We've now expanded to include the wide version of the Kolda. Please see sizes marked Wide and refer to Bohempia's sizing charts (link in Sizing section below).
The Bohempia Kolda 2.0 is a low-rise classic sneaker made with eco-friendly 100% hemp upper with natural rubber soles.
They are certified vegan-friendly, and made ethically & ecologically by hand in the European Union. Hemp canvas is durable, breathable, antimicrobial and wicks moisture. The high foxing (rubber along the sides of the shoe) will help keep you dry and protected from bumping your toes, as well as increasing the durability of the shoe.
Another name for this familiar style of shoe in general is a plimsole, and they've been around for almost a hundred and fifty years as a beach shoe and athletic shoe! This minimal version with zero drop, a flexible sole, and two anatomically shaped widths to choose from is a great option for those who want to continue wearing the style they love while opening up more room for their toes.
Sizing
We find most of our customers take their regular European size in this model, and very occasionally someone will take a size lower than usual due to having sufficient width in the toes. There is a wide version available for those with extra wide and/or square shape feet.
To see a sizing chart and print out sizing references, take a look at Bohempia's website here (be sure to use the Barefoot section):
https://www.bohempia.eu/how-to-shop/#size-guide
The Bohempia Kolda 2.0:
- suits feet that are average to wide across the forefoot
- suits medium to high volume feet best
- the regular sizing suits sloped feet and mountain feet better, and the wide version suits square and rounded feet best
- those with longer outer toes or very wide feet may want to take the wider version of their size
- Bohempia shoes have a roughly bean-like footprint shape, rather than a triangle shape or a rectangle shape, so the big toe has more room to splay out
- Bohempia's sizing is unisex with two width options, so far we have the average width version but let us know if you're looking for wide
Ground Feel
Bohempia states that their barefoot shoe soles are 3.5mm in stack height, without the insole.
Bohempia shoes have a removable insert/insole: the super comfortable and durable molded PU insole provides cushioning and support superior to conventional EVA foam.
The ground feel is medium to high with a springy/responsive texture and lots of flexibility.
We recommend these to folks who want to get as much barefoot feeling as possible, ideally those who have some experience with barefoot shoes. Check out our Learn area for info about transitioning to minimal shoes.
Care
Bohempia recommends handwash only and ideally spot cleaning with a dry brush or wet cloth/sponge and a gentle cleaner. Putting your Bohempia shoes through the wash can damage the join between the sole and uppers.
You can use a spray on waterproofing product to protect your shoes from getting stained in advance.
If your rubber soles develop white marks, this normal and expected cosmetic change can be spot treated with a qtip and rubbing alcohol to get them back to their original colour.
It is normal for the colour to fade slightly over time.
Best Uses
You know this style already, and you can wear them almost anywhere! Whether you dress them more sharply or more romantically, more prep or more punk, more femme or more masc, this timeless style will always be easy to pair with your existing wardrobe all summer long.
