I do a lot of walking, and even though my running shoes are comfortable, they weigh a ton. Plus, I kind of like to leave my running shoes for running, so I don’t break them down faster than I already do.
When I received a notification from a new type of shoe that ticked off my boxes for comfort and other important attributes, I was eager to try it. Rackle is the brand, and their clever tagline, “Reduce Your Footprint”, emphasizes sustainability and also their super lightweight shoes.
The smart logo definitely reinforces “recyclable”.
The upper portion of Rackle shoes is crafted from sustainable, comfortable 100% woven hemp fiber fabric in a herringbone weave, while the sole is foam that helps the shoes biodegrade. The 300 million pairs of shoes that are estimated to be thrown into landfills every year in the U.S. tend to be made from plastic, leather and petroleum products that can take 80 years or more to degrade. Yikes. Rackle soles made from EcoPure foam were tested by an independent research company and found to degrade 52% in 457 days. A big step in the right direction!
But seriously, I was most concerned with comfort. When I took the shoes out of the shipping box that is also a recyclable shoe box (again, the company emphasizes sustainability), I couldn’t believe how lightweight the shoes are. I mean they weigh almost nothing. In fact, I was so impressed that I weighed one of them on the scale I use for weighing baking ingredients (it was an unworn, straight out of the box shoe, on top of a paper towel. According to my scale, one size 6.5 shoe weighed 5.1 ounces (their Rackle website says 6 ounces, but maybe that’s a larger size?). I was amazed.
Wearing Rackle hemp shoes is like walking on a cloud. They are so lightweight, it’s easy to forget I’m wearing them. The hemp is cool in the heat of summer and supposedly warm in the cold of winter (how do they do that?). Rackle has a patent-pending arch design and Try-Density sole design both of which provide support, comfort and stimulate the area of the foot that encourages blood flow (I never thought about blood flow to my feet before, but it does make sense). The tread on the bottom of the sole is perfect for walking.
On Sunday, Jeff and I went for a two mile walk in the next town, and I wore my Rackle shoes. Very comfortable. My feet were not at all tired. I often wear them when I am around the house or doing grocery shopping, and after an entire day of wear, my feet feel just fine. I think the combination of the lightweight construction, the arch support and the foam sole make them a pleasure to wear. Some day, when I can travel again, my Rackle Hemp Shoes will be the ones I will take with me.
As I mentioned earlier, I ordered a size 6.5 which is my usual size when I buy shoes or boots. However when I buy running shoes, I size up to a 7 or even a 7.5 if I want to wear my orthotics in them. Truthfully, the size 6.5 Rackle is a smidgen too short, especially on my right foot (my larger foot, so you may want to keep that in mind if you buy a pair.
Interestingly, Rackle hemp shoes are gender neutral. The size 6.5 women’s is also a size 5 men’s.
The rounded toe casual styling is so attractive for everyday wear for anyone. I received the color called Redwoods, and it’s perfect for me. They also come in Natural and Blue Nights. I love the checkered pattern on the shoelaces.
So, if you are looking for a lightweight, super comfortable everyday or walking shoe that’s better for the earth, check out the Rackle website for details.
These are such cute, and sustainable, shoes! Can you exchange them for the next size up? The color is perfect for you, Allison!
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Since I have worn them, I don’t feel right asking to exchange them. I am hoping the right one will stretch out just a bit with wear.
Impressive! Finding a comfortable shoe is so difficult for me because I have to wear orthotics. I think these could be great.
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I also have orthotics, Marcia. I don’t know what I was thinking when I was asked for my shoe size. I wear my orthotics when I wear running or hiking shoes, and I order up a size or two to accommodate them. I wish I had done that coz I would have worn my orthotics in these super lightweight walking shoes
Those are cute! I would totally sport those! And we have the same size feet! I size up for running shoes too. 🙂
Wow, Kristi, I don’t know too many of us with size 6.5 feet! Yay us!!
These are cute! I would totally wear them! 💕
Wow these look really comfortable and I love how they are also environmentally friendly!
I buy vegan and sustainable sneakers. I own several pairs from a brand that makes them from recycled plastic bottles and another one from pineapple fiber. I’ll define look into this. I love finding new brands and cool materials
It looks prett good 🙂 I waer similiars at the system test engineering 🙂
I can imagine, Sarah, that a similar lightweight comfortable shoe similar to the Rackle Hemp Shoes would work well in an engineering workplace!
I’ve not worn closed toed shoes in a really Long Time! I do need a good pair tho for when I can go use a workout facility again!
Those look exactly like my mom’s style! I haven’t bought new shoes in at least 10 years. I simply never wear them out for some reason! It might be that I bike everywhere.