Blog posts

Hemp is most commonly talked about as a sustainable material. But that's only one of the reasons why hemp canvas is so great. It also has functional properties that you'll appreciate especially in summer – it's naturally breathable and handles moisture amazingly well. That's why closed hemp canvas sneakers are a pleasant and comfortable choice for hot summer days.

A Fiber That Lets the Air Flow

Hemp fiber has a porous structure that creates space within the fabric for natural airflow. The result is a material that doesn't trap heat around your foot like dense synthetic fabrics do. Compared to cotton, hemp breathes better and dries faster. And the more finely woven the hemp canvas is, the better and faster it can wick moisture away.

How Does Hemp Deal with Sweat?

Feeling comfortable in your shoes during hot weather isn't just about the ambient temperature. What matters most is what happens directly inside the shoe – whether sweat stays on your foot or gets wicked away. And this is precisely where hemp canvas excels. Research into the comfort properties of hemp fabrics shows that hemp fibers form extremely narrow capillaries (microscopic channels) in the weave. Thanks to these, the fabric boasts excellent capillary action and can wick moisture away in a flash.

Simply put: hemp fiber doesn't let sweat sit on your foot. It moves it from the inside of the shoe out to the surface of the fabric, where it can easily evaporate.

These properties shine best when the hemp canvas is in direct contact with your skin, allowing it to wick moisture straight from the foot. That's why hemp barefoot shoes feel great even without socks – sweat has a way out, and your feet stay fresh. With a thin, breathable sock, the canvas works slightly differently, but you'll appreciate its breathability and quick-drying nature either way.

VELIK Light Grey-White Hemp Slip-On Barefoot Shoes

How Does Hemp Compare to Cotton and Synthetics?

You'll appreciate the advantages of hemp canvas most when comparing it to the materials most commonly used for sneakers:

• Synthetics are the least suitable for summer. Most synthetic uppers are densely woven and don't let much air or moisture through. Sweat remains trapped inside the shoe, creating a warm, damp, airtight environment – the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and unpleasant foot odor.
• Cotton breathes great and feels soft to the touch. However, it has one major downside: while it absorbs moisture quickly, it holds onto it. Soaked cotton dries slowly and keeps moisture right against your foot, which is anything but pleasant.
• Hemp canvas excels in this regard. It doesn't trap sweat inside the shoe; instead, it absorbs it quickly and immediately transfers it to the outside to evaporate. Plus, it's naturally antimicrobial, preventing bacteria from multiplying and keeping odors at bay.

And one more practical detail! Hemp canvas softens with every wear without losing its strength. The shoes you put on for your second season will often be even more comfortable than the day you unboxed them.

HERLIK Hemp Lace-Up Barefoot Shoes

Why Hemp Canvas Makes Sense for Barefoot Shoes

The upper material plays a crucial role in how your feet feel after a full day on your feet. That's why hemp canvas is such a great choice for our barefoot shoes. They are closed sneakers that look fantastic, match any outfit, and keep your feet feeling fresh all day.

Hemp Barefoot Shoes

We use hemp canvas as the upper material for these fan favorites and bestsellers:

• ORIK: High-top lace-up sneakers with a timeless design.
• HERLIK: Low-top lace-up sneakers with an iconic cut.
• KOLDA: Timeless sneakers with clean lines.
• VELIK: Comfortable, minimalist slip-ons for any outfit.
• VIKLA: A lightweight, stylish slip-on model for everyday wear.
• HOSKA: Minimalist urban sneakers with clean lines and a simple design.

All of them feature a thin, flexible sole made of natural rubber, zero-drop construction, and an anatomical shape with plenty of room for your toes. Plus, we offer them in two widths – regular (for average to narrower feet, or if you're just starting with barefoot) and extra wide (for wider feet and seasoned barefoot enthusiasts).

Hemp isn't a miracle material that acts like an air conditioner to actively cool your feet. However, it breathes naturally, handles moisture exceptionally well, and creates an incomparably more pleasant environment inside the shoe. And that's a feeling your feet deserve!

KOLDA Light Grey-White Hemp Lace-Up Barefoot Shoes

FAQ 

Do hemp canvas shoes smell like sweat?

It's not the sweat itself that causes odor in shoes, but the bacteria that break it down. And to multiply, they need heat and moisture. Hemp canvas rapidly wicks sweat away from your foot and lets it evaporate, preventing a warm, damp environment where bacteria thrive. The rule is simple: the drier the environment, the less odor. After wearing them all day, it obviously helps to air your shoes out and take out the insoles so they dry completely.

Are hemp canvas sneakers suitable for summer?

Yes, they're among the best choices for summer footwear. Hemp fiber has a porous structure, so it breathes naturally and doesn't trap heat around your skin like densely woven synthetics do. At the same time, it handles moisture brilliantly and doesn't leave sweat sitting on your foot. This keeps the inside of the shoe comfortable and fresh, even in extreme heat.

Can hemp canvas shoes be worn barefoot?

Absolutely, and it's actually the very best choice. Hemp canvas works best with moisture when it's in direct contact with your skin and can wick sweat straight off your foot.

How do hemp canvas shoes differ from cotton or synthetic ones?

Synthetics are the least suitable for summer because they tend to be densely woven and poorly breathable, keeping moisture and sweat trapped inside. Cotton breathes well, but it holds onto absorbed moisture and dries slowly. Hemp, on the other hand, quickly absorbs sweat and wicks it to the surface of the shoe, where it can evaporate.

Does hemp canvas soften with wear?

Yes. Hemp canvas softens with every wear without losing its strength. Shoes you put on for your second season are often even more comfortable than the day you unboxed them.

 SOURCES:

• Polymers (MDPI) – Thermal Comfort Properties of Biodegradable Hemp and Polylactide Fiber Knitted Fabrics  
• MDPI – Air Permeability and Water Vapour Transmission in Hemp-Blended Denim Fabrics 
• High Latitude Style – What You Need to Know about Hemp Textiles 

Summer is in full swing, and we at Bohempia couldn’t be happier to introduce a super exciting new project we’ve put together for you – our BHMP Barefoot Challenge! Consider this an invitation to share your barefoot moments for a chance to win a new pair of shoes. Plus, a special discount is waiting for everyone who takes part!

For us, barefoot shoes aren’t just footwear; they’re a lifestyle, freedom of movement, and literal joy in every single step. And that’s exactly the energy we want to spread together with you. That’s why we’ve created a challenge that anyone can join – whether you wear our barefoot shoes to work, on walks, to music festivals, or while chasing your kids around.

What’s up for grabs?

Over the next 4 weeks, we’ll pick one winner every week who will get a free pair of Bohempia barefoot shoes of their choice.

And because we know snapped-and-shared photos take a bit of creative effort, we’re not letting anyone leave empty-handed: Everyone who joins the challenge will receive a special discount as our thank you!

How to join the challenge?

👉 1. Use the template: Head over to our Instagram @bohempia_official and tap CHALLENGE in our Highlights.

👉 2. Add your photos: Drop your barefoot photos into the template – show us where your feet take you, how you style your barefoots, or what events you’re enjoying in them. Creativity has no limits!

👉 3. Tag us: Share the photo to your Instagram Stories and don’t forget to tag @bohempia_official (so we can see your story, enter you into the giveaway draw, and send you your discount code).

We can’t wait to see all your photos and stories!

Your Bohempia team 🌿 👟

For our July Shoe of the Month, the choice was simple – our FALKO barefoot sneakers are practically built for hot summer days. Lightweight, airy, and designed with a clean minimalist look that goes with any outfit. And until July 26th, you can grab them with a 20% discount.

Summer barefoot shoes you’ll fall in love with

Know the feeling? It’s hot outside, you’re not in the mood for sandals, but regular sneakers would leave your feet overheating. FALKO barefoot sneakers were made for moments like these. Thanks to cleverly designed mesh panels, air flows to your feet with every single step, keeping them fresh from morning till night.

And thanks to their minimalist style, they’re effortless to match with any outfit – whether you’re throwing on jeans, shorts, or a dress.

FALKO Flat White, FALKO Plum Wine, FALKO Forest Green

Pick your favorite color

FALKO is on sale in six distinct colorways – each with its own vibe:

• Flat White – clean, minimalist classic that brightens up any outfit
• Forest Green – deep, elegant green for those who want to subtly stand out
• Plum Wine – rich, juicy shade that adds a subtle pop to your look
• Cream – timeless, gentle shade for low-key elegance
• Ash – understated gray tone for effortless, versatile style
• Sand Stone – natural earthy tone that literally pairs with everything

FALKO Ash, FALKO Cream FALKO Forest Green, FALKO Sandstone

Breathability, style, and comfort in one

The upper combines soft vegan suede with breathable mesh panels. The result? Ultra-light, airy, and maximum-style sneakers.

Of course, they come with everything you love about Bohempia barefoot shoes:

• Flexible 4mm natural rubber sole for great ground feel
• Zero-drop construction (zero heel elevation) for natural body posture
• Wide toe box for happy, unconstrained toes

And to make sure your FALKO barefoot sneakers fit you like a glove, they are available in two options:

• 👉 Regular – for narrower and standard feet, or for those just starting out with barefoot.
• 👉 Extra wide – for wider feet and seasoned barefoot enthusiasts.

20% discount valid only until July 26th

 Looking for barefoot sneakers that handle summer with total ease? FALKO is the way to go.

 Your Bohempia team 🌿👟

Poor posture, a chronically aching back, or that nagging feeling that you just "stand weird." What if these issues don’t start in your muscles, but a few centimeters lower? Right inside the shoes you are wearing at this very moment. Let’s look at exactly how shoes affect your entire posture and why it pays to know the difference between a traditional sole and a zero-drop design.

The body is an interconnected chain

The human body works as one large kinetic chain, where each part fundamentally affects the one above it. It all starts at the feet and moves upward – through the ankles, knees, and pelvis, all the way to the spine, neck, and head. In their natural state, your heel and toe are on the same level, distributing your body weight evenly. The moment you put on shoes with a raised heel, this stable foundation tilts. Your center of gravity shifts forward, and your body must instantly alter the alignment of all joints and the spine above it just to maintain balance.

A raised heel shifts your weight forward

Most conventional shoes on the market have a heel slightly elevated above the toe. This difference is technically called a heel-to-toe drop, and you will find it in sneakers, dress shoes, and other footwear types. Your body reacts to this tilt by subtly bending the knees and tilting the pelvis. The lower spine arches unnaturally, and the shoulders start rolling forward. This whole chain reaction is triggered by a difference that averages just a few millimeters.

You don’t need to wear high heels to feel the impact

Classic sports sneakers usually have a heel raised by 8 to 12 millimeters. It looks like a negligible number at first glance, but it constantly forces the body into a forward tilt. Wearing such shoes daily for several years turns this "minor" detail into a massive strain on your body. Literally millimeters are enough to influence your every step – day after day, year after year. It is this long-term pressure that quietly and subtly changes how you stand, how you move, and how you hold your entire body.

How a zero-drop design puts your body back in alignment

The term zero drop means one simple thing – the heel and the toe of the shoe are on the exact same level. Thanks to this, the foot instantly returns to its natural, horizontal position. Once the unnatural slope of the sole is gone, the pelvis can realign, and the spine starts stacking up exactly the way it should. Your body suddenly doesn't have to constantly compensate for a forward lean, overworked muscles finally get a break, and the entire organism slowly begins to find its balance again.

 FALKO Flat White, Plum Wine, Forest Green

Natural posture doesn't happen overnight

Just like your posture didn’t get worse day by day, it won’t snap back into place by magic. It takes time. But every single day you put on zero-drop shoes, you give your body a chance to find its way back to balance. The connection between healthy feet and a well-functioning spine is simply undeniable.

SOURCES:

• Runners Blueprint – Heel Drop Explained: How Shoe Drop Affects Your Knees, Calves, and Overpronation
• FitlyFast – 7 Best Barefoot Shoes For Neuropathy 
• RunRepeat – Heel to Toe Drop: The Ultimate Guide
• ScienceDirect – Biomechanical effects of wearing high-heeled shoes

Our June Shoe of the Month is here! This time, we bring you our KOLDA barefoot sneakers. They combine a timeless classic with clean lines and a minimalist design that perfectly complements any outfit. Plus, you can grab them with an awesome 20% discount until July 5th.

A classic inspired by boat shoes

The look of the KOLDA model is inspired by classic sailing shoes. Their simple shape and clean design make them a stylish choice for every day, whether you are heading to the city, the office, or out on a relaxing weekend trip.

KOLDA Black-White

A material that naturally breathes

We make our KOLDA barefoot sneakers from hemp canvas. Especially during hot summer days, you will love its natural breathability – it perfectly wicks away moisture, keeping your feet dry and fresh.

Naturally, they feature all the key barefoot parameters you love so much about Bohempia sneakers:

• Flexible sole: A thin natural rubber sole for perfect contact with the ground. 
• Zero-drop: The heel and toe are perfectly aligned to support a natural and healthy posture.
• Room for toes: An anatomical shape gives your feet total freedom so your toes can spread out naturally.

And to make sure your KOLDA barefoot sneakers fit you like a glove, they are available in two options:

👉 Regular – for narrower and standard feet, or for those just starting out with barefoot.

👉 Extra wide – for wider feet and seasoned barefoot enthusiasts.

20% OFF from June 29 to July 5 only

From June 29 to July 5, you can get the KOLDA model with a 20% DISCOUNT. If you are looking for barefoot shoes that will become your everyday go-to for any outfit – KOLDA is the perfect choice.

 Your Bohempia team 🌿👟

Our FALKO barefoot sneakers have just landed on our e-shop in three stylish new colors! If you already have this model at home, you know there is no more comfortable choice for spring and summer. Haven’t worn FALKO yet? Then you are getting to know them at the perfect moment! They are the ideal barefoot shoes for days when the temperatures soar and your feet crave maximum breathability.

FALKO: The barefoot sneakers that truly breathe

You’ll love these barefoot sneakers on hot days when you’re not in the mood for sandals, but still want to give your feet a breath of fresh air and 100% breathability. The FALKO model features cleverly designed mesh panels that ensure your feet stay perfectly comfortable from morning till night.

FALKO Forest Green & FALKO Flat White

Their minimalist urban design easily pairs with jeans, shorts, and dresses. And of course, everything you love about Bohempia barefoot shoes is right there: a thin flexible sole, zero-drop construction, and plenty of room for your toes.

Three new colors for every summer day

While the first FALKO series focused on subtle natural tones, this new trio brings fresh energy to your shoe collection:

•  Flat White: A clean, minimalist classic that will brighten up any summer outfit.
•  Forest Green: A deep, elegant green for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
•  Plum Wine: A juicy and sophisticated shade that adds flair to any look.

How to care for your FALKO barefoot sneakers?

To ensure these sneakers bring you joy for as long as possible and keep looking brand new, we’ve put together a few maintenance tips for you:

• Forget the washing machine: None of our shoes belong in the washing machine, and for the FALKO model, this goes double.
• Watch out for soaking: Protect your shoes from heavy rain, chemicals, and aggressive cleaners. If completely soaked, the rich colors could bleed into the light mesh, and that would be a shame.
• Gentle care for suede: Only remove dirt with a soft brush or a special suede eraser. Brush gently so you don’t wear out the soft nap of the material.

Found your favorite? Great. 😉 Go grab yours!

Did you just buy new barefoot shoes from Bohempia and notice light, whitish streaks on the sole or its rim? Before you panic – this isn't a defect, nor is it mold. It’s a natural characteristic of natural rubber, and it even has its own name: rubber blooming. Let’s look at what exactly is happening and how to easily fix it.  

What is natural rubber and why do we use it?

Natural rubber comes from Hevea brasiliensis trees and is one of the most sustainable materials for making soles. It is flexible, durable, non-slip, and unlike synthetic alternatives, it is biodegradable. That’s exactly why this material won us over, and we use it for the soles of our barefoot shoes.  

Want to learn more about the materials we use to make our barefoot shoes? Find everything right here! 

What is rubber blooming and why does it happen?

Blooming is a phenomenon where substances naturally contained in rubber – such as waxes or compounding ingredients – migrate to the surface of the material, creating a whitish, slightly matte coating. This happens mainly due to heat, UV light, and moisture, which speed up the process. 

Most often, blooming appears on the rim of the sole – right where the rubber meets the upper of the shoe. This is purely a surface matter that doesn't affect the functionality or lifespan of the sole in any way. The shoe grips just as well, is just as durable, and just as comfortable. It simply looks a little different. 

How to remove white spots caused by rubber blooming?

If the whitish spots on your shoes bother you, the solution is simple:  

• 👉 Take a soft cloth or a cotton pad.  
• 👉 Apply isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) — available at any pharmacy — or olive oil, which we've personally tested. According to available sources, any neutral plant-based oil should work just as well (coconut, sunflower…). 
• 👉 Rub the affected area until the spots disappear.  
• 👉 Let it dry. 

And the spots will simply disappear. They might reappear over time – that’s completely normal. Just repeat the process. 

Looking for accessories to care for your barefoot shoes, like a cleaning kit, shoe odor spray, or natural waterproofing? Find them all in this category! 

In conclusion: Nothing to worry about  

Natural rubber is a living material with its own specific characteristics. Rubber blooming is a natural process that in no way compromises the quality or functionality of your shoes. Take it as a little proof that your soles are truly made of natural material. 

SOURCES:

• Echo Supply – Rubber Bloom: What Causes It and How To Prevent It  
• Boyd Corp – Understanding Rubber Bloom – boydcorp.com
• RubberAndSeal – Why Does Rubber Turn White (Bloom)? – rubberandseal.com 

May's Shoe of the Month is here — and it's one of the absolute favourites in our collection. VELIK hemp slip-ons bring together maximum comfort, barefoot benefits and a style that works with everything. And now they're 10% off.

Slip on, head out and enjoy every day with VELIK — it really is that simple. No laces, no fastenings — thanks to the elastic elements, you're in them in literally seconds. And yet these barefoot shoes stay perfectly secure with every step. Simple? Yes. But thoughtfully designed down to the last detail.

VELIK is made from hemp canvas that naturally wicks moisture and breathes beautifully — the perfect choice for spring and summer. The cotton lining takes care of everyday comfort, and the soft ankle collar is a game-changer for anyone who finds shoes tend to rub or pinch in that area.

Works best for a medium instep. Got a lower instep? No problem — just add our tongue pads.

VELIK Light Grey-White

VELIK barefoot features

• Flexible 4mm sole: A thin natural rubber sole for maximum ground contact.
• Zero-drop construction: Heel and toe at the same level, supporting a natural posture from head to toe.
• Plenty of toe room: The anatomically shaped toe box gives your toes space to spread — even though the shoe looks sleek and slim from the outside.

Need more room? We've got you — VELIK is also available in an extra wide fit.

VELIK Black-White

VELIK in new colors! Deep Terracotta & Coffee Dust

And there's more great news! Two brand new VELIK shades have just landed in our collection to brighten up your warm days — Deep Terracotta and Coffee Dust. Pick the one that's made for your style.

  VIKLA Brush, VIKLA Trippy, VIKLA Candy

10% OFF from May 28 to June 4 only

From May 28 to June 4, you can get your VELIK with 10% off. If you're looking for barefoot shoes that become your everyday go-to — ones you slip on in seconds and feel like you're walking on air — VELIK are the ones. 

 Your Bohempia team 🌿👟

As light as linen, as durable as denim. Hemp canvas is making a comeback in the fashion industry – and for good reason. It brings a combination of properties you won't easily find in other materials. What exactly makes hemp canvas the perfect foundation for our barefoot shoes?.

Stronger than cotton – yet soft to the touch

Hemp canvas is significantly stronger than cotton. Expert sources state that the tensile strength of hemp fiber is approximately 4 times higher than that of cotton ropes of comparable thickness. Furthermore, cotton weakens with every wash – UV radiation, friction, and detergents gradually break down its fibers. Hemp works the exact opposite way: after the first wash, the fibers soften, making the shoe even more comfortable.

It grows fast and needs next to nothing

Hemp is one of the fastest-growing crops in the world, thriving on minimal water and requiring almost no chemicals or sprays. And weeds? Because it grows so densely, it naturally suppresses them all on its own. Compared to cotton, which ranks among the most demanding crops in terms of both water consumption and chemical use, hemp is simply the ultimate eco-champion.

Do you know how hemp fights climate change? Read our article here.

ORIK Classic Black

Dry feet even on a scorching day

Shoes made of hemp canvas will back you up even in sizzling summer cities. The material naturally wicks away moisture and is antibacterial, keeping your feet fresh even in the highest temperatures. This unique blend of breathability and functional properties makes hemp the ideal choice for barefoot sneakers for spring and summer.

A material with a history and a future

Using hemp canvas is nothing new – it is one of the oldest materials used in human history. At Bohempia, it returns in a modern design. So if you are looking for sustainable barefoot shoes that are stylish, comfortable, durable, and kind to the planet all at once, you are in the right place.

  VIKLA Candy & VIKLA Trippy

SOURCES:

• Canvas ETC – Hemp Canvas: Technical Properties, Sustainable Uses & Fabric Comparison 
• Ravenox – Hemp Ropes VS Cotton Rope
• Wholesale Hemp Farms – Hemp vs. Cotton: Durability, Sustainability & Key Differences
• IND Hemp – Yarn Development from Industrial Hemp: A Technical White Paper
• Hemptique – Cotton vs. Hemp

April's Shoe of the Month is an easy choice — our hemp slip-ons VIKLA, one of our long-time bestsellers. Easy to slip on, comfortable for all-day wear and stylish with any outfit. And from April 28 to May 4, you can get them with 20% off.

VIKLA slip-ons practically wear themselves. No laces, no fussing at the door. You're in them in seconds and ready to go — whether you're rushing to work or heading out for a stroll around the city. A simple slip-on design that makes every morning easier. And comfort you'll enjoy with every single step, all day long.

VIKLA is made from hemp canvas that naturally wicks moisture and breathes beautifully — keeping your feet fresh all day, whether it's spring or summer. The cotton lining and soft ankle collar are there for those who know the frustration of shoes that dig in or rub around the ankle.

Works best for a medium instep. Got a lower instep? No problem — just add our tongue pads.

VIKLA Black-Black

VIKLA barefoot features

• Flexible 4mm sole: A thin natural rubber sole for maximum ground contact.
• Zero-drop construction: Heel and toe at the same level, supporting a natural posture from head to toe.
• Plenty of toe room: The anatomically shaped toe box gives your toes space to spread — even though the shoe looks sleek and slim from the outside.

Need more room? We've got you — VIKLA is also available in an extra wide fit.

Classic or printed? The choice is yours…

Our classic colourways — VIKLA Black-Black and VIKLA Tan-Off White — are clean, minimalist and go with absolutely everything. But if you want to bring a little more energy to your shoe rack, our printed VIKLA models are waiting. All three have the full barefoot benefits — just with a more playful twist. 

  VIKLA Brush, VIKLA Trippy, VIKLA Candy

20% OFF from April 28 to May 4 only

From April 28 to May 4, you can get your VIKLA with 20% off. If you're looking for barefoot shoes that become your everyday go-to — ones you slip on in seconds and feel like you're walking on air — VIKLA are the ones. 

 Your Bohempia team 🌿👟