Last Updated: July 12, 2023
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Best Vegan Hiking Boots in 2023 – Crowd Favorites

Need a new pair of vegan hiking boots? Perfect – that’s exactly what I will show you in this review!

I will feature 10 pairs of vegan hiking boots, all of which are highly rated and tested out in various different conditions. And you will see boots for both men and women, so it should be easy enough to find something for yourself.


At A Glance: Our Top 3 Vegan Hiking Boots


In addition to that, I will also show you some lighter and shorter hiking footwear, which is a much better option for the summer months than the traditional hiking boots. And without further ado, here are the 10 best vegan hiking boots you can buy!

Top Product Overview

La Sportiva Womens Trango TRK GTX Mountaineering/Hiking Boot, Greenbay, 11
Best High-End Boot
  • Plenty of support and stability
  • Great grip and traction
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Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vegan Hiking Shoe, Brindle, 08.5 M US
  • Rugged outsole for excellent grip
  • Plenty of arch and heel support
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Inov-8 Women's Roclite 345 GTX, Black/Green, M7.5/ W9
  • Great shock absorption
  • Flexible boots
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XPETI Women's Dimo Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Non Slip
  • Very affordable
  • Very stable and supportive
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  • Supportive and stable
  • Very aggressive outsoles; great grip and traction
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Mammut T Aenergy High GTX Trail Runnung Shoes - Men's, Graphite-Lava, US 11, 3020-05570-0963-US 11
  • Very comfortable
  • Great breathability
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Salewa Mens MS Ultra Flex Mid Gore-TEX Trail Running Shoes, Black (Black/Holland), 13 US
  • Breathable and waterproof
  • Very flexible and supportive
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adidas Women's Terrex Swift R Mid GTX Hiking Shoe-Black/Black/Tactile Pink-10
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Breathable and waterproof
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ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 3.0 Mid Neo Running Shoes (11.5 D(M) US, Lime)
  • Outsole is very durable
  • Roomy toe box – great for wide feet
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ARCTERYX Bora Mid GTX Hiking Boot - Men's Boots 10 Graphite/Black
  • Very sturdy and rugged
  • Great grip and traction
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The Best Vegan Hiking Boots


Best High-End Boot

La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX

La Sportiva Womens Trango TRK GTX Mountaineering/Hiking Boot, Greenbay, 11

The La Sportiva Trango are proper hiking boots. Their uppers are made from abrasion resistant fabrics, and they include a Gore-Tex membrane. This means that the boots are completely waterproof and properly ventilated, so they are safe for wet terrain.

These are also very lightweight, especially when you consider how bulky they appear. That’s because of the Thermo Tech Application technology, which provides the shoe with structure and protection without any additional inserts or stitching. It makes the boots firm and stable but doesn’t add any weight to them.

They have a Vibram outsole with deep lugs, which is very rugged and offers lots of grip and traction. In addition to that, the 3D Flex system in the heel also helps with grip, stability and support even on really steep terrain. This also makes the entire boot very flexible and just gives you more control when you’re walking on uneven terrain.

Because these vegan boots are pretty tall, you can also expect great ankle support, thanks to the graded lacing system.

One downside of these hiking boots is their price. They are pretty expensive, and the men’s version costs almost twice as much as the women’s version. Which is not really fair. However, the ladies’ shoes are available in sizes up to 43 (European), so you can always get that version if you have smaller feet. And save a couple of hundred bucks.

These vegan hiking boots run a little bit small, so go at least half a size up.

Pros

  • Plenty of support and stability
  • Great grip and traction
  • Breathable and waterproof

Cons

  • Very pricey
  • Not true to size

Product Information

  • Materials: Abrasion resistant fabric + Thermo Tech Application
  • Outsole: Vibram with climbing zone at the toe
  • Waterproof: Yes
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Merrell MOAB 2 Vegan

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vegan Hiking Shoe, Brindle, 08.5 M US

The MOAB boots by Merrell are available in lots of different version, including a vegan one. If you’re looking for a shoe that is guaranteed to perform exceptionally well, then this is one of the best options you can get.

The uppers of these hiking shoes are made from synthetic and mesh, and they have pretty good ventilation. Especially when you combine the mesh on the exterior of the shoe with the breathable mesh lining. And this makes them an awesome choice for the hot and sweaty summer days.

A downside of this version of the MOAB is that they are not waterproof. So, they’re not a good option for the snow or rain, and that is a shame. The boot is available in a waterproof version, but that one is not vegan-friendly.

They feature a Vibram TC5+ outsole with 5mm multidirectional lugs for amazing grip and traction on all terrain types. That’s one thing that makes the MOAB such a popular choice among hikers – the performance of this shoe is off the charts.

As for heel and arch support, the MOAB has a molded nylon arch shank, a compression-molded EVA midsole for comfort and stability, and the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel which absorbs shock and further improves your stability.

These vegan shoes also feature the Merrell Kinetic Fit BASE contoured insole for lots of comfort and flexible support. It is removable and you can always switch it out for something more supportive if you need to.

Pros

  • Rugged outsole for excellent grip
  • Plenty of arch and heel support
  • Breathable shoes

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • They run small – go half a size up

Product Information

  • Materials: Synthetic and mesh uppers
  • Outsole: Vibram TC5+
  • Waterproof: No
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Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX

Inov-8 Women's Roclite 345 GTX, Black/Green, M7.5/ W9

The Roclite boots have TPU and mesh uppers, as well as a Gore-Tex membrane that ensures they stay waterproof and ventilated. They are vegan friendly, of course, and even somewhat environmentally friendly because they contain recycled materials.

They feature a G-Grip graphene outsole that gives you amazing traction on all surfaces. And that outsole is equipped with lots of fairly deep lugs, so you will have a great grip as well. In addition to that, these boots are very flexible and they easily bend with your feet, for even better grip and traction.

The Roclite vegan hiking boots are also equipped with something called Powerflow midsole. This is an EVA midsole designed to provide you with 10% better shock absorption and 15% better energy return than regular midsoles. And for this type of boot, that is pretty great.

Even though they are waterproof, I would not recommend these for winter or snow. They are not insulated, and your feet won’t be warm in them. Perhaps if you wear some really thick and fuzzy sucks? But then you won’t have the best ventilation in the shoe.

Another thing I need to point out is that these vegan shoes are a little bit narrow, and they are not available in wide versions. So, if you are between sizes or if you have wide feet, I recommend you go at least half a size up for the best fit.

Pros

  • Great shock absorption
  • Flexible boots
  • Good grip and traction

Cons

  • Not great for cold weather – not insulated
  • A bit narrow – go half a size up

Product Information

  • Materials: Thermoplastic urethane and mesh
  • Outsole: Graphene/rubber
  • Waterproof: Yes
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Best Budget Boot

XPETI Women's Dimo Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

XPETI Women's Dimo Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Non Slip

As you can tell from the title, these boots are available only in a women’s version. But I think they are worth mentioning because they are highly rated, affordable, and definitely vegan-friendly. This is actually one of the very few pairs you can get for less than $100, so they’re the perfect option if you’re on a tight budget.

And they perform exceptionally well for the price. Their uppers are made from a mixture of fabric and synthetics, which include a waterproof mesh. They also feature the Hydroshield waterproof membrane, which ensures that your feet stay dry at all times.

Since they are tall boots, you’d think they would be a good option for winter and snow. And you would be right – they are not insulated, but they will definitely keep your feet dry and warm. Plus, you will have excellent grip and traction even in snow, thanks to the rugged rubber outsole.

These are pretty flexible, so they should feel stable on all terrain types. Additionally, they are very supportive boots. There is molded TPU around the ankles, for great ankle support, as well as an EVA midsole for lots of arch support and good stability.

The Dimo hiking boots are not true to size. They run small, and you should go at least half a size up, to get the perfect fit. In addition to that, they are not available in a wide version, so I recommend going a full size up if you have wide feet and are between sizes.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Very stable and supportive
  • Good grip and traction

Cons

  • Not true to size – go half a size up
  • Not insulated – not the best option for winter

Product Information

  • Materials: Fabric, synthetic and mesh
  • Outsole: Rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs
  • Waterproof: Yes
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Best Overall Value

Astral TR1 Merge Hiking Boots

The Astral hiking boots are available in both a men’s and women’s version. Both are priced the same, and they are not too expensive – under $150. This is pretty great for hiking boots that perform as well as these.

Their uppers are made from several different materials – mostly canvas, TPU overlays at toe and heel and a mesh tongue. The mesh allows these hiking boots to breathe and let out hot air so that your feet stay dry and cool at all times.

They are not waterproof, and that’s one downside. But, they do feature Water Ready holes at the front and back of the midsoles that let them drain quickly when they get wet.

And the removable Polygiene treated insoles help eliminate any odors and keep you fresh even after you spend hours on the trail. Because of that, I only recommend these vegan shoes for summer hikes – your feet would freeze in these in the winter.

That midsole is made from EVA foam, and it provides you with lots of stability and support. In addition to that, the heel contour also helps add stability.

The non-marking G rubber Trail Grip outsoles are very aggressive and rugged. They feature 5mm deep lugs that dig into the ground and provide you with amazing grip in every step. You also have plenty of traction in these hiking boots, on all terrain types.

Another thing worth noting is that all shoes by Astral are vegan friendly. They use recycled polyester and are very careful when sourcing materials. If you want to support a vegan friendly brand, then Astral hiking boots are definitely the right pair for you.

Pros

  • Supportive and stable
  • Very aggressive outsoles; great grip and traction
  • Astral is an all-vegan brand

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Not a good option for winter

Product Information

  • Materials: Mesh, canvas and TPU
  • Outsole: Trail Grip rubber outsole with 5mm lugs
  • Waterproof: No
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Mammut T Aenergy High GTX

Mammut T Aenergy High GTX Trail Runnung Shoes - Men's, Graphite-Lava, US 11, 3020-05570-0963-US 11

The Mammut vegan hiking boots are an excellent choice if you’re looking for something really rugged. Their uppers are made from a mixture of durable TPU and abrasion resistant textile, and they are very durable. The boots also feature a rubberized border, for even better protection.

In addition to that, the T Aenergy GTX boots feature a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. This helps keep all moisture out of the boot, and ensures that your feet stay cool and dry throughout your hikes.

And your feet won’t sweat in these boots either, since these are insanely breathable.

The midsole of these shoes features a TPU wedge at the heel, which is very comfortable and gives the hiking boots excellent shock absorption. They also come with a very supportive insole.

The tongue of these is made from memory foam, so they really are comfortable all around.

These hiking boots are equipped with a Vibram Scale outsole with lots of deep lugs. It is a pretty aggressive outsole, and it promises plenty of grip and traction on all terrain types. It has a built-in heel brake that digs into steep terrain – perfect for safe descents. And it is also contoured, so that it flexes along with your feet.

The Mammut hiking boots are available for both men and women, and they run true to size. They are a bit roomy, which makes them suitable for people with wide feet. Order them in your usual size for the best fit.

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Great breathability
  • Rugged outsole performs really well on all terrain types

Cons

  • Pretty pricey
  • Not a lot of size options for women

Product Information

  • Materials: Abrasion resistant textile and TPU
  • Outsole: Vibram Scale
  • Waterproof: Yes
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Salewa Men's Ultra Flex Mid GTX Mountain Training Shoe

Salewa Mens MS Ultra Flex Mid Gore-TEX Trail Running Shoes, Black (Black/Holland), 13 US

The uppers of these vegan hiking boots are made from a mixture of breathable mesh and coated fabric. They have amazing breathability, so they are one of the best pairs you can buy for the hot summer days. And the Salewa vegan hiking boots are also waterproof, thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane.

But I definitely wouldn’t recommend them for colder days. They are cut pretty low, and the fabric uppers won’t really do much in terms of keeping you warm.

These feature a flex collar around your ankles, which seriously increases the range of motion of your ankles. Which in turn means better performance during steep descents. In addition to that, these shoes feature an Ortholite footbed. It is very comfortable, supportive and it wicks away moisture, which helps keep your feet cool and dry.

The Michelin ultra train outsole is insane. It has lots of really deep multidirectional lugs that make walking around on uneven terrain seem effortless. You’ll even be okay on some rocky terrain, because these hiking boots have great grip and traction.

And because they are so flexible – the Salewa hiking boots bend along with your feet, thanks to the 3F system that connects the instep area of the shoe with the heel and sole.

They fit true to size, so you should be fine if you get the size you usually wear. However, they are not available in a wide version. So, if you have wider feet, you should probably go half a size up with these.

Pros

  • Breathable and waterproof
  • Very flexible and supportive
  • Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

  • No wide version
  • Only available for men

Product Information

  • Materials: Coated fabric and breathable mesh
  • Outsole: Michelin ultra train rubber
  • Waterproof: Yes
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adidas outdoor Women's Terrex Swift R Mid GTX

adidas Women's Terrex Swift R Mid GTX Hiking Shoe-Black/Black/Tactile Pink-10

These hiking boots have uppers that are made from synthetic and breathable mesh. They have excellent ventilation, which will keep your feet cool and dry even in hot summer days. And they have a Gore-Tex membrane, which makes them waterproof.

That also means that these boots are an okay option for winter and snow, since your feet won’t get wet. But they don’t have any insulation, and they’re not really warm.

These feature a rubber outsole with some really deep lugs, which give you excellent traction on wet terrain. However, the outsole is not too rugged, so I would not recommend these for mountaineering or other difficult outdoor adventures. They are great for normal hiking, but not the best option for some insanely rocky and steep terrain.

Another downside of these is lack of ankle support. Even though they are cut pretty high, they don’t give as much ankle support as you expect.

The Terrex boots feature an AdiPrene insert for comfort and support, which does not disappoint. They are very lightweight and comfortable, and the break in time is virtually non-existent.

This particular model is only available in the women’s version. And not in a lot of sizes – these are actually really popular hiking boots, so they sell out pretty fast. If you like them, make sure to grab a pair while you still can. Additionally, these are a bit narrow and there’s not a wide version – not the best choice if you have wide feet.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Breathable and waterproof
  • Good traction on wet terrain

Cons

  • Not enough ankle support
  • Not a lot of size variety

Product Information

  • Materials: Synthetic and mesh
  • Outsole: Traxion outsole
  • Waterproof: Water repellent`
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Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Neo Shell Mid

ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 3.0 Mid Neo Running Shoes (11.5 D(M) US, Lime)

The Lone Peak shoes are an interesting mix of hiking boots and trail runners. They are lightweight, supportive and very grippy, which makes them really good trail running shoes. You will have excellent traction on different terrain types, and you will feel really comfortable in them thanks to the great cushioning.

They have a roomy toe box, which makes a great option for people with wide feet. So, even though there’s no wide version, these should fit you just fine. They run true to size, so feel free to order your usual size for hiking boots.

And yes, they really are good hiking boots. Their uppers are waterproof and will keep your feet dry throughout your adventures. These shoes also have decent breathability, but not the best – since the uppers are fairly thick, they are not as breathable as you would expect.

The rugged rubber outsole with TrailClaw lugs performs remarkably well even on steep and rocky terrain and it is very durable. It won’t get worn out quickly, which is one advantage of this hybrid shoe.

This is a mid-cut boot, so you will get some ankle support. And these feature an EVA foam midsole, which is very stable and cushioning. In addition to that, the Lone Peak hiking boots are also equipped with the Natural Ride System, which allows them to bend along with your feet and promotes their natural movement.

The Altra Lone Peak boots are available for both men and women, and there is plenty of size variety in both versions.

Pros

  • Outsole is very durable
  • Roomy toe box – great for wide feet
  • Suitable for both hiking and trail running

Cons

  • Breathability of uppers could be better
  • Men’s version is on the heavier side

Product Information

  • Materials: Abrasion resistant mesh
  • Outsole: AltraMax sticky rubber with TrailClaw lugs
  • Waterproof: Yes
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Arc'teryx Bora GTX Mid

ARCTERYX Bora Mid GTX Hiking Boot - Men's Boots 10 Graphite/Black

These vegan hiking boots are a crowd favorite, even with hikers who aren’t really specific about wearing vegan-friendly footwear. Their uppers are made from PU-coated nylon textile and they are both waterproof and breathable. The inside of the boots have a Gore-Tex lining, which ensures that they always stay watertight.

That liner is totally pressure-free, thanks to the Adaptive Fit technology. It literally fits like a sock, since it conforms to the shape of your foot. And with the lacing system, you can easily make these as tight (or loose) as you want.

They are very lightweight, so they will not weigh you down one bit. And they run true to size, with a very short break-in period.

The Bora boots have excellent shock absorption and are very stable, thanks to the EVA midsole. And they’re very comfortable and supportive, because of the Ortholite 3D molded footbed.

They feature a Vibram outsole, which is quite rugged thanks to the aggressive lugs. It also features a heel brake, which will help you stay in control even during steep descents. And you will have plenty of grip and traction on all other terrain types.

One downside of these hiking boots is their price – they are quite expensive, and definitely not for hikers on a budget. And another downside worth noting is that they take forever to dry. Even though water won’t get inside the boot, it’s still not comfortable to walk around in wet boots for hours on end.

Pros

  • Very sturdy and rugged
  • Great grip and traction
  • Insanely waterproof

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Takes a while to dry

Product Information

  • Materials: PU-coated nylon textile
  • Outsole: Custom made Vibram
  • Waterproof: Yes
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Best Vegan Hiking Boots: Our Favorites

Not sure which of these boots are just right for you? No problem – go for one of my top three choices and you won’t be disappointed!

The best budget vegan hiking boot is the Xpeti Dimo. Now, this is a women’s only boot – I’m very sorry gentlemen. These boots are waterproof, breathable and have a really rugged outsole that gives you lots of grip and traction on different terrain types.

They are even an okay option for winter and snow, since they will keep your feet warm and dry. And they provide you with lots of support and stability, thanks to the comfy EVA midsole.

XPETI Women's Dimo Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Non Slip
  • Waterproof mesh upper and X-DRY Membrane waterproof, Moisture-wicking mesh lining.Keep your feet dry in hiking trips
  • Molded TPU ankle support. Integrated hided EVA midsole, Light weight and Sturdy enough even when carrying weight

If you’re willing to splurge out on a pair of vegan hiking boots, I recommend you go for the La Sportiva TrangoThe brand is iconic among hikers and mountaineers, so you know you’re getting amazing value for your money. They will last you for years, and you will love wearing them.

The boots are waterproof, breathable, supportive, stable and very grippy. Plus, they perform remarkably well on all terrain types, thanks to the rugged Vibram outsole.

My overall favorite is definitely the Merrell MOAB 2. These hiking shoes are iconic – the only issue with them is that they are not exactly boots. They cut off below the ankle – an awesome option for the summer. These shoes are breathable, lightweight, comfortable and perform insanely well.

They feature a Vibram TC5+ outsole, which is super grippy and has traction on all surfaces. But there is downside to these – they are not fully waterproof, so you need to watch out for puddles.

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vegan Hiking Shoe, Brindle, 08.5 M US
  • Vibram TC5+ outsole
  • Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vegan Hiking Shoe, Dusty Olive, 09.5 M US
  • Vibram TC5+ outsole
  • Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability

Those are the top three vegan friendly hiking boots I would recommend to anyone! Head over to Amazon to see the prices and find your size.

And check out our related posts, for more ideas on awesome hiking shoes you can buy!

What To Look For In Vegan Hiking Boots

Men’s Or Women’s

I will show you both men’s and women’s shoes in this review. Everything I say in the mini reviews applies to both versions of the shoe. And below the reviews, you will find links to both gender-specific version.

In case there is only one link, that means that the shoe is only available for one gender. You can also find that info in the mini review or the title of the item.

Materials & Durability

It’s not so easy to find really good hiking boots that are vegan. Most brands opt for leather, since it is one of the most durable materials for the uppers of the shoes.

With vegan hiking shoes, you’re always looking for synthetic uppers. Mesh, textile and faux leather are your best friends. However, these materials are not as durable as real leather, so you should also look for some additional coating, or a ventilated/waterproof membrane for best performance.

In addition to that, some brands will make a really popular boot in a vegan version – the Merrell MOAB is a good example of that, and I mentioned that above.

You can also just look for synthetic shoes – not all brands state that their shoes are vegan, even if they are. And it will be obvious when you look at the materials – however, you won’t always be able to find if the glue used in a shoe is vegan as well.

Anyway, mesh and textile are the two most common materials that you will be seeing here in this review. Most of the boots will also features Gore-Tex or a similar membrane, that ensures that they are waterproof and ventilated. You will find the materials of the uppers of each shoe in the product info boxes.

Ankle Boots Or Low Cut Shoes

Which ones do you want? Ankle boots are the better option if you need ankle support. Plus, they are the obvious choice for winter days, especially if you’re looking at a waterproof and insulated shoe.

And that also means that they will be a nightmare in the summer. You will often be too hot in ankle boot, and you’ll sweat like crazy. Even if the boot has superb ventilation, it’s likely that you won’t be too comfortable wearing them when it’s a hundred degrees outside.

If you want a hiking shoe for warmer weather, look for some low-cut boots. They won’t give you ankle support, but they will feel lightweight on your feet and you won’t sweat in them. In addition to that, you can find lots of the these shoes that are waterproof and ventilated, which is perfect for summer adventures.

I will show you a little bit of both here – some proper hiking boots and some low-cut hiking shoes. So, whichever you’re looking for, you will find some awesome options in this review.

Pricing

Vegan hiking boots tend to be a little expensive. I did manage to find several pairs that have decent prices, but they generally cost anywhere between $150-300.

I will comment on some of the prices – if a shoe is amazing but really expensive, I will not that in the cons box. And that usually means that it costs well over $200. And if a shoe is really good and then also has an insanely attractive price tag, I will make sure to list that in the pros section.

You will see boots in various different price ranges in this review, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find a pair that’s within your budget.

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