When I first learned about 8000kicks, it seemed like a novelty/meme brand, focused on creating shoes that dabbled on the edge of 420 culture. Since then, though, we’ve looked at a number of their projects, and they’re actually making solid, water-resistant shoes and bags out of super-renewable hemp. Their latest project looks to be a great travel sneaker, the 8000kicks Trekker.
8000kicks Trekker: what they are
While we’ve seen sneakers and casual shoes from 8000kicks before, the 8000kicks Trekker really looks like they’re ready for summertime travels. The look like a clean (read: not a lot of branding) pair of shoes, with solid color uppers paired to a white and brown (or black) sole. What’s not immediately obvious is their step-in nature.
Rather than needing to pull on the shoes and then tie up the laces, these are built with a reinforced heel so you can easily just step into the shoe, meaning you can get up and get moving as quickly as you need to – whether that’s getting ready to get off of the plane, or jumping out of the tent at night to see what made that weird noise.
Are they waterproof?
Why yes, yes they are. Everything we’ve seen from 8000kicks has been waterproof, and the 8000kicks Trekker are no exception. To keep the water out, there’s both an inner membrane, as well as a wax coating applied to the fabric of the upper. This also means that they should be easy to clean up, should the travel adventures get you out there in the mud.
How about comfort?
The hemp of the 8000kicks Trekker should keep things nicely breathable. That also allows the shoes to be relatively lightweight. They’re just 200g, so you could conceivably find an apple at the store that weighs as much – or more – than your shoe. In other words, they aren’t going to weigh you down as you move through the day.
The waterproof design means the tongue is held in place, so you don’t have to worry about that sliding around on your foot. Finally, the cushioned soles look like they have a nicely grippy bottom layer, so that should keep you upright, no matter the weather or terrain.
Wrapping things up
Unsurprisingly, the campaign for the 8000kicks Trekker is fully funded. It’s going for a few more days (it closes out on April 3, 2025) with delivery anticipated for June 2025 – just in time for summer vacation. While the retail price is expected to be $165, you can get them on Kickstarter (in one of four colors) for $99. Check it all out over at Kickstarter, or order them after the campaign closes directly at 8000kicks.com
8000kicks Trekker Details
- Durable Hemp fibers;
- The world’s 1st Hemp Insoles;
- 100% waterproof
- Handsfree step-in system
- Rugged outdoor sole for any terrain
- Wide toebox;
- 100% Vegan and sustainable
