hiking boots

The Best Vegan Hiking Boots
Non-Leather & Waterproof Shoes

If you’re going hiking, you want to be sure you have the best shoe for the job, but if you’re vegan, you also want to know no materials are used that cause harm to animals.

Whilst most brands cannot absolutely guarantee if their glue is vegan or not, you can still find shoes lots of boots made entirely from synthetics. In this list, we’ve put together some of the best vegan hiking boots and brands on the market.

Our Top Recommendations of Vegan Hiking Boots ([year] Updated)

PRODUCT

PRODUCT DETAILS

OUR #1 RATED

Arc teryx Bora GTX Mid Backpacking Boot

Arc teryx

(Editor’s Choice for Men)

  • Waterproof
  • Most beneficial for overall well-being
  • Very comfortable and just as durable

OUR #2 RATED

Arc teryx Bora GTX Mid Backpacking Boot woman

Arc teryx

(Editor’s Choice for Women)

OUR #3 RATED

Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX

Adidas 

  • Lightweight
  • Secure lacing design
  • Comfortable with a great design

OUR #4 RATED

La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Hiking Shoe

La Sportiva  

  • Innovative design
  • Great aesthetic appeal
  • Gore-tex lining and waterproofing for comfort and function

OUR #5 RATED

ALTRA Lone Peak 3 Mid Neo Trail Running Shoe

ALTRA 

1. Arc’teryx Bora GTX Mid-Cut (Editor’s Choice for Men)

If you speak to anyone who owns a pair of these vegan boots (see also ‘Here Are The 5 Best Vegan Work Boots‘), they’ll tell you that when they eventually wear them through, they’ll be buying another pair. They combine the best aspects of a vegan trail running shoe with those of a vegan hiking boot.

These are hiking footwear that work in summer or winter, they work as well on the approach trail as the actual ascent. They stay dry, keep your feet comfortable, and breath well.

Arc teryx Bora GTX Mid Backpacking Boot Product

PROS

  • Waterproof
  • Most beneficial for overall well-being
  • Very comfortable and just as durable

CONS

2. Arc’teryx Bora GTX Mid-Cut (Editor’s Choice for Women)

Men and women have very different gaits, shapes, and sizes, so it makes sense that they need different support from their boots. The Women’s Arc’teryx vegan hiking boot, however, is arguably even better received and loved than the men’s boots are.

Offering the same support and design, they’re waterproof and durable boots that are versatile enough to handle different terrains and surfaces. The materials are all synthetic and utilized well in the design.

Arc teryx Bora GTX Mid Backpacking Boot woman Product

PROS

  • A design that seems to work perfectly for the hiking woman
  • Comfort that matches the support provided
  • Airtight inner sock completely seals the foot from debris and water

CONS

  • Expensive compared to other options
  • The waterproof inner sock sometimes takes a while to wear in

3. Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid (Best Lightweight Boots)

These Adidas vegan hiking boots are made from all synthetic materials.

They come outfitted with a toe cap for extra protection, a clever lace design that means they won’t come loose or tangle, and also an outsole providing grip in whichever direction needed. The lightweight mesh design is breathable and also waterproof.

Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX Product

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Secure lacing design
  • Comfortable with a great design

CONS

  • Rubber sole may degrade quickly if used too much on concrete
  • Although durable and secure, some struggle with the lacing system

They provide all the functionality you would expect from a premium quality vegan hiking shoes, but these boots are much more lightweight and durable than some of the other bulky offerings on the market.

4. La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX (Best Looking)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what might appeal to me might not to you, but I absolutely love the design and look of these vegan hiking boots.

Made from lightweight materials, they feel almost as good as they look and they are comfortable and durable in equal measure.They’re still relatively new to the market and so don’t have many reviews at the time of writing but did win the Best New Gear award (see also ‘The Best Cold Weather Gear For Runners‘) at the Outdoor Retailers Summer Award Show.

La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Hiking Shoe Product

PROS

  • Innovative design
  • Great aesthetic appeal
  • Gore-tex lining and waterproofing for comfort and function

CONS

  • Bulky and takes a while to wear in
  • Runs a little small so order a size up

Also, it should be said that La Sportiva is an iconic hiking footwear brand (see also ‘The Best Vegan Underwear Brands‘) with a great reputation.

Check out the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX for an alternative for women.

5. ALTRA Lone Peak 3 (Best Hiking Boot For Running)

If you’re looking to do blaze the trail at a higher pace, then the ALTRA Lone Peak 3 is a great shoe for that purpose. Its design is specifically geared around providing maximum comfort and grip while staying lightweight and flexible enough to give you the extra speed you need going up or downhill.

While not fully waterproof, the material is breathable from within and resistant from without so will keep you dry through winter or rainy weather, but not fit for full submersion.

ALTRA Lone Peak 3 Mid Neo Trail Running Shoe Product

PROS

  • Great lightweight and durable shoe designed for running (Peleton VS Running)
  • Works well as a basic hiking boot
  • Excellent grip and very tough and durable design

CONS

  • Not completely waterproof
  • Not as versatile as other shoes

6. Merrell Capra Sport (Best For Backpacking)

These comfortable, sturdy, waterproof, all-rounders provide a great option for those planning longer hikes or all day trail (see also ‘Best Running Trails In The US‘) backpacking adventures.

The Gore-tex design provides unrivaled waterproofing, and the midsole and foam footbed deal with protection and comfort.

Even on the longest trail or hike with a big old backpack (see also ‘The Best Hydration Bladders And Backpacks – Our Guide‘) on your back, they will keep you on the road with happy feet.They also provide a an alternative for men – the Merrell Men’s Capra Mid Sport Gtx.

Merrell Capra Sport Gore-tex Hiking Boot Product

PROS

  • Very comfortable
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Waterproof

CONS

  • Might not provide quite the same level of grip as more focused hiking boots
  • The men’s variant is just straight up ugly

7. Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX (Best For Snow)

If you live somewhere a little colder than most, or if you’re planning to hike up some snowy terrain, then the Inov-8 Roclite is a great choice. The Gore-tex upper is waterproof, not just resistant, so any melting snow or ice will be kept off your feet. The graphene outsole is said to be more elastic and hard-wearing and, combined with the claw cleats, provides good traction over snow and ice.

Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX Product

PROS

  • Great on snow and ice and in winter months
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Good ankle support designed for slippery terrain

CONS

  • Specifically designed for snow and ice and will lack versatility
  • Run small so order up a size

8. Astral TR1 Merge Hiking Boots (Budget-Friendly)

We can’t always afford the best that there is, so good budget hiking boots that also provide a good level of all-round comfort and function should be commended. The Astral TR1 is precisely that; it’s designed for hiking and backpacking with a focus on comfort and longevity. Made from vegan materials and the canvas that is advertised as quick-drying.

Astral TR1 Merge Minimalist Hiking Boots Product

PROS

  • Great shoe for the price
  • Comfortable with great grip for trails and hikes
  • Breathable and quick-drying materials

CONS

  • Not waterproof only minorly water resistant
  • Will not match up to its more expensive counterparts

Although that last point unfortunately implies that they are neither water-resistant or waterproof.You can find the Astral Women’s TR1 Merge Minimalist Hiking Boots, a variant for females in amazon.

9. Merrell MOAB 2 (Best Low-Cut Hiking Boot)

The MOAB 2 is such a popular design for Merrell that they offer variants of it for all types of hikers, and that includes an all-vegan option. While it can never provide the ankle support of high-ankle boots, these boots are perfect for hot weather or sweaty terrain. The breathability that this shoe provides will be very welcome.

Merrell MOAB 2 Vegan Hiking Shoe Product

PROS

  • Great in hot weather
  • Well designed for providing support and grip
  • A popular enough model to warrant multiple different iterations from the manufacturer

CONS

  • Can never provide as much support as a high ankled shoe does
  • Not technically water-resistant or waterproof

They’re sturdy, comfortable, has excellent grip and a decent amount of water resistance.For women, you can also check out Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vegan Hiking Shoe.

10. Mammut T Aenergy High GTX Boot (Most Durable)

These boots can stand the test of time, while some say that vegan hiking boots can never be as durable as leather is, these shoes from Mammut could prove them wrong. The Vibram scale outsole has deep lugs that provide a very decent amount of traction on all terrain types as well as long-lasting durability to the grip, and the boots also features a break on the heel for steep descents.

Mammut T Aenergy High GTX Boot Product

PROS

  • Incredibly durable and long-lasting
  • Excellent grip both up and downhill
  • Fully waterproof

CONS

  • Not many sizing options for the women’s shoe
  • Thick and heavy materials and design

The Gore-Tex membrane, as with other boots on the list provides a great waterproofing later that will help keep your feet dry.And for women, you can check out the Mammut T Aenergy High GTX Boot.

How To Choose Vegan Hiking Boots

Choose by Budget and Comfort

The first thing you’ll need to decide when choosing vegan hiking boots is what is most important to you. Obviously, as a vegan, material choice is number one, so you’ll be looking at synthetics primarily. Most synthetic shoes (see also our favorite Asics shoes) won’t even advertise that they are vegan, even if they are.

Check out this video for more helpful tips…

The only real problem materials though are leather and sometimes the choice of adhesive the company uses, so just keep an eye out for that.

We’ve done our best compiling a list that from the information we have is all vegan, but it’s always best to contact the company directly if you’re unsure.

I hiked 2,655 miles without a blister because I wore the kind of running shoes that I wear every day for long runs (see running therapy). I think some people choose hiking boots because they think they will be sturdy, but that usually means heavy.

Joshua Garrett

World Record Holding Vegan Hiker

Comfort Or Performance

After this, you’ll need to prioritize comfort or performance as the two will likely influence the design in different ways. The two criteria can and have been married well in some of the shoes (see also ‘The Best Vegan Running Shoe Brands‘) listed above, but which is most important; are you looking to scale sheer rock faces and need the best grip available, or are you looking to go for day-long hikes over less treacherous terrain?

Terrain And Environment

You’ll need a different kind of shoe (see also ‘The Best Shoe Recommendations for Runners‘) trekking through the jungle than you will to go up snowy rockfaces. A big difference in design is the cut of the shoe, and if you’re going to be in hot weather, you might be benefitted by choosing a low-cut shoe that will breathe better and be a little cooler. If you’re going to be tackling snow and ice, you need a shoe specifically designed with grip to match.[1]

Budget

In the list above, we have mentioned the shoes (see also ‘The Best Running Shoes And Sandals For Beach Volleyball‘) that are particularly pricey. What you get for that money is likely worth it if you can afford it, but there are plenty of great shoes that come in around the $100 mark, which we’ve also included in the list. It again comes down to priorities and what you can afford.[2]

You should also take into account that synthetic shoes are typically a little less durable than leather (see also our article on PU leather), so you may have to buy a new pair a little sooner than you would if you’re used to leather shoes. It’s something to take into account.

These companies cannot guarantee that the glue used in their shoes is vegan. We’ve opted to include them because their products are widely available. The more popular these otherwise animal-friendly shoes are, the more vegan options will be made available in the future.

PETA

How To Get The Best Fit

All the shoes are designed to fit a little differently around the foot providing support and comfort to different areas. Some have inner mesh, socks, or extra materials that mean they snug up in different portions of the shoe.Where possible, we’ve mentioned if it’s generally accepted to order a size up or down from your regular shoe size, but be sure to read reviews and research yourself to avoid having to send them back.

FAQs

 

Is North Face vegan?

North Face has released some products that are being marketed for vegans. However, when asked directly, they have stated that “None of our footwear is considered vegan at this time.” This is likely owing to the fur, leather, or choice of adhesives used.

 

Is Gore-tex vegan?

Yes, Gore-tex is vegan and animal product free. Not a fabric it’s a lightweight breathable membrane that is used to keep shoes dry whilst not suffocating your feet. The patent was originally by Robert W. Gore but it has since expired and similar products are now on the market.

 

How to take care of vegan boots

Vegan boots and shoes (see also ‘The Best Vegan Flip Flops & Sandals for Men & Women‘) do not need the same level of upkeep and care that animal products such as leather does. That said, to clean and maintain them, simply wipe them down with warm water and a soapy solution and then pad them dry with a towel or cloth.

And Our #1 Recommendation Is …

If you are looking for the best vegan hiking boots that money can buy, then the Arc’Teryx Bora GTX is undoubtedly it. The innovative design provides an unparalleled level of comfort and stability while also boasting an impressive waterproofing and great grip.

They will keep your feet feeling happy, even on the longest and most challenging excursion. If you want to get yourself a paid, check click below:

However, they do have a price tag to match that pedigree, and if you look elsewhere on the list, you’ll find viable alternatives that could suit your budget or needs. We’ve tried to categorize the shoes for you for ease of reference.

Arc teryx Bora GTX Mid Backpacking Boot

Arc teryx Bora GTX 

Our #1 Vegan Hiking Boot

  • Waterproof
  • Most beneficial for overall well-being
  • Very comfortable and just as durable

Have you tried any of the shoes on the list?

Which is your favorite vegan hiking boot? Which pair are you likely to try? Let us know in the comments below.

More vegan shoes options? Check out our list of the best vegan UGGs here.

Jason Hughes
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