Sustainable hiking shoes made from recycled materials
Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to do so sustainably. One way to reduce your ecological footprint is by wearing sustainable hiking shoes made from recycled materials. In this article, we’ll showcase some of the best options in the market and examine the features that make each sustainable.
Best for Short Trails: Grandview GTX Hiker
The Grandview GTX Hiker is designed to provide comfort and reliable performance, while keeping your feet snug and odor free. We really like the antimicrobial treatment, which comes in handy after hours on the trail. While it may not provide enough ankle support for longer trips, it is comfortable and the Vibram™ Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction on various types of terrain. The shoe has a waterproof leather and quick-dry mesh upper with a GORE-TEX bootie to seal out the elements. It also has a wider toe-box and an adjustable Universal Heel Lock System to keep your foot in place when you’re going downhill.
What activities are the Grandview GTX best for?
Everyday wear, shorter day hikes, moderate backpacking trips
What are customers saying about the Grandview GTX?
The Teva Grandview GTX has over 200 reviews on Zappos with 89% rated 4+ stars. Customers find them comfy and light with good grip and waterproofing. Some note the wide toe box and need for thick socks to fill out the boot. A few have had arch support issues, but most find them supportive enough for light and moderate hikes. Some found them tricky to get on/off, and those with narrow feet had some fit issues. Overall, the Teva Grandview GTX is a solid choice for lightweight outdoor activities.
FEATURES
- Recycled Materials: Recycled plastic using traceable, verifiable REPREVE® polyester yarn by Unifi®, and 40% recycled polyester
- Upper: Waterproof leather and quick-dry mesh with a GORE-TEX bootie
- Outsole: Vibram™ Megagrip outsole
- Height: Over the ankle
- Weight: 13.5 ounces women’s size 7
- Special Features: Adjustable Universal Heel Lock System, wider toe-box, Nylon shank, EVA-foam midsole, ESS shank, TPU shank, Life Naturals antimicrobial treatment
PROS
- Antimicrobial treatment fights odor-causing bacteria
- Waterproof
- Adjustable heel
CONS
- Lacks sufficient ankle support for long, multi-day hikes or technical terrain
- People with narrow fit may have sizing issues
- Some users report problems with arch support
Best Winter Hiking Shoes: Icebug Pace3 BUGrip GTX
Icebug, a Swedish company founded in 2001, makes durable outdoor footwear with performance-specific features like traction studs, waterproof protection, and BOA dial laces. They use synthetic, natural, and recycled materials to create shoes for everyday outdoor activities. As a Certified B Corp, their business meets high standards of social and environmental impact.
What activities are the Icebug Pace3 BUGrip GTX best for?
These shoes are designed for winter weather, including snow, ice, and slippery surfaces. They will also perform well on rocky, uneven terrain, however the insulation may be too warm in hot weather.
What are customers saying about the Icebug Pace3 BUGrip GTX?
The Icebug Pace3 BUGrip GTX received an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon from 59 customers, with mostly positive reviews. Customers love these hiking boots for their comfort, lightweight feel, and great traction on snow and ice. They also appreciate the eco-friendly materials used to make them. However, some have noted that the boots may not be warm enough in very cold temperatures.
FEATURES
- Recycled Materials: Recycled ripstop, 20% recycled rubber
- Upper: PU-molded laminate, PU mudguard
- Outsole: Rubber with 16 carbide studs
- Height: Over the ankle
- Weight: 2 lbs., 14 oz. (1.30 kg) for a size 9
PROS
- Breathable
- Waterproof
- Optimized for snow, ice and slippery surfaces
CONS
- Pricey
- Heavy
Best All-Terrain: HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX
The HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX are grippy, waterproof and versatile hiking boots.
What activities are the HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX best for?
Technical hikes on rocky terrain, rain, mud and ice.
What are customers saying about the HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX?
An average of 4.1 / 5 stars based on 398 reviews in REI and 4.2 / 5 stars based on 612 reviews in Google. Customers love these boots for their comfort, light weight, excellent traction, and waterproof feature. They’re also great for plantar fasciitis and long hikes. However, a few negative reviews mention discomfort in the ankle area due to the eyelets digging in and that the boots require more time to break in. Some customers also note that they’re not as comfortable as previous HOKA models.
FEATURES
- Recycled Materials: Recycled Polyester in the collar, mesh and laces are recycled.
- Upper: Nubuck leather/GORE-TEX textile
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
- Height: Over the ankle
- Weight: 2 pounds (per pair)
PROS
- Excellent traction
- Quick-lace hook hardware
- Achilles-cradling pull tabs
- Extended heel geometry for smoother heel-to-toe transitions
- Waterproof
CONS
- Not as padded as previous Hoka boots
- Eyelets may dig into ankles
Best All-Terrain: Salomon Outpulse Hiking Shoes
Salomon Outpulse Hiking Shoes are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a shoe that is both durable and versatile. The shoes are highly adaptable to different terrains and are made with a specialized rubber compound that provides excellent traction on all types of terrain. They also feature a supportive heel cup and a protective toe cap.
What activities are the Salomon Outpulse Hiking Shoes best for?
Backpacking, hiking, and trail running, including on rough and uneven terrain.
FEATURES
- Recycled Materials: Plastics PET bottles and miscellaneous waste materials
- Upper: Synthetic
- Midsole: Fuze Surge Foam
- Outsole: Rubber
- Height: Over Ankle
- Weight: 1 lb. 10.8 oz. (Men) / 1 lb. 7.1 oz. (Women)
PROS
- Encourages flexible movement
- All-terrain
- Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
CONS
- Limited support for heavy loads