"Remember, your choices matter. Whether it's fashion, food, or travel, our decisions can reduce harm to the planet. 8000Kicks isn't just about shoes; it's about changing mindsets and inspiring sustainable living—one step at a time." Bernardo, Co-Founder
First hemp shoes
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In the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion, Bernardo stands out as a pioneering force behind 8000Kicks, the first brand to create shoes entirely from hemp. Combining environmental consciousness with stylish, durable design, 8000Kicks is rewriting the rules of what it means to be both eco-friendly and fashionable. With a mission deeply rooted in sustainability, 8000Kicks is committed to not only reducing the carbon footprint of the fashion industry but also inspiring a shift towards more responsible consumer habits. During our interview, Bernardo shared the inspiration behind launching 8000Kicks and elaborated on the unique qualities of hemp as a sustainable material. His vision is clear: to create products that benefit the planet, provide functionality for people, and last over time. Drawing wisdom from his grandmother Otilia and merging it with modern innovations, Bernardo has crafted a brand that proves sustainability and style can coexist harmoniously. It’s a movement towards a more sustainable future. In this article, we explore Bernardo's journey, his dedication to ethical manufacturing, and his aspirations for 8000Kicks to serve as a model for the fashion industry. Join us as we delve into the story of how one visionary entrepreneur is making waves in sustainable fashion with hemp at the heart of his innovation.
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Background and Inspiration
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What inspired you to create a sustainable fashion brand?
The inspiration came from a desire to positively impact the environment while proving that sustainability doesn't compromise style or durability. The journey began with the idea of hemp as a sustainable, durable material—an ancient fiber that had been largely forgotten. My grandma Otilia's wisdom, combined with modern material innovation, brought this idea to life. We aimed to create a product that is good for the planet, functional for people, and built to last.
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Who are your main influences in the fashion industry?
We look up to pioneers in sustainable innovation like Patagonia and Veja, who have shown that purpose and profitability can coexist. Additionally, we are inspired by individuals who prioritize craftsmanship and authenticity, such as local artisans and makers, each product they create tells a unique story.
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Sustainability Practices
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What sustainable practices do you incorporate into your manufacturing process?
Sustainability is central to our operations:
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Material Sourcing: We use hemp, one of the most sustainable plants, which grows quickly with minimal water and no pesticides.
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Low-Impact Production: We partner with ethical factories that practice energy efficiency and use recyclable materials.
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Durability: Our products are designed to last, combating the wastefulness of fast fashion.
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Minimal Packaging: We use recyclable and biodegradable packaging to further reduce our footprint.
How do you balance aesthetics and sustainability in your designs?
We challenge the notion that sustainable products are "plain" or "boring." By focusing on clean designs, functionality, and a versatile color palette, we ensure our shoes are both timeless and fashionable. Our designers highlight hemp's natural texture and strength while maintaining a stylish, urban look.
What innovative techniques or materials are you most excited about in your current collection? We're thrilled about our waterproof hemp shoes—a market first. By combining traditional hemp fibers with innovative waterproof technology, we've created a sustainable, functional, and durable product that aligns with our mission to innovate responsibly.
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Community and Impact
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How do you work with local communities or artisans in your production process?
We collaborate with artisans and hemp farmers in Portugal and abroad, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. This supports local economies, preserves traditional craftsmanship, and fosters knowledge sharing—responsibilities we take seriously.
What impact do you hope your brand will have on the fashion industry? We hope 8000Kicks serves as a blueprint for other brands, demonstrating that sustainable and profitable business is achievable. Our goal is to challenge the fast fashion mindset, advocate for long-lasting, eco-friendly products, and raise awareness about hemp's potential.
What are your future goals and ambitions for your brand? We aim to lead innovation in hemp-based fashion and expand into categories like accessories and apparel. We also strive to reduce our carbon footprint through regenerative farming and localized production. Ultimately, we want to make sustainable hemp products mainstream, not niche.​​
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Drawing wisdom from his grandmother Otilia and merging it with modern innovations, Bernardo has crafted a brand that proves sustainability and style can coexist harmoniously.
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What advice would you give to aspiring sustainable fashion entrepreneurs?
Start with purpose. Building a sustainable brand requires balancing planet, people, and profit. Be relentless in your commitment to sustainability, transparent in your practices, and ready to innovate. The path may be challenging, but the impact is worth it.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you would like to share with us?Yes! We're collaborating with other sustainable brands and creatives who share our vision. Expect new, limited-edition collections that merge art, style, and sustainability. We're also exploring partnerships to make our production even more circular.​
What is your vision for changing the fashion landscape?
My vision is for sustainability to become the norm, not the exception. I want to see more brands prioritize materials that respect the earth, production methods that uplift communities, and designs that stand the test of time. At 8000Kicks, we aim to lead by example in this shift.
​Is there a message you'd like to share that wasn’t covered in the questions?
Remember, your choices matter. Whether it's fashion, food, or travel, our decisions can reduce harm to the planet. 8000Kicks isn't just about shoes; it's about changing mindsets and inspiring sustainable living—one step at a time.​
And to get the full picture, do not forget to check all the news and latest products on About 8000kicks | Our story, our factories – 8000Kicks