Overview
You love the earth as much as you love shoes, so it makes sense to buy hemp shoes. Hemp is a renewable resource that doesn’t need pesticides or fertilizers to grow, so toxins don’t leach into the ground as the plant grows. Moreover, hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers so you don’t have to worry about your shoe falling apart.
What to Look For
The best hemp shoes don’t only look good, but feel great. When you shop for this type of shoe, the kicks should feel comfortable from the moment you slip them onto your feet. If you’re buying hemp shoes to help the environment, look for a shoe that uses recycled materials for the soles, footbed and lining. If the cruelty-free aspect draws your attention, seek a hemp shoe that doesn’t have any leather and was made using fair-trade practices. The stitches on hemp shoes should feel strong and you shouldn’t see any visible or peeling adhesive.
Sacrifices
Almost any hemp shoe you buy will have a canvas-like appearance. It’s common for some shoe manufacturers to advertise the sale of hemp shoes, like sneakers or boots, but this fiber may only be part of a decorative feature that’s paired with leather. If you want something more flirtatious than loafers, sneakers or flats, you’re out of luck. As of publication, hemp shoes don’t come in high-heel varieties. Furthermore, this type of shoe lacks in the cuteness factor, as they usually only come in earth tones and are made to look rugged.
Where to Shop
Several niche companies that specialize in vegan or cruelty-free products sell hemp shoes in natural food stores that carry clothing and on their websites. More and more popular mainstream shoe brands are starting to manufacture and sell hemp shoes, which you may be able to find in their own stores, retail shoe stores or places that sell products to outdoor enthusiasts. You can also find a wide selection of hemp shoes online, but it may be best to see a shoe in person so you can examine the quality of the footwear and try them on for size.
Cost
As of publication, hemp shoes ranged in price from $30 to $129. Kicks made by well-known companies were generally more expensive. However, it’s safe to plan on spending about $65 on a pair of hemp shoes because this is the average price of most.
