6 Top Vegan Hiking Boots for Men & Women
When you hit the trails, the last thing you need is an injury to your feet, legs, or ankles. A good pair of sturdy hiking boots can help you stay safe and stable as you explore. But for those looking for a sustainable and cruelty-free option, vegan hiking boots come out on top.
What are Vegan Hiking Boots?
Vegan hiking boots, clothes, and shoes are made without animal products or by-products. That means they don’t use materials like leather, wool, silk, down, or fur. Unlike many traditional hiking boots, vegan options typically use synthetic or plant-based materials to protect your feet.
So, why buy vegan hiking boots? You could try to find boots that don’t use common animal products like leather, but they may not be 100% free from animal by-products. Those committed to a vegan lifestyle might want to avoid any risk of animal cruelty when they shop.
But you don’t need to be a vegan to appreciate vegan clothing and shoes. They generally have a lower environmental impact than options that use animal products. Plus, they’re less likely to have been exposed to harmful chemicals, particularly those used to treat things like wool or fur.
Top 6 Vegan Hiking Boots: How We Chose
As we searched through dozens of products to find the best vegan hiking boots, we looked for products that ticked each of the following boxes:
- Quality vegan materials
- Hiking-friendly design and features (waterproof, extra support, etc.)
- Strong company reputation
- Sustainable design
- Positive customer testimonials
We selected our favorites based on how their design and benefits matched their price. The following picks are from a trustworthy seller we know we can count on for great and long-lasting boots.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Boots for Men & Women
| Materials | 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh; rubber heels and toe caps |
| Available Sizes | 5-12 / 7-15, medium and wide sizes |
| Price at Publishing | $159 |
These vegan hiking boots from Merrell are our top choice due to their premium materials and sturdy design. But Merrell doesn’t only make styles for men; the company also makes vegan hiking boots women will love, too.
Highlights
We love that Merrell uses recycled materials in these boots – they’re as good for the planet as they are for your feet! They also feature Kinetic Fit Advanced footbeds inside to help your shoe contour to your foot as you take each stride.
Things to Consider
Free shipping and returns are available when you shop directly with Merrell. Exchanges are always free, too. If you run into a product defect you’d like to report, no problem – you can receive a new pair without charge.
2. WVSport Waterproof Hiking Boots
| Materials | Rubber soles, welded upper |
| Available Sizes | 7.5-13 |
| Price at Publishing | $158 |
We know and love Will’s Vegan Store for its classic vegan shoes, but the company also creates sport-friendly pieces like these vegan, waterproof hiking boots. They use a special waterproof membrane and a sealed tongue as well as treated uppers to keep your feet dry without trapping in heat.
Highlights
These boots are made in Italy with care. Will’s Vegan Store proudly maintains traceable sourcing and fair labor practices for its employees. The company gives back to the planet, too. 70% of the power used to produce these shoes is from solar energy.
Things to Consider
You can take advantage of Will’s Vegan Store’s 365-day free return policy if you’re not happy with your boots. Or, if you decide to keep them, make sure you return them to the store’s recycling service.
3. Xero Shoes Men’s DayLite Hiker Fusion Boot
| Materials | Rubber soles, welded upper |
| Available Sizes | Type |
| Price at Publishing | $105-125.47 |
These may not look like vegan hiking boots at a glance, but they’re purposely designed to be lightweight and easy to move in. They’re ideal for everyday outdoor wear, walking, and casual exploring.
Highlights
A unique feature of these boots is their FeelTrue soles, which offer superior ground feedback that helps you feel the floor as you walk. Your toes will have plenty of room to spread and wiggle as you walk!
Things to Consider
These shoes should run true to size, but you can contact Xero Shoes for a free domestic exchange if your pair ends up being the wrong fit.
4. Merrell Men’s Speed Eco Hiking Shoes
| Materials | Recycled materials |
| Available Sizes | 7-15 |
| Price at Publishing | $100 |
Merrell thinks outside the box with these men’s vegan hiking boots. They might seem like an ordinary pair of sneakers, but they’re much more; they’re designed to help you hike on any trail with ease and comfort.
Highlights
Merrell notes that these shoes are their most sustainable, eco-friendly products yet. The boots use a recycled rubber outsole, recycled laces, and recycled materials throughout their upper body.
Things to Consider
Some customers note that these boots may run a little large or at least tend to be roomier than you might expect. The recycled materials can also be a bit firm when you first get the boots. Nothing a little breaking in won’t fix!
5. La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots – Women’s
| Materials | Recycled air mesh, nylon webbing, welded TPU overlays |
| Available Sizes | 36-43 (EU) |
| Price at Publishing | $189 |
La Sportiva is a climate-neutral-certified brand delivering quality sportswear to customers worldwide. Their vegan hiking shoes are a great choice if you need something breathable and waterproof.
Highlights
GORE-TEX technology helps keep these boots safe from moisture without stifling the air flow that keeps your feet comfortable. This design, in particular, combines the support of a boot with the agility of a trail-running shoe (according to La Sportiva), so it’s very versatile!
Things to Consider
These boots are sold in EU sizes, at least at many retailers, so take some time to check out the size chart before you buy.
6. Budget Find: Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Hiking Shoes
| Materials | Recycled materials |
| Available Sizes | 5-11 |
| Price at Publishing | $80 |
You can get great hiking boots on a budget, as evidenced by these vegan Adidas hiking shoes. They have many of the benefits of thicker and heavier shoes at a much lower price point.
Highlights
Adidas uses high-performance yarn that contains at least 50% ocean plastic in these shoes, so you’ll be supporting a wonderful cause with your purchase. The rest of the yarn is made of recycled polyester, too.
Things to Consider
The snug design of these shoes means they can be a little tight sometimes. If you’re not a fan of the over-the-ankle fit, you might want to skip on these. Adidas has plenty of other vegan shoe options to choose from.
How to Choose Vegan Hiking Boots
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look for the best vegan hiking boots for your needs.
- Materials: Most vegan boots use synthetic materials, but some don’t. Look for materials that are waterproof and durable and that align with your preferences.
- Occasion: Vegan hiking boots come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a pair that suits the activity(ies) you’ll use them for. For example, you’ll probably want taller boots if you plan to do things like climbing or scaling rocks as you hike.
- Maintenance: How will you clean and care for your boots? Does this align with the materials you’re considering?
We hope these product finds and tips help you choose the right vegan hiking boots for your budget!
Feature image via Adidas
