In recent years, veganism has become increasingly popular, slowly starting to dominate lifestyles everywhere. More and more vegan options are becoming available at restaurants, dairy sales are declining, and there has been an explosion of the idea of saving not only the animals but our planet as a whole.
What a lot of people may not realize, though, is that veganism is about much more than just what you eat. Other items, such as the clothing we wear, may be made from or tested on animals, and so when it comes to living vegan, you have to make some changes to your entire lifestyle.
It doesn’t mean you have to hold yourself back from the things you love — you just have to know how to make these things fit into your lifestyle. And, with veganism becoming more popular, it isn’t hard. Here’s a list of the 10 best vegan hiking boots on the market — because going vegan is easier than you think.
In the past few years, veganism has gained quite a bit of traction, with more and more people ditching their animal-eating ways and transitioning to a more ethical way of living. However, while a plant based diet is on a lot of people’s radars, veganism is about way more than just the food you’re chowing down.
So what does it really mean to be vegan?
A vegan lifestyle comes with not only transitioning from eating meat and dairy to eating more fruits and veggies, but also cutting everything out of your life that includes animal products. Though many of us may not even think of it at first, that includes some of the things we wear.
From our clothing to our shoes to even the bags and purses we buy, many products are made using materials that come straight from animals. If those materials aren’t coming from the animal itself, the animal may still be harmed in some way in the making of the product. For example, many companies test certain colors and dyes on animals.
And while some people may consider materials such as leather and fur to be “high-end,” the harm done to the animal in the making of the product could be enough to make people realize any product made from these materials is totally not worth it.
The truth is, animals don’t have to suffer for the products we buy!
Fortunately for us, more and more companies are either reducing their use of animal products, or cutting them out completely, so the search for vegan clothing products is easier than ever. Take this ranking for example, filled with 10 of the best vegan hiking boots you can get your hands on.
And, the best part is oftentimes you can’t tell the difference between real leather and fur from faux leather and faux fur. So if that’s the case, why should we continue to exploit animals for our desires when we can create the same if not better products in a humane way?
Veganism is much easier than you think!
If you haven’t guessed it by now, the good news is that your life doesn’t have to be put on hold or halted in any way with the transition to veganism. We’re going to prove it to you right here with 10 of the best vegan hiking boots.
In this ranking, you’ll find 10 different pairs of hiking boots that are 100% vegan, 100% cruelty-free, and 100% amazing. Seriously, we can guarantee you won’t miss a beat (or a step) on your next hike with any of these boots, even though they are made from faux animal materials.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of hiking boots to scale Mount Everest or would rather have a pair to help guide you along a brisk walk through the woods, we have the pair for you (and also the peace of mind that no animals were harmed in the making of your boots).
Hiking lovers unite, because we’re giving you everything you need right at your fingertips to find the best pair of vegan hiking boots you can get your hands (or feet) on. Whether you’re a hiking guru or an amateur, we have what you need to take your hike to the next level.
Methodology
When you’re looking for a new product to buy, we know your search can get overwhelming pretty quickly, especially when the product you purchase can have such a great impact on you. When it comes to hiking, it’s super important to have the right pair of hiking boots and we want to help make your search easier.
We did all the research so you don’t have to, pulling together the 10 best vegan hiking boots money can buy. We took our time with our search too, judging these boots on a number of factors, including:
- Cost
- Brand
- Material used
- Weight
- Waterproofing
- Lacing system
- Breathability
- Stability
- Fit
- Popularity
- Customer ratings and reviews
No matter which pair of vegan hiking boots you decide to purchase, you can rest assured that they’ll take your hike to the next level and be prepared to withstand even the toughest terrains.
The Best Vegan Hiking Boots
Mammut T Aenergy High GTX Hiking Boots
The Mammut T Aenergy High GTX Hiking Boots are truly unmatchable when it comes to judging the best vegan hiking boots on the market. With a hybrid shell made from a blend of supple inner and tough outer materials, plus memory foam inside and a two-zone lacing system, the comfort level of these hiking boots is truly superior.
A really cool function these boots offer that you don’t often see is a lining and padding system that takes different areas of the foot into consideration to ensure less perspiration and the prevention of pressure points. The construction proves even further how unmatchable these hiking boots are in every category.
With a five-star rating, customers love how comfortable and well-fitting these boots are, even without breaking them in first. We’re not going to lie, we know these boots are a bit pricey. But we truly believe they’re worth every penny and we think you’ll agree with us if you give these boots a test run on your next hike.
Pros
- Lining and padding system
- Two-zone lacing system
- Extremely comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
Lowa Innox GTX Mid Hiking Boots
Pricier than the previous pair but also worth it, the Lowa Innox GTX Mid Hiking Boots are lightweight, form fitting, and the perfect protector for your feet no matter how intense your hike gets. Crafted from a synthetic upper material, these boots are a durable solution that allow you to move quickly and stealthily, even with a back supporting all your gear.
These hiking boots feature excellent construction. The mid cut provides extra ankle support, and the breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex lining ensures ultimate protection from all the elements. Reviewers mention how they’re never disappointed in these hiking boots, even after the craziest of hikes. Many are even repeat buyers!
The Lowa Innox GTX Mid Hiking Boots are pretty expensive, even more so than the Mammut Hiking Boots, but again we truly believe this pair is worth the price. They’re durable enough to withstand even the harshest of elements and they maintain their level of comfort no matter how much you wear them out.
Pros
- Mid cut for ankle protection
- Waterproof
- Good quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Holes after a year
Vivo Magna Trail Women’s Hiking Shoe
The Vivo Magna Trail Women’s Hiking Shoe is a high-performance, multi-terrain hiking shoe. The high-abrasion rubber outsole offers great traction and durability while the puncture-resistant layer ensures they’ll last long for a long time. They’re also environmentally friendly and manufactured from recycled materials, tying in perfectly with the whole vegan lifestyle.
Unlike many hiking boots that are heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable, these hiking shoes are developed with a no-sew construction, giving them a super flexible and super minimal design that users love. Some even replace their beloved Nike sneakers with these hiking shoes!
They are much more affordable than the previous two pairs of hiking boots, and a really cool plus is that the manufacturer is so confident in their product that they’ll let you walk around in them for 100 days to decide if you really like them. Decide you wanna toss them? Get a full refund with no hassle. What’s better than that?
Pros
- No-sew design
- 100-day trial
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not as protective as boots
- Not as durable as boots
- Not very warm
Will’s Vegan Shoes Waterproof Hiking Boots
Humanely made and also shipped through their eco-friendly plastic-free carbon neutral supply chain, Will’s Vegan Shoes Waterproof Hiking Boots are definitely on our radar for some obvious reasons, and they should most definitely be on yours as well. Plus, they’re made from the highest quality vegan leather and suede — amazing!
Abrasion- and scuff-resistant uppers paired with a special waterproof membrane allow both breathability and long-lasting protection (plus they’ll also keep your shoes looking brand new for longer than you can imagine). Rubber injection outsoles also make for extreme grip, allowing you to master slippery hikes with ease.
The one downside to these boots is that they are not insulated, so while you can wear them in winter (they’re super waterproof) you’ll definitely want to pair them with thick, warm socks to keep your feet warm. Regardless of that one road bump and the fact that they are a bit pricey, these boots are really a great option.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Great grip
- Eco-friendly shipping
Cons
- Pricey
- Not insulated
- Tiny bit bulky
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Ventilator Hiking Boots
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Ventilator Hiking Boots are next up in our countdown. While these are more of a shoe than an actual boot, they are still pretty amazing when it comes to supporting you on a hike of any length. You’ll quickly find out just why MOAB stands for “Mother of All Boots.”
One thing to keep in mind with these boots is that they run small, so be sure to order just one size up from your normal shoe size to ensure the perfect fit. Some customers complain about the lack of waterproofing and some differences from the previous version of this shoe, like the lacing system and size of the foot opening.
On the flip side though, users love how stable they are on a hike, and many mention how they’re breathable, comfortable, and most importantly, able to perfectly support a hike of any distance and level. Regardless of the downsides, these boots are still a great pick for a day of hiking.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Stable
- Support your foot
Cons
- Changed lacing system
- Not waterproof
- Small foot opening
Native Shoes Johnny Treklite Ripstop Hiking Boots
We’re not going to lie: We know many of us often trust companies that have been around for years and have tons of ratings and reviews. But that doesn’t mean those up and coming brands can’t compete with other products in their category. Native Shoes Johnny Treklite Ripstop Hiking Boots totally prove it.
Just like Will’s Vegan Shoes, these boots are not only vegan but also making huge strides in the eco-friendly department. They use low-emission manufacturing processes and a foam-injection molding process that produces low waste. And even though they’re still a relatively unknown brand, customers that have given them a go absolutely love them.
These shoes are definitely grouped in the cheaper category of shoes in this ranking, but their price definitely does not affect quality. They’re great shoes made from super comfortable materials and are ready to take on any trail you attempt to conquer.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Cons
- Scuff easily
- Not very durable
- Have to replace
Treksta Evolution Mid GTX Hiking Boots
The award-winning Treksta Evolution Mid GTX Hiking Boots are the ultimate trail shoe for any trail, any season, and any hiker. A Gore-Tex breathable and waterproof membrane gives you the confidence to take on any trail while also being super durable and remaining intact no matter how long your hike lasts.
Their special NestFIT system keeps you super comfy as they cradle your feet, paying attention to each and every contour. Customers can’t seem to get enough of this feature, and they also love how breathable this shoe is, even on hot days.
This shoe is the second cheapest on our list, but just like an unknown brand doesn’t mean a bad product, an affordable price definitely doesn’t always mean a cheap shoe. Become a hiking pro in these boots and watch your hikes soar to the next level.
Pros
- Affordable
- Breathable
- NestFIT System
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Can irritate your feet
- Kind of bulky
Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Mid Mesh Hiking Boots
Again, the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Mid Mesh Hiking Boots aren’t exactly hiking “boots” per se — they’re shoes. But they will quickly become your favorite lightweight hiking shoes in no time. Customers swear by these shoes, saying they allow them to get in the miles they need on a long day — even with mixed terrain.
These shoes are made from a special mesh material that not only allows for ample breathability, but also keeps out dirt, dust, sand, and debris. There is also a lot of toe space, keeping your feet super comfortable but also supported all day.
On the flip side, some reviewers complain that these shoes aren’t as waterproof as advertised, and they also aren’t the warmest shoes on the market. They also mention that, compared to some of Altra’s other shoes, these definitely aren’t the most comfortable. However, they’re still a great shoe overall.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great for mixed terrain
- Breathable
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not very comfortable
- Tight
Arc’teryx Bora² Mid GTX Hiking Boots
One of the most versatile shoes on the market, the Arc’teryx Bora² Mid GTX Hiking Boots are changing the game as they come with interchangeable fit liners, allowing adaptability for extended trips across varied terrain in shifting conditions. No matter the terrain, these boots offer the perfect gripping outsole to help keep you steady on your feet.
However, customers remark that the materials used to make this boot aren’t very flexible, and the stiffness makes it tough on both their feet and ankles. It may only be an issue when walking uphill, as other reviewers exclaim how comfortable they are on easy, flat trails.
A huge downside to these boots is that they are the most expensive pick on our list. The few complaints about these boots paired with the hefty price tag land these shoes almost in last place. If you are a serious hiker, these boots may not be the best pick for you, but we’re sure an amateur hiker will love them.
Pros
- Interchangeable fit liners
- Good grip
- Sturdy
Cons
- Expensive
- Stiff
- Tough on feet
Discovery Expedition Rugged Outdoor Mid Hiking Boots
Last but not least on our list of the best vegan hiking boots comes the Discovery Expedition Rugged Outdoor Mid Hiking Boots. These boots are also the cheapest pair on this list. But again, don’t let the price fool you into thinking they’re not quality hiking boots.
Bear in mind that these shoes are a bit narrow and run small, so you should definitely size up. Once you find the size for you, you’ll quickly fall in love with them. Customers can’t seem to get enough: From arch support to the ability to regulate your foot temperature, reviewers love it all.
Made from synthetic leather, these shoes provide a full range of motion while their high top stabilizes your foot, keeping you safe even on the steepest of trails. They’re also super rugged and durable, meaning no matter how often you break out these bad boys, they will hold up to the test.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Temperature regulation
- Arch support
Cons
- Run small
- Dig into ankles
- Not flexible
Related Rankings
- Best Hiking Shoes
- Best Backpack for Hiking
- Best Hiking Boots for Women
- Best Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Best Lightweight Hiking Boots
- Best Hiking Boots for Men
- Best Hiking Boots
- Best Winter Hiking Boots
What classifies a hiking boot as vegan?
When it comes to figuring out whether or not a hiking boot is vegan, it may be as simple as checking out the product page on the manufacturer’s website. With veganism becoming such a popular lifestyle, many companies explicitly state whether or not their product is vegan so consumers can easily decide whether or not they’d like to buy it.
However, there are definitely still some products on the market that are in fact vegan but don’t make it very obvious. In this case, take a look at the materials used to make the product. When it comes to shoes, keep an eye out for materials such as leather, suede, or wool, all of which come directly from animals.
Unfortunately, even if some shoes are made from vegan materials, they still may not be considered vegan because creating them could have required testing on animals, such as with certain dyes. In this case, definitely take a look at the manufacturer’s website to see if they are certified vegan and cruelty-free.
When it comes down to it, it may be hard to find information on whether or not a product is vegan and cruelty-free. If so, you can always send a message to the manufacturer and find out directly from them. However, taking a quick look at the materials used is always a good indicator of whether or not it’s vegan.
Are there different hiking boots for different terrains?
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or you’re just dipping your toes into the hiking lifestyle, you probably know that when it comes to hiking, there are tons of different types of terrain on which you can find yourself. From smooth to rocky to super steep, not every hike is a nice stroll along smooth, level ground.
Hiking boot manufacturers of course know this, and that’s why there are tons of different types and styles of hiking boots to match the various different terrains you may find yourself trekking along. And, just like whether or not the boot is vegan, the website will most likely explicitly state for what type of terrain that particular pair of hiking boots is best suited.
The fit, weight, materials used, sole, lacing system, etc. all determine for which type of terrain that pair of boots is best suited. If you’re not wearing the right type of hiking boots for the terrain you’re hiking, you risk getting injured or even ruining your boots.
Again, you can almost always find that information right on the manufacturer’s website, but if for some reason it isn’t there, don’t be scared to reach out to them.
