Bohempia
Rated: Fair
Price: $$
Location: Czech Republic
Quick verdict
Bohempia is best for barefoot shoe enthusiasts seeking stylish hemp-based sneakers that look like conventional Converse or Vans but deliver zero-drop comfort and genuinely sustainable materials. The brand stands out for 100% hemp canvas uppers (antimicrobial, hypoallergenic), natural rubber outsoles, EU manufacturing (Romania), and PETA-Approved Vegan status. Caveats include no formal sustainability data, occasional quality issues reported (sole separation), and a niche product range focused entirely on hemp footwear.
Key info
- Headquarters
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Founded
- 2015
- Product categories
- Shoes, Vegan
- Price range
- $$
- Key certifications
- PETA-Approved Vegan (first Czech brand); ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 (manufacturing partner Eurofina). Not GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or B Corp certified.
Bohempia sustainability rating
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (We Avoid) to 5 (Excellent). How we rate
Rating breakdown
100% hemp canvas uppers. Antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, grows without pesticides, lower water than cotton, CO₂ capture, soil regeneration. Natural rubber outsoles. Ultrasuede vegan microfiber by TORAY (recycled PET). Cotton laces. 100% Romanian hemp yarn. Minor deduction for no certified organic materials.
Manufactured at Eurofina factory in Drăgășani, Romania. A family-owned facility (founded 2003) holding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. EU labour protections apply. Accessories made in Czech Republic. However, limited detail on specific working conditions.
Hemp's inherent environmental benefits (no pesticides, low water, CO₂ capture, soil regeneration). Eurofina factory uses solar energy and vulcanised sole construction. "Hemp the Planet" upcycled bag collection repurposes residual fibre, with proceeds supporting Czech tree-planting. No formal carbon reporting.
Manufacturing partner named and documented (Eurofina, Drăgășani, Romania). PETA-Approved Vegan certification provides third-party verification. Crowdfunding origins created public accountability. However, no sustainability report, no carbon data, and not assessed by major sustainability platforms.
Low-tops €119–€139, boots €139–€169, Competitive for EU-made barefoot shoes (Wildling €79–€139, Vivobarefoot €100–€200+). Cult following in barefoot community: Anya's Reviews calls Bohempia one of her favourite brands. Successful Kickstarter (248% funded).
What they do well
- 100% hemp canvas uppers with genuine environmental benefits — Hemp grows without pesticides, requires less water than cotton, captures CO₂, and regenerates soil. The resulting fabric is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking.
- EU-manufactured with ISO-certified partner: Handmade at Eurofina factory in Romania (ISO 9001, ISO 14001), using solar energy and vulcanised sole construction. Reportedly the only EU manufacturer using this technique.
- PETA-Approved Vegan pioneer: First Czech brand to receive PETA certification. Entire range is vegan with natural rubber outsoles, Ultrasuede recycled microfiber, and cotton laces.
- Upcycling initiative and tree planting: "Hemp the Planet" collection repurposes residual hemp fibre from sneaker production into bags, with proceeds supporting Czech tree-planting organisation Sázíme budoucnost.
- Cult barefoot community following: Endorsed by Anya's Reviews (leading barefoot shoe influencer) as one of her favourite brands and a top Converse/Vans alternative. Successful Kickstarter (248% funded, 470 backers).
Room for improvement
- No formal sustainability data: No carbon footprint, no sustainability report. Not GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or B Corp certified. Sustainability case rests on inherent material benefits rather than measured data.
- Limited labour transparency for manufacturing partner: While Eurofina holds ISO certifications and operates in the EU, specific details about working conditions, wages, and worker welfare are not published.
About Bohempia
Bohempia was founded in 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic by Tomáš Rohal. The brand name combines "Bohemia" and "hemp." The company launched via a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $37,216 (248% funded) from 470 backers, establishing international awareness. The brand maintains a showroom at Sokolovská 105/76 in Prague.
All shoes feature 100% hemp canvas uppers with natural rubber outsoles, Ultrasuede vegan microfiber (by TORAY, from recycled PET), and cotton laces. Hemp yarn is 100% sourced from Romania. Shoes are handmade at the Eurofina factory in Drăgășani, Romania. A family-owned facility producing ~250,000 pairs/year with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, solar energy, and vulcanised sole construction. Accessories are manufactured in the Czech Republic.
Bohempia is the first Czech brand to receive PETA-Approved Vegan certification. The "Hemp the Planet" upcycled bag collection repurposes residual hemp fibre from sneaker production, with proceeds supporting Czech tree-planting. The brand has strong press coverage in sustainable fashion blogs and the barefoot shoe community, with endorsement from Anya's Reviews as a top Converse/Vans alternative.
Product highlights
Kolda Low-Top Sneaker
Classic low-top in 100% hemp canvas, natural rubber sole, zero-drop barefoot construction
~€119–€139 (~$130–$150)
The Converse alternative. Classic sneaker silhouette in hemp with barefoot comfort and PETA-Approved Vegan certification
Orik High-Top
High-top hemp sneaker with ankle support, natural rubber outsole
~€139–€149 (~$150–$165)
Extends the barefoot range into high-top territory for more ankle coverage and style versatility
Vikla Low-Top
Lightweight low-top variant in hemp canvas with minimalist design
~€119–€129 (~$130–$140)
Slimmer profile option for consumers wanting a less chunky barefoot shoe aesthetic
Chelsea Boot
Chelsea-style boot in hemp canvas with winter-ready construction
~€149–€169 (~$165–$185)
Demonstrates hemp's versatility beyond sneakers into cold-weather footwear
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