Top 11 Best Vegan Work Boots

Are you a woman who has decided never to use animal products including shoes made of leather (animal skin)?

If so, you are not alone. Many men and women around the world have made the same decision. And it is because of this that manufacturers around the world are now making different types of non-leather shoes.

In this post, we will reveal to you the best vegan work boots in 2023. These are shoes that manufacturers make to provide individuals working in various industries with comfort and full protection.

They do not feature any products derived from killing animals. They include boots that are waterproof, boots that protect from electrical hazards, boots that are ultra-comfortable, and vegan steel toe shoes.

Without further ado, below are the greatest non-leather work boots in the US market!

Top 10 The Best Vegan Work Boots Reviews in 2023

1. Dr. Martens, Vegan Jadon II 8-Eye Synthetic Platform Boot for Men and Women

Everybody likes the unique look of boots made by Doc Martens. This is because they look so tough and iconic. This particular model does not very tough. It is more of a stylish non-leather boot that you will love wearing if you are into fashion. It can be worn by both men and women as it is a unisex boot.

The boot is constructed in a very special way to ensure maximum durability. Instead of using leather or any other animal product, Doc Martens utilized an innovative synthetic leather to construct it. The special leather is totally vegan but looks just like the real thing.

What makes this boot stand out is its thick air-cushioned rubber sole. This thick sole makes this boot very comfy. You will love wearing it even for long hours.

The sole has a very reliable high-traction design that provides a good grip.

The worst thing about this boot is that it starts wrinkling in several places after about a year of use.

Pros

• Special welt construction for durability
• Thick air-cushioned comfortable sole
• Very stylish design
• Vegan non slip work shoes
• Features no animal product
• Increases height (thick sole)
• Unisex boot

Cons

• Wrinkles easily
• Runs a bit big

Despite being a boot that wrinkles easily, this boot is durable. And despite featuring only vegan/ethical raw materials, this boot is relatively tough and very functional.

2. Reebok Work Men’s Rapid Response Rb Rb8894-m Boots

If you are a construction worker, it is important to always wear the right footwear before you go to work. Among the best boots for construction workers is this specific boot.

I must admit that the fact that this boot is made of suede leather is a bit controversial as some vegans are okay with it but others say it is not vegan. This aside, this is one of the toughest and most comfortable work boots available on Amazon!

It is perfect for construction workers, security officers, law enforcement, transport industry workers, factory workers, and technicians.

What I like the most about this boot is its style and design. It looks tough, manly, and iconic. Its design is lightweight, breathable, and durable.

The toe box of this Reebok shoe features a composite safety toe box. This protects against potentially toe-breaking falling hazards.

I like the side zipper that comes with this boot. It makes on and off easier. I like more the shock-absorbing special midsole of this boot. It makes walking in this boot a pleasurable experience.

The only flaw I discovered about this boot is that you have to wear it with thick socks as the stitching outside can be intrusive when you are kneeling or straining the boot in some other way.

Pros

• Stylish vegan tactical boots
• Strong, durable, and shock-absorbing sole
• Chemical-resistant, and slip-resistant
• Feels quite comfortable to use
• Incredibly durable work shoe
• Made for men (but can be worn by women too)
• Vegan composite toe boots

Cons

• Always has to be worn with thick socks
• Suede leather is controversial among vegans

If you forget the controversy surrounding suede leather acceptability in the vegan community, this is a work boot that is absolutely perfect for men working in various industries including construction, transport, security, manufacturing, and so on.

3. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Boot

Manufactured by the legendary Merrell Shoe Company, this boot is a highly rated working boot and hiking boot. The Merrell company has been making quality shoes since the early eighties and this is one of their best ever hiking and work boot.

The most noticeable this about this boot is the fact that it has Gore-Tex technology. This technology makes it both waterproof and breathable. In other words, it makes them keep water out, and keep temperatures and sweatiness down.

You will love working in a farm, a garden, the wilderness, or doing any other outdoor work while wearing this footwear as it will protect your feet against water and overheating.

Like most work/hiking boots, this Merrell footwear comes with a cushioned footbed. The footbed also provides heel and arch support. So walking in this boot remains comfortable even after a couple of hours have passed.

According to a good number of Amazon reviewers, this boot is quite stable. This is made possible by the ingenious design of the sole of this Merrell boot.

While this boot has quite impressive features, it is not suitable for individuals with big feet.

Pros

• Tough, comfortable, and flexible
• Non-leather footwear (no animal products)
• Cushioned footbed and arch support
• Very breathable and waterproof
• Vegetarian safety shoes
• Built for women

Cons

• Not suitable for those with big feet

If you have big feet, forget this boot. But if you have normal feet, you will love the waterproofness, breathability, flexibility, and protection offered by this boot.

4. Sorel Women’s Emelie Chelsea Boot (Light and Heavy Rain – Waterproof)

This Sorel boot is one of the leading women’s work boots in the world! It is waterproof and has so many exciting features that will make you want to buy it if you are a woman interested in purchasing high-quality and convenient work shoes.

Being waterproof, this boot is capable of keeping your feet dry even when you work in the rain. But please note that because it has an opening at the top just like all shoes in the world, water can get into it via this opening. So do not step into deep water and expect this boot to keep your feet warm and dry.

Because this boot is waterproof, it can be used for farm work, gardening, landscaping, and similar outdoor jobs.

The exciting features I mentioned a few moments ago include an EVA footbed and a canvas lining. The footbed offers extremely good comfort. It has a special micro-fleece layer on top of it that provides cushioning and added comfort. The canvas lining provides added comfort and a bit of breathability.

The only disadvantage of this boot is that it is not true to size. You will need to measure your feet to find the right size SOREL boot for you.

Pros

• Highly-rated women’s work boot
• Waterproof and extremely comfy
• Very durable women’s work boot
• Has pull loops for easy on and off
• Somewhat breathable
• Women’s boot

Cons

• Not exactly true to size
• Not exactly a vegan

This boot is not exactly vegan because it is made of leather. However, it is a great boot that is made from ethically sourced leather. You will love how comfy it is when you purchase it.

5. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Around 4,000 people have rated this boot on Amazon. The average rating is 4.5/5. This shows you how impressed thousands of individuals have been with this work shoe. So what exactly impressive about this boot?

First, it is a 100% waterproof and breathable boot. When you wear it to work, your feet will remain dry all day. No water will get in since it is waterproof and no sweat will accumulate since it is breathable.

What makes it breathable is a special membrane lining. So if you want to be able to focus on work only and not wet, sweaty, or cold feet, this KEEN boot is what you should purchase.

Second, it provides excellent traction and support. Because this boot is built for hiking, its outer sole is made of rubber and engineered to provide great traction.

So even if you work in an environment with a slippery floor or muddy ground, you do not have to worry about slipping and injuring yourself when you wear this boot.

The excellent traction provided by this boot makes it stable and supportive. Additional support is provided by this KEEN boot through a shank and supportive shaft.

Third, it is a very comfortable work boot. It comes with a padded collar and a padded tongue. It also comes with a special footbed that cradles, cushions, and supports the underfoot excellently.

Lastly, it is a long-lasting work boot. Even if you subject this boot to heavy use every day of the week, you will be impressed by how it holds together.

The only thing not so impressive about this boot is its price. It is not cheap.

Pros

• Wonderful waterproof boot
• Provides good protection
• Offers great support and traction
• Quite comfortable
• Non-marking outer soles
• Made by a renowned brand

Cons

• Quite pricey work boot
• Needs excellent care to last long

This KEEN Utility boot will serve you well for a long time if you take good care of it.

6. Caterpillar Stormers 6″ Steel Toe Industrial Boot

To this point, I have mentioned boots whose raw materials are ethically sourced. Some strict vegans may be disappointed by some of the boots. However, if there is a work boot that even the strictest of vegans would like it is this Caterpillar Stormers work boot. Compared to the other boots above, this is the toughest, most vegan, and most protective work boot.

Instead of using animal skin to make this boot, Caterpillar utilized rubber. So no leather or any other animal product is used to construct this boot. The upper part of this CAT boot is made of flexible and waterproof rubber. This rubber upper is what makes this work shoe completely waterproof. So if you have been looking for something that will keep your feet completely dry, you’ve just found it.

The toe area of this CAT boot has a steel toe box. This box will protect your toes from being injured in case you accidentally kick into something hard or something hard and heavy falls on your toes.

According to Caterpillar, this boot has been tested and found to provide excellent oil and slip resistance. What this means for you is that your likelihood of slipping and falling, even if you step on oil, grease, or a wet floor, is very minimal.

The worst thing about this CAT boot is its sizing. Its sizes run a bit larger than normal.

Pros

• 100% vegan work boot
• Vegetarian steel toe boots
• Perfect for manufacturing workers
• Wide and comfortable
• Provides amazing traction
• Flexible outer sole for ease of movement
• Electrical hazard plus toe protection

Cons

• Sizes run a bit larger than normal
• Costly for a rubber boot (but understandable

If you are a man and a vegan, I would advise you to buy no other vegan steel toe work boots than this pair. There is nothing quite like it on the market!

7. Will’s Vegan Shoes Men’s Dock Boots Chestnut

If I were told to rank vegan non-leather boots that look exactly as if they are made of genuine leather, this boot will be the first on the list. Manufactured by Will’s Vegan Work Shoes, this boot is extremely stylish and made of Italian faux leather that is made using plants.

And in case you think this Will’s boot is not sturdy or durable because it is made from plants, you will be wrong. The vegan leather used to make this boot is quite tough and durable.

What is most amazing about this boot is how stylish it is. Because it is stylish and can be polished, it can be used as a work boot by people in a variety of professions including manufacturing workers, drivers, security guards, technicians, and so on.

The boot is both water-resistant and breathable, which means that it will keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable throughout the day.

Will’s Vegan Shoes engineered this boot to deliver great support. It provides both ankle support and underfoot support.

The only thing you may not like about this boot is its price. But its price is understandable because it is made of very unique and non-common material.

Pros

• 100% vegan leather work boots
• Functional and versatile (goes with many outfits)
• Supremely comfortable and supportive
• Great boot for the ethical man
• Keeps the feet warm, dry, and comfortable
• Shipped very fast (made in Portugal)
• Men’s work boot

Cons

• Somewhat expensive

While this boot may be costly, I argue that it is totally worth the price considering its quality and high-functionality.

8. Columbia Men’s Fairbanks Omni-Heat Waterproof Boot Snow

This is another boot for the cruelty-free man on this list. Like the two boots immediately above, this boot is 100% vegan. Instead of using leather to make its upper part, Columbia used a comfy textile upper. The textile is not only comfortable but also very durable. It will almost certainly last longer than you think.

Officially, this work boot is manufactured as a snow boot. To make it warm in the snow, the manufacturer added a specially engineered lining that provides great warmth even in bitterly cold environments. This makes this boot ideal for work during winter and in work environments that are ever cold e.g. meat and fish production facilities. In case you are wondering, this boot is waterproof. Very waterproof!

If you love breathable shoes, you will love this boot. Because this Columbia boot boasts breathable technology, it means that even if you work in a fairly warm environment, your feet will never get overheated and sweaty.

The most interesting thing to me about this boot is its outer sole. The outer sole is engineered to provide maximum grip both indoors and outdoors. This makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor work. It is also a very lightweight boot.

The only thing not so impressive about this boot is that it lacks toe protection.

Pros

• Waterproof vegan work boot
• Great for both indoor and outdoor work
• Provides great comfort and support
• Provides best-in-class traction
• Extremely functional and wearable
• Delivers superior cushioning
• Men’s vegan work boot

Cons

• Lack of toe protection
• Not very affordable

This Columbia boot is a high-quality vegan boot. It being not very affordable is not a big issue because it features unique technology that makes it wonderfully breathable and wonderfully warm in cold environments.

9. Timberland Women’s Courmayeur Valley 6″ Boot

If you are a stylish woman and you do not mind spending a good amount of money on work shoes, this Timberland women’s boot is for you. This very stylish boot is made of very high-quality leather.

Why is it here in a list of best vegan work boots?

Well, it is for the women who are simply looking for ethical boots. This because it is made by a tannery that makes its leather the ethical way. So if all you want is a women’s boot that is made ethically, it is the boot for you.

What really excites me the most about this boot is how stylish it is. Something else that also excites me a lot about this boot is how comfortable it is. To ensure it is comfortable the manufacturer made it lightweight, added a padded collar, gave it a comfy and supportive footbed, and made the sole flexible. So even if you do a lot of hard work as a woman, this work footwear will give you long-lasting comfort.

This boot is quite expensive and it is not exactly vegan. These are the things you will have to have in mind if you are strongly considering purchasing this boot.

Pros

• Super stylish women’s ethical work boot
• Made of premium ethical leather
• Very comfortable boot
• Flexible sole
• Ideal for various jobs

Cons

• Somewhat pricey
• Only available in two sizes

This is one of the most amazing women’s work boots in terms of style and comfort despite being pricey.

10. Arcopedico Women’s L19 Ankle Boot

If the boot above is not your type because you really want a 100% ethical and vegan work boot, then you’ve found it. This boot is totally vegan. It is a very nice and comfortable women’s work boot.

While the upper part of this boot looks like genuine leather, it is not. It is a special material known as Lytech. This material is almost as tough as leather but unlike leather, it is very flexible and breathable. It makes this boot very comfortable to wear especially for those who stand a lot at work.

In addition to having a comfortable upper, this women’s boot has a wedge sole. This sole provides magnificent arch support. It makes it nearly impossible for you to have sore feet at the end of the day.

Because of the great comfort provided by this women’s boot, it is regarded as a great boot for traveling.

The sole underneath this boot is made of PU.

The worst thing about this boot is that it is not very protective and, therefore, it is not suitable for tough jobs such as construction work.

Pros

• Completely ethical and completely vegan
• Extremely comfortable and extremely flexible
• Amazing for work that involves standing
• Ideal for traveling
• Impact-absorbing sole

Cons

• Lacks protective features

This is a wonderful vegan work boot for women. It is not protective enough for use in tough and hazardous jobs but it is comfy enough for use in many other jobs.

11. Sperry Men’s Cold Bay Chukka Boots

I have reviewed dozens of work boots but I have never come across a pair of boots as highly-rated as this one is. Nearly 500 Amazon users have rated this boot giving it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. This shows how very impressive this pair of Sperry Chukka boots is.

This boot is lightweight, comfortable, provides reliable traction, and is waterproof. People love all these great things about it. And you will love them too because they will make it easy for you to do your job and to go about your day.

One special feature I must mention about this boot is that it is insulated. This plus the fact that it is waterproof means it is perfect for snow and winter work.

Pros

• Quality men’s work boot
• Made ethically (but not a vegan boot)
• Very comfortable boot
• Tough and protective work boot
• Insulated and spacious

Cons

• Not exactly a work boot for vegans

While this boot is certainly not vegan, it is made utilizing materials obtained ethically. It is also tough, insulated, protective, and comfy. Who wouldn’t like a boot like it?

Why is there a need for vegan work boots?

In this world, there are two types of people. People who feel strongly about what they consume and use, and people who really do not care about what they consume and use. Among the people who feel strongly about what they consume and use are vegans.

Vegans do not use animal products. The reasoning is that animal products come from animals, which are important beings that deserve not to be killed for any reason (including for food or the creation of products such as shoes and bags).

Vegans only eat non-animal food such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals and they try to avoid products made from killed animals e.g. leather (animal skin) shoes, and bags.

The majority of work boots on the market are leather work boots. With the above information about vegans trying to avoid animal products in mind, it means they cannot wear most work boots. To ensure that even vegans have nice quality shoes to wear to work, manufacturers started making vegan safety boots.

These boots feature no leather or any other animal product in them, which means vegans can wear them with their conscience at peace. In short, the need for vegan work boots is to ensure that vegan workers also have shoes they can proudly wear to work.

What type of vegan work boots/ vegan safety shoes are there?

There are two major types of vegan safety shoes – men’s and women’s vegan work boots. These are those that are designed for men, while the women’s ones are designed for women. Generally, the boots for men are bigger and tougher than those designed for women.

They are bigger because men generally have bigger feet than women, and they are tougher because men seeking work boots normally engage in tougher work than women. This is not to mean that women do not do tough work, it just shows the reality of the situation right now – more men are engaged in harder work than women.

If you look at vegan work boots in terms of material used, there are three major types of vegan work boots – synthetic leather, rubber, and textile vegan work boots. Synthetic leather work boots are those made of synthetic leather. They look very much like leather work boots but they are not.

You will love them if you are looking for something leather-like. Rubber vegan work boots are made of rubber (a plant derivative). They are typically the most waterproof work boots. While rubber work boots typically do not last long, there are several that are engineered to last long e.g. the Caterpillar rubber work boot I reviewed in the list above.

Textile vegan work boots are made from plant-derived or lab-made textiles. They are some of the longest-lasting and most functional work boots on the market.

Benefits of comfortable vegan work boots?

Everybody wants the most comfortable work boots including vegans. Vegans do not eat meat, eggs, and other foods that are animal products. Some do but the majority don’t. Because they naturally do not eat a lot of animal proteins, they tend to be weaker (facts).

Because of this, issues such as lower back pain, heel pain, joint pain, and foot soreness are prevalent among vegans. For this reason, vegans need to wear shoes that do not trigger such issues or make them worse. These boots are comfortable vegan work boots.

Before I tell you more about comfortable vegan work boots, let me just make this one thing clear – not all vegans are weak or experience issues such as lower back pain, joint pain, and foot soreness.

Workwear Magazine knows many vegans that take very good care of themselves and are in great shape. They eat well, supplement with plant proteins, and exercise regularly. Many also take certain plant oils to make themselves as strong as individuals who regularly eat food from animal products.

Back to the comfortable vegan work boots, let me just say they provide comfort in three major ways. First, they often have a footbed that is cushioned or made of a memory foam material. This makes them comfy. Second, they often have a midsole that has a shock-absorbing material.

This absorbs the impact of every step and makes them even more comfortable. Lastly, they typically have a steel shank that provides midfoot arch support and even more comfort. The boots also generally have an ankle-supporting shaft. Overall, comfortable vegan work boots are much more comfortable than ordinary work boots.

How to Choose good Vegan Work Boots?

To choose the high quality vegan work boots you’ve got to consider the following things:

The material used to make it

The biggest thing that separates ordinary work boots from vegan work boots is the materials used. In contrast to ordinary work boots, vegan work boots are those that are strictly made from non-animal materials.

Ordinary work boots are mostly made from different types of leather (animal skin), while vegan work boots are made from materials such as textile, synthetic leather, and rubber. So when choosing the best vegan work boots, you’ve got to make sure first that they are actually vegan.

Comfort level provided

The vegan boots on the famous vegan work boots Reddit are those that have very comfortable. No boot that is uncomfortable or not extremely comfortable features on the aforementioned famous sub-Reddit. Vegan boots provide various levels of comfort.

The best ones have a footbed that is cushioned or has memory foam. This footbed provides massive comfort. Many also have a removable insole for additional comfort. Some such as the Rock Fall Tesladri vegan-friendly composite toe safety boots also have a special arch-supporting midsole for extreme comfort.

Safety provided

Work boots are supposed to provide great safety. Therefore, when choosing a vegan work boot, you must choose one that will provide you with maximum safety. The safest vegan work boots are those that have a safety toe, a protective leather upper, and a slip-resistant and chemical-resistant outer sole.

Durability

The work boots are those that are durable. Choosing a non-durable work boot does not make any sense. You need a boot that will serve you for a long time, so choose one that you know is going to be durable.

FAQs

Q. How do I care for vegan Dr. Marten’s combat boots?

Read the instructions provided by the company in the original shoe box. If there are no care instructions, visit the company’s website and search for them there. If you cannot still find them, remove the dirt from the sole and wipe the shoes with a moist cloth every two days.

Q. How do I know my shoes are vegan?

Check the description on Amazon. If you cannot do so, try to get whether the upper part of the shoe is leather. If it is not leather, then your shoe is most likely vegan.

Q. What brands make vegan workout shoes for flat feet?

Many brands make vegan workout shoes for flat feet including Asics, Brooks, and Altra.

Q. How long do the vegan combat boots last?

They can last for a long time depending on the brand and the construction. The Reebok boots in my list above last relatively long.

Conclusion: What boots are vegan?

Vegan boots are boots that are made using no animal products. Most work boots are made using animal leather, while vegan work boots are made from animal leather alternatives such as synthetic leather, faux leather, textile, and rubber.

Most vegan work boots have no animal products in them. These are the boots that the strictest of vegans can buy. Some boots are called vegan boots but they are more of ethical boots. In other words, they are made using leather that has been sourced from tanneries that work ethically. Examples of such boots are on the list above.

These boots can be bought by those simply looking for ethical boots. So whatever type of vegan boot you are looking for, you are bound to find it in the list of best vegan work boots provided earlier in this article.

In my opinion, the very good vegan work boots for men are the Columbia Fairbanks work boots (number eight on the list), while the vegan boots for women are the Merrell work boots for women (number three on the list).