It’s never been easier to be vegan, whether you crave meat alternatives or find warm, fashionable, and sustainable winter boots. With an increased demand for kind food, fashion, and living, we now have access to vegan choices in all aspects of our lives. As far as shoe hunting goes, we’ve come a long way from the day when there were only a few options available such as an uncomfortable pair you’d hunt down in some store you’d never visit otherwise.
It is exciting how many designers are now making quality vegan boots that are no longer inferior to non-vegan items. Being naturally weather-resistant, they are perfect for every type of climate. From the low $40s all the way up to a pricey $1,600, there are numerous styles and prices to suit your budget and taste to keep your feet warm in the frigid weather. To make life even easier there are many all vegan stores selling boots and shoes which takes all the label reading out of shopping. Personally, I don’t mind shopping from a non-vegan store where shoes are either accidentally vegan or in fact labeled vegan. This hopefully drives demand, and may be a reason why companies like Nordstrom that specialize in shoes, carry many vegan certified boots and shoes online.
Vegan boots are usually labeled vegan or synthetic as they are made using synthetic and/or plant-based materials. If you can’t find any of those labels, check the sticker attached to the bottom of the shoe or ask customer service. A hidden by-product in vegan shoes could be the glue; however, most shoe glue used today is vegan as synthetic glues have surpassed animal glues for cost, effectiveness, and stability.
Of course, the most sustainable boots will be the ones you already own so when making your purchases consider the following:
Durability: Quality vegan fabrics such as PU and Gore-Tex are waterproof and durable but still flexible and soft. To prevent having to buy new ones each year, the better quality they are, the longer your boots will last.
Breathability: Vegan materials have evolved over the years and today certain brands improve the breathability of the boots infusing synthetics with natural materials.
Sustainability: Most Vegan companies work to ensure that their impact on the environment is minimal. Look for things such as eco-friendly materials, fair working conditions and how and where they are produced.
Below is a short compilation of stylish winter boots I picked out.
Best Vegan Winter Boots 2020
Man-made vegan leather Tommy Hilfiger® ankle boots in a round-toe silhouette with inside zipper and pull-tab at the heel. Decorative buckle at the shaft.
Work to surpass all expectations. The shoes are handmade and manufactured in Alicante, Spain. Their Italian vegan leathers do not contain aromatic amines, PCP, formaldehyde, PVC, phthalates, azo-dyes, or chrome.
Winter tested and approved even in the coldest of temperatures. Detailed with Italian vegan shearling, brass hooks, comfort flex rubber sole, and our beloved removable insole technology!
“A classic round toe and slick detailing make the elegant Meadow boot a timeless essential. Our most cushioned double cork interior and lengthening center seam make these boots as flattering as they are comfortable. Breathable sustainable lining”
“The Alfie boots are made from water-resistant vegan leather with a thick, gripped sole that provides plenty of traction. The elasticated side panels and loop tabs mean you can pull them on and off with ease, and the recycled lycra lining will keep your feet warm on brisk days.”
Microban® antimicrobial treatment in all JBU products helps keep odors at bay, and promotes a cooler, drier feel.Vegan leather upper. Lining and insole made out of textile material. Synthetic outsole. Faux fur trim. Imported.
Matt & Nat is a PETA® approved vegan brand
NAE ETNA Vegan Boots – BLACK available through Veenofs
Unisex vegan boots made of ecological and water-resistant microfiber, using the Goodyear system. Made in Portugal. Upper: Ecological and water-resistant microfiber. Lining: Breathable and anti-allergy.
Italian vegan leather made from plants. Breathable and water resistant materials and construction so your feet stay cool and dry
Carbon Neutral Insulated Dock Boots. Ethically made in Portugal under European Union employment, discrimination and health & safety law. Presented in sustainable non treated paper and cardboard packaging. Delivered to you through our eco-friendly plastic free carbon neutral supply chain.
Carbon Neutral Hiking Boots. Ethically made in Italy under European Union employment, discrimination and health & safety law. Presented in sustainable non treated paper and cardboard packaging. Delivered to you through our eco-friendly plastic free carbon neutral supply chain.
Created with Italian vegan leather made with plants. Breathable and water resistant
Tokio Womens Vegan Chelsea Boot
Matt & Nat is a PETA® approved vegan brand.
Path Black Vegan Fur Boots from Reddress
These cute boots feature a chunky lug sole, rounded toe upper, traditional lace-up vamp, and ankle-high shaft with vegan fur trim. Vegan friendly, man-made materials. Non-skid sole. Imported
These cute boots feature a chunky lug sole, rounded toe upper, traditional lace-up vamp, and ankle high shaft with vegan fur trim. Vegan friendly, man-made materials. Non-skid sole. Imported
Eulampis Water Resistant Sneaker Boot by Stella McCartney
While looking for vegan shoes, boots or clothing consider browsing through these online stores:
Will’s Vegan Store uses cereal crops to create its vegan leather and suede, which are Ecolabel certified; the soles are made from recycled natural rubber; the company has a carbon neutral supply chain; and all packages are shipped completely plastic-free.
Noize is an all vegan outerwear company and they have recently added shoes to their line of clothing.
Zappos is an online shoe and clothing retailer that has a wide selection of vegan shoes
Matt and Nat is an all vegan store.
Immaculate Vegan – all vegan.
Top Vegan Shoes is founded by Liiis, a shoe designer herself. She created Top Vegan Shoes to help the conscious shopper find the right products and the story behind the brand. Check them out for a wide range of vegan leather shoes, sandals and boots.
Have you found your perfect vegan winter boot?
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Photo: Respective brands
