Sustainable vegan shoes and accessories—such as wallets and bags, are in high demand as consumers seek planet-friendly products. These items utilise innovative materials that replicate the look and feel of traditional materials without involving animal exploitation. Leather, a commonly used material, not only has a significant negative impact on the environment but is also the largest killer of animals in the fashion industry, claiming over one billion lives annually.

While plastic was once a staple material in the vegan fashion market, increasing demands for more eco-friendly alternatives have led to its rapid replacement with vegetable leathers and natural fabrics. Everyday, practical shoes and accessories remain a top priority for eco-conscious shoppers.

When it comes to footwear, animal-derived glues are often used in production, making it challenging to determine whether a shoe is truly vegan. Opting for certified vegan brands ensures greater transparency and reliability.

Meet 8000 Kicks

8000 Kicks—a Portuguese brand, has been producing shoes, bags, socks and accessories made from hemp fibre since 2017. Hemp, the world’s most sustainable fibre, is also one of the most durable. The brand’s name, 8000 Kicks, is inspired by hemp’s 8,000-year history. Although hemp was banned for decades, the company is on a mission to restore its prominence by offering practical, everyday products for the conscious consumer.

Grandson and grandmother duo Bernardo and Otilia embarked on a global journey to find the best manufacturers, partnering with the most skilled hemp millers, shoe producers and designers. Transparency and ethical practices are at the heart of their operations, with factory workers and hemp suppliers receiving fair wages above average living standards.

8000 Kicks empowers customers to embrace a sustainable lifestyle by offering comfortable, durable and eco-friendly products.

Signature products: Practicality meets everyday style

8000 Kicks

8000 Kicks is renowned for creating the world’s first waterproof hemp shoe, introducing a revolutionary category of casual and sustainable footwear. These shoes feature a two-layer water-resistant design: the first layer is a water-repellent coating embedded in the fibres to repel liquids and dirt, while the second layer is a breathable membrane to keep feet dry.

The Explorer sneaker, the brand’s first hemp shoe, was designed and manufactured in Portugal. It boasts the world’s first hemp insoles and is minimalist yet stylish enough for any occasion, whether indoors or outdoors.

Not content with just two world-firsts, 8000 Kicks also developed the world’s thinnest hemp wallet. At only 5mm thick, it holds more than six cards and includes an RFID blocker to protect against fraudulent transactions.

Hemp uppers & algae bottoms

All 8000 Kicks products are made from industrial hemp, a strain of Cannabis sativa known as the ‘sober cousin’ of marijuana. Industrial hemp, used as early as 8000 BC, is anti-bacterial, low-maintenance and requires neither fertilisers nor excessive water. Hemp also replenishes soil nutrients as it grows.

Hemp is incredibly strong—so durable that Henry Ford once built a car from it! The outsoles of 8000 Kicks shoes are made from algae. Partnering with Bloom Foam, the company removes harmful algal blooms (which cause devastating damage to marine ecosystems) to create ultra-light algae soles for their footwear range, benefiting both the planet and the consumer.

Reducing your carbon footprint

A carbon footprint refers to the amount of CO2 emitted during production. To reduce their environmental impact, 8000 Kicks collaborates with factory partners to increase reliance on renewable energy. Currently, their factories use between 30% and 55% clean energy, with plans for continuous improvement.

Read more Vegan fashion exposed: The shocking truth about its ethical and environmental impact

Their hemp farms and commitment to planting new trees ensure they remain carbon neutral, actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere. While the average pair of running shoes generates 14kg of CO2 emissions, 8000 Kicks has reduced this to just 4.1kg.

Charitable initiatives

Sustainability is not the only focus for 8000 Kicks. The brand also prioritises giving back to communities worldwide. From donating shoes to organisations supporting the homeless to providing masks for frontline workers during the pandemic, their charitable efforts make a tangible difference.

Conscious fashion for the future

8000 Kicks

In a world dominated by fast fashion, where quantity often trumps quality, 8000 Kicks champions slow, mindful production. Their products are designed to last, supporting a sustainable lifestyle.

In addition to online shopping, customers in Lisbon, Portugal, can visit the brand’s flagship store at LX Factory. Here, you can see, touch and even smell the hemp fabric, immersing yourself in the future of fashion.

By choosing 8000 Kicks, you’re stepping into a more sustainable world—one step at a time.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out clean, green and cruelty-free: Ireland is leading the way with vegan beauty. Perhaps take a look at running on plants: Harvey Lewis on ultra endurance, veganism and inspiring change. Or explore Duvet Hog: The bedding of your dreams is vegan.