8000 Kicks is Likely a Fully Vegan Brand

Shop on:

Brand Highlights

8000 Kicks is a brand working hard to make everyday athleisure shoes out of one of the strongest and most versatile natural materials this planet has ever seen - hemp.

About 8000 Kicks

Hemp has a long history as one of the strongest and most versatile natural materials - 8000 Kicks is trying to bring it back into the mainstream because of these incredible properties.

Is 8000 Kicks intentionally vegan?

It's difficult to say, although they do display "100% vegan" under each shoe listing on their website, which is not something that brands tend to do if they're accidentally vegan.

Are 8000 Kicks shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

According to 800 Kicks, the average emissions for a pair of running shoes is 14 Kg of CO2, whereas 8000 Kicks has managed to reduce that to 4.1 Kg of CO2 for their shoes. They also use a lot of natural materials in the production of their shoes, such as algal bloom soles, and hemp insoles and outer. The use of hemp is also considered quite environmentally friendly as compared to other similar materials, as its production consumes far less water than cotton, and is much easier on the soil. It is however, unclear what's in the proprietary compound they use to waterproof their shoes.

Does 8000 Kicks use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if 8000 Kicks uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We have asked them for clarification and are currently awaiting reply.

Does 8000 Kicks use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if 8000 Kicks uses recycled, recyclable, biodegradable, or other forms of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. We have asked them for details regarding the materials they use for packaging, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does 8000 Kicks use clean energy in their factories?

According to 8000 Kicks, 45% to 55% of the power for their Portuguese factory comes from clean energy sources, as does 30% to 40% of the power for their Chinese factory. 8000 Kicks also says that they are constantly looking at improving those numbers.

Is 8000 Kicks a charitable brand?

In partnership with ECOLOGI, 8000 Kicks has planted just shy of 8,000 trees to date. The details of their partnership aren't readily available, and we are awaiting clarification. 8000 Kicks also occasionally contributes to local people in need. For example, in 2020 they donated 30 pairs of their shoes to City Rescue Mission, an NGO that provides food and clothing to the local homeless. And at the outset of the COVID-19 outbreak, they donated 10,000 masks to firefighters, police and others in need.

Where can I buy 8000 Kicks' Shoes?

For the time being it looks like 8000 Kicks shoes can only be purchased from their website. We've asked if they have plans to work with retailers and are currently awaiting reply.

Do 8000 Kicks shoes ever go on sale?

While we weren't able to find any deals or discounts for 8000 Kicks at the time of writing, we did see that their website says that subscribers get "access to news and special promotions", so it's reasonable to expect promotions or discounts from the brand from time to time.

What materials are used to make 8000 Kicks' Shoes?

8000 Kicks uses hemp as the primary material for the uppers of the shoe, as well as the insole. The hemp fibres in the uppers are coated with a proprietary compound that makes them waterproof, although it's not clear what that compound is. There is also a proprietary waterproof membrane of unknown nature within the shoe. The soles of 8000 Kicks are made of algal blooms.

Does 8000 Kicks promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

8000 Kicks appears to employ some elements of a circular economy, such as using increasingly sustainable and high-quality materials, and making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. One area in which they could improve is by using a 'made-to-order' production system, which could cut down on production waste.

Are 8000 Kicks' shoes ethically made?

It's tough to say - 8000 Kicks manufactures their V2 shoes in Dongguan, China, and it's difficult to verify as an outside, non-certifying party as to whether or not 8000 Kicks ensures its factory there enforces all international and local labour laws to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. It is worth noting, however, that on their website's FAQ page, they list the average salary of their factory workers there, and explain why they choose to work with a Chinese factory.

How should I dispose of my 8000 Kicks shoes?

8000 Kicks doesn't currently have a process in place to take back their customer's worn down shoes. However, according to the company, their Innovation and Sustainability team is working tirelessly to have a recycling program up and running soon. In the meantime, they recommend donating them to someone in need, or taking them to a clothing recycling depot (if available in your city). If they do have to end up in the trash, the good news is that the shoes are approximately 95% biodegradable, according to the company.

8000 Kicks Product Range

8000 Kicks currently offers mid-rise waterproof athleisure sneakers for men and women in a variety of colours, including some two-tone options. They also sell hemp-based wallets, dog toys, backpacks and hats.