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With the emergence of changing attitudes toward green technology, there has been an increasing stable of apparel companies looking to manufacture socially aware products. The latest trend to come out of the organic wave is hemp footwear. Many popular companies, including iPath, Sanuk, Nike, Vans, Asics, Patagonia and Adidas have their own version of hemp shoes. Each of the brands approaches their own style differently from casual slip-ons to sturdy hemp skate shoes. These eco-friendly shoes are proving to be increasingly stylistic as well as economically and socially viable.
Just as our dependence on traditional forms of fuel like gasoline is waning, our dependence on traditional textiles, in particularly the harvesting of trees, is waning. This is not only good for the environment but also signals a return to the tradition of harvesting hemp, thereby aiding us in our need for hemp shoes. By creating hemp footwear, we are eliminating our need for leather which not only relies on animals but also costs a lot more to produce.
What makes hemp such a wonderful textile? The organic method of growing and using hemp was promoted centuries ago by our forefathers and is finding a renaissance with contemporary farmers. There are two reasons for this. The first would be how we harvest hemp and the second would be the usefulness of it as a fiber.
By being able to sell sustainable hemp products and eco-friendly shoes, we are using less energy and fewer chemicals than other ways of processing raw materials. We will not use as many chemicals as traditional ways of creating pulp. This is beneficial because we are slowing the production of dangerous dioxins, chloroforms and chlorinated compounds that have become accepted byproducts of these processes. Hemp is acid-free and thereby lasts a lot longer than our paper and leather products. It is, after all, the strongest plant fiber and is rot resistant and abrasion resistant. As the main source of ship sails, canvas, rope, twine, etc. for centuries, we are seeing just how cool it is to use hemp in footwear, backed by the most cutting-edge companies in America.
So as long as people are looking for new ways to show their awareness, companies will continue to create stylish shoes, sandals and skate shoes all from hemp. From the skate shoes by iPath, to the comfy slip-ons by Sanuk and the sneakers and tennis shoes by Nike, Asics and Adidas, hemp has never looked so good. Styles range from canvas to tweed looking with various colors to choose from.