8000Kics is introducing the world's most sustainable, durable fibre: hemp. This crop requires no pesticides, regenerates soil, uses far less water, and is one of the strongest natural fibres available.
Image source: 8000Kicks
What is 8000Kicks?
Launched in 2019 by Bernardo Carreira and his textile-expert grandmother Otilia, 8000kicks was built on one single question: Could we use one of the world's most misunderstood plants to create a high-performance shoe?
The result was the Seeker, a minimalist sneaker made from industrial hemp, algae foam, and cork. Designed to be durable, waterproof, and light, the Seeker became the first hemp silhouette to enter the market, becoming a symbol of the possibility of sustainable design.
Image source: 8000Kicks
What makes 8000Kicks different?
Hemp is the 'sober' cousin of Marijuana; it has a minimal amount of psychoactive elements and therefore is legal everywhere in the world. At 8000Kicks, It is manufactured in a 5-step process overseen and certified by CITEVE for quality, and OEKO-TEX to ensure that zero toxic substances are used. The result is a clean, durable, and eco-conscious fabric that creates shoes that feature:
Cannabis Hemp Uppers: Made from ultra-durable, breathable hemp fibres.
Algae Bloom Soles: Outsoles made from harvested algal blooms, helping clean water ecosystems while replacing petroleum-based rubber.
Hemp Insoles: The world’s first insoles made entirely from natural hemp, offering anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and temperature-regulating benefits.
100% Vegan & Eco-Friendly: Free from animal products, plastics, and harmful chemicals.
Designed for Active Lifestyles: Waterproof, dustproof, and ready for daily wear across seasons and terrains.
Sustainability Understood
While traditional running shoes emit 14kg of CO2, 8000Kicks has cut that to just 4.1kg per pair, a 70% reduction. Compared to leather footwear, which can emit up to 100kg of CO2 per pair, the impact is revolutionary.
To keep emissions low, the brand highly invests in clean energy, with its factories in Portugal and China running on up to 55% renewable power. They practice carbon offsetting by planting trees and conducting hemp farming projects globally. Lastly they entirely removed plastic and only use recycled packaging.
8000kicks doesn't stop at sustainability. The company backs a 360-degree responsibility model that ensures ethical wages and safe working conditions in its partner factories while actively giving back. They also donated over 10000 units of masks during COVID-19, and donate shoes to NGOS that help the homeless.
Image source: @8000kicks
This holistic approach reflects a brand that understands sustainability is more than just reducing carbon emissions, but encompasses community, equity, and safety.
Brands like these continue to prove that sustainability isn’t a limitation but an opportunity. With creativity and purpose, even the most unexpected materials can be transformed into fully functional, forward-thinking products.
Read more about similar brands and projects like this on Reflwan's news page.
What is 8000Kicks?
8000Kicks is a brand is a shoe brand founded in 2019 on the mission to create the world’s first waterproof hemp sneaker. 8000Kicks is trying to push boundaries in sustainability, innovation, and design with their shoes.
What are 8000Kicks made from?
Their shoes feature hemp uppers, algae-based soles, and hemp insoles. They are waterproof, breathable, vegan, and low-carbon.
Why is hemp a better material than cotton or leather?
Hemp grows faster, uses 5x less water than cotton, regenerates soil, and absorbs CO₂. It’s also stronger and naturally antimicrobial.
