The average American owns 6 to 7 pairs of sneakers. In Nevada, that number goes up as high as 19 on average. However, it isn't nearly as common for people to own shoes made out of sustainable resources such as hemp, cork, or bamboo.
Men's hemp shoes are a great option if you want something comfortable and durable. It's a sustainable resource because hemp can grow fine without the need for pesticides or fertilizers. You can also show them off to your environmentally-conscious friends.
Here's how to choose the most comfortable shoes made out of hemp that can handle your daily stressors.
Qualities of Men's Hemp Shoes
The benefits of hemp shoe options include their durability, sustainability, anti-microbial nature, and more.
First, you should know what it means when a resource is sustainable. This means that you can grow the material without leeching nutrients out of the soul or needing to supplement its growth. For example, something that grows natively in your area would be considered sustainable.
Additionally, hemp shoes last a long time and are breathable. This makes them great for warmer weather. They're also anti-microbial, which helps keep them from developing foot odor.
When you're all done with your shoes, you don't have to worry about them taking up space in a landfill. Depending on the brand, they should be almost entirely biodegradable.
If you want your hemp shoes to last longer, try to be gentle with them. Clean them in cool water, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, air dry them, and keep some alternate shoes available for yard work or long walks.
Hemp Shoe Options
There are many different types of shoes made out of hemp for you to choose. They don't come in a single variety, and it does depend on the manufacturer and brand. However, you can expect relatively similar durability and longevity compared to other mainstream options.
Sneakers
Most men's sneakers are made out of things like leather, wool, or synthetic fibers. How long those materials last will vary from brand to brand.
Hemp sneakers are made to maximize comfort and introduce the material into the average consumer's life.
You can expect these to handle all the walking and running you do on a normal day without getting sweaty or itchy. They're breathable, which makes them perfect for warmer weather.
Loafers
Loafers are a more casual option that doesn't necessarily need to be as durable as your everyday sneaker. In contrast with the sneaker variety, hemp loafers are more lightweight and provide relief for your feet and ankles with hemp gel.
Boots
Boots need to be more durable than sneakers or loafers, as they're often used for work or when hiking. Hemp works much better as a vegan material for this type of shoe than cotton, which is much softer.
They're also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, so you don't have to worry as much about developing foot problems when you go for long hikes.
Fit Considerations for Comfortable Shoes
You may wonder what exactly makes for a comfortable shoe. Is it how the weave feels against the sides of your feet? Or is it how long you can wear them before you start to feel sore?
There are multiple factors to take into account, such as the insole, the sizing, the material, and how the step feels.
Insole
Your shoe's insole is what your feet make contact with on every step. Since hemp is soft and anti-microbial, you don't have to worry about it developing a smell or feeling rough on your foot.
In addition, you can find CBD-infused insoles that use micro-encapsulation technology. Each product contains a little bit of CBD that has bonded to the fabric.
When you walk, the CBD releases into your skin and helps keep your feet pain-free. They work much like a topical ointment.
Length and Width
On top of using the right insole, you want to make sure that your feet are comfortable inside the shoe. While you may know your size, every shoe fits differently depending on the brand and the type. That's why it's so important to try on a pair and walk around the store for a bit before you buy them.
Make sure that you have about half an inch of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. You should have space to move your toes around.
As for the width, don't buy a shoe expecting it to stretch out over time. It's better to get something like a wide shoe if you need the extra material.
Stretch
Another factor to consider is stretch. A stretchier material will allow your feet to feel more comfortable throughout the day. It won't constrict your blood flow or give you sore feet by the time you get home.
Hemp shoes are both durable and soft. In fact, you can even wear them comfortably without socks on. Since they're not made out of leather, they're also more breathable and have more stretch.
Why Shoe Sustainability Matters
You may wonder why you should consider buying shoes made out of hemp in the first place. After all, there are comparable options out there made from more affordable materials.
The main reason to use hemp is because it's a sustainable footwear option. Recycled materials don't require companies to process new materials in a factory. Grown materials like cotton and hemp have a much lower impact on the environment than leather or synthetic fabrics.
In addition, sustainable footwear is often either recycled into new products or biodegradable, as is the case with hemp shoes. That means they won't take up space in a landfill and contribute to the global trash problem.
Walk a Mile in These Shoes
Men's hemp shoes are some of the best options if you want to wear comfortable, durable, and sustainable footwear. Some options even come paired with CBD-infused insoles which can help you handle long days on your feet. But remember to research a brand to check how eco-friendly they actually are.
FootHemp provides vegan and sustainable footwear for both men and women. We also have CBD-infused insoles and wraps that are sure to improve your overall comfort. Contact us to learn more and check out our stock online.