Blog
How to clean hemp sneakers without damaging them
Every pair of Takkies starts with a roll of hemp canvas woven for us in the Western Cape. We cut it in our Muizenberg workshop and stitch each upper by hand. Nothing goes to waste, because offcuts become laces and shoe bags.
Hemp is tough, breathable and softens with every wear. It suits long days on the Beach Road promenade and wet walks along the vlei.
Why natural materials
Natural rubber and cork soles grip well on wet pavement and wear down slowly. Our recycled knit uppers use plastic bottles that would otherwise sit in landfill. We choose each material for how it feels, how long it lasts and what it leaves behind.
Cleaning hemp sneakers is easy once you know the basics. Brush off dry mud first, then wipe the canvas with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Never soak the upper or put it in a tumble dryer.
Drying and storing
Stuff the shoes with paper and leave them in a shaded, airy spot. Direct Cape sun can fade the colour and dry out the cork footbed. Once dry, rub in a little beeswax balm on the upper and keep your pair in a hemp shoe bag between wears.
Thandi Mokoena, Pattern Cutter
Thandi cuts every upper by hand at our Muizenberg workshop. She has made shoes for over twelve years and knows how hemp canvas behaves on the cutting table. Her patterns keep each pair light, snug around the heel and easy to slip on after a morning at the beach.
Pieter Jacobs, Sole Maker
Pieter pours and trims our natural rubber soles and presses the cork footbeds. He tests every batch by walking the rocky path above Kalk Bay. If a sole cracks or slips on wet stone, it goes back to the bench. Only the pairs that pass reach the shelf.
Nomsa Khumalo, Stitching Lead
Nomsa leads the small team that stitches and finishes each pair. She checks every seam twice and ties the final laces herself. Her team also repairs older pairs for customers, because a good sneaker should be mended and worn again before anyone thinks of replacing it.
Imran Davids, Materials Buyer
Imran finds our hemp, cork and recycled yarn from small suppliers around South Africa. He visits each farm or mill himself and asks plain questions about water, labour and waste. Only materials that satisfy him and the rest of the team make it into a Takkies sneaker.
Made slowly, worn often
We make our sneakers in small batches so each pair gets proper attention. Hemp canvas, natural rubber and cork take longer to work with than synthetic materials, but they age well and feel better on the foot. Come and see the workshop at 25 Beach Road, Muizenberg, and try a pair on. We are happy to talk sizing, care and which style suits your daily walk.
