Since moving to barefoot shoes, nearly everyone has a type of shoe they missed. If yours is Converse, check out the cool AND foot-friendly Hoska model from Bohempia to bring back your look without hurting your toes.
Disclaimer: Bohempia sent me these for review but all thoughts are my own and no links on this page, to the main or US sites, are affiliate. The code OWBSHOES works on US and OWB works on EU. Either one is just a nice discount for you all.
This is not my first time reviewing Bohempia shoes. If you check out the Reviews page you can find previous looks at Kolda (a Keds/plimsole style), Rola (Chelsea boot), and Zavid (super-plush winter option).
Sections
Technical Specifications
- Model: Bohempia Hoska, in the Wide version
- Upper: 100% Hemp Canvas
- Insole: Molded PU
- Outsole: Natural rubber
- Sizes: 36-47 EU, Wide available in some colors with black having the highest Wide availability
- Available in this black on Bohempia USA and multiple colors on Bohempia’s main site
Appearance
Where Kolda slots perfectly into casual summer days, especially their new all-white model, the Hoska is a bit more street, basketball, and even grunge. In this all-black it adds a rougher, cooler edge to any outfit. You can flip it, though, and move out of that feeling with the lighter browns offered on the main Bohempia site. Or, you can kick it up and go with the high-top version, Orik 2.0, that even includes a very familiar toe cap look for a full-on street feel.
I like them with dresses (of course – #dressesandsneaksforlife) or with pants.
I don’t have a full pic of this because despite the awesome color the dress is too big and not flattering, boo, but these Hoskas work so well to set off bright colors too.
Fit
The fit of these is fairly high volume, though not as high as Kolda so easier for low-volume people to adapt and should not be difficult for medium/average volume people to wear. All pictures here of them on my feet are sockless, which has become my favorite way to wear every pair of shoes, as long as they don’t get sweaty.
You get 2 width options, which makes it easier to get a good fit. But even the regular is pretty generous, so if you have especially narrow feet you might find these too wide. If you have average/wide/very wide feet, though, you’re in for a foot-happy ride.
Bohempia has a fairly squarish internal shape the first 3 toes having close to the same length, and then it drops swiftly from there. I don’t think there’s an insole that shoes a better fit for me, anywhere. If you are completely squared-off in your shape you may have difficulty with that angle, but most people will have no problem with their outer toes hitting, as can happen with shoes showing a severe angle to the toe box.
They have fairly wide heels, but the opening is not cut extra-wide, so they can be pulled in pretty close. The height and overall shape is the same as Kolda, though the uppers are constructed with different details in the style and construction and a different edging around the opening. But the interior space feels the same at the toes and a little more fitted at the instep.
Sizing
Bohempia does both regular and wide widths but read the chart because most people are going to do just fine in the regular version. I’m wide-footed, but I need to say again: measure, for sure, before you choose a wide. Bohempia has taken a lot of care with their sizing chart for exactly this reason.
Measure and compare is the best way to get your correct size. If you’ve never measured before, check out this post. If you wonder why you need a specific amount of extra space in front of your toes, check out this post.
When I use the Plus12 device to check the inside of mine from heel straight to the front of the shoe I get the exact listed measurements for size 43: 28.2 cm, which means that you can trust the sizing chart.
When it comes to width, usually you’re just guessing at how the insole width compares to the actual usable space. But Bohempia went beyond the typical method of listing the width of a component of the shoe, such as the insole, and took care to figure out how much usable space you actually have. That means that if you pull out the insole and measure it you’re going to get a lower measurement than what you see on the chart, but the chart is listing a more true value and that holds true for me. I’m about 11 cm in width, my size has 11.5 cm, and I can attest that I feel that extra space (and love it). I have tried the non-wide before in a different model and they were not wide enough. I can often ‘get by’ with 10.5, telling me that the 9.9 listed is probably very accurate.
Nerd hat off, but final note that I really appreciate the effort they’ve put into going above-and-beyond what we normally get, both in giving us both regular and wide, and in trying to nail down the most accurate values.
How do they feel?
Bohempia shoes are a bit heavier than other barefoot shoes because of the weight of the sole and the foxing around the edge. It looks quite thick, but it’s a flexible walled design, so you’re inside it. But it still has some weight to it.
That in no way impacts flexibility, though, with the shoes fully rollable and twistable in whatever direction you need.
The space is dreamy in here. Bohempias are one of the few brands that allow me to wear Correct Toes toe spacers inside them (check out this guide for more information about toe spacers, if you’re curious) and never impact my splay at all.
The stack height is medium but an exact number is not shared. This, combined with the natural rubber and fully flexible sole, gives you great foot freedom, but not a lot of ground feel.
The sole is completely flat across the bottom, giving you no rolling feeling at all if that is something you struggle with.
I have felt some stiffness at the back of my right ankle. This happens in some canvas shoes and not others, and my top recommendation for this is to use a moleskin patch (check out this page for my current recommendations) while it softens. I’ve found on this, though, that playing with how you lace them can make the stiff edging less noticeable so try looser or tighter lacing as well. I have never felt it on my left.
Cleaning and Care
These Bohempia Hoskas are made from a natural hemp canvas and can be hand washed but machine washing or drying is not recommended. Speed up drying by removing the insole and do not leave them in direct sunlight or close to a strong heat source such as a radiator or they may deform.
They are sprayable to improve water protection and with the thick sole you can deal with some pretty good puddle and not worry about it. Even without spraying light rain beads up, but full splashes do soak in. (same page as above has some spray options)
Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns
Depending on your location, you can buy these shoes from the main site, Bohempia.com or from BohempiaUSA.com. Stock can be more limited on the USA side, and currently the main site has 3 colors vs the 1 on the USA site. For USA customers they are $118 with free shipping, and you can save 10% with my non-affiliate code OWBSHOES. The code for the main site is OWB and they are €103.00 before using the discount.
Final Thoughts
I thought Kolda would forever be my favorite Bohempia shoe, but this Hoska look hit me in all the right ways. Other than the edging feeling a little harsh, as mentioned above, I have nothing bad to say about them. They look cool, feel great, and the fact you can get them in both regular and width widths is excellent – I wish every company would do that for their shoes. I love ’em!
Want more reviews?
Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for more in-depth looks.
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Check out all the BIG lists here.
