The Best Vegan Work Boots for the Eco-Conscious

Are you vegan and abstain from using any animal products? Do you struggle to find work boots that aren’t made from leather?

Depending on your profession, you might need work boots that have protective toes or can shield you from electrical hazards. Maybe you work outdoors and want something waterproof.

We’ll show you what to look for in vegan work boots, and share our top picks.

 

Here are our top 7 picks of the best vegan work boots

1. Dr. Martens Vegan Smooth Black Combat Boot

Iconic Dr.Martens boots have been worn by the working class and grunge-music fans for years. This vegan version of their classic style is made entirely from synthetic materials. The uppers are high shine and easy clean while the air-cushioned soles are oil and fat resistant with good traction.

 

2. Rock Fall TeslaDri Vegan-Friendly Composite Toe Safety Boots

Rock Fall brings us a boot that is 100 percent free of animal products and metal. The microfiber uppers are breathable and waterproof. The soles provide cushioning, and there is a protective composite toe cap. The boots are rated for protection against electrostatic discharge.

 

3. Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” Duty Boots

These lightweight duty boots are constructed wholly from synthetic materials. A wide range of sizes makes them suitable for men and women. They have a speed lace system for the eight-inch shaft and an abrasion-resistant toe cap. Breathability from the open-cell polyurethane footbed keeps feet fresh.

 

4. Carhartt Men’s FastDry Technology Steel Toe Boots

Carhartt has been producing quality workwear for over 100 years. This safety boot has a steel toe cap and offers electrical protection, and is abrasion and chemical resistant. The advanced footbed provides comfort, while fast dry technology leaves feet dry.

 

5. Bogs Waterproof Insulated Composite Toe Boots

For those of you who work outdoors, these rain boots with a protective steel toe cap could be just the ticket. The natural rubber uppers house a stretch bootie and an antimicrobial insole, while the soles are slip and chemical resistant. The boots are rated for comfort in sub-zero temperatures.

 

6. Timberland Men’s 6″ Premium Fabric Boot

Timberland is an iconic brand of boots worn by many. They’ve produced a vegan-friendly canvas boot with a deep tread which is great if you don’t need added foot protection. These have 100 percent canvas uppers and rubber soles.

 

7. Fugu Sa-Me Japanese Vegan Mid-Calf Boots

If you are looking for toe protection and comfort, these boots from Fugu stand out from the crowd. They are made from 100 percent vegan materials and are very lightweight. The company’s “barefoot comfort” might help reduce back and knee pain.

 

Reviews

Here are our top 7 picks of the best non-leather work boots suitable for vegans.

1. Dr. Martens Vegan Smooth Black Combat Boot

Dr. Martens are a great choice for work boots when you don’t need added safety features. This vegan option is constructed from 100 percent synthetic materials but still has the brand’s classic appearance.

 

The sizes range from a 5 through to 14, making them suitable or both men and women. There are no half sizes, so if you fall into this category, you might need to size up. There are also no options for wider feet.

The leather-look uppers are soft and supple. Cleaning them is a breeze – simply wipe with a damp cloth and then use clear wax polish to shine. Make sure it’s vegan-friendly, such as carnauba wax.

The soles are Goodyear welded and stitched with a one-inch heel. They have good traction providing slip-resistance against oil and fat.

 

The shaft measures approximately six and a half inches and has a 12-inch opening. There is a loop to help pull the boots on and an eight-hole lace up front.

Comfort is provided from the air-cushioned sole.

Be prepared to break these boots in for a few days before they become comfortable.

This video highlights some of the features of these boots.

Pros

• All synthetic materials.
• Goodyear welded soles.
• Suitable for men and women.
• Slip-resistant.

Cons

• No half sizes or different widths offered.
• It might take a few days to wear in.

These iconic boots are loved by many for their classic design and comfort. Suitable for men and women they are a good choice for work boots when you don’t need additional safety features.

 

2. Rock Fall TeslaDri Vegan-Friendly Composite Toe Safety Boots

Rockfall is a family run business that has been manufacturing work boots since 1997. They provide specialist footwear solutions for many different professions.

 

The TeslaDRI is made from 100 percent synthetic and nonmetallic materials. It is a good vegan footwear choice for those who need protection but are allergic to metals. The toe cap is made from fiberglass and covered with an injection-molded scuff cap for added safety.

Sizes range from 7 through to 14. There are no half sizes or width choices on offer, although it seems they are quite roomy.

Proprietary Sympatex Climate linings and upper materials allow feet to breathe, keeping them dry and fresh. The sports shoe styling is very lightweight, and they have a flexible composite midsole with anti-penetration properties. The soles are slip-resistant.

These vegan work shoes are compliant with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection standards. This is great if you work around electronics and their components.

On the downside, the padding might be lacking so you might need to purchase insoles. Check out our reviews of the best insoles for work boots.

Pros

• 100 percent vegan materials.
• Metal-free.
• Breathable uppers.
• ESD rated.

Cons

• You might need insoles for cushioning.

Protective toe-caps, ESD protection, and breathable Sympatex Climate control uppers feature in these vegan work shoes. The flexible soles are slip-resistant, and they are lightweight for all-day wear.

 

3. Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” Duty Boots

When you think of duty boots, you might conjure up a vision of something heavy and unforgiving on your feet. Not so with this one from Danner.

 

These are designed to hold your forefoot and heel stable with its anatomical shape. At the same time, they’re very lightweight at just 26 ounces per pair.

They come in a range of suitable sizes for men and women. Note that the manufacturer recommends women chose one and a half to two sizes down to get a good fit.

They start at a 3 and go up to a 16. There are half sizes available up to a size 11.5, as well as a choice of two widths.

The ultralight fabric uppers are entirely synthetic and while not waterproof, will dry quickly. There is an abrasion-resistant toe cap to make this area more durable. A speed lace system allows you to secure them in place quickly and easily.

The polyurethane footbed has an added layer of open cell construction and gives shock absorption while allowing air to circulate. This provides comfort and freshness for your feet. The EVA midsole gives extra cushioning, great for preventing tired feet.

The outer sole is made from 100 percent rubber and has pentagon-shaped lugs to give traction.

Due to the lightweight nature of these boots, some find the ankle support lacking.

This video explains some of the benefits of these boots.

 

Pros

• Wide range of sizes or men and women.
• Super lightweight.
• All synthetic materials.
• Cushioned insole and midsole.

Cons

• Might not give enough ankle support.

This boot is popular with many servicemen and women for summer days or office duty. It’s very lightweight, with good cushioning and traction. The fabric uppers secure with a speed lace system.

 

4. Carhartt Men’s FastDry Technology Steel Toe Boots

Carharrt is a well-known brand in the workwear market. They have been in business for over 100 years. This work boot is made entirely of synthetic materials and offers lots of protection for your feet.

 

These are designed for men, although ladies with a larger foot might find a size that suits. They come in two widths – medium and wide – and sizes range from 8 to 15. Half sizes are available up to 11.5.

The uppers are non-stitched nylon mesh and synthetic fabric, with the shaft reaching ankle height. A FastDry lining helps keep feet fresh by wicking moisture away. Comfort and support are provided by a cushioned, engineered polyurethane footbed with arch support and an anti-slip top layer.

Foot protection comes from a steel toe cap and cement constructed rubber outsole. The boots meet electrical hazard standards and can resist contact with circuits up to 18,000 volts. They also resist slipping, oil, chemicals, abrasions and heat.

One thing Carharrt seem to have missed with these boots is waterproofing; they won’t keep your feet from getting wet. It also might take you a week or so to break them in.

Pros

• Vegan-friendly.
• Protective features.
• Moisture-wicking lining.
• Engineered, supportive footbed.

Cons

• Not waterproof.
• Take some time to break in.

These boots are loaded with protective features, including steel toe caps, electrical hazard protection, and slip, abrasion and heat resistance. The soles are cushioned and supportive, and uppers made from no-sew nylon and mesh.

 

5. Bogs Waterproof Insulated Composite Toe Boots

For those vegans that need a 100 percent waterproof rain-style work boot, these from Bogs are a great option.

 

They are ideal for landscapers, people who work with chemicals or anyone that needs a durable rubber long boot.

They are available in size 7 to a size 18, making them a good choice if you have larger feet. The boots pull on and are 16 inches high with an opening of about 16.5 inches. The calf circumference is 17 inches.

The rubber upper is hand-lasted and encloses a four-way stretch 7 mm insulating bootie. The insole has antimicrobial treatment for odor control. Rated to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, these boots provide comfort in cold weather.

The outsole is non-slip and non-marking and has a steel toe cap to protect from impact. They also meet standards for chemical resistance.

 

The company stands behind its product, offering a one-year guarantee against faults in materials or workmanship.

Be warned: these boots might give your legs a work out at about three pounds each.

This video from The Boot Guy points out the features of these vegan work boots.

 

Pros

• 100 percent waterproof.
• Comfort rated to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Chemical resistant.
• One year guarantee.

Cons

• The boots are heavy.
• Some find the boots are prone to split where the toe cap meets the uppers.

This long rain-style boot has a steel toe cap and chemical resistance. An inner bootie provides comfort and warmth while the rubber sole is non-slip and non-marking. The materials used for construction are all man-made.

 

6. Timberland Men’s 6″ Premium Fabric Boot

Timberland produces many different work boots and has a vegan product in their range. These boots are great for environments where safety protection is not required.

 

Sizes are available from an 8.5 to a 15. There is no option for different widths but half sizes are available up to 11.5.

The uppers are a canvas construction using Rebotl, a material partially (50 percent) made from recycled plastic bottles. They have also been treated with Defender Repellent Systems which deflect stains and water. The laces are 100 percent nylon.

These boots have an outsole made from rubber with deep lugs to give traction on slippery surfaces. Anti-fatigue footbeds help your feet retain energy and prevent them from getting over-tired. They provide extra cushioning and comfort.

Do you want to stand out from the crowd? You can choose from four colors: grape leaf, black, cream or red.

The boots are water-resistant but it might be a good idea to apply a waterproofing treatment out of the box.

Pros

• Canvas uppers incorporating recycled plastic.
• Deep lugged sole for traction.
• Comfort insoles.
• Half sizes available.

Cons

• Might need further waterproofing.

Timberland has made a version of their iconic boots using vegan-friendly materials. The canvas uppers incorporate 50 percent recycled plastic, the laces are nylon and the soles rubber. They are water and stain resistant.

 

7. Fugu Sa-Me Japanese Vegan Mid-Calf Boots

And now for something completely different! These Japanese style work boots are lightweight and don’t conform to what you would think of as a work boot.

 

These are unisex and available in sizes from a 7.5 up to a 12.5. You have a choice of grey, black or dark brown but no half sizes or different widths.

Made from breathable canvas and recycled rubber, the pull-on style secures with two velcro straps. The shoes are water-resistant and have a protective steel toe cap.

The manufacturer claims that the orthopedic sole can help reduce knee and back pain and help with posture.

The shoes can be worn up to the calf or folded down halfway.

 

On the downside, these boots are flat and don’t provide much arch support. The steel toe cap might also be a bit on the narrow side for some.

Pros

• All vegan materials.
• Lightweight.
• Steel toe cap.
• Can be worn long or short.

Cons

• Toe cap might be too narrow.
• Little arch support.

These boots are certainly out of the ordinary to look at but seem to perform well. They are lightweight, flexible and water-resistant. They have a protective steel toe cap and secure with velcro straps.

 

 

What Is Vegan Leather?

Leather is obtained from the hide of animals. For those that have chosen to be vegan and exclude animal products from their lives, it’s not an acceptable material.

Fortunately, substitutes are now available and are making their way into the fashion and manufacturing industries. An alternative, vegan leather, is becoming more popular. The designer Stella McCartney, for example, only features the vegan version in her collections.

This substitute for leather can be made from polyurethane or various plants and fruits. You could be wearing sustainable materials like apple peels, fruit waste, cork, or pineapple leaves on your feet. Recycled plastic is also used as are plant oils.

This video explains how vegan leather from polyurethane is made,

 

while this one highlights the benefits of leather made from pineapple leaves.

What Are Other Materials Suitable for Vegans?

Essentially, all man-made and synthetic materials can be worn by vegans. This includes polyurethane, rubber, microfiber, nylon, waxed canvas and faux leather and suede.

For vegan shoes and boots, the glue that is used to hold them together should also be man-made. Luckily, adhesives made from animal products are not as common as they once were. Man-made alternatives have proved more effective.

 

The Environmental Elephant in the Room!

You may be wondering whether some of these materials are good for our planet. Especially polyurethane, which is a form of plastic. It has the flexibility of rubber and is extremely durable.

The production of polyurethane involves the use of harmful chemicals, and the end product is not biodegradable. Nevertheless, it seems the general vegan view is that it is better than wearing animal skin.

 

What To Look For In Vegan Work Boots

Some of the features you would want in vegan work boots – and shoes – include:

• Materials: The defining feature for all vegan boots is that the materials they are made from contain no animal products. We have highlighted some of the textiles above which you should look out for.
• Protection: You will want to make sure the boots you buy are fit for purpose based on your needs. Look for safety toe caps, electrical resistance, heat and chemical resistance if that’s what your job requires. Non-slip or slip-resistant soles are another safety factor to consider.
• Comfort: Chances are you will spend a lot of time in your work boots, so you want them to be comfortable. Look for cushioned insoles or midsoles that will absorb shock and prevent fatigue.
• Odor control: Antimicrobial treatments will help keep feet smelling fresh after a long day at work. Another thing that will help prevent smelly feet is the breathability of your boots. Look for moisture-wicking insoles and linings and breathable uppers.
• Waterproofing: If you spend a lot of time outdoors exposed to the elements, you will want footwear that will keep your feet dry. Some will be water-resistant and help repel some moisture while others will be 100 percent waterproof.
• Fit: Boots that fit well are likely to be more comfortable. It’s not always possible to get the exact size, but you can size up and use insoles. This article reviews the best insoles for boots that are too big. If you are unsure how to fit your boots, we can help with our ultimate guide on fitting work boots.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Boots Are Vegan?

Footwear which has been made without the use of animal materials or byproducts are classed as vegan. This means they will contain no leather, silk, fur, wool or animal-based glue.

 

Are Man-Made Shoes and Boots Vegan?

We have outlined materials to avoid and have covered those that are considered vegan. To reiterate, PVC, polyurethane, fabric, rubber and other man-made materials are suitable for vegans.

 

Are Muck Boots Vegan?

Many brands of muck boots are made wholly from synthetic materials like polyurethane and rubber and are vegan-friendly. Double-check the materials before you buy to make sure.

 

Choose Your Vegan-Friendly Work Boots

Vegans don’t need to compromise on features when it comes to work boots. There are styles available that will cover all aspects from safety to waterproofing to comfort and support.

All the boots we have featured are excellent, depending on your specific requirements and profession. Make your choice based on the job you do and what you need from them.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best vegan work boots and found it useful. Please leave us a comment, we would love to hear your views, and don’t forget to share.