It can be hard finding vegan work boots for men and women that are actually comfortable and work.
But they do exist!
You just need to know where to look, and be prepared to spend a bit extra.
I spent a few hours researching all the non leather and reinforced toe work boot options out there, and this page summarizes the best of the best.
I’ve divided it up into men’s and women’s for convenience.
Table of Contents
Steel Toe vs. Composite Toe Work Boots
I don’t want to assume you know a ton about work boots, although you may. So if this is a basic topic for you, skip ahead.
Otherwise, there are 2 main types of “strong” reinforced toes in work boots.
Steel toed boots are the classic one, consisting of a literal piece of steel protecting your toes.
But composite toes are getting more and more popular. Here’s the gist of what you may need to know about them:
- Contain no metal and are lighter – can be a mix of plastic, kevlar, or carbon fibre.
- Typically not as resistant to punctures (e.g. things like nails)
- More resistant to electricity
- Better insulation in the cold
- Doesn’t set off metal detectors
Composite toes are very strong and more than enough for 95% of jobs out there.
But, for certain jobs where high impact punctures are possible, steel toed boots are usually better. You’ve likely been told this specifically if it applies.
I mention this because it’s very hard to find vegan steel toe boots. Most of the vegan boots designed to be strong are composite toe because it’s trendy and better for most people.
With that out of the way, let’s look at the boots.
Men’s Vegan Work Boots
Before doing an individual review of each boot with more detail, I’ve created a basic comparison table that might help you filter down your options based on what you’re looking for:
| Boot | Picture | Materials | Feature(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Vegan Leather Deep Tread Work Boots |  |
Italian vegan leather | Deep Tread |
| Dr. Martens Vegan Combat Boot |  |
100% Synthetic | Flexible Rubber |
| Rock Fall Low Cut Safety Boots |  |
Microfiber | Composite Toe, Water repellent |
| Stockman CSA Approved |  |
Neo-tech insulation | Composite Toe, Water-proof insulation |
| Safety Work Book MK2 |  |
N/A | Steel Toe, Water resistant |
Those are in no particular order, since the best boot for you will likely depend on things like style preference and your specific job.
Will’s Italian Vegan Leather Deep Tread Work Boots
Here’s a second option from Will’s (all their boots are vegan) that is a bit different style from the one above.
The aspects of these that stand out are:
- The Italian faux leather
- Deep treads
- Versatile style
- Breathable and water resistant
- Brushed metal eyelets and speed hooks
- Comfortable rubber insoles
Again, no toe protection, but a very high quality boot.
Dr. Martens Vegan Combat Boot
Dr. Martens has a line of vegan boots. These have classic “combat” style which still looks quite nice and is unisex.
They are:
- 100% Synthetic (materials not specified beyond that)
- High-shine outer material
- Air-cushioned sole
- Oil and fat resistant (slip resistant)
- Reasonably water resistant
Rock Fall Low Cut Composite Toe Safety Boots
This is a great comfortable vegan friendly shoe/boot that is ideal if you’re going back and forth between an office and factory.
They feature:
- A composite toe
- Microfiber material to be breathable
- Metal free (good if you’re allergic to chrome)
- ESD compliant
- Water repellent
- High levels of shock absorption
- Built to be anti-fatiguing.
They may not be the prettiest shoe, but they’re a solid unisex boot that’s worth considering.
Stockman Composite Toe CSA Approved
Bog’s has a few synthetic, vegan friendly options that are great for dirty outdoor work.
Their strongest aspects are:
- 100% waterproof (12” tall)
- No seams
- Lighter than most other similar boots
- Moisture wicking keeps your foot dry
- Slip resistant
- Comfort rated to -72ºF/-60ºC
Not the most versatile boot, but if it fits your job, it might be the perfect option.
Safety Work Book MK2
This is the only high quality vegan work boot I could find with a steel toe. You’re welcome to keep looking if you need a steel toe work boot, but I don’t think you’ll find one.
Their website is ugly, but the company has a great reputation for quality, and I believe ship worldwide.
These boots are:
- Slip-resistant (oil resistant)
- Insulated
- Puncture resistant midsole
- Padded collar
These are made in England and comply with ISO 20345:2011.
Women’s Vegan Work Boots
Women don’t quite have as many women-specific vegan work boot options, but the good news is that most work boots are unisex.
Just like the men’s section above, we’ll start with a comparison table, and then go into more detail on each product:
| Boot | Picture | Materials | Feature(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Fall Low Cut Safety Boots | |
Microfiber | Composite Toe, Water repellent |
| Women’s Insulated Mid Cut Boots |  |
Neo-Tech waterproof insulation | Waterproof |
| Dr. Martens Vegan Combat Boot | |
100% Synthetic | Flexible Rubber |
| Daintree Rubber Boots |  |
Rubber upper and outsole | Grip & shock-absorbing |
| High-Top Waterproof Hiking Outdoor Boot |  |
Rubber sole, mesh upper | Waterproof, High grip |
| Safety Work Book MK2 | |
N/A | Steel Toe, Water resistant |
Again, these are in no particular order, since there are so many specific attributes you may be looking for.
Rock Fall Low Cut Composite Toe Safety Boots
These are one of the unisex options with a strong composite toe.
It’s a very versatile shoe if you’re changing work settings often.
The highlight of Rock Fall’s safety boots are:
- Breathable microfiber
- 100% metal free
- ESD compliant
- Water repellent
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
Bog’s Women’s Insulated Mid Cut Boots
These boots are specifically designed for women and just so happen to be vegan.
They are:
- 100% waterproof
- Lighter than similar boots
- Slip resistant
- Comfortable – gel cushioning
- Comfort rated to -58°F/-50°C
No toe protection, but good if you work outdoors in wet conditions.
Dr. Martens Vegan Combat Boot
This is a fairly stylish and versatile boot that happens to be unisex.
No toe protection, but besides looking good, they are:
- 100% Synthetic
- Glossy outer
- Air-cushioned sole
- Oil and fat resistant (slip resistant)
- Reasonably water resistant
Daintree Rubber Boots
Nice Shoes is a fully vegan brand based out of North America.
These are some very sturdy and still good looking work boots that should last you quite a while.
What stands out about them is:
- Made in France
- Good grip and comfortable
- Resistant to abrasion
- Flexible
- Dry fast if they get wet
XPETI Women’s Thermador High-Top Waterproof Hiking Outdoor Boot
These are designed for women and contain no leather or suede, so they are vegan friendly even though the manufacturer didn’t necessarily intend them to be.
These are primarily hiking boots, but can be appropriate for certain outdoor jobs that require getting messy.
The thermador boots are:
- Lightweight and warm
- Made with fabric and synthetic materials
- Have a waterproof mesh upper
- Rubber outsole with high grip
- Available in 4 colors/patterns
Safety Work Book MK2
Last but not least is the only steel toe vegan work boot I could find (that was actually good), which happens to be unisex.
Again, their website is ugly, but the company has a solid reputation for quality.
These steel toe work boots are:
- Slip-resistant (oil resistant)
- Insulated
- Puncture resistant midsole
- Padded collar
These are made in England and comply with ISO 20345:2011.
For women in dangerous work environments it comes down to these boots or the Rock Fall composite toe safety boots.
