now your shoes do too.
No chemical treatments neededCrazy Sustainable
Hemp grows fast, requires almost no water, no pesticides, and actually regenerates soil. The footwear industry is one of the most polluting on the planet. 8000Kicks is doing something about it.
Uses 50% less water than cottonStronger Than You'd Think
Hemp fiber is one of the strongest natural fibers on Earth, stronger than cotton and more durable than linen. These shoes don't look delicate and they don't act delicate. Mine have logged serious miles.
8ร stronger than cotton fiberFully Vegan
No animal products, no leather, no suede: just plant fiber, recycled materials, and a whole lot of design intention. If you're building a life that aligns with your values, this counts.
100% vegan materialsReady to try a shoe made from the greatest plant on Earth?
Use code BITEME at checkout for a discount on your first pair. Free shipping on orders over $90, and a 60-day return policy. There's genuinely zero risk.
The Stuff That Convinced Me
Actually waterproof
Not water-resistant. Not "mostly fine in drizzle." Waterproof. I've tested this in real Pacific Northwest weather. They delivered.
Travel-ready everything
Lightweight, compact, they don't eat your luggage. I've worn mine on three trips now. One pair of shoes for everything? Yes please.
Genuinely stylish
Explorer V2, Chelsea boots, slip-ons: there are actual options for actual style preferences. These don't look like "sustainable shoes." They just look good.
Recycled soles & lining
It's not just the upper. The soles use recycled rubber, the lining uses recycled materials. The whole shoe is thought through.
Free shipping + 60-day returns
Free US & EU shipping on orders over $90, and 60 days to decide. Order the pair you want. If it's not right, send it back. Easy.
Multiple silhouettes
Explorer V2, Seeker, Chelsea boots, SunSlide sandals, even backpacks. There's a whole ecosystem here if you fall in love (you might).
Another Look. Different Angles, Same Verdict.
Because I really like talking about these shoes, apparently.
I Sat Down with the Founder. Here's What He Told Me.
Bernardo, the founder of 8000Kicks, joined me on Bite Me to talk about building the world's first waterproof hemp shoe: why hemp, how they make it work, and why the plant deserves way more credit in the materials world. It's a fascinating episode and I think you'll walk away understanding hemp differently.
8000Kicks has been covered by
Stop Buying Shoes That Are Bad for You and Bad for the Planet.
Your feet spend a lot of time in shoes. Those shoes might as well be made from the world's most sustainable fiber, one you already know and love.
Use my code and get a discount on your first pair.
Shop 8000Kicks โ
Free US/EU shipping on orders over $90 ยท 60-day returns ยท Vegan & sustainable