Vegan Winter Boots: Our 2022 Buying Guide (Mens And Womens Brands)

Best winter boots for vegans quick look…

Best vegan friendly winter boots for women

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Best non-leather boots for men

Table could not be displayed.

With the change in seasons, now is the time to get your winter wardrobe in order. If you’ve been vegan a while, you’ll know that finding a great pair of vegan winter boots can be a challenge.

Pre-vegan, leather was king when it came to quality, but once you’re aware of the cruelty behind this material, it makes choosing to purchase it an impossibility.

With a variety of cruelty free winter boots available on the market, you want to be sure that they’re going to keep your feet both warm and dry, as well as lasting the distance. So if you don’t know your vegan duck boots from your vegan winter hiking boots, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in our vegan winter boots buying guide.

What’s wrong with leather?

Leather is the skin or hide of an animal. It can be made out of a range of animals’ skins such as sheep, lambs, goats, pigs, horses, deer, kangaroos, alligators, crocodiles, elephants, cats, dogs, or snakes. The most common skin used globally is cow hide.

While you might assume that leather is a by-product of the meat and dairy industries, that it is using hides that would otherwise go to waste, unfortunately this isn’t true.

The leather industry exists in its own right as a very lucrative and highly profitable business and the majority of leather sold in the world today comes from animals that were slaughtered primarily for their skins.

Each year, over a billion animals are slaughtered for leather. The majority of leather sold in the US and Europe comes from countries such as India and China, where there are no animal welfare laws or, if laws do exist, they are not enforced.

India’s leather industry is responsible for 12.9% of global leather production, equating to an annual production of around three billion square feet of leather. This is used to produce 9% of the world’s footwear.

Employing over three million people, the Indian leather industry is the second largest producer of footwear and leather garments in the world, and the fifth largest exporter of leather goods and accessories.

Investigations into the Indian leather industry by organisations such as PETA have revealed shocking abuse of cows that would make any kind person think twice before purchasing products made from this material. ⁽¹⁾

Most consumers are not aware that leather goods that come from China are often made from the skins of dogs and cats who are routinely tortured and skinned alive. It is estimated that China slaughters around two million cats and dogs each year.

Another equally disturbing fact is that the form of leather known as ‘slink’ – highly prized due to its softness – is made from the skin of unborn calves.

Even if leather goods are manufactured in the US, Italy, or any other country, the leather is usually sourced from India or China.

So, while wearing out leather shoes you had prior to being vegan is okay if you feel comfortable doing so, please help the animals by choosing vegan-friendly footwear when you need to purchase a new pair.

READ NEXT: BEST SILK-FREE NECKTIES

What kinds of materials are used in vegan boots?

Vegan boots are made without any animal materials or by-products such as leather, wool, silk, fur, feathers, shearling, or suede. In place of these non-vegan materials, vegan boots are fabricated from synthetic or “man-made” items.

Some of these items include microfibre, polyurethane (PU), jute, bamboo, hemp, cotton, Gore-tex, cork, natural and recycled rubber, and even up-cycled materials such as old tyre tread or plastic bottles.

Most vegan leather is made out of polyurethane (commonly referred to as PU leather), which is a type of plastic that is layered thinly and then bonded to a cotton backing.

Being a plastic, this material scores badly in the environmentally friendliness stakes; however, many enterprising vegan businesses have started developing and producing vegan leathers that are made out of natural products such as pineapple (this is called Pinatex) and there’s even vegan mushroom leather!

Check out this video all about the making of mushroom leather:

READ NEXT: HOW TO STORE MUSHROOMS AND KEEP THEM FRESH

How can I be sure that my boots are vegan?

Unless you see a label or product description that says “100% Man-Made Materials”, “100% Synthetic” or of course “Vegan”, you should assume that the pair of boots you’re looking at is made out of animal-based materials.

Thankfully, if you’re buying boots in person, shoe manufacturers usually provide detailed information on what their footwear is made out of via symbols that are printed either in the inside foot bed or sewn in as a label on the shoe/boot tongue.

Here’s what these symbols mean:

So for example, the pair of boots you’re looking at will show the first three symbols; upper, lining and inner sole, and outer sole. Next to these symbols will be one of the material symbols.

If the ‘coated leather’ symbol is next to the ‘upper’ symbol, then you know that the upper of that particular pair of boots is made out of coated leather and therefore, not vegan-friendly. ⁽²⁾

It’s usually safe to assume that when the manufacturers indicate the use of textiles or other materials, that these are suitable for vegans.

Watch out for fur!

In recent years, anti-fur campaigners have exposed certain manufacturers advertising the fur trims on their merchandise as being faux-fur when in fact, they have been real furs that have come from animals like racoon dogs or cats from China. ⁽³⁾

So how can you be sure if the fur is real or fake? There are four tests that you can do to try and determine if something’s made out of real or faux-fur. Only two of these tests are suitable to be conducted inside a shop.

These two tests are:

• The ‘Feel’ Test: Roll the fur in between a finger and thumb. Real fur feels soft and smooth and will glide easily through your fingers. Fake fur feels coarser.
• The ‘Look’ Test: First, blow on the fur so that it divides then look at the individual hairs. In real fur, there will be different lengths of hair and these will be still attached to the skin, which is now leather. The individual hairs in fake fur will usually be uniform in length and colour.

The other two tests involve pressing a pin through the base where the fur is attached (if the pin goes through easily, then it’s faux-fur) or cutting off and burning a few of the fur hairs (real fur smells like human hair when burnt, faux-fur melts and smells like plastic). ⁽⁴⁾

You can see why these two tests are obviously not suitable to carry out in a shop, but they could come in useful if you’re already got some items at home that you want to check.

How do vegan boots compare to non-vegan boots?

The use of different materials is the most obvious difference when it comes to vegan versus non-vegan boots. The good news is that that today, although vegan boots eschew the animal products, they’ve come a long way on keeping up with style and functionality.

That means that if you need a vegan walking boot for example, there’s a good quality and attractive option available.

There are many footwear companies out there now that offer both vegan and non-vegan ranges, like Dr. Marten for example (see our review of their vegan men’s winter boots below). So, some brands you used to love before being vegan can still be relied upon to offer high-quality options that are cruelty-free.

How to select your perfect pair of boots

The first thing to consider before making your boot purchase is functionality. What types of conditions do you need your boots to handle? Maybe you just need a cute and cosy, casual pair for wearing around the city?

Or perhaps you need something more robust to protect your feet from snow, ice, mud and rain? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered for both options in our review section.

But while you reflect on that, here are some other things to think about:

Vegan winter boots: Our reviews

The great thing about winter boots is that they never go out of style. Choosing a good quality pair of boots with a classic look should allow you to get a few winters use out of them. Let’s check out some examples we’ve handpicked just for you, starting with the women’s range.

Vegan winter boots for women…

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Spring Step Women’s Boisa Winter Boot

First up on our list of vegan friendly winter boots is this stylish offering from Spring Step. Not only do they withstand the cold and snow, they’re really warm and comfortable too.

The faux fur lining is the key to keeping your feet cosy. This makes it a perfect winter boot, but not one that adapts well if you’re looking to wear it in the spring and summer. The sizing in these boots is spot on too, so they can easily accommodate a nice thick pair of socks to keep your feet extra toasty.

I love the high-quality look of these boots; there’s a selection of four gorgeous colours of vegan leather and the small heel (which features shock-absorbing technology) makes it a great boot for dressing up or down, without risking your neck in bad weather.

While these boots are 100% vegan, it’s probably good to know that the Spring Step brand also makes non-vegan footwear as well. So bear this in mind when perusing their winter range.

Kamik Women’s Momentum Snow Boot

Snow can make any landscape picturesque, but you sure don’t want it getting in your shoes while you’re out enjoying the great outdoors. Enter vegan snow boots!

When looking for non-leather snow boots, you’ll want something that’s comfortable for walking in, has great traction on slippery surfaces, is waterproof and is easy to get on and off. These snow boots from Kamik almost tick all the boxes.

There’s an unbelievable 12 colours to choose from in the Momentum Snow Boot range; there’s bound to be one to suit every taste. The sizing is good, so you can fit a pair of thick socks in, which would probably be a good idea for these boots as the insulation factor is lacking due to the thinness of the heel.

Features this boot has going for it is that it’s lightweight and the traction is good, meaning you won’t come a cropper if you encounter any ice. It does have a wide upper mouth, making it difficult to wear the boots under jeans or padded trousers but it’s a perfect option to wear overtop of close fitting leggings.

While these boots might make a stylish après-ski option, you wouldn’t want to use them for long hikes. Some users have reported a lack of arch and ankle support and that the heel is uncomfortable because, although it appears to be round from the outside, inside the boot it’s a square-ish shape.

If looking for added comfort from these boots, I’d recommend adding an insert. And as far as ease of removal, the liner in these boots isn’t sewn in, which means it comes out every time you take them off.

Jambu Ontario Weather Ready Rain Boot

These Jambu boots are the first of two vegan duck boots in our review of animal friendly boots for women. And, if you’re wondering what on earth a duck boot is…

It’s basically a waterproof ankle boot that has a rubber section on the bottom and a waterproof or water resistant textile on the top – so they’re pretty much the amphibious lovechild of a welly and a walking boot!

We love these boots because firstly, they are a cruelty-free duck boot option. Many of the non-vegan duck boots on the market feature leather uppers. Not only do Jambu boots look gorgeous, they’re also high quality and fit perfectly.

The rubber bottoms ensure your feet stay dry and they also feature a comfortable memory foam foot bed, meaning you’ll be able to walk in wet weather without getting soggy toes or sore feet. The great traction from the rubber sole makes them the perfect vegan friendly winter boots for all terrains.

One of the only downsides to these duck boots is that they’re not that well insulated; however, you can easily fit in a warm pair of boot socks with these, which will ensure warm and dry feet in any weather.

Spring Step Women’s Yamma Winter Boot

Here with another offering from Spring Step, are the Yamma warm vegan winter boots. Similar to the Boisa Winter Boot, these vegan leather pull-on booties provide comfort and warmth, and they look great while doing it.

They’re a perfect vegan option for a warm, low-rise boot that works well for any casual look, pairing well with jeans.

These vegan leather boots are water resistant and they’re really comfortable for walking in, making them a great option for wintery countryside excursions or jaunts round the city.

With three colours to choose from, you’ll probably want to order a size up on these as they run about ½ a size small.

DailyShoes Women’s Warm Rubber Rain Boots

Snow? Rain? Mud? These duck boots offer wallet-friendly protection against the worst that winter’s got to throw at your boots.

The problem however, is trying to find the right size. According to reports from other buyers, the sizing on these boots is about two sizes out. So if you like the look of them, try for two sizes bigger than you would normally buy.

If you’re able to determine the right size for you, these should provide a good fit, due to the side zip and front lace, which allows you to tighten the boots to fit your ankle size. Your feet will also be kept warm with the faux fur liner.

These boots are waterproof so something to bear in mind is that while they may be perfect for a casual stroll in bad weather, the lack of breathability can lead to sweaty feet if you use them on an extended hike.

So that’s a roundup of women’s vegan winter boots. Let’s see what’s on offer for men…

Men’s vegan winter boots

Table could not be displayed.

Dr. Martens Men’s 29

Dr. Martens have always been the epitome of cool, and these non-leather winter boots for men are no exception. While traditionally Dr. Martens have been offered in leather, it’s great to see that the brand provides a vegan-friendly option too.

This stylish boot comes in two shades of cherry red and is perfect for dressing up or down.

While everything is hunky dory in the style stakes, these boots can be a little difficult to wear if you have a wider foot.

Also, if you have a large instep the top of the boot doesn’t open enough to be able to comfortably fit your foot. If anyone from Dr. Martens is reading this, it would also be great to have the option of half sizes for a perfect fit!

Overall, these are the kind of high-quality offering that you’d expect from Dr. Martens, although the vegan leather does start to crinkle very fast, losing their brand new shoe look quickly – for some this could be a pro or a con.

Carhartt Men’s Lightweight Hiker With Steel Toe

If there’s one thing to know about Carhartt, it’s that durability is the name of the game. Infamous for their workwear, this all-American company has been churning out quality garments for well over a century.

While these ultra-modern, 100% synthetic boots are a far cry from their original steel toes, the firm’s motto of “Honest value for an honest dollar” certainly seems to be alive and kicking (pardon the pun).

The footbed has been created after Carhartt engineers ran 120,000 3D scans of feet in order to find the optimal shape for comfort and fit. They even claim to have achieved 30% greater grip with these vegan winter boots, thus lowering blister rates for hikers on the trail.

For those buying these beauties for work, alongside the steel toe you’ll also be kept safe by the secondary electrical protection. Capable of withstanding 18k volts in the right conditions, these boots are ideal for site work. Oh, and they wick away moisture, too, which keeps your foot both cool and dry inside, while stopping the rain from the outside.

We love these…does it show?

Astral Halestorm Hemp Vegan Waterproof Boots

These winter boots from Astral feature one of our favorite materials here at HHV: Hemp. Not only is the hemp plant sustainable and, of course, animal friendly, it’s also incredibly tough and surprisingly comfortable to wear. There’s a lot of wins there!

Although Astral may not be the biggest name on our list, these boots are well worth their place here. With their fabulous G15 sole that sticks like glue to most terrains and the incredibly comfortable fit supported by that wonderfully wide tongue, these hemp boots are definitely one for the shortlist.

The broadness across the toe gives a more relaxed feel, which for those who live in their boots is a must have and they run true to size as well, meaning that you can buy these online with confidence.

Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Smooth Black Combat Boot

Animal lovers rejoice! This iconic boot, one that has graced many a famous foot, has been given the vegan makeover that was just begging to happen.

Gone is the leather. In is the 100% synthetic stuff, and they look the part, don’t they? That orange stitching and simple style will never go out of fashion and Doc Martens have done a brilliant job of recreating these combats for the vegan market.

One thing about all DMs, though, is that they do take a bit of time to bed in. Don’t expect to throw these on and feel like you’re walking on a big fluffy cloud, as that ain’t gonna happen.

However, if you stick with them (and stock up with a few packs of Dr. Frederick’s Original Better Blister Bandages, just in case), these will give you years of service.

As these are modelled on a design from way back when, they do lack insulation and can leave your feet feeling cold without a good pair of boot socks. If you’re looking for a classic boot, however, these DMs are hard to beat.

Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Wide Mid GTX

These vegan waterproof hiking boots from Salomon are the ideal companion when long walks are part of your daily life. Beloved by dog walkers everywhere, these rugged boots can even double up as pretty decent work boots, too, if you want to get the most from them.

As with all the boots on our list, these are 100% synthetic and animal friendly. They also feature something called Descent Control Technology, which claims to make tackling even the most technical trails a walk in the park.

The Ultra 3 is something of a shoe / boot hybrid, being a mid, but we found them to be worthy of a mention. Warm, comfortable, and durable, these boots are the business.

Best winter boots for vegans recap…

Best vegan friendly winter boots for women

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Best non-leather boots for men

Table could not be displayed.

Final Thoughts On The best vegan winter boots

So what are my picks from both the women’s and the men’s vegan winter boot categories?

Ladies, if you buy only one pair of boots this winter, I’d go for the Jambu Ontario Weather Ready Rain Boots. Not only are they a classic style but they tick all the boxes for winter comfort; waterproof, well insulated and comfortable to walk in.

These could easily be dressed up or down, making them a versatile option for city-slickers and country-dwellers. They’re also really affordable and high-quality.

And for the men, my top pick is the Carhartt Men’s Lightweight Hiker With Steel Toe. While you may not be able to wear these to work in an office, they look great for weekend winter wear and make great work boots, too.

These boots are also made for walking! They’ve got great insulation, which provides warmth and comfort and the time Carhartt have spent on the footbed shines through. The sole provides all the traction and waterproofing required to make this a perfect vegan winter boot in my book, be they for work or play.

No matter which pair of winter boots you decide to purchase this year, remember, keep them kind! Choose vegan!

Save to Pinterest!

1. PETA | The Global Leather Trade | https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/leather-industry/global-leather-trade/
2. Clarks Shoes | Shoe Pictogram Information| https://www.clarks.co.uk/shoe-label-information
3. Michelle Land | Raccoon Dogs are Skinned Alive in China | https://www.britannica.com/explore/savingearth/raccoon-dogs-are-skinned-alive-in-china
4. Katie Grant | Is your fake fur actually real? Here’s how to tell the difference | https://inews.co.uk/news/is-your-fake-fur-actually-real-heres-how-to-tell-the-difference-145292