Hemp products are a $18 billion industry that shows no signs of slowing. That is due to the supreme versatility the plant affords. It also is extremely sustainable, which has drawn much attention from those who want to protect the environment and combat the effects of global climate change.
Many people know that hemp shoes are comfortable, but they might overlook them as a travel shoe. Quality hemp shoes combine durability with comfort, and provide some other advantages as well.
Keep reading to find out what those are. The information below will help you determine if men's hemp slip-on shoes are the right choice for your next outing.
What Is Hemp?
Hemp is often confused with marijuana, partly because they come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa. One distinction is that hemp contains only trace levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana that produces a "high."
Hemp has gained some attention in the United States since 2018, when federal legislation legalized the production of products with low THC. One of the most popular of which is cannabidiol (CBD).
Hemp as a fiber for textiles is not a new development. It has been used for these purposes since 4,000 BCE China and Turkestan, about 1,000 years earlier than cotton. It was first planted in the United States during the 1600s, in Virginia, and was mainly grown and harvested for making rope.
Why Mens Hemp Shoes Are Great for Travel
There are many benefits to having men's hemp slip-on shoes for travel. Here are the main ones to consider.
Comfort
Hemp products make extremely comfortable shoes. That is because hemp is very soft as well as flexible.
Comfort is a relative thing depending on the activity. Many high-quality hiking boots are durable and comfortable, but you would not want to travel in them. They are big, bulky, and heavy, making them less ideal for slipping off at airport security, on a plane, or in a hotel room.
Comfortable travel shoes should be light and breathable, but also resistant to external conditions. Since hemp is so light, shoes made from it will keep your feet cool and dry.
Durability
Many shoes for travel or other activities are either comfortable or durable. Many quality leather dress shoes, for instance, are made to look great and last for a long time. Good ones may be comfortable for a day at the office--even walking a few blocks--but do not provide the type of comfort you are looking for in a travel shoe.
On the other hand, there's footwear that is comfortable yet not particularly durable. A pair of sandals may be fine for a day at the beach but not ideal for exploring a new city.
Hemp shoes are very durable. You can expect quality travel shoes made of hemp to last for years and hold up even among the harshest environments.
That is because hemp is a very strong fiber (remember we mentioned it is cultivated for making rope?) but also quite flexible. This allows it to shift with your foot, accommodating pressure rather than deteriorating under it, like a more rigid material would.
Antibacterial and Hypoallergenic
We mentioned hemp shoes holding up well against the elements, but they can combat bacteria as well. The CBD in hemp has antibacterial properties.
This helps hemp shoes cut down on the development of foot odors and conditions that can lead to athletes' foot. This quality alone can be a huge advantage for someone looking for a dedicated travel shoe.
Hemp also is hypoallergenic. This means that almost anyone can wear hemp shoes without socks and not have to worry about allergic reactions or irritations to sensitive skin.
Style
Remember the hiking boot analogy? Sure, you can find other types of shoes that are durable and comfortable, but you also want a travel shoe to look great with a variety of clothing types. A good travel shoe should look sharp enough to go with dressier dinnerware but also not so fancy that you can't wear them with more casual outfits.
There is a range of hemp shoe styles, so it should be easy to identify ones that fit your unique style and preferences. You also should be able to find hemp shoes that are versatile enough to go with almost any travel clothes ensemble.
Sustainability
Hemp fibers are biodegradable, which means that used shoes (or other hemp products) will not contribute to landfill waste. Hemp is also fair trade, meaning the people who grow and harvest it are paid a fair wage for their labor.
Most quality hemp shoes are vegan. Many people only think of this term only applies to food. However, vegan means the shoes are not made from any animal products, nor are any of the components tested on animals.
Finally, hemp harvesting--along with the manufacturing processes for most hemp products--has a low-carbon footprint. Small production runs, for instance, make for less waste.
All this makes hemp sneakers more sustainable than other synthetic materials. These include leather, nylon, or polyester.
Safe and Legal
Many people unfamiliar with these products have questions about hemps legality. Hemp products are completely legal in the United States and most parts of the world.
Also, hemp shoes are safe. You do not have to worry about them impacting you physically, even if worn without socks.
Note that there are products (like our CBD insoles) that are intended to deliver CBD to the body. These produce no high but provide the other benefits of CBD, like easing anxiety, depression, pain, or insomnia. However, they are still safe to travel with and will cause no issues at airport security checks.
Find Quality Men's Hemp Slip-on Shoes
Now that you have an idea of how men's hemp slip-on shoes can make the perfect travel shoes, you can decide which styles suit your taste. Going with a hemp slip-on combines comfort with durability--as well as other benefits--for your next adventure.
FootHemp brings together more than 75 years of shoe industry and footwear design experience to make great products that leverage all the benefits of hemp. This includes quality as well as sustainability, comfort, and style. Shop online or reach out to us to learn more.