Keeping your feet warm and dry in the winter months is essential. Forget leather, suede, and sheep's wool and find comfy and stylish vegan boots here.
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The winter months are well and truly here. When the ground is icy and wet, we want a good pair of boots that will give us stability and grip whilst at the same time protecting our feet from the elements, and yet still looking good.
When searching for a suitable winter shoe, we are often presented with ones made from leather or suede and told that these are the only boots that will stand up to the weather, but that’s not the truth.
There are so many innovative animal-free materials that offer the same durable protection as leather or suede that are both sustainable and ethical.
To help you find your perfect winter boot, we’ve rounded up some of the best vegan-friendly boots on the market. From iconic brands such as Dr Martens to Rocket Dog, Blowfish and more, keep reading to find your dream pair!
Jump to the best winter boots:
What are vegan boots made from?
Typically, vegan shoes are made from Polyurethane (PU), which is a plastic polymer used to create vegan leather.
Although PU is classed as plastic, it is more eco-friendly than most other types of plastic.
According to Matmatch, the material doesn’t contain any chemicals that interfere with the endocrine and hormone systems, nor does it contribute to PH change in soil or water.
Other materials include vegan leather made from pineapple skin or mushrooms, cork, and even apple fibres.
Do vegan boots last long?
Many people believe vegan shoes to be less durable than shoes made from traditional materials.
This isn’t necessarily true. Boots made from animal-free materials still have a lifespan of two to five years or more.
Iconic for their durability, Dr Martens confirmed their vegan shoes are built to last just as long as their traditional range.
Best vegan Dr. Martens
1. Dr. Martens Unisex’s Vegan 1460
Price from £114.99
Perhaps one of the most iconic and recognisable shoes of our time.
Dr. Martens’ signature 8-eye hole boots are loved by all, especially now there’s a vegan-friendly alternative.
These unisex boots feature the brand’s trademark Goodyear welt stitching and are made from synthetic leather that promises to have the same durability as Dr. Martens’ traditional shoes.
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2. Dr. Martens Unisex-Adult Vegan 101
Price: £139.00
If too many laces aren’t your thing, then Dr. Martens’ 6-eye hole vegan boots are perfect for you!
Made in the same style as the brand’s 8-eye hole shoe, these leather-free shoes feature a durable sole and a soft breathable textile lining!
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3. Dr. Martens Women’s Vegan Sinclair Combat Boot
Price: £187.05
Step out in style this winter with these Dr. Martens vegan Sinclar combat boots.
Made with a high-shine premium vegan leather, these combat boots feature the brand’s double sole to add extra stomp to your step.
What’s more, the central zip makes it easier to slip the shoes on and off.
4. Dr. Martens Vegan 2976 Chelsea Boots
Price: £156.51
Chelsea boots are the perfect winter boot for us. They look good for any occasion whether it be a Saturday morning stroll or dinner with friends.
Treat yourself to a pair of Dr. Martens vegan Chelsea boots this winter. The synthetic leather is durable and will keep your feet looking fashionable and most importantly, protected.
Best vegan boots for women
5. Rocket Dog Women’s Igloo Fashion Boot
Price from £50.74
When the temperature drops during the winter months, you want a shoe that will keep your feet cosy and protected from the elements. Enter Rocket Dog’s Igloo boot!
Lined with a soft vegan wool material for extra comfort, the strong sole with added grips helps to keep you on two feet throughout the icy period.
6. Blowfish Malibu Women’s Roben Chelsea Boot
Price: £70.00
Keep your feet warm, dry and in style with Blowfish Malibu’s vegan Chelsea boots.
Featuring a back zipper, making it easy to slide the shoe on and off, and a rubber lug outsole, these shoes are partially made from recycled plastic bottles.
In addition, the insole is made from an algae-based material called BLOOM Foam.
7. Heavenly Feet Robyn Women’s Vegan Boots
Price: £59.95
If you’re looking for comfort and style, Heavenly Boots have you covered with their Robyn vegan boots.
The shoes feature a soft textured lining and a removable memory foam insole to support your feet.
A full-length side zip and pulling tab allow for ease of fitting, while the hard-wearing low wedge sole gives extra grip.
8. HUNTER Women’s Play Neoprene Boot Short
Price from £79.38
Hunter boots are perhaps one of the most recognisable and trusted brand of shoes for many. While we love a wellington boot, we can’t resist Hunter’s Play Neoprene short boots.
These lightweight boots are made from vegan-friendly rubber and fitted with a neoprene sleeve for added warmth and protection.
Best vegan boots for men
9. Blundstone Men’s Vegan Chelsea Boot
Price from £129.49
Finding waterproof shoes for men that are both stylish and comfortable may seem like a challenge, but Blundstone’s vegan Chelsea boots tick all of the boxes.
The outer layer of the shoe is fitted with waterproof microfibre OnMicro material while the inside features a lightweight breathable material, making these the ideal outdoor shoe.
10. Vivobarefoot Scott III ECO
Price from £145.00
Brave the weather with Vivobarefoot water-resistant shoes. The Scott III Eco lace-up shoes are perfect for city life or muddy winter walks.
Made from 100% recycled materials, Vivobarefoot’s shoes are flexible to enable natural movement.
What’s more, they come with a removable thermal insole for added warmth.
11. TOP STAKA Men’s Boots Lace Up Winter Shoes Fur Warm Ankle Boots
Price: £44.99
Nestle your feet into something cosy this winter with Top Staka’s vegan fur ankle boots.
These boots are made with PU leather for added comfort and protection during long walks. The inside is lined with vegan-friendly wool for extra insulation and the durable sole of the shoe is cushioned and features anti-slip grips.
Best vegan hiking boots
12. XPETI Thermator Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boots
Price from £62.04
The XPETI women’s hiking boots feature special technology to protect your feet plus moulding rubber toe caps. Its innovative design provides durability, stability, and of course, comfort.
The upper of the shoe is fitted with a waterproof mesh to keep your feet dry whilst the 200-gram Thinsulate insulation keeps your feet warm in temperatures as cold as -25℃.
These shoes are also available in men’s sizes.
13. Regatta Women’s Holcombe IEP Isotex Waterproof Mid
Price from £41.50
Go on an adventure this winter with the Regatta Holcombe women’s walking boots. Regatta’s boots are made from the highest quality animal-free material that promises to keep your feet dry.
The Isotex waterproof and breathable shoes feature a deep padded neoprene collar and mesh tongue, and rubberised toe and heel bumper.
These shoes are also available in men’s sizes.
14. Inov-8 Roclite G 345 Mid Gore-TEX Men’s Boots Black
Price: £116.95
Winner of The Great Outdoors Magazine gold award in the footwear category for 2019, the Inov-8 Roclite Mid Gore-TEX walking shoe features a Powerflow midsole for added cushioning and energy return.
These lightweight shoes are made with Gore-TEX for waterproof protection. The footbed is fitted with 6MM deep lugs for an uncompromising grip.
Curious about plant-based footwear? Here is everything you should know about vegan shoes…
Feature image credit: Pekic/GettyImages