Quick Pros & Cons
| 👍 What I Loved | 👎 What Could Be Better |
|---|---|
| Actually waterproof (not just marketing) | Slight break-in period (2–3 wears) |
| Super light and breathable | Runs slightly large — size down |
| Comfortable enough for all-day wear | Limited colorways |
| Sustainable materials + vegan friendly | A bit more expensive without a discount |
| Easy returns and fast customer support | Not ideal for heavy snow or thick mud |
Why I Tried 8000Kicks in the First Place
Let me start with this: I walk a lot. Not because I’m some ultra-fit hiker, but because I live in a city where walking is my main way to get around. Rain, shine, or the occasional downpour — I’m out there. So when I kept seeing 8000Kicks pop up as “the world’s first waterproof hemp shoe,” I had to check it out.
I’m also someone who’s been trying to shop more consciously. I’ve slowly started choosing eco-friendlier clothes and gear. But I’ll be honest: a lot of “eco” stuff I’ve tried before was either uncomfortable, ugly, or way too fragile. So I wasn’t sure what to expect with these hemp kicks.
Still, curiosity won. And when I saw there was a discount available through this link:
👉 https://www.8000kicks.com/?ref=bdonhkgs
I decided to go for it. I ordered the Explorer V2 in All Beige, which looked like it could match pretty much everything in my closet.
Unboxing: First Impressions
The box itself made a solid first impression. No plastic, minimal branding, and all recyclable. You can tell the company actually walks the talk when it comes to sustainability.
The shoes felt surprisingly light. Like, almost too light. I was skeptical. How could something this light be durable and waterproof?
The material had this matte, slightly textured look. Not like canvas, but definitely not your usual sneaker fabric either. It felt natural — because it is: hemp fiber. You can tell right away it’s different, but not in a bad way. It looked modern, not crunchy.
Day 1: The Water Test (Yes, I Really Did It)
First thing I did? Poured a glass of water on the toe. I was genuinely curious if the waterproof claim was hype or real.
The water just rolled off. Zero soak. Zero dark spot. I even splashed around in a puddle later that day — and my socks? Dry as a bone.
The Real Test: Two Weeks of City Life
Over the next two weeks, I wore them almost daily. Here’s what I noticed:
Comfort
The first day was good — but by day three, they were great. The insoles (made from algae, fun fact) molded to my foot quickly. No blisters, no hot spots, no heel rubbing. I stood for hours at a street market one weekend — no foot fatigue.
Style
They’re casual but not sloppy. I wore them with jeans, joggers, and even chinos. Got a couple compliments, too. People kept asking, “Wait, hemp shoes?!”
Weather Resistance
There was one rainy Thursday where I walked 2 miles in light rain. Again: dry feet. No slipping either — the grip held up well on wet sidewalks.
Breathability
Here’s what surprised me the most: they never got sweaty. Usually, waterproof shoes make my feet feel like they’re wrapped in plastic. These? Stayed cool even when I wore them sockless around the house.
What Could Be Improved
They do run a bit big. I normally wear a US Men’s 10, but I had to exchange for a 9.5. Luckily, the customer service team was quick to respond, and the exchange was painless.
Also, I wish there were more color options. Beige is versatile, but I’d love to see more bolder styles. That said, their Black & Gum version is next on my wishlist.
Final Verdict: Would I Recommend Them?
Yes — especially if you value comfort, function, and sustainability. These aren’t your flashy, hype-driven sneakers. They’re practical, low-key, and solidly built for real everyday use. They also align with something I care about more and more: buying less but buying better.
They’re not cheap — but the current discount makes them way more affordable. I paid around $109 with the discount instead of the regular $139.
👉 Try 8000Kicks and get the same deal here: https://www.8000kicks.com/?ref=bdonhkgs
You’ll get free shipping, free returns, and honestly, one of the few sneakers that can take a beating and still feel good.
For You If…
- You live in a rainy city
- You walk a lot or travel often
- You’re tired of sweaty, synthetic shoes
- You care (even a little) about sustainability
- You like clean, easy-to-match sneakers
