How to Choose the Perfect Vegan Hiking Boot

November 21, 2024

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How to Choose the Perfect Vegan Hiking Boot

Whether you’re a committed vegan living a totally cruelty-free lifestyle, or simply someone looking for an ethical footwear upgrade, this article will help you navigate the world of vegan hiking boots. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the perfect vegan hiking boots, what kind of sustainable materials to look for, how to choose the best fit, plus much more.

Key Takeaways

High quality vegan hiking shoes are made from eco-friendly, sustainable materials.
Consider the type of hiking you’re planning to use your vegan boots for – the footwear needed for a casual walk is much different than what you need for a multi-day backpacking trip.
Factors like durability, fit & comfort, traction & support, and weather protection are key.

How to choose the best vegan-friendly hiking boots

1. Choose the type of vegan hiking boot based on your activities

Day Hiking

Day hiking boots are perfect for short hikes that will only last a few hours. They are also great shoes for daily wear.

They give you enough support for walking well-maintained trails and moderately steep inclines, and also provide enough weather protection for light rain and small puddles.
A good pair should be lightweight, sturdy, with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry on wet trails.
Day hiking boots characteristics include:
- Lightweight
- Moderate support and traction
- Waterproof

Backpacking

Backpacking hiking boots are a level up from day hikers, and designed for more difficult, multi-day hikes that cover longer distances, with heavier loads.

These boots are heavier, with thick, sturdy soles to reduce strain in the ankles, calves, and feet, especially on ascents.
They are also more water resistant for heavier rain and crossing larger bodies of water.
Backpacking boots are usually not as versatile as day hiking boots, so you likely won’t be using these for casual wear.
Backpacking boots characteristics include:
- Stiff, low-profile sole
- Articulated toe
- Insulated & waterproof
- Tall support for ankles and calves
- Rubber sole with heavy lug pattern

Mountaineering & Technical Terrain

Mountaineering boots are designed for much tougher, technical terrain and cold weather.

They are well-insulated, with tall, stiff ankle cuffs to provide stability, toe caps to protect your feet from falling rocks and deep lugs on the outsole to give you superior traction on rocky, uneven surfaces.
Similar to backpacking boots, these types of shoes are not good for casual or daily use.
Mountaineering boots characteristics include:
- Significantly taller support for ankles and calves
- Insulated & waterproof
- Toe Caps
- Rubber sole with heavy lug pattern

Trail Running

Trail running shoes are made for jogging and running across dirt paths, moderate inclines and uneven terrain.

Vegan hiking shoes and trail runners give you extra grip and stability so that you’re always stable, no matter how rocky or unpredictable your route.
Trail shoes have a more aggressive tread pattern than regular running shoes, as well as extra cushioning to protect your feet from rocks and falling object.
Trail runners are the most lightweight style of vegan hiking shoe and are constructed to give you speed and freedom of movement.
Trail running shoes characteristics include:
- Lightweight materials
- Breathable, mesh fabric
- Deep outsole tread
- Foot support
- Low profile design

Trail shoes vs. hiking boots – what’s the difference?

Trail Shoes: For people looking for a lightweight and breathable pair of hiking shoes, with less need for ankle or calve support, trail shoes may be a good option. Trail shoes are usually more flexible than traditional hiking boots, and they still provide enough stability for short hikes on flat terrain.

Hiking boots: These boots are specifically designed for harder trails. They have superior ankle and arch support; plus waterproof liners to keep your feet dry for situations like stream crossing and rainstorms.

Overnight Hikes

Hiking at night usually means colder temps and an increased risk of falls or slippage.

For these reasons, look for a sturdy boot that offers plenty of support and protection, including waterproof uppers, stiff midsoles for more stability on uneven terrain, and lugged outsoles for traction in mud or snow.

Winter Hiking

Look for well-insulated, waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and provide enough traction to prevent slips on icy surfaces.

2. Select your vegan materials

Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester is basically made from plastic trash. The process to create recycled polyester involves melting down discarded plastic bottles, spinning the plastic bits into yarns, and then weaving those yarns into fabric. Recycled polyester is most often used in the upper of the shoe.

Recycled Nylon

Recycled Nylon is a fabric also made from post-consumer plastics. It’s crafted by melting down old plastic and spinning it into new yarn, which is then woven into fabrics. Recycled nylon is breathable, odor-resistant and easy to clean. Recycled nylon typically used in the upper of the boot to provide strength and flexibility.

Recycled Rubber

Recycled Rubber used in hiking boots comes from car tires, inner tubes, and other down-cycled products. Not only is it environmentally friendly and helps clear trash from landfills, but it also provides shock absorbency, lofted cushioning, water repellency, and resistance to abrasion & wear. Recycled rubber is used on the outsole of the shoe to provide grip and traction.

Organic Hemp

Organic Hemp is a sustainable fiber grown without the use of synthetic chemicals. Hemp is well-suited for hiking because of its breathability, odor-resistance, and moisture-wicking properties.

Microfiber

Microfiber is a synthetic material made from extremely fine fibers that are woven together. Microfiber offers excellent water resistance, cushioning, and breathability for comfortable all-day wear in any weather condition. It’s most commonly used in the upper of the boot for breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

Bio-based synthetic leather

Bio-based synthetic leather is created from plant-based sources like mushrooms or cornstarch, and offers similar appearance, texture, and functionality as traditional leather. This durable, waterproof material is used on parts of hiking boots like the upper, toe caps, or heel for better protection and support.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a natural, eco-friendly material with outstanding breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for hot climates or extended hikes. It grows quickly without the need for pesticides and requires minimal water for cultivation. Bamboo is commonly used for boot linings or insoles, providing natural antibacterial properties, cushioning, and odor control.

Thinsulate

Thinsulate is produced from a blend of polyester fibers, which are processed into insulation. These fibers are bonded together to optimize temperature-regulation and protect your feet against both heat and cold. Thinsulate is also moisture-wicking and helps maintain dry feet.

Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is a vegan waterproof material used in hiking boots to keep your feet remain cool and dry. However, we only recommend using PFAs-free Gore-Tex, called ePE because does not contain forever-chemicals.

Synthetic leather

Synthetic leather has been a major player in vegan fashion for years. The advantages of this material is its low price point and durability, especially compared to natural leather.

However, the disadvantages of synthetic leather make it a big no-no from an environmental, health and safety perspective. It’s often made from virgin plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU). The production process is energy intensive and involves hazardous chemicals. The dangerous effects of these chemicals were experienced in the 2023 chemical spill in Palestine, Ohio where 100,000 gallons of polyvinyl chloride was spilled and released into the environment, endangering humans and animals with toxic runoff.

Looking for hiking boots?

3. Choose your must-have performance features

Durability

The durability of the boot directly impacts your comfort and stability, and thus your overall enjoyment. Durable hiking boots are built to withstand rugged terrain and harsh elements, while also protecting your feet against blisters, rocky and slippery surfaces and falling objects.

Breathability

Breathability helps keeps the temperature of your feet cool and ventilated, which helps prevent blisters, bacteria buildup, and odor. For optimal breathability, look for mesh panels or microfiber designed to facilitate air flow around your feet.

Water Resistance

Water resistant fabrics like recycled polyester, synthetic leathers or rubber protects your feet from sweat, rain, and snow. These materials are designed to repel moisture while still allowing air flow, keeping feet dry and comfortable. Manufacturers may also add features like gusseted tongues, waterproof zippers and sealed seams for extra protection from the elements.

Fit and comfort

When it comes to hiking, the right fit and comfort of footwear are key for a successful trek. If your boots don’t fit properly or provide enough cushioning and support, you could be dealing with uncomfortable blisters, sore spots, and foot fatigue on your hike.

Vegan boots often have features like molded midsoles that increase shock absorption and reduce impact, and more supportive material for the ankles and calves for stability on both uphill and downhill paths.

Weight

Weight is another important factor to consider. Generally, heavier boots are more durable and provide better support, but lighter boots allow for greater agility and less strain on your feet.

The weight of a hiking boot can range from just over one pound for lightweight styles to three or four pounds for the most rugged designs. In general, look for a boot that strikes a balance between weight and durability.

4. Choose the right fit

Length

To ensure the best fit, it is important to measure your foot length and size before making your purchase. It’s also recommended to try on several pairs of boots in order to find the one with the most comfortable fit.

Width

When choosing vegan hiking boots, remember to consider the width of your feet, as well as the length. Typically, wider feet require a wide size for more comfort and support. If you have narrow feet, then you may opt for a narrower size for a better fit.

Volume

Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to the volume of your foot when selecting vegan hiking boots. This refers to how much space there is inside the boot around your foot and ankle area. Too little or too much volume may lead to discomfort while walking or climbing up hills or mountains on your hike.

Arch Support

The arch support provided by vegan hiking boots should also be taken into account when selecting a pair of shoes that fits correctly and comfortably. Boots with adequate arch support will help keep your feet and ankles properly aligned while walking or running over rough terrain during hikes.

Toe Room

Finally, checking for toe room when trying on vegan hiking boots can help ensure that the boots are comfortable. The toe box should have enough space for your toes to move comfortably without rubbing or pinching against the sides of the shoes.

Tips for Trying on Hiking Boots

Try them on later in the day – This will give you a better feel for how the boots will fit as your feet swell throughout the day.

Wear the right socks – Wear the same type of socks that you plan to wear when hiking so that you can get an accurate feel for how the boots will fit.

Walk around the store – Take some time to really walk around, making sure to go up and down stairs or inclines if possible, to get an idea of how the boots handle different terrain and whether they remain comfortable during extended use.

Test the fit on an incline – If possible, try wearing them on a slight incline or hill since this is more representative of what you’ll experience while out on a hike. This can help identify any potential hotspots or areas that may cause discomfort when walking uphill or downhill.

What are the benefits of vegan friendly boots & shoes?

Vegan footwear is eco-friendly and sustainable

Vegan hiking footwear are made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, Vegetan, Piñatex, hemp cloth, apple skin leather, cork or synthetic microfiber.

Vegan footwear is cruelty-free

Vegan hiking gear is produced without the use of any animal-derived materials, so no animals are harmed in the production process.

Vegan footwear is breathable

The best vegan hiking boots offer breathability and comfort because they’re made from plant-based or synthetic materials like hemp and recycled polyester that wick away moisture and promote airflow. This helps prevent your feet from getting overly hot or sweaty in cold or warm weather.

How to Find Vegan Hiking Boots

Research brands that are dedicated to creating vegan footwear, check the labels of materials for anything non-vegan and read customer reviews before making your purchase.

1. Research vegan footwear brands

Vegan brands like Vegetarian Shoes, Astral, Baffin, Eco Vegan Shoes, Inov-8, La Sportiva or Lowa have vegan-friendly choices.

They brands also give customers more information about their materials and production process than larger companies that may not label their products explicitly as vegan.

2. Check the labels and verify the materials

It’s important to read all the product labels and double-check what materials your vegan boots are made from. Vegan boots and shoes do not contain animal leather, gelatine, or animal-derived glues or dyes.

The most common materials in vegan hiking boots are synthetic suede, recycled plastics, hemp, natural rubber and mesh fabrics.

Natural materials like organic cotton and wool should also be avoided because of they may potentially come from animal by-products unless they are explicitly listed as 100% plant-based.

3. Read customer reviews

Reading what other people say about a product is one of the best ways to know if you should actually buy it. Through customer reviews you get insights into details into like:

Waterproofing capabilities from real-world experiences

Traction and support on difficult terrain

Experiences and feedback from other vegan hikers who have worn the boots in the field

Whether the boot components are truly made from vegan materials or not

4. Try on multiple sizes

Different styles can also have variations in sizing, even within the same brand. Thus, you should should always try multiple pairs of boots before making your final purchase.

Not only does this allow you to assess size and fit, but it also gives you an opportunity to test traction and test how comfortable the shoes actually are.

Having a snug fit that doesn’t rub against your toes is key for preventing foot problems during hikes.

5. Test the boots in-store or on a short hike

You should walk around in the boots and go up and down inclines and steps where possible—this will tell you how supportive the boots will be in similar activities when you’re hiking or trail running.

Your hiking boots should leave enough room in the toe box so that there’s no pressure or toe-squashing feeling.

Walking around for a few minutes allows your feet to adjust any ankle flexion and helps determine whether these are right for you.

6. Add boot insoles or inserts

Adding custom insoles can provide greater arch support and better heel stabilization. For example, the Superfeet Green insole is a popular option because they offer cushy and firm support and can be easily swapped out as needed throughout the course of a hike.

FAQs

Are vegan shoes good for your feet?

This question has sparked a lot of debate, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While vegan shoes can be good for your feet, but this depends on different factors, like the materials used, the shoe architecture, and your personal foot health needs. Vegan shoes are often more breathable, which can help keep your feet cooler and drier. They can also be just as comfortable as “regular” shoes and come in a diverse array of styles, colors, and materials. However, some vegan shoes may lack the support and stability that leather shoes give you, which can be a problem for people with foot problems like plantar fasciitis. Make sure that you check that the vegan shoes are designed with foot health in mind.

Can you wear vegan hiking boots without socks?

Yes, you can wear vegan hiking boots without socks, but it’s usually not recommended. Wearing socks protects your feet against friction, blisters, and hot spots. Socks also protect your feet against small cuts and scratches from trail rocks.

Is Gore-Tex vegan?

Yes, Gore-Tex is 100% vegan. This waterproof membrane is made of ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), sourced from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), also known as Teflon. This material is synthetic and doesn’t contain animal-byproduct. However, Gore-Tex may not be a eco-friendly choice because it may contain toxic PFAS, also known as as “forever chemicals.”

In 2022, Gore-Tex announced a new PFAS-free membrane called ePE, which is an alternative to its ePTFE membrane made with PFAS. That said, the company hasn’t yet committed to removing all PFAS, including the use of PFAS in durable water repellent (DWR) treatments.

Are Columbia shoes vegan?

Columbia has some vegan-friendly options, but not all their shoes are vegan. To make sure you’re buying vegan shoes, look for shoes and hiking boots that are specifically labeled as such. It’s also a good idea to check the materials used to avoid any leather or animal-derived products.

Are Arcteryx shoes vegan?

While Arcteryx’s entire shoe line isn’t vegan, they do have some vegan styles. These include the Acrux TR GTX boots and the Acrux LT GTX.

Are Salomon shoes vegan?

Salomon is known for its vegan trail running shoes, but not all of their hiking boots are vegan-friendly. The company has confirmed that some of their boots use animal-based glue. Solomon’s vegan trail running shoes include the Speedcross 5, the Sense Ride 2 and the Cross Hike Mid GTX.

Are vegan shoes waterproof?

Some vegan shoes are waterproof, and some are not – this varies from shoe to shoe depending on what materials they are made from. Recycled polyester, rubber and hemp are water resistant, however vegan materials like canvas or vegan leather may not be.

Are vegan leather shoes waterproof?

Yes, vegan shoes can be totally waterproof. Vegan leather, also known as faux leather, is made from synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). These materials are often waterproof by design. Plus, some vegan leather shoes have waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex.

Do vegan boots cost more?

The answer to this question depends on the type of boots and the brand. Generally, vegan boots tend to be a bit more expensive than non-vegan counterparts since high quality materials are used in place of leather.

However, prices vary greatly among vegan hiking boots brands, ranging from $100-$160. Popular brands like La Sportiva have options priced under $140, whereas Icebug or Will’s Vegan Store tend to cost slightly more with an average price of $165 and up for their products.

Conclusion

When making the decision to purchase vegan footwear, it’s important for consumers to be mindful of their individual needs. Many different types of boots are available on the market that provide comfort, support and traction in a variety of terrains and conditions.

Research vegan brands, read customer reviews, try on multiple pairs in store or even take a short trial hike before purchasing your perfect pair of plant-powered kicks! Vegan options are steadily growing in popularity due to their durability, quality performance, and environmental sustainability — there is no need for compromise with ethical purchases today!