The Best Vegan Hiking Boots + How to Pick the Right Pair

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All the info you need to pick the perfect pair of vegan hiking boots for your adventures!

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Boots are a seriously important investment. Whether you use them for hiking, backpacking, camping or just general exploring, they’re often the most important piece of outdoor gear on your packing list. But, you gotta find the best hiking boots for your needs!

And finding the right vegan boots can be particularly tricky as leather is still the norm. Thanks to plant-based and synthetic materials, awesome new vegan options are released all the time (woohoo!) but actually finding them can be tough (boooo).

From confusing labelling and changing materials to bizarre manufacturing and brands who aren’t completely sure what’s in their products… it can make finding hiking footwear nightmare.

To make things easier, we contacted 20+ of the best hiking brands to see what they offered that was 100% cruelty-free.

That means no leather, no pesky gelatin products, animal-derived dyes or fish-laced glues either.

This guide will help you find kick-ass vegan hiking boots for men and women, with choices for summer, winter, different activities and budgets.

Keep reading to find options from:

La Sportiva, Lowa, Arc’teryx, Merrel, Vivobarefoot, Astral, Inov-8, XPETI, Baffin, plus completely vegan shoe brands Will’s Vegan Shoes and Vegetarian Shoes + more!

Contents:

• The best vegan-friendly hiking boots on the market
• Why go for vegan boots?
• Leather hiking boots vs. vegan options
• How to find completely vegan hiking boots and what to look for
• Tips for finding vegan clothing products
• How to pick hiking boots (size, materials, fit, waterproof, uses and features etc)
• Boot FAQ

This article may contain affiliate links. If you make purchases through these links we may make a small commission – this is never of any extra cost to you – but helps support Veggie Vagabonds, thank you!

 

The Best Vegan Hiking Boots Available Now!

To put this list together, we reached out to all of the brands listed below to ask about their vegan options (unless specifically shown to be 100% vegan).

It’s fantastic to see so many of the biggest outdoor companies now have an awesome selection of vegan hiking shoes, boots, trail runners and all things in between. Each year the selection just gets bigger and bigger!

A number of the brands we spoke to were in the process of bringing out exciting new vegan hiking models, which aren’t listed below yet. They’ll send details once they come out and we’ll make sure to update the list as soon as they do – stay in the loop by joining the mailing list!

Jump ahead to our top vegan picks

• Best boots for hot weather: La Sportiva Stream GTX
• Best budget boots: XPETI Thermator
• Best technical hiking boots: Inov-8 Roclite Pro 400
• Best hiking boots for backpacking and long distances: Arc’teryx Acrux
• Best hiking boots for wide feet: Merrell MQM Flex 2
• Best hiking boot from vegan company: Wills WVSport
• Best lightweight hiking boots: Merrell Moab Speed Mid Gore-Tex

The Eco Award also goes to the Merrell Moab Speed Mid Gore-Tex – a brilliantly sustainable hiking boot!

Disclaimer: all images were sourced from their respective brands

Footwear from 100% Vegan Companies

Over the last half-decade, veganism has gone through the roof. This has given rise to plenty of 100% vegan footwear companies creating faux-leather products and cruelty-free alternatives. Some of these companies have also started producing hiking gear – AWESOME!

Some more inspiring stuff from a British vegan brand. Will’s are vegan-certified and a carbon-neutral company!

The WVSport Waterproof walking boots are everything you need for a hard-wearing, year-round option. You’ll find an advanced ballistic welded construction with abrasion and scuff-resistant material, Vibram rubber injection outsoles for grippy traction and a special waterproof membrane.

This all allows for reliable breathability and long-lasting waterproof protection.

Also, 70% of the power used to produce these boots is from solar energy – hell yeah!

Buy Will’s Vegan Shoes

Men / Women

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Vegetarian Shoes Hiking Boots

I’ll admit, we overlooked Vegetarian Shoes for quite some time, thinking their shoes were vegetarian and not vegan. This is in fact not the case. All of the shoes from this independent UK company are 100% vegan-friendly, they’re vegan-stamped and have won plenty of awards.

The Unisex Veggie Trekker MK5 is one of the few vegan leather hiking boots on this list, giving them a very traditional look.

They’re designed to take on any environment, with Wind-Tex breathable technology, a water-resistant membrane and an insulating layer for added padding and warmth. The padded faux-leather collar and tongue sections also give added comfort and protection.

Dual Density Vibram soles and angled heel cleats give strong traction and stability on uneven surfaces, whilst a protective rubber rand helps increase water resistance, rigidity and durability.

Buy Vegetarian Shoes Veggie Trekker MK5 (Unisex)

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Similar to its older sibling, The Veggie Trekker MK5, the Snowdon adopts much of the same technology but in a smaller, lighter package, with hard-wearing and water-resistant materials.

The Vegetan Micro faux leather is similar to high-quality leather in performance and has a distinctive grain. It also features a speed lacing and ski-hook combination.

Lot’s of readers have mentioned them being excellent vegan work boots – hard-wearing and comfortable to spend all day in.

Buy the Vegetarian Shoes Snowdon Boot (Unisex)

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La Sportiva Vegan Hiking Boots

One of the best-respected brands for outdoor footwear. La Sportiva produces groundbreaking hiking and mountaineering boots, trail runners, climbing and approach shoes, with gear designed for the harshest conditions.

They currently have three vegan models and are available in both men’s and women’s cuts for the perfect fit.

You might recognise this from La Sportiva’s famous trail running range. This is the mid version of their popular Raptor trail shoe. 

It takes a lot of characteristics from the original, being fast and light but waterproof and breathable. 

It’s designed for fast hikes with light backpacking loads, giving comfort and stability on routes where speed is a priority.

Buy La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX

Men / Women

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Designed to keep you light on your feet and suited to fast-paced adventuring. They use new Gore-Tex Surround technology to keep your feet dry without compromising breathability. A good option for warmer conditions or an all-day summer hiking boot.

The Stability Control System™, Vibram XS Trek outsole and Impact Brake System™ are designed for grip and control on varied conditions (perfect for fast hiking).

Both men’s and women’s designs are completely vegan and suited to mid-width feet.

Buy La Sportiva Stream GTX

Men / Women

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Lowa Vegan Hiking Boots

Lowa is one of the few outdoor brands which clearly label their shoes as vegan – which is great! They have specifically designed women’s options and are a good choice for people with wider feet.

Hard-wearing trekking boots with a lighter and more agile design. The Gore-Tex waterproof lining and mid-ankle height make them ace for colder weather or worse conditions and the athletic fit helps to keep a spring in your step throughout the day.

The LOWA DynaPU® midsole has heaps of cushioning and they can be re-soled for longer life (a good eco-friendly option).

Buy Lowa Innox Pro

Men / Women

Can’t find the size you’re looking for? The Lowa Ferrox Pro GTX (Men and Women) is a very similar boot and may be available!

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Specifically designed women’s vegan hiking boots! The Lyxa has a similar spec to the Innox but is designed for female feet. They’re nearly 300g lighter, slightly narrower and more flexible but still give lots of stabilisation. 

Buy the Lowa Lyxa GTX

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Arc’teryx create some of the highest quality outdoor gear and the Acrux is their shining boot star.

It has men’s and women’s designs, being suited for longer trekking routes in changeable conditions. In testing, they’re comfortable out of the box and are surprisingly lightweight considering the support and protection.

Gore-Tex weatherproofing, Vibram® Megagrip outsole and aggressive lug geometry give you confident traction in wet or dry conditions. I’ve loved them for multi-day routes or mountain adventures!

Buy Arc’teryx Acrux

Men / Women

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Merrell Vegan Hiking Boots

Merrell have long been friends to the vegan outdoor community, with a large variety of cruelty-free casual shoes, trail runners, hiking shoes and boots. Lots of their products are made using eco-friendly materials and they also have a vegan search function so finding the right gear is easy!

Merrell Moabs were some of the most popular hiking boots around. The Moab Speed is their completely revamped version, awesome for all-around hiking adventures. 

This version gives you aggressive Vibram Traction lugs for stability in muddy conditions. You’ve also got a rock plate to protect against any sharp objects underfoot and FloatPro Foam midsole for additional comfort. 

Really impressively, the new version also features recycled laces, lining and footbed. A brilliant, sustainable shoe that also comes at an impressive weight.

Be aware, they also sell a leather version so be sure to pick the right one.

Buy Merrell Moab Speed Mid Gore-Tex

Men / Women

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The Moab 2 Mid is one of Merrell’s most popular options and a long-time fave for vegan hikers.

These wide-fit boots are super comfortable and I loved how they required almost no breaking in. It’s got nice ankle support, the Gore-Tex lining makes them versatile but they’re still pretty lightweight.

In hot conditions, you really appreciate the breathable mesh material and they’re hardy too. I’d definitely advise them as a comfortable backpacking option or as an adventure-ready travel shoe.

A quick note: Merrell also sell a leather version of the Moab so make sure you pick the vegan version!

Buy Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX

Men / Women

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The MQM is an awesome addition to Merrell’s vegan range and a top option for fast-paced hikers. It comes with men’s or women’s designs and is a good option for hikers with wide feet.

You’ve got reliable Gore-tex waterproofing, a dust guard and a Kinetic Fit for flexibility and support. This is all combed with a cushioned heel and mountain-grade Quantum Grip for loads of traction.

Basically, they’re a seriously comfortably boot with top weather and ankle protection but at a very impressive weight.

Buy Merrell MQM 2 Mid GTX

Men / Women

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Inov-8 Hiking Boots

Big smiles on our faces when Inov8 told us:

“I can confirm that all our in-line hiking boots are 100% vegan – from the glues used to the knits and leathers“

These guys are fast becoming one of the most reliable British outdoor brands for high-quality and functional gear. Specialising in hiking and running swag, their boots are top-class!

These were worn by James Forrester when he set a new time record for a solo, self-supported hike of the 500-mile UK Three Peaks Challenge. That gives you quite a good idea of what these boots are aimed at. 

It’s the world’s first hiking boot to use a super tough Graphene foam, giving great energy return and ample cushioning. 

With 6mm of cushioning and impressive mobility, these shoes are designed for ultimate comfort across long, hard and rocky trails.

Buy Inov-8 Rocfly 390

Men / Women

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Inov-8 have thrown all the leading outdoor tech into their biggest and best hiking boot to date.

The Roclite Pro G 400 is like the big, bold, mountain-ranging brother to the option below. It’s got the world-famous Graphene Grip to give you traction on the worst terrain and a new Schoeller® ceramic-coated upper for ultimate durability in the toughest environments.

They’re pretty lightweight but will give you an awesome trail experience. Sarah has been testing them and they’ve handled everything she’s thrown at them. Find our full Inov-8 Roclite Pro 400 review here.

Buy Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX

Men / Women

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The Roclite 345 GTX went down a storm and won The Great Outdoor Gold Footwear award. They’re super-light (700g) and offer the optimal combination of the world’s toughest grip (graphene G-GRIP), comfort and protection.

The Graphene G-GRIP technology has a unique multi-directional design, creating an unrivalled grip on challenging terrain. Combined with an impressive midsole that gives awesome shock absorption and energy return, they’ll keep you going for miles.

One of the few brands to have certified vegan hiking boots for women and men. Make sure to check out Inov8’s website for more footwear, colour options and discounts.

Buy Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX

Men / Women

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The TrailVenture from Topo Athletic has rave reviews, with technology that brings durability and stability to speed hiking. 

There’s an aggressive Vibram Trek XS outsole for traction across varied surfaces and a 3-piece EVA midsole for added comfort. 

For added durability, the rigid design has a tough rock plate underfoot and a hard rubber toe cap to protect against knocks and scrapes.

Hiking in the rain? Don’t worry, there are specially placed drainage ports to help moisture escape from the shoe!

Buy Topo Athletic TrailVenture

Men / Women

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A running-shoe-like feel but with the added support and protection of a hiking boot… the Crosshike Mid GTX also has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and All-Terrain Contragrip sole with multi-directional lugs for solid traction. 

You’ll find generous foot protection and a heel brake system to help you take on tricky and technical trails.

Buy Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX

Men / Women

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The Altra Lone Peak Hiker is a comfortable hiking boot and cool-looking option too. 

With a wide toe box and zero-drop, you get a natural feel and a comfortable ride right from the get-go. 

eVent waterproofing technology protects you from the elements and DuraTread outsole gives solid traction on muddy trails. If you’re looking for a more breathable version without the waterproof membrane, you can also go for the regular Lone Peak Hiker.

Buy Lone Peak Hiker All Weather Mid

Men / Women

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Taking lots of technology from its trail running siblings, the Hoka Speed Goat – as the name suggests – is a fast hiking boot that has comfort as the priority. Hoka shoes are known for their generous cushioning and comfort, and these are no different. 

Gore-Tex waterproofing and Vibram Megagrip give weatherproofing and traction, whilst a foam-moulded collar and lofty midsole add to your comfort.

Buy Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX

Men / Women

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Pretty unique, these are warmer-weather backpacking boots also suited to kayaking and watersports too. 

On the sole you’ve got large 5mm lugs and G15 high-friction rubber to give you sweet traction on wet surfaces and muddy trails. The semi-rigid heel also helps to give you stability and traction without a long break-in time, which is ace. 

They are almost zero-drop (1mm) with a large toe box, helping to promote a natural stride movement from heel to toe.  

At just under 700g they’re pretty light and are good for warm and wet conditions, even featuring vents in the toebox to effectively get rid of heat build-up and moisture.

Buy Astral TR1 Merge

Men / Women

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A true performance-casual hybrid, the Halestorm combines Astral’s aggressive Trail Grip™ outsole with a hemp/canvas upper to balance waterproofing and breathability.

The full WEATHERGUARD® protects the bottom of the foot from rain, slush, sleet or snow, while the sustainable hemp upper gives comfort and durability.

A herbaceous twist on a classic duck boot. Definitely a one-of-a-kind option from a company with inspiring sustainable initiatives.

Buy Astral Halestorm (Unisex)

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Another up-and-coming brand that has created some of the best vegan winter boots for the price range.

This is one of the few high-ankle options on the list and also features a Thinsulate thermal lining for added warmth. Combine this with a Hydroshield waterproof lining, non-slip grip and good breathability, and you’ve found yourself the perfect winter or snow hiking boot (check this list for more winter hiking boot options)

We like the added toe cap protection and they’re designed to be worn to -30℃ – bring on the snow!

To note: we’ve been recommended that these come up slightly smaller than your average shoe.

Buy Women’s XPETI Thermator

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Baffin Hiking Boots

A small footwear brand from Stoney Creek, Canada who specialise in cold weather and full-season options. Oh, and their vegan range is pretty awesome! All their vegan options come up slightly small so consider going half size up.

A mighty tough pair of waterproof hiking boots which still retain good breathability. These guys are kitted out for the cold – you’ll be fine in temperatures from 10ºC to -20ºC.

The high ankles give extra support and protection from the elements whilst also having a multi-buckle fastening system and enclosed tongue to keep the snow out. Think frozen landscapes and snowshoeing!

Buy Baffin Charge

Men / Women

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The Zone has a similar tech spec to the Charge however the build is completely different.

With the lower ankle and lighter build, it makes these better suited to faster hiking or when flexibility is preferred. Still suitable for up to -20C, so don’t even worry about getting out in the cold!

The body of the shoe is foot-hugging and also has an anti-microbial insole, as well as a speed lacing system.

Buy Baffin Zone

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British hiking boot brand, Altberg, have brought out a completely vegan hiking option that comes in a variety of widths. 

The Dalesway is a lightweight, 2-3 season boot that ditches the leather and uses a Lorica leather alternative instead. 

They’ve got a classic hiking boot look, combined with a solid upper and hefty Vibram Masai sole for use in boggy conditions. 

The Sympatex 4-layer lining is breathable and has a military-grade and waterproof membrane to keep you dry.

Buy Altberg Dalesway

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Older models of hiking boots

Outdoor brands are constantly updating their products and bringing out new ones. That means popular favourites that were once readily available can sometimes be harder to find. It doesn’t mean they’re any worse though, you just might have to hunt around for the right size.

• La Sportiva Blade (men / women) – fast hiking and athletic feel on a mid-ankle boot that wants to be a trail runner
• La Sportiva Trango TRK (men / women) – hardwearing option for technical hikes, with technology from mountaineering boots
• Merrell Thermo Rogue Mid GTX (men / women) – a highly insulated winter hiking boot with Primaloft Gold synthetic insulation
• Vivobarefoot Magna Trail (men / women) – a minimalist vegan barefoot shoe with a zero drop and natural feel

Any extra options?

To put this list together, we scoured high and low, through forums, reviews and the deepest corners of the internet. Whilst the number of vegan options are definitely increasing, it’s still no easy job finding out if they’re 100% suitable.

Out of all the companies we looked at, two were completely vegan companies (Will’s and Vegetarian Shoes) and only a handful of others explicitly labelled their products as vegan.

The best way to dig deeper was by contacting the companies themselves. Below is a list of other shoe brands that didn’t currently stock vegan-friendly options. We’ve put this here to save you some time if you do some investigating on your own in the future!

Scarpa – Bringing out fully vegan hiking shoe in February – subscribe to find out when

Adidas – “At the moment our vegan range hasn’t extended to our hiking products with our key product being our vegan running shoes”

KEEN – “we have shoes which are leather-free but unfortunately, they are not certified vegan as KEEN might uses gelatin in the sole”

Vaude – None, many non leather hiking shoes and sustainable options but can’t confirm vegan

Meindl – None, working on eco-materials but yet to bring out a completely vegan boot

Decathlon – Easily contactable, leather-free shoes use animal-derived glue

Columbia – Shoes without leather but not vegan

North Face – No vegan information and no response to contact

Salewa – No boots available

Zamberlan – No boots available

Vegan Hiking Boot Buyer’s Guide

1. Why should you even go for vegan boots?

Traditionally, hiking footwear has been made from leather e.g animal skin (typically from cows). And, it’s not just a few cows, more than 240 million cows are killed every year for leather, a number expected to rise to 430 million by 2025.

Not all cows are killed directly for their leather but they are kept in cruel conditions and killed before their time. Many are branded and abused, some are even skinned alive. It’s really not nice stuff. All this cow farming has a huge impact on the environment too.

Leather aside, other materials used in hiking boot production might not be cruelty-free either. Some glues and dyes are made from fish, gelatine or other animal products too.

With so many new vegan hiking boots becoming available, it’s never been easier to go animal-free.

2. Are these vegan-friendly hiking boots worse than leather ones?

Hell no! Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an AT finisher, you’ll find vegan options that rival regular shoes and are very often:

• Lighter weight
• Cheaper
• Quicker drying
• Less maintenance needed
• Quicker to break in and don’t stretch
• Constantly improving with more research into vegan materials
• Often better for the environment

But…

Synthetic materials also come with their own problems, both for hiking and the environment. That’s why it’s always important to be a responsible consumer, buying the right products when you need them and taking care of them. You’ll find heaps more info on this topic in our awesome Guide to Sustainable Outdoor Gear.

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3. How to find vegan hiking boots & what to look for

Finding vegan outdoor gear can be tough. Unfortunately, it’s no different for footwear.

Some shoes are clearly labelled as vegan, making things nice and easy. If they have a vegan stamp or specifically say 100% vegan-friendly, vegan or synthetic etc. then it’s almost certain you’re safe.

Others might be labelled as vegan leather shoes, non-leather hiking boots, leather-free hiking boots, organic boots etc. and with these, you should have a bit more caution. They might be organic, fairtrade and might not use leather, but they still might use animal products.

Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, these are the easiest steps for finding friendly products.

First step – check the main materials and upper for leather products

Most non-vegan boots use leather in the upper, but as it’s a more expensive material it tends to be clearly stated.

There may be a leather symbol (shown in the photo below) or say things like genuine leather, leather upper, leather, coated leather, suede, nubuck (a type of leather) or suede leather. This can be written on the sole of the shoe or inside under the tongue – this is NOT vegan-friendly.

Vegan footwear instead may use a variety of materials, with some brands having their own specific technology. Look for things like breathable mesh, manmade materials, synthetic materials, synthetic mesh, microfiber, thermoplastic urethane, polyester, nylon and so-called “synthetic leather”.

These are all leather alternatives that ARE vegan-friendly.

Second step – look for animal-derived glue & other issues

Many leather-free hiking boots still contain glue, dye or other smaller elements which aren’t vegan-friendly. For this reason, be careful assuming that items labelled as leather-free are completely vegan.

Smaller materials are harder to spot and few brands specifically list the source of their dyes or glues. Some brands state products are 100% synthetic which is positive but you still might need to contact them online and double-check.

We’ve done it all for you below!

4. Some tips for finding 100% animal-free boots

1. If you’re shopping online then look for the details, features or product info section to see if leather is listed and lookout for vegan materials
2. On a brand’s website, search for vegan, normally this shows information if available
3. If you’re shopping in-store, ask one of the shop workers or look on the shoe themselves for the leather markings listed above
4. Some shoes are now labelled as vegan or vegan-friendly (winning!)
5. It’s important to note that organic or fairtrade does not automatically mean it’s vegan
6. To be 100% sure which hiking boots are vegan, contact the companies 

READ MORE: Vegan Backpacking Food for the Trail!

5. How to pick hiking boots that you’ll love

Finding the right thing will really depend on what you’ll use them for and your body type. Check out the points below to help you find the right thing. Or, you can see our full Guide to Picking Hiking Boots here.

Tip 1. The most important tip…

Pick a pair of hiking boots that are completely suited to your needs, are comfortable and will last. Don’t prioritise looks or brands, and, whilst it might be appealing to save £20, you’ll regret going for a bargain on the hiking trail if they’re not right for you.

Tip 2. What activities do you want them for?

Are they for one activity or do you need them for a variety of things? Are you looking for all-day comfort… something flexible for scrambling? Will you be hiking in winter and need boots to wear with crampons… something really lightweight… something with extra ankle support?

Once you know your ideal boot, it’s much easier to find the right thing.

Tip 3. Weather Conditions

Feet getting too cold is horrible but if your feet get too hot this can also cause chaffing and athlete’s foot. Hot conditions are better tackled with more breathable shoes, whilst cold conditions might benefit from an insulated lining or even opting for specific vegan winter boots.

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Tip 4. Waterproof or not

If you’re going to be in only very hot conditions you can probably do without the waterproof lining. Generally, this lining makes breathability worse and you can end up with very hot, clammy feet. If it’s hot, the shoes will naturally dry.

For most people though, weather conditions will change.

For hiking in cooler conditions with a chance of getting wet, pick boots with a waterproof membrane, like Gore-Tex. And, If you’re even thinking about going near snow or below freezing conditions then don’t even think of doing it without waterproof boots!

Tip 5. Do you need wide hiking boots or narrow?

Everyone has slightly different feet: thick ankles and heels, long flat feet, very arched heels etc. Outdoor brands are smart and have boots to fit every type of foot so take a long, hard look at your feet and decide what style shoes will fit best!

BOOT BRANDS: some brands are better catered for different feet. Salomon and Scarpa produce a lot of hiking boots for narrow feet whilst Merrell and Keen offer better boots for wider feet.

Tip 6. High ankle or mid ankle?

Boots won’t have low ankle options but you can find high or mid ankle choices. Higher ankles offer more support and protection from the elements, however, this comes with extra weight. If you’re going to be moving fast, appreciating extra movement and less weight, then mid-ankle might be better for you.

To go superlight and agile, you might even want to think about finding vegan trail running shoes.

7. Your Questions Answered – FAQ

Know of any other great footwear options? Drop us a comment below!

The Best Vegan Hiking Boots and Buyer’s Guide

Nowadays, there are so many cruelty-free boots, tough enough for anything you throw at them, we can ALL ditch the leather and nasty stuff. With the ethical adventure community constantly growing it only means more and more vegan options for the future.

We can all help support this progress by backing the vegan outdoor gear that’s available now. Tell your friends, share articles like this, tell the outdoor brands you love their vegan products… let’s try and make every adventure an ethical adventure!

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