Sustainable Fashion
PETA Vegan
8000Kicks Review: World's First Waterproof Hemp Sneakers
Portuguese-made sustainable sneakers built from hemp fiber — waterproof, antibacterial, and designed to replace your plastic-based kicks.
4.5/5 Trustpilot (489 reviews)
Updated: February 14, 2026
Hemp
Primary Material
Portugal
Made In
60 Days
Return Window
$90+
Free Shipping
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What Is 8000Kicks?
8000Kicks is a Portuguese footwear brand founded in 2019 by Bernardo Carreira. The name references the year 8000 BC — when humans first started using hemp fiber. The brand's mission is to bring hemp back as a mainstream material for everyday products, starting with the world's first waterproof hemp sneaker.
Carreira enlisted his grandmother Otilia, who had 50+ years of textile experience, to help develop the shoes. After over a year of working with suppliers worldwide, they created a sneaker made from hemp canvas with a PFC-free waterproof coating, recycled polyester lining, and Bloom Foam algae outsoles.
Why Hemp Sneakers?
Industrial hemp is one of the most sustainable materials available. It requires minimal water, needs no fertilizers or pesticides, and actually restores nutrients to the soil. The resulting fiber is naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, and biodegradable — properties that synthetic shoes simply cannot match.
The 8000Kicks construction uses hemp canvas uppers with PFC-free waterproof coating, recycled polyester lining, antibacterial hemp insoles, and natural or recycled rubber outsoles with Bloom Foam algae. They are PETA Vegan-certified.
8000Kicks vs Allbirds vs Vessi
| Feature | 8000Kicks | Allbirds | Vessi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Hemp canvas | Eucalyptus / Merino | Knit (Dyma-tex) |
| Waterproof | Yes (PFC-free coating) | Water-resistant only | Yes (100%) |
| Vegan | PETA Vegan-certified | Most styles | Yes |
| Price | $109-$179 | $100-$160 | $130-$165 |
| Made In | Portugal | Various | Vietnam |
| Return Window | 60 days | 30 days | 90 days |
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 (489) | 1.6/5 (1,200+) | 4.0/5 (3,500+) |
8000Kicks sits between Allbirds (sustainability-first but not waterproof) and Vessi (waterproof-first but synthetic). If sustainability is your priority and you want waterproofing, 8000Kicks is the clear winner.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- + Genuinely sustainable materials from hemp to algae foam
- + Waterproof without harmful PFC chemicals
- + Antibacterial hemp insoles reduce odor naturally
- + Excellent customer service (consistently praised in reviews)
- + 60-day return window with free returns in EU/US
- + Made in Portugal — not a fast-fashion supply chain
What Could Be Better
- - Sizing runs slightly small — check size guides carefully
- - Toebox can feel tight for wider feet
- - Some reviews report waterproofing diminishes over time
- - Can feel warm in hot summer weather
- - Limited physical retail — online only
Gift Appeal
8000Kicks make an excellent gift for anyone who cares about sustainability, ethical fashion, or just wants genuinely comfortable everyday sneakers. The brand story is compelling — "the world's first waterproof hemp shoe" is a conversation starter. The 60-day return window means the recipient has plenty of time to test the fit.
Best for: eco-conscious friends, travelers, minimalists, anyone tired of synthetic fast-fashion shoes. Consider pairing with a note about why you chose a sustainable brand — it adds a personal, thoughtful touch.
Shipping and Returns
- Free shipping on orders over $90 (most sneakers qualify)
- Ships from Portugal and California warehouses
- 3-5 day delivery in EU/US via UPS, DPD, USPS, DHL
- 60-day return window — items must be unworn, in original packaging
- Free exchanges and returns in EU and US for orders over $90
The Bottom Line
8000Kicks are not perfect — sizing can be tricky, and they are not the cheapest sneakers. But they are genuinely sustainable, waterproof without nasty chemicals, and backed by a brand that cares about doing things right. At $109-$179, they are priced competitively with Allbirds and Vessi while offering a unique hemp construction that stands out both ethically and visually.
If you are shopping for someone who values sustainability and appreciates a great origin story, 8000Kicks is a gift that says "I thought about this." That is what makes a good gift great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 8000Kicks actually waterproof?
Yes, they use PFC-free waterproof coating on hemp canvas. Most customers report excellent water resistance for rain and puddles, though some reviews note limitations in heavy, prolonged rain.
Is hemp the same as marijuana?
8000Kicks uses industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa), which contains negligible THC and cannot be used recreationally. It is grown for fiber, not drugs.
How do 8000Kicks fit compared to regular sneakers?
Sizing runs slightly small according to customer reviews. The toebox can be tight for wider feet. Check size guides carefully and note that exchanges are free in the EU and US.
How long do hemp shoes last?
Hemp is one of the most durable natural fibers. Most customers report excellent longevity with proper care. Some reviews mention wear after 9+ months of heavy daily use.
Affiliate Disclosure: Giftegy earns a commission when you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you. This supports our research and helps keep our gift recommendations independent. All opinions are our own — we only recommend products we genuinely believe make great gifts. Full terms.