Do you want to go vegan but don’t know where to start? You might be surprised that the best vegan hiking boots for men and women are not only stylish but also specifically designed for your adventures.
Hiking boots are one of the essential pieces of gear in any backpack. They must be durable, waterproof, and comfortable for hours. This is why choosing the right pair can feel like such a daunting task. The last thing you want to do is get halfway through your hike and realize that you bought the wrong shoes!
Do you want to find the best vegan boots?
We’re here to help! First, you’ll love our selection of vegan hiking boots then, whether you’re looking for a new pair or need some advice. Our goal is to make your research as easy and enjoyable as possible.
As summertime is approaching fast, you may need to read this post for summer hiking.
How to Choose Vegan Hiking Boots?
First, don’t look for leather parts; otherwise, what vegan boots would they be, right? The same stands for suede, nubuck. This sounds too obvious, of course, but if you are going for pure vegan boots, double check as some boots makers may use a combination of leather and synthetic.
The glue plays another role in vegan hiking boots. Make sure it is not made from animals.
Look for materials like synthetic (i.e., polyester, synthetic mesh, materials, breathable mesh, etc.) or nylon, microfiber, thermoplastic, or urethane. You can even get vegan boots made from synthetic leather.
These data are on the packaging or -when you shop online- at the “more info” or “Characteristics” information of the product.
A tip to have in mind is that when you read other labels like “fair-trade” or “organic,” that doesn’t “translate” to vegan only.
Make sure you know what kind of weather conditions you want them. Depending on the case, they should be more or less breathable and more or less waterproof.
What Else Makes a Boot Vegan?
Check liners and shoelaces. Finding leather shoelaces in any hiking boot is uncommon, but you never know. Liners and insoles, on the other hand, should also be not from animals, i.e., liners made from wool.
Also, check if details are made from gelatin products, animal-derived dyes, or fish-laced glues.
Why Buy Vegan Boots?
If you adopt the vegan way of living, then buying vegan-only products is a spontaneous choice for you. Boots made for vegans do not mean that they are environment friendly. They are made from synthetics, rubber, and other petroleum by-products.
Their difference is that they are not made from leather or other animal-based ingredients, and as such, they do not add to how humanity treats animals. In that way, you contribute to a mentality shift that has increased in recent years.
Which are the Best Brands of Vegan Boots?
Popular brands for vegan boots are the same brands that also make non-vegan hiking boots. Such are La Sportiva, Merrell, Xero, XPETI, Inov-8, Arc’teryx, Lowa, Scarpa, Salewa, Mammut, Salomon.
Top 5 Vegan Hiking Boots for Men and Women
These vegan boots are top choices for both genders. Check their information and explore all their features and availability.
1. La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Vegan Hiking Boots for Women
These boots are made for hiking and carrying daypacks or not heavy backpacks. They provide the protection you need under challenging conditions and wet, rugged terrains.
Specifications
| Type | Hiking and Backpacking |
| Weight (pair) | 1 lb. 7 oz. |
| Sole | FriXion XF 2.0 Rubber |
| Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Waterproof | Yes, with GORE-Flex nylon mesh |
Features
- 100% vegan
- Regular and Wide sizes are available
- TPU lacing harnesses for secure, customized fit
- Compression-molded MEMle for a springy bounce in every step
- Thermoplastic polyurethane upper
2. Lowa Innox Pro GTX Mid Vegan Boots for Men
They are lightweight, cushioned boots. You can wear them all day long and not only for going uphill. An excellent selection when you want to move quickly with a small pack but need steadiness.
Specifications
| Type | Hiking |
| Weight (pair) | 1 lb. 15.7 oz. |
| Sole | Multi Trac rubber |
| Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Waterproof | GORE-TEX waterproof, breathable |
Features
- 100% vegan
- Slip-lasted
- Double-injected midsoles for a superb rebound
- Durability and cushioning
3. Merrell MQM Flex 2 Mid GORE-TEX Vegan Boots for Women
A women’s pair of vegan boots to move quickly on wet terrains (but not only), with air cushion tech in the heels to absorb shock and enhance stability. The tongue-integrated lacing system provides a more secure fit, while the tear-resistant mesh is waterproof, breathable, and wicks water away.
Specifications
| Type | Hiking |
| Weight (pair) | 1 lb. 7 oz. |
| Sole | Quantum Grip rubber |
| Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Waterproof | GORE-TEX waterproof |
Features
- Vegan-friendly hiking boots
- Waterproof, tear-resistant mesh uppers fend off wet weather
- Thermoplastic polyurethane toe caps protect your feet from rocks and roots
- Removable contoured insoles provide flexible support.
4. Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion WP Vegan Boots for Men
These are wide-toe, fully waterproof boots that allow your foot to feel comfortable and more natural, with more grip and control.
Specifications
| Type | Hiking |
| Weight (pair) | One lb. 10 oz. |
| Sole | FeelTrue rubber |
| Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Waterproof | Waterproof membrane |
Features
- 100% Vegan
- Extremely lightweight
- Flexible rubber soles give a natural feeling and excellent protection
- Built-in gaiter hooks
- Low to the ground soles and non-elevated heels for proper posture
- Fully waterproof, with seam-sealed inner booties
- Water-resistant membranes and gusseted tongues
5. Topo Athletic Trailventure Hiking Boots – Women’s
Durable boots with multi-surface traction on all terrains. Walk the trails quickly and comfortably. The mid-height fit offers ankle support and a molded foam collar for additional comfort. The unique lace lock system offers two lacing tensions to provide a customized and more secure fit.
Specifications
| Type | Hiking |
| Weight (pair) | 1 lb. 4.8 oz. |
| Sole | Vibram XS Trek rubber |
| Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Waterproof | Not water-resistant or waterproof |
Features
- 100% Vegan
- Comfortable, anti-compression footbed with anti-microbial properties
- Medial drainage ports to enhance quick water release
- A flexible ESS rock plate protects against stone bruising
- 3-piece EVA midsoles for cushioning
- Abrasion-resistant ripstop mesh upper
Why Should you Always Try on your Boots Before Purchasing Them?
Not all feet are made equal. Your left one can be different from your right. That is a must when you shop in a physical store. You must wear both, walk inside the store, and walk up a few stairs. Wear them with your hiking socks and see if you feel uncomfortable anywhere on your foot.
Since no leather is involved, the vegan hiking boots are not expected to loosen up. If you count on that, then don’t.
High Ankle Vegan Boots or Narrow Ankle?
That depends on the terrain you plan to hike. High ankle boots provide more protection when walking on rugged terrains that are slippery or with lots of rocks and pebbles. Such landscapes change how your feet adjust to the ground.
You don’t want a sprained ankle when you walk on a mountain.
As with any boots, vegan boots also come with standard or wide-width options. However, as said, not all feet are the same by nature.
How to Break in your New Boots?
After buying your vegan boots (or any), walk them a couple of times in a short hiking route with some inclination. Please don’t wear them directly on your first long hiking.
Vegan hiking boots are made from synthetic materials or similar to such. As they won’t loosen up, you need to “work” them a bit, so they are not entirely stiff.
FAQs on Vegan Hiking Boots
What is a Good Price Range for Vegan Hiking Boots?
Excluding special seasonal offers for vegan hiking boots, prices range from $250 to $130. The tech part of the boots affects the price (i.e., GoreTex, etc.).
What are the Pros and Cons of Buying Hiking Boots Online vs. Offline?
The only thing preventing someone from buying online is that you can’t test the boots on how they fit on your own feet.
Why it’s Important to have Good Quality Gear when you’re out in Nature
There is some fear that if it is cheap in terms of materials and construction, it can mean that your life can be in danger. That is crucial for boots. Your hiking boots are not something that you need to save money on. If you hike a lot, you need good gear for everything that affects your safety and well-being along your routes.
Conclusion
For many, vegan hiking boots may be a trend or not. After all, leather is not used on these boots but lots of rubber, nylon, plastic, and urethane. These are primarily petroleum-based byproducts.
On the one hand, you contribute to saving more animals; on the other hand, you contribute to more plastic or related petroleum products.
It is a tricky part to answer. For some, choosing one direction over the other is crystal clear.
Have fun and be safe when outdoors. Nature will show you the way. Also, read Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet and Best Travel Shoes For Europe.