Hiking Sustainably: 7 of the Best Vegan Hiking Boots + How to Keep Them Clean

If you’ve been searching for the most stylish and sustainable outdoor footwear, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best vegan hiking boots in the market — whether you’re after aesthetics or comfort, we’ve got you covered.

When shopping for a new pair of boots, why not try to find a pair that’s vegan and cruelty-free? Check out our recommendations and keep reading for some extra tips on how to keep your boots nice and clean.

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX ($209) might be on the higher end of your budget, but they certainly won’t disappoint. These shoes are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for all kinds of weather conditions.

Okay, so the La Sportiva’s were out of your price range — no worries. The XPETI Thermator boots ($80) are more affordable, yet they are still great quality. The Thermators are supportive and waterproof, which makes them basic and reliable.

For those with wide feet, Merrell’s MQM Flex 2 Mid GTXs ($128) are a dream. Despite their sturdiness, they remain relatively light. These boots will offer you a ton of ankle protection without weighing you down.

Salomon Outline Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots ($160) have a lot of fans and it’s easy to understand why. Not only are they very sleek looking, but they also have amazing traction. If you want something that offers more support yet still feels like you’re wearing trail runners, Salomon boots are a good choice.

Keen is a well-known brand amongst hikers and for good reason. The NXIS EVO Waterproof Boot ($190) is very light and offers plenty of wiggle room. They use a PFAS-free water repellent and anti-odor technology — what more could you want?

The North Face VECTIV Exploris Mid FUTURELIGHT boots ($199) are breathable, abrasion-resistant, and extremely comfortable. Not to mention the fact that they come in a lot of great colors, including some nice neutrals.

Hoka’s running shoes have taken over TikTok, but now it’s time for the company’s hiking boots to shine. The Hoka Speedgoat Mid GTX 2s ($170) will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds, which is definitely ideal for a long hike. These lightweight boots will inspire you to hit the trail every day!

Cleaning your hiking boots might be more important than you realize. We know that the practice is great for keeping up aesthetics and promoting longevity, but it can also help out our environment.

By simply brushing your boots before a hike, you’re playing a critical role in preventing the spread of invasive species, the National Park Service (NPS) explained. Plant seeds can get attached to the dirt and mud on our hiking boots — these seeds can then fall off, causing unwanted species to grow in an area.

Fully cleaning your boots every time you hit the trail isn’t necessary, but you might want to add a basic brushing to your pre-hike routine. However, deep cleans shouldn’t be neglected either! After all of that research to find the perfect pair, you’ll want to treat them right.

In order to deep clean your hiking boots, you will only need two things: A brush and some soap. You can use a special boot brush or an old toothbrush — whatever you have on hand will do the trick. As for the soap, you can simply create a solution of mild dish soap and water, REI explained.

Remove the laces and use your brush to get all of the grime off of your boots. Next, use your soap and water solution to thoroughly scrub off any difficult stains or mud. When you’re done, make sure you rinse them well.

To dry your hiking boots, put them in a room-temperature area that is well-ventilated. To speed up the process, you can stick them in front of a fan or put some newspaper inside the shoes.