Little more than a year ago, Wicked Footwear in New Hampshire created a new adult collection of shoes and boots fittingly named Wicked Hemp. Co-owner Matt Mahmet described the venture as his “future-past vision” derived from his eight years in the footwear industry, and his personal interest in an outdoor lifestyle. Matt combined his work and passion with the hemp revolution, which was not so popular during his American history studies in college.
Matt converted a small farm of mountains, trails and streams into the Wicked Footwear headquarters where new designs are developed and tested. The Wicked Hemp division turned global August 2008. And a new wood pulp and hemp collection was created with projected deliveries soon, ‒ mid 2009.
Most impressive about Wicked Hemp footwear is that shoes are designed to last. Expect high function and comfort with all-vegan hemp and recycled materials.
The rugged Hemp Hikers collection can handle anything from casual walking to serious mountain hiking. The Wood Pulp collection is from spruce, pine and hemlocks that are mechanically compressed and extruded into wood pulp fiber strands without toxic chemicals. The outer soles in the men’s line are made from recycled tires.
Business is structured so that retailers can buy from stock versus advanced orders. It’s been a successful strategy, serving a growing list of stores everywhere.
Allow me to remind you there is a contest poll titled Best Sustainable Footwear Designer. Nominations are honored through May 31st, 2009. Read details and look for late June winner and runner-up announcements. The Wicked Hemp admirers, designers and friends are invited to participate with nominations.
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