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Looking for the best vegan boots women wear year after year? Some of our favorites include simple black vegan chelsea boots, apple leather riding boots, and faux suede vegan winter boots!
No matter what your style or preference, one of these gorgeous ethical cruelty-free boots from the best vegan boot brands will help you upgrade your fall & winter wardrobe.
P.S. If you love vegan alternatives, then you have to check out our 13 Best Sustainable Vegan Makeup Brands For An Ethical Glow Up.
This post is about the best vegan boots in 2024.
Over the last few years, more and more people are on a mission to veganize their wardrobes as a way to take a vocal stand against the incredibly cruel leather & fur industry.
Opting for the best vegan boots, vegetable-based leather coats, and stylish cruelty-free bags is the new norm – and we couldn’t be happier with this ethical switch.
Every year, a slew of ethical shoe brands are dipping their toes into the vegan waters, creating eco-friendly boots from pineapple leaf fibers, cork, recycled rubber, coconut, mushroom, and even apple leather.
Unlike the chemical-packed PU and PVC leather, which is described as the “single most environmentally damaging type of plastic”, bio-based leather alternatives are natural, long-lasting, biodegradable, and cruelty-free.
The best part? Vegan leather boots are also much more affordable than real leather and look pretty much identical.
But why opt for the best vegan leather boots when I can opt for real leather instead?
Why are vegan leather boots better than real leather?
Every year, the global leather industry slaughters more than a billion animals with most of them being intentionally farmed for their skins -including cows, snakes, alligators, and crocodiles, just to name a few.
Plus, the tanning process often requires an array of harmful chemicals and gasses, including mineral salts, carcinogenic chromium, formaldehyde, and coal-tar derivatives, which then flow directly to the local water passageways.
To put this into perspective, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that residents near a tannery in Kentucky experience incidences of leukemia 5 times more often than the average US resident.
Last but not least, It is estimated that worldwide water consumption in the leather industry is around 400 billion litres annually. These were only a few of the reasons why people decide to opt for the best vegan boots on the eco market.
What are most vegan boots made of?
Most vegan boots are made from synthetic microfibers, PU, and EVA. However, ethical footwear brands choose fantastic alternatives such as pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels, and other fruit waste and recycled plastic bottles to create the best vegan leather boots as sustainably as possible.
There’s even amazing brands like Wildling shoes, which make vegan barefoot boots out of organic cotton, hemp, flax, and rubber. I have personally tested these, and they are amazing.
Are vegan boots sustainable?
Generally speaking, the impact of vegan leather production can be one-third lower than that of animal-based leather. However, despite the many greenwashing examples, PU and PVC leather is just plastic, which is rarely recycled, and in vegan leather form, it’s impossible to recycle.
So no, vegan boots are not inherently sustainable UNLESS you decide to opt for cork leather that can be recycled and upcycled or plant-based leather made from pineapple leaves (Piñatex), mushroom, coconut, apple, and even grapes leather.
The key to making any purchase much more sustainable is to use it year after year, repair it when needed, and give it the longest life possible. These vegan boots below are built to last wear after wear.
How do I properly care for vegan leather?
When it comes to caring for vegan leather boots, remember that heat is your biggest enemy. Most types crack with excessive heat or constant sun exposure, so make sure to store them in a shady place.
Every six months or so, grab a soft cloth and gently rub the vegan leather with oil or leather conditioner to restore the lustrous, shiny look, especially if your boots look a bit dry.
If you want to spot clean faux leather boots, take alcohol-free baby wipes or a soft cloth dipped in warm water and dish soap, and use circular motions to rub the spots away.
This post is about cruelty-free vegan leather boots.
The best vegan boots from cruelty-free, ethical shoe brands.
1. Alohas
Don’t let the tropical name fool you! Aside from the numerous ah-mazing sandals and vocation-ready ethical footwear, Alohas also carries a wide selection of vegan boots made from plant-based and recycled leather.
From 90s-inspired slim ankle boots and sophisticated knee-height boots with a square toe, you’ll most definitely fall in love with their sustainable vegan leather boots.
Furthermore, Alohas is based on the on-demand production model to eliminate any waste and save as many natural resources as possible.
Basically, this means that new drops are available for pre-order at -30% at launch but for a limited time only. You have three weeks to place your pre-orders, after which the discount drops to 15%.
Price Range: From $110
Size: US 5-13.5, EU 35-44
Ethics: On-Demand Production, Made In The Coastal Region Of Alicante, Spain, Toxic Free Dyes, Fair Wages, Eco Packaging
Location: Spain, worldwide shipping
A few favorite Vegan Boots from Alohas:
2. Bhava Studio
Known as one of the best vegan boot brands in the US, Bhava Studio is an SKL favorite.
The NY-based company offers timeless, classic cruelty-free boots and a slew of other footwear that our founder, Danielle, swears by. All pairs are handmade in Spain or India using Italian vegan leather with no formaldehyde, PVC, phthalates, or aromatics.
The highlight is definitely the transformable high-knee to ankle boot style that features repairable cork soles and a gorgeous wear-me-everywhere silhouette.
Plus, the brand offers an eco-friendly shoe care kit to help you keep your favorite sustainable vegan leather boots in tip-top shape.
Price Range: $125+
Size: US 5-12 , EU 35-42
Ethics: Cruelty-Free And Chemical-Free Leather, Handmade In Spain/India, Fair Wages,
Location: USA
Favorite Vegan Boots from Bhava Studio:
3. FeelGrounds
Is there anything better than combining the benefits of barefoot shoes with a timeless boot design?!
These amazingly adorable and versatile vegan boots from FeelGrounds are ready for all your weather needs.
These naturally shaped footwear are made to build strong and healthy feet (while harming zero animals in the process!). They are water repellent, vegan friendly, and super easy to slip on.
Colors: Black, tan, and white!
Price Range: From $119
Size: USA 5-15, EU 35-49, UK 3-14
Ethics: Vegan PU leather (upper), TPE & TPU (sole), microsuede (inner lining), cork (exchangeable insole)
Location: Germany & USA, worldwide shipping
A few favorite Vegan Boots from Feelgrounds:
4. Wills Vegan Shoes
Will’s Vegan makes some of the best sustainable and waterproof vegan leather boots in small runs in Tuscany, Italy, and Portugal.
Aside from being free from phthalates, PFCs, nanotechnology, and APEOs, the brand also opts for OEKO-Tex 100 certified vegan leather created from natural and recycled materials – like bio-oil from organic cereal crops and viscose.
Wills Vegan’s best vegan leather boots feature recycled rubber insoles and are also certified carbon-neutral. Plus, the collection includes everything from vegan Chelsea boots and cruelty-free hiking boots to ethical riding boots AND sneaker boots!
Price Range: $100+
Size: US 5-10, EU 36-42
Ethics: Certified Sustainable Vegan Leather, Made In Small Batches In Europe, Carbon Neutral, Plastic-Free Packaging, Solar Energy, Fair Wages
Location: USA, worldwide shipping
A few favorites from Will’s Vegan Shoes:
5. Matisse Vegan Footwear
Matisse is an LA-based ethical footwear brand with an array of unique vegan boots women opt for on-repeat.
While they do have non-vegan options as well, all cruelty-free boots are under their Coconuts collection.
Their Western-inspired, all-over woven boot is the ultimate statement piece for summer as opposed to the Pistol Western Boot, which is perfect for autumn-winter.
As we mentioned, Matisse’s silhouettes are definitely not your basic with styles like the Anthem Ankle Boot stealing the spotlight.
Of course, you can also opt for staple styles like vegan Chelsea boots and minimalist ankle boots.
Price Range: $85+
Size: USA 5 – 11, EU 35-41
Ethics: PETA Approved Vegan Leather, Handmade, 100% Recycled Paper Packaging
Location: LA, USA
A few favorites from Matisse:
6. Veerah
Veerah offers designer vegan boots crafted with plant-based leather and algae foam in Italy.
Instead of chemical-packed PVC, the brand chooses apple peel skin leather made from organic apples grown in the Italian Alps, water-based vegan leather as well as renewed plastic bottle fabric.
Veerah’s sleek, sustainable vegan leather ankle boots (available in 6 different colors) are made-to-order to keep track of their inventory and minimize excessive waste.
So if you are a sucker for chic pointed-toe booties with block heels, this premium ethical shoe brand is for you.
Price Range: $398
Discount Code: SKL10 for 10% off
Size: USA 5-11, EU 35-42
Ethics: PETA Approved Vegan Leather, Made-To-Order In Italy, Fair Wages, Responsible Production
Location: NY, USA
A few favorite vegan boots from Veerah:
7. Noah Italian Vegan Shoes
Noah offers some of the best vegan leather boots that are not only Fair Trade and ethical but also entire handmade by skilled artisans in Italy with 100% vegan materials.
Instead of PVC, they opt for microsuede, which is similar to suede leather, micronappa (similar to nappa leather), rubber, and cork.
From cruelty-free lace-up boots to vegan Chelsea boots and rainboots, the entire collection is focused on genuine classics with an Italian style that matches every occasion.
Additionally, you can opt for heavy-duty, cold-weather-approved boots that are breathable, water-repellent, and surprisingly stylish – yes, they have everything!
Price Range: $119+
Size: USA 5-11, EU 35-42
Ethics: PETA Approved Vegan Leather, Handmade In Italy, Fair Wages, Toxic-Free
Location: Italy, worldwide shipping available
A few favorite ethical boots from Noah:
8. Ahinsa Shoes
If you are a regular wearer of barefoot sandals, then you’ll definitely love Ahinsa’s handmade vegan barefoot boots.
The superhero materials? European CF+ vegan leather and Lifo+ outsole.
Utterly comfy and oh-so-warm with enough toe space, some styles feature a soft and furry interior for your cold-weather adventures, while other designs, like the barefoot mid-calf boots, are perfect for spring, fall, and even winter.
No matter your choice, rest assured knowing that physiotherapists designed each pair for ultimate comfort and a healthy stride.
Price Range: $150+
Size: USA 6-13, EU 36-45
Ethics: CF+ Vegan Leather, Handmade In The Czech Republic And Croatia, Fair Wages, Designed By Physiotherapists
Location: Europe, worldwide shipping available
A few favorite Vegan Boots from Ahinsa Shoes:
9. Minuit Sur Terre
Granted, finding the perfect pair of quality, waterproof vegan boots is not an easy quest, but Minuit sur Terre’s line checks all our ethical and sartorial boxes.
Made from mostly plant-based and recycled materials, including grape and apple leathers, bio-based corn oil fibers, and recycled plastic bottles, these cruelty-free boots are all Oeko-Tex 100-certified and PETA-approved vegan.
Plus, unlike other ethical shoe brands, this one is pretty affordable too. You can also take a look at their “second-hand” corner for even better deals.
Price Range: $150+
Size: USA 5-11, EU 35-42
Ethics: PETA Approved Vegan Leather, L Oeko-Tex 100 Certified, Made In Porto, Portugal, Eco Packaging, Fair Wages
Location: France, worldwide shipping available
A few favorites from Minuit Sur Terre:
10. Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather
The Parisian, ethical footwear brand Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather specializes in ultra-stylish, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly vegan boots.
The line includes clog boots, climb-stitched boots, and cowboy boots in neutral and look-at-me-now colors made ethically in Italy, Sweden, and Portugal.
Women absolutely adore the brand’s Oekotex Standard 100 Class certified vegan Chelsea boots, which can be an eco dupe for your favorite Dr. Martens.
However, the simplistic yet fashionable dessert boots are also a fantastic option.
Price Range: From $159
Size: USA 6-11, EU 36-42
Ethics: PETA Approved Vegan Leather, Handmade In Italy, Sweden, And Portugal, Fair Wages
Location: Paris, France, worldwide shipping
A few favorites from Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather:
11. Nae Vegan
With GOTS-certified organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled materials, it’s no wonder why Nae (or “No Animal Exploitation”) is lauded as a top destination for the best vegan boots for women.
Their materials of choice are pineapple leather, cork, Oeko-Tex Certified Ecological Microfiber, and a special “fur” entirely made from organic cotton.
Nae’s best sustainable vegan leather boots line is extremely stylish with fashion-forward silhouettes like the Leyre Black mid-calf boots, Timberland-inspired hiking boots, and military-style ankle boots. To top it all off, every pair is made with a CO2-free manufacturing system under ethical working conditions in Portugal.
Price Range: $85+
Size: US 5-10, UK 3-8, EU 36-42
Ethics: Certified Sustainable Materials, Ethically Made In Portugal, CO2-Free Manufacturing, Plastic-Free Packaging
Location: Portugal, worldwide shipping
A few favorites from Nae Vegan:
This post was all about the best vegan shoes for an ethical, cruelty-free wardrobe.
No matter if you prefer edgy silhouettes, minimalistic vegan Chelsea boots, or barefoot cruelty-free boots, the ethical footwear brands above have something special for pretty much every aesthetic.
So, make sure to get yourself a pair that speaks to your style without sacrificing your sustainability pledge in the name of comfort and durability.
If you liked this post on vegan winter & fall boots, you’ll definitely want to check out these other posts from SKL:
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