Vegan hiking shoes: These alternatives are recommended

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

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 use leather in their production. But there are also brands that do not use animal materials.

The use of leather is controversial in many ways: on the one hand, production is often associated with great animal suffering, and 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 it is unsealed, open-pored and therefore also sensitive to water. This makes it less suitable for making weatherproof hiking boots. The question arises as to which vegan alternatives can be used for outdoor activities? Below we will introduce you to 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, as petroleum is often used in the production of synthetic plastics. For this reason, it is better to rely on brands that use recycled materials. This results in less plastic waste. In addition, resources are conserved. Below we introduce you to five brands that produce vegan hiking shoes.

1. Vaude

The German family company is known for producing outdoor products. What many people don’t (yet) know: 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. To protect your feet from dirt and sharp stones during a tour, there are reinforced caps in the toe and heel area. The vegan hiking shoes are made from the following materials:

2. Ekin

The vegan hiking shoe is made by hand in a certified factory in Portugal.Hiking Boot Pine” from Ekn Footwear. Artificial leather made from recycled PET bottles is used for production, while the upper materials are made of waxed organic cotton and recycled rubber – and these also come from our own region (if possible). 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 should still 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 pollutant-free plastic alternative to PVC: ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA for short). According to the manufacturer, this is not only odorless, but can easily be removed and therefore protected against a new or different sole can be replaced. The ankle-high shoes are waterproof and therefore an ideal companion for long hikes.

4. Topo Athletic

They are also suitable for hikes Shoes from Topo Athletic: Whether “Trailventure 2 WP” or “Ultraventure Pro” – what all models have in common is 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 pay attention to whether the shoes are waterproof. Because not every one is What they all have in common, however, is that Topo Athletic pays attention to a high level of comfort, a secure midfoot area and a low heel drop when running.

5.Magnum

The vegan hiking shoes “Ultima 8.0 SZ WP” from 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 zipper, it should be easy to put on and take off. Other advantages of this brand include the Durable 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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