Vegan hiking shoes: These 5 alternatives are recommended

Sustainable alternative
Vegan hiking shoes: These models do not contain animal materials

Sturdy shoes are essential for outdoor activities, but do hiking shoes have to be made of leather? (icon picture)

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Hiking shoes have to be able to withstand a lot. In order to make them as resistant as possible to external (weather) influences, many producers process leather during production. But there are also brands that do not use animal materials.

The use of leather is controversial in many respects: On the one hand, the production is often associated with great animal suffering, on the other hand, very large amounts of water are used for production and (sometimes toxic) chemicals are used – which in turn is bad for the environment. There is also vegetable tanned organic leather, but due to its natural processing this is unsealed, open-pored and therefore sensitive to water. This makes it less suitable for the production of weatherproof hiking shoes. This raises the question of which vegan alternatives can be used for outdoor activities? In the following we present five brands that have suitable outdoor models in their range that do not contain any animal materials.

These brands offer vegan hiking shoes

By not using leather, vegan shoes are not automatically better for the environment, since crude oil is often used in the production of synthetic plastics. For this reason, it is better to bet on brands that use recycled materials. This results in less plastic waste. In addition, resources are conserved. Below we present five brands that produce vegan hiking shoes.

1. Vaude

The German family company is known for the manufacture of outdoor products. But what many people don’t know (yet): Vaude now also offers vegan hiking shoes in its range, such as the mid-height model “Lavik Eco STX“. According to the manufacturer, the outdoor shoes are suitable for hiking and mountain tours because they are breathable, waterproof and windproof at the same time. Reinforced caps in the toe and heel areas protect your feet from dirt and sharp stones during a tour vegan hiking shoes are made of the following materials:

  • Shell: 47% bio-based, 53% recycled PET
  • Membrane: PFC-free Sympatex®
  • Lining: 100% recycled polyester
  • Outsole: Vibram (rubber)

2. Ekin

The vegan hiking shoe is made by hand in a certified factory in Portugal.Hiking Boot Pine” by Ekn Footwear. Artificial leather from recycled PET bottles is used for production, while the upper materials are made of waxed organic cotton and recycled rubber – these also come (if possible) from our own region. This is why the model has an alpine character However, they are only water-repellent and not waterproof. In other words, the shoes can withstand a short rain shower, but the feet are not permanently dry during longer periods of rain. The Vibram sole is said to be extremely robust and durable.

3. Doghammer

The German shoe manufacturer Doghammer offers sustainable hiking shoes for sale – such as the model “Guide Pro Vegan Madl flower“, whose Vibram sole contains rubber and recycled cork components – as does the insole, which contains the non-toxic plastic alternative to PVC: ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA for short). According to the manufacturer, this is not only odorless, but can also be easily removed and thus also protected against a new or different sole can be exchanged.The ankle-high shoes are waterproof and therefore an ideal companion for long hikes.

4. Topo Athletic

They are also suitable for hiking Shoes from Topo Athletic: Whether “Trail venture 2 WP” or “Ultraventure Pro” – all models have in common that they do not contain any animal materials. Instead, the brand uses rubber and synthetics for its vegan hiking shoes. Depending on which model you are interested in, you should make sure that the shoes are waterproof. Because not every one Each edition has this characteristic, but what they all have in common is that Topo Athletic ensures that all of their shoes are comfortable to wear, have a secure midfoot area and have a low heel drop when running.

5.Magnum

The vegan hiking shoes”Ultima 8.0 SZ WP” by Magnum are made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. This makes them a sustainably produced model that is waterproof despite its breathable membrane. Thanks to the YKK side zip, it should be easy to put on and take off. Another advantage of this brand is the hard-wearing outsole (with EVA midsole) and an antibacterial insole.Due to their properties, the high hiking shoes are particularly suitable for cold autumn and winter days, but can also be used in spring.

Sources: PETA, Utopia

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