If you like wide, foot-friendly barefoot shoes (that’s why you’re here, right?) then check out Bohempia. I’ve reviewed their casual sneaker Kolda here before and jumped at the chance to get to review their winter offerings as well.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Bohempia USA or the EU store which means any links here or codes used return nothing to me. Zavid was sent to me for review and I was offered a discount on Rola, but all thoughts about both models are my own.
You can save 10% on these using the non-affiliate code OWBSHOES (USA) or OWB (EU).
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Company Information
Bohempia is dedicated to sustainability and especially the use of hemp in diverse applications. They produce everything inside the EU, even down to the preparation of their fibers. They offer other products in addition to shoes, including hemp bags (I have 1!), clothing and towels.
Technical Specifications on Zavid
- Upper: Ultrasuede® vegan microfiber suede
- Lining: Cozy cotton
- Insole: Hemp
- Sole: Non-Slip Natural Rubber
- Certified Vegan by PETA
- Sizes 36-46
- Color look varies some based on light. Officially the center image here is the greyest, but they often look blue, and (more rarely) sometimes even a tad green. All are pretty.
Technical Specifications on Rola
- Upper: Ultrasuede® vegan microfiber suede
- Lining: Not listed, but feels like microfiber
- Insole: Hemp
- Sole: Non-Slip Natural Rubber
- Certified Vegan by PETA
- Sizes 36-46
Appearance
As luck would have it, the plan to review an all-black Zavid didn’t work out, but Grey was available and here we are. Grey, however, does not do them justice. They a much more vibrant ‘grey’ than I expected, with the ability to pull to either blue or green (usually blue) depending on the lighting. Perfect for my color-to-the-core approach.
Note, though, that I think a bit of ‘photographer’s mood’ (mine) plays into the extremes you see here. Generally, they’re grey-blue. It was nearly sunset when I took the left pic, and photography tricks to up the light also upped the green more than you’d likely see. The right pic was taken first thing in the morning, but in a different area of the yard, with way more sunlight, and the blue tone really shined. Assume a base of the grey they’re named, but enjoy the colorful surprises.
Rola fits snug and looks great as a color block with black pants or tights. The unassuming ankle opening helps it blend perfectly. More moods! And more lighting swings. Different times of day make a huge difference in how everything looks in a picture.
Both have a wide sole border (foxing) that gives you some extra water protection.
Fit
Bohempia offers both Regular and Wide/Plus widths in their models and most of the colors (generally the more feminine ones like pink only come in the Regular width). I’m using the Wide in both of these models and have great room for my toes.
Both of them have plenty of room for my ankles, so those of you with thin ankles be aware of that. I don’t think it would impact your fit on Rola as much as Zavid.
The fit over the instep for both is different, because of the laces. Zavid is adjustable and generally more roomy because you have that ability, while Rola fits snug without its laces so the boots aren’t sliding. It fits snug but good, so if you have low volume feet you’re probably going to need something to take up extra space, such as low-cut socks that are on the thicker side, an insole, felt sticky pads, or yoga socks that take up room at the instep without impacting your toes.
Sizing
Bohempia has a great, detailed sizing chart with lengths and widths of for every size. They’ve taken the extra step here of trying to calculate the actual available width inside (insole plus any space next to it) for you to make the most accurate decision.
Many people have ordered the wide and found it to be even too wide, so check with care. I am around 11 cm wide, depending on my toe socks and how thick they are, my size 43 is listed as 11.5 cm wide. We’re good.
The internal length of size 43 is listed as 28.2, but these are lined and, unsurprisingly, come in a couple of mms shy of that, at just under 28 cm using a Plus 12 device. Keep the lining in mind if you are between sizes, as well as the ideal extra space of 12 mms, explained here. Other areas of shoe sizing, and how to measure your feet, have their own page here.
Breaking In
There is no break-in period with either. Both feel instantly comfortable. The only issue I have is getting Rola ON. It has no pull tab and gripping the sides may be effective for someone with the perfect combination of low instep, narrow heel, and thin ankle. But for the rest of us: the shoes look GREAT on, but you may need a shoe horn to get you there.
How do they feel?
Zavid feels like a slipper, hands-down. The outside is soft and feels good to the touch, but the inside envelops you in warm softness that feels amazing on your feet.
Rola is more lightly lined for some additional warmth in the cold. It is also soft, and shaped well to stay in place without feeling restrictive.
I cannot in either of these models (almost certainly due to the lining) wear my Correct Toes like I can in the Kolda model, but my toes are not restricted. The unlined Kolda provides max room there. For winter models, it is common for you to have a bit less room inside the shoe as the outer parts of the uppers are generally made the same, but the lining is added inside.
Both pairs have the same natural rubber, non-slip sole and it is highly flexible.
Cleaning
There are no official cleaning recommendations for these on Bohempia’s site. Some googling about the Ultrasuede material in particular, led me to these tips:
- Lint roll the material to restore the nap (texture)
- Clean with a well-wrung-out cloth and avoid getting the material too wet, but you can be pretty enthusiastic in rubbing it with the barely-wet cloth
Unless a company specifically tells you it’s okay, do not put shoes in the machine washer, and virtually no shoe is safe to put in the dryer.
I keep my soles clean with a vegetable brush that has stiff bristles to kick debris out.
Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns
The USA site offers free shipping and returns (no restocking fee), but you are responsible for shipping costs on returns. The full policies are here. The representative is very helpful with sizing questions and can help you determine the important question of whether or not you really need the wide version. The discount code OWBSHOES gives you 10% on the USA store and OWB works on the Official site.
Final Thoughts
I have been a fan of Bohempia since I first put on Kolda and now have 4 pairs. The Kolda review can be found here, and Orik will be coming in the future. I have loved their use of the natural hemp, but also enjoy the over-the-top-wrap-me-up-in-these-please softness of Zavid and the low-key look of Rola. I’m excited to see what Bohempia brings out in the future, as well.
Want more reviews?
Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for more in-depth looks.
Looking for More Winter?
Take a look at this BIG list.
Love color?
Check out the BIG lists here.
