Best Vegan Hiking Boots: Hiking Gear for Vegans and Vegetarians

By Sigita B •  Updated: 05/22/20 •  4 min read

Vegetarian and vegan lifestyle is not just about food. After you have decided not to eat meat, you might want to take it further by avoiding furs, leather goods and cosmetics that are tested on animals. If you are a vegan and love hiking, you should make sure that your gear does not contain any animal-sourced materials.

When it comes to vegan hiking boots, obviously they should not be made of leather. There is a variety of synthetic materials and glues that are used in production nowadays. Many brands offer all-synthetic hiking boots that people who lead a vegan lifestyle will appreciate. All man-made materials and ethical production – this is what you need to look for. 

To save you the trouble, we have compiled the best vegan hiking boots and vegan hiking shoes on the market. Luckily, many brands nowadays have vegan hiking gear options and you can get a pair that fits all your requirements, from nice designs to good price points. On our list, you will find the best vegan hiking boots for men and women.

Man legs in hiking boots

Best vegan hiking boots for men

Merrell Men’s Capra Mid Sport Gore-Tex Hiking Boot

These Merrell boots are made of all-synthetic materials – a synthetic leather and mesh upper with Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, reinforced toe cap and nylon arch shank. Even though this a vegan model, it has all the features you would expect from traditional top-quality hiking boots, like a molded footbed and a Vibram MegaGrip outsole that ensures good grip in all sorts of terrains. Bellows tongue keeps the dirt out while TrailProtect pad offers additional protection.

These boots are on the pricier end and will need some breaking in but overall, these boots hold up well in all kinds of weather – hot, rainy and even snowy. This is one of the best quality boots you will find on the vegan hiking gear market.

La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boot

These futuristic-looking boots are made of polyester with waterproof Gore-Tex abrasion resistant uppers. They are extremely durable and lightweight, making them a great non-leather alternative to ordinary hiking shoes. Among the best features of these boots is the Vibram outsole that provides great stability and usability in a range of terrains, as well as 3D flexinsert for excellent ankle mobility.

These boots offer great fit and are as durable as their leather counterparts. They are on the pricier side but well worth the investment.

La Sportiva Trango TECH GTX

Polyurethane sole.

Upper Material: QB3 waterproof fabric, Thermo-Tech injection coating;

Lining: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort;

Closure: lace. Last: Trango. Footbed: 4mm PPE

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Best vegan hiking boots for women

Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Mid Neo Hiking Boot

Made of synthetic fabric and mesh, these boots are good for both hiking and running – even in rainy or cold weather. They are shaped to conform to the curves of your feet ensuring great comfort and stability on the trail. Some additional features that these boots have: StoneGuard system that prevents from small rocks getting into your footwear and GaiterTrap technology. These boots are water-resistant. However, keep in mind that these shoes are not supposed to be fully submerged in water, meaning they are best suited for dry terrains.

Overall, these boots are among the cheapest options in the vegan hiking boot segment meaning that you get good quality product without spending too much. This can be a good beginner shoe if you have just started going on hikes or have just started to explore the vegan lifestyle.

Mammut T Aenergy High GTX Hiking Boot

This vegan hiking boot is 100% made of synthetic materials. The upper consists of 73% nylon and 27% polyester and is waterproofed with Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane. These boots are made for comfort and endurance on long hikes, with padded lining and memory foam tongue to encapsulate your foot. Vibram rubber sole ensures stability on different terrains. Comfortable footwear is crucial when you are hiking for hours and days, and these boots offer both comfort and composition that fits the vegan lifestyle. 

These boots are a good investment for experienced hikers that are looking for non-leather alternatives to their favorite hiking boots that are good value for the price.

Sigita B