Hemp has been used by human societies for thousands of years across an extraordinary range of applications: construction, food, cosmetics, medicine, and fashion. Today it is gaining renewed attention in sustainable and vegan fashion, particularly for the production of hemp sneakers and other footwear. Its properties — minimal water usage, low need for fertilisers and pesticides, and minimal fabric waste — make it one of the most eco-friendly materials available. This is in stark contrast to conventional cotton, which requires large amounts of water and heavy pesticide use.
Properties of Hemp Fibre
Hemp fibre is extracted from the fibrous outer part of the plant stem through a process called retting. The resulting fibre is hollow and hygroscopic by nature, which gives it two remarkable qualities simultaneously: it is breathable and thermally insulating, keeping the wearer warm in cold seasons and cool in warm ones. Beyond this, hemp textiles offer greater robustness, wear resistance, and water resistance than many conventional fabrics. They also reflect ultraviolet rays, provide electromagnetic shielding, and are naturally hypoallergenic and antiseptic — preventing bacterial proliferation and resisting odours. These properties make hemp particularly well suited for vegan footwear.
Hemp in Footwear and Vegan Shoes
In footwear, hemp is most commonly used for the upper or lining of the shoe, and occasionally for the laces. A well-made hemp upper delivers maximum breathability and, in the event of prolonged contact with water, quick drying without loss of texture or colour. Its intrinsic wear resistance means shoes last for extended periods of use — whether for physical activity, long working days on the move, or a stroll in the park.
Hemp fibre keeps the foot dry, prevents odour and bacterial growth, and reduces friction, minimising the risk of blisters. Being highly durable, hemp is less prone to losing its shape or appearance over time. And by extending the life of a shoe, the environmental impact of production is amortised over a longer period. When a hemp sneaker does eventually reach the end of its life, the parts made from hemp are biodegradable.
Hemp and Washability
The durability of hemp fabric also has a practical benefit that is particularly useful in footwear: it is easy to wash. Hemp's high resistance means it can be cleaned frequently without losing its texture or colour. An excellent low-impact alternative to washing is to leave hemp shoes outside for a night to air out — this allows the fibres to regenerate and eliminates unpleasant odours naturally, without detergent or water.