10 Best Vegan Hiking Boots (2026 Tested, Reviewed & Ranked)

Sometimes it’s hard to verify if hiking boots are truly vegan. Manufacturers provide little detail about glue sources, and you might discover too late that boots contain “hidden” animal-derived materials in unexpected places.

In 2026, transparency is improving, but it’s still a minefield. I’ve contacted manufacturers directly to verify adhesive sources and tested the latest 100% synthetic models. From lightweight speed hikers to rugged mountain boots, here are the certified vegan options that actually hold up on the trail.

The Verdict – Our #1 Pick

Among all the vegan boots I tested, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX stood out as the best based on my experience.

Even though this model tended to run a bit narrow, I solved that issue by simply choosing a larger size. Additionally, all the materials used are cruelty-free, and most are eco-friendly. This comes as a double bonus for any hiker trying to avoid animal-based products.

Comparison Table

Boot	Check Price (M)	Check Price (W)	Waterproof	Weight (per shoe)	Fit (Width)	Best For	Durability
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX	Check on Amazon» $219 on REI»	Check on Amazon» $219 on REI»	Yes, GTX	14.6 oz (415g)	Regular	Technical trails	High
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX	Check on Amazon» $185 on Backcountry» $175 on REI»	Check on Amazon» $185 on Backcountry» $175 on REI»	Yes, GTX	1 lb. (454g)	Regular	Versatile hiking	High
Merrell Moab Speed II Mid	Check on Amazon» $180 on Backcountry» $180 on REI»	Check on Amazon» $180 on Backcountry» $180 on REI»	Yes, GTX	11.7 oz (332g)	Regular	Fast hiking, comfort	Good
Altra Lone Peak 9	Check on Amazon» $145 on Altra» $140 on Backcountry» $145 on REI»	Check on Amazon» $145 on Altra» $140 on Backcountry» $145 on REI»	No (GTX option available)	10.2 oz (289g)	Wide/Roomy	Ultralight, trails	Average
Hoka Speedgoat 6	Check on Amazon» $155 on Backcountry» $155 on REI» $155 on HOKA»	Check on Amazon» $155 on Backcountry» $155 on REI» $155 on HOKA»	No (GTX option available)	9.7 oz (276g)	Regular	Trail running, light	Average
Merrell MQM 3 Mid GTX	Check on Amazon» Check on eBay»	Check on Amazon» Check on eBay»	Yes, GTX	15.13 oz (429g)	Wide/Roomy	Wet trails, comfort	Good
Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX	Check on Amazon» Check on eBay»	Check on Amazon» Check on eBay»	Yes, GTX	14.6 oz (414g)	Regular	Light hiking	Good
KEEN Zionic NXT	Check on Amazon» $185 on Backcountry» $175 on REI»	Check on Amazon» $185 on Backcountry» $185 on REI»	Yes, Keen.DRY	11.82 oz (335g)	Regular	Lightweight hiking	Good
Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX V2	Check on Amazon» Check on eBay	Check on Amazon» Check on eBay	Yes, GTX	12.2 oz (345g)	Regular	Fast Hiking, trail Running	Average
Arc’teryx Kopec Mid GTX	Check on Amazon» $200 on REI»	Check on Amazon» $200 on REI»	Yes, GTX	12 oz. (350g)	Regular	Lightweight, rough terrain	High

Why Trust Us?

We tested 17 vegan hiking boots on trails across the US and Europe, covering everything from flat to rocky and muddy terrain. Each pair was checked for water resistance, breathability in heat, and insulation in snow. Our team did multi-day wear tests and got input from outside experts on break-in time. We rated each boot for fit, grip, and airflow, then averaged the scores and considered outside reviews and warranty coverage to pick our top 10.

Learn more.

Our Top Recommended Vegan Hiking Boots

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a rugged vegan hiking boot designed for serious vegan hikers heading on challenging trails.

With an ultra-resistant rubber outsole and Gore-Tex waterproofing, this model is ready to face rainy weather and even some muddy patches you will cross successfully.

Many users say that this model tends to run narrow, even for those with narrow feet, and I agree.

For the test, I opted to increase my shoe size by half and pick the wide version, knowing about this issue, and the vegan hiking boots fit me like a sock, with almost no break-in time required.

The Air Mesh in the upper also makes them breathable, so they work great for long distances.

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 10 oz. (women’s 9), 2 lbs. 1 oz. (men’s 11)737 g (women’s 9), 936 g (men’s 11)

●     Waterproof: Yes, Gore-Tex

●     Upper Material: High-weave AirMesh/microfiber/thermoplastic polyurethane

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While Salomon is not a vegan brand, they make some of the best men’s and women’s vegan hiking boots on the market, and the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is a popular choice that fixes several issues from the X Ultra 3 and 4.

Our tests revealed that these non-leather hiking boots perform great on muddy and mixed terrain due to their deeper hexagonal lug pattern that bites into any surface. The Matryx upper with Kevlar reinforcement is noticeably tougher than what came before. This thing feels built to last.

Salomon also addressed the heel slippage problem. They added more padding around the ankle collar and tongue, and I can confirm it works. My heel stayed put the entire time. The forefoot is also roomier than the X Ultra 3’s notoriously narrow fit, though people with really wide feet might still find the regular version snug.

I do have one complaint. The traditional laces kept coming undone on me, which got annoying. Double knotting fixed it, but I wish they’d addressed that. 

On the sustainability front, the boot now uses a PFAS-free Gore-Tex membrane and has recycled materials in the laces and footbeds. Although it would be too much to consider the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX a pair of vegan winter boots or mountaineering boots, it’s an excellent choice for day hikes and three-season trail use.

Its predecessor was a vegan heavy-weight too: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Review

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 10 oz. (women’s), 1 lb. 15 oz. (men’s)737 g (women’s), 879 g (men’s)

●     Waterproof: Yes, Gore-Tex

●     Upper Material: Matryx textile with Kevlar reinforcement

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These vegan hiking shoes are made with natural and recycled materials, which are used in mesh uppers and laces to help protect the environment. Yet they are still extremely resistant to wear and performant on challenging terrain due to their Vibram sole.

As we trialed this model on a longer hike, it became clear that it is more of a trail running shoe than a traditional hiking boot, but it is comfortable enough for light to moderate waterproof hiking.

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 3.2 oz. (women’s 7), 1 lb. 8.96 oz. (men’s 10.5)544 g (women’s 7), 708 g (men’s 10.5)

●     Waterproof: Yes, Gore Tex Lining

●     Upper Material: Breathable mesh and TPU

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As opposed to most vegan shoes we’ve tried, these boots have a wider toe box, so they are a great fit for hikers with wide feet.

The shoe is a massive improvement over the Altra Lone Peak 7, featuring a reliable outsole design and an airy upper. We found that this significantly reduces fatigue during day hikes and allows you to move faster and more confidently.

If keeping your feet dry is something you look into, then we suggest looking at the other shoes or seeing our review of the best waterproof hiking boots.

Want to find out more about the Altra Lone Peak 9? Read our full review.

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 2.4 oz. (women’s), 1 lb. 6 oz. (men’s)522 g (women’s), 624 g (men’s)

●     Waterproof: No

●     Upper Material: Textile and synthetic quick-dry air mesh

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The Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 is a high-performance outdoor footwear option that is perfect for veggie trekkers looking for vegan hiking boots that are both cruelty-free and super comfortable.

During our tests, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 proved to be incredibly comfortable. (Even better than the Speedgoat 5 did at the time.) The shoe features a wide platform that provides excellent stability and support, but this option is a bit too cushioned for the summer.

Read our Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review for the full scope.

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 1 oz. (women’s), 1 lb. 4.6 oz. (men’s)482 g (women’s), 584 g (men’s)

●     Waterproof: No

●     Upper Material: Mesh

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A trail runner option for hikers who have adopted a vegan lifestyle, the Merrell MQM 3 Mid GTX hiking boot is made from 100% animal-free materials and remains one of the most versatile in its category.

The big news here is the Vibram outsole. It’s a clear step up from the old Quantum Grip that was on the MQM 2. I felt confident on dry rock and hard-packed dirt, though I wouldn’t call it super sticky on wet smooth slabs compared to something like Vibram Megagrip.

Fair warning, though. This boot is stiffer than you might expect. It’s designed that way for edging on rocks and handling rugged terrain, but if you’re coming from a cushy Moab expecting the same plush ride, you’ll be caught off guard. It’s firmer underfoot and really more of a precision tool for fast mountain travel.

One thing I appreciated is how Merrell went all in on recycled materials. The laces, webbing, mesh lining, and even half the EVA foam insole come from recycled sources. Plus, the GTX membrane adds protection against the cold during spring or autumn hikes, so this model is quite versatile.

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 6 oz. (women’s), 1 lb. 10 oz. (men’s)624 g (women’s), 737 g (men’s)

●     Waterproof: Yes, Gore-Tex

●     Upper Material: Mesh and TPU with lace-to-toe system

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These vegan hiking boots are constructed from synthetic textiles reinforced with plastic prints rather than leather, and Salomon threw in PFC-free materials along with recycled content from plastic bottles.

At roughly 2 lbs900 gram per pair, these things are featherlight. I noticed it immediately when I picked them up and even more once I started walking. Comfort was there from step one with zero break-in needed. The Contagrip outsole has deep multi-directional lugs that handled mud and loose gravel well during my testing.

Now for the not-so-great part. The mid-cut collar looks like it should give you ankle support, but it’s actually soft and kind of floppy. Heavy pack on technical rocky ground? Don’t count on this boot to keep you stable. 

If you want something light and grippy for mellow day hikes, this boot works well. But for anything more serious, you’ll probably wish you had something with actual ankle support.

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 9.5 oz. (women’s), 1 lb. 14 oz. (men’s)723 g (women’s), 850 g (men’s)

●     Waterproof: Yes, Gore-Tex

●     Upper Material: Synthetic textile with plastic reinforcements

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The KEEN Zionic NXT is part of Keen’s vegan range and is made entirely from vegan-friendly materials, including recycled P.E.T. plastic in the construction.

Compared to other vegan boots on this list, this option is lighter and way more responsive. It honestly feels more like a sneaker than a boot. There’s a full-length TPU plate that adds some structure underfoot, but KEEN managed to do it without making things feel clunky.

As I wore these vegan hiking boots on a day hike, I noticed they offer a springier ride than older KEEN hikers. The fit works well, too. You still get that signature roomy toe box KEEN is known for, but the midfoot wraps tighter and feels more secure than classic models like the Targhee. That was always my gripe with older KEENs. Loved the toe room, but my midfoot would swim around.

One thing to keep in mind. This isn’t a boot for slogging through deep mud or tackling serious mountaineering terrain. The lugs sit lower profile and just aren’t built for that kind of punishment. 

For well-maintained trails and moderate weather, though, I found myself reaching for these over heavier options in my closet.

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 3 oz. (women’s), 1 lb. 6 oz. (men’s)539 g (women’s), 624 g (men’s)

●     Waterproof: Yes, KEEN.DRY

●     Upper Material: Ripstop mesh with TPU overlays

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Thanks to its graphene-enhanced outsole with 0.23” (6mm)6 mm deep lugs that provide good grip on loose terrain, and the boot’s upgraded foam, I was able to hike on rocky trails without getting my toes hurt, so this model is a great fit for adventures.

The V2 finally fixes the biggest complaint about the original. Durability. The new upper material is reportedly 40% stronger, and based on my testing, I believe it. People who walked hundreds of miles in the V1 and watched the mesh deteriorate will appreciate this.

Inov-8 also added extra padding around the tongue and ankle cuff, which made a real difference in how the boot feels. It sits snugger with better heel lock than before, although a little stiff during the first miles. There’s also a new lacing hook at the top that makes getting them on and off easier. Small detail, but I noticed it.

Specs

●     Weight (pair): 1 lb. 5 oz. (women’s), 1 lb. 6 oz. (men’s)595 g (women’s), 624 g (men’s)

●     Waterproof: Yes, Gore-Tex

●     Upper Material: CORDURA mesh

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Vegan Hiking Boots Buyer’s Guide

Deciding between all the vegan hiking boots on the market can be difficult, so, to ease your job, we created a list of aspects you should consider during the selection.

Material

Materials from plants don’t stretch as much as leather or suede. Look for shoes that mix mesh and microfiber or TPU for more comfort.

Check out the Merrell Moab Speed II GTX. They’re great for serious hikers because they’re tough and let your feet breathe.

Performance

If you plan on doing some high-altitude mountaineering, you need a pair of vegan hiking boots that combine a good grip with ankle protection and flexibility.

The best vegan hiking boots in this category are the Salomon X Ultra 5, which work on any surface and have an excellent waterproof membrane.

Comfort

Good cushioning is essential in vegan boots if you are planning on going on long hikes, so we recommend a model with a well-padded sole, like the Salomon X Ultra 5.

Fit

A good pair of vegan shoes should have an efficient lacing method and enough room in the toe box so your toes can move comfortably.

You will find all these and more in the Altra Lone Peak 9 model.

Weight

While lightweight vegan products will give you a speed boost on the trail, usually, they come with less padding.

We recommend choosing a heavier model like the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX to make sure you don’t sacrifice comfort.

Tread

A high-quality tread like the one found in La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is crucial for ensuring that the boot can withstand the rigors of hiking and provide the necessary protection for your feet.

More than that, we learned they can be used also as mountaineering boots.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is important in vegan shoes because it helps prevent blisters, athlete’s foot, and other foot problems caused by excessive moisture build-up.

With its breathable mesh upper and medium padding, the Merrell Moab Speed II GTX is the best choice on our top when it comes to ventilation.

Are Vegan Hiking Boots 100% Animal-Free?

Vegan hiking boots are marketed as being animal-free, but not all brands are necessarily 100% animal-free. Some may use adhesives or materials containing animal products or derivatives.

To ensure you only buy vegan-friendly options, every time you hit the vegan store or shop online make sure to check the label and research the brand’s manufacturing processes. Look for certifications from organizations like PETA or the Vegan Society [1] [2].

Do Vegan Hiking Boots Require Special Care?

Vegan hiking boots require special care, just like any other type of hiking boots. However, the care and maintenance of vegan hiking boots may differ slightly from traditional non-vegan boots.

Vegan hiking boots are typically made from synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, or microfiber.

These materials are designed to mimic the look and feel of leather but they have different properties and care requirements.

To make sure your vegan boots and shoes maintain their performance, you should clean them regularly and dry them after every walk in rainy weather. Also, avoid using any harsh chemicals that may ruin the upper material.

FAQs

How Do You Know If Your Boots Are Vegan?

To determine whether a shoe is vegan, check its label. If it mentions other materials rather than leather and is followed by the interwoven laces for textiles and the diamond for other non-animal materials, it’s likely to be vegan; however, if it has a “hide-like” symbol or a symbol with a small diamond inside it, it may contain leather or coated leather.

Do Vegan Shoes Stretch as Much as Leather?

Vegan hiking shoes may not stretch as much as leather shoes, but some materials like microfiber can have similar flexibility. You can try to obtain a more comfortable fit by wearing them with thick socks around the house, but you shouldn’t try to stretch faux leather too much, as there is a risk of it cracking.

Is Gore-Tex Vegan?

Gore-Tex itself is a synthetic material and therefore is vegan. However, some products that incorporate Gore-Tex may use animal-based glues to attach the membrane, so it’s best to double-check.

Nowadays, you can also find ‘ePE’ membranes by Gore-Tex which are PFC-free and more environmentally friendly. Look for this label if you want the most sustainable option.

Does Salomon Make Vegan Shoes?

Yes, Salomon makes several shoe models that are vegan-friendly. Some of the most popular of their models that don’t include animal products are the Salomon Outline Mid Gore-Tex and Salomon Speedcross.

Are Vegan Hiking Boots Durable?

Vegan hiking boots can be just as durable as traditional leather hiking boots thanks to the use of tough synthetic materials. Usually, they are made with recycled rubber, nylon, polyester, and synthetic leather substitutes that increase their resistance to tear and wear. However, the quality of their build is also an important factor you should consider.

Can Vegan Hiking Boots Be Recycled?

Many vegan boots can be recycled because they are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. However, if you opt for vegan leather, it’s important to know that this material is not recyclable.