6 of the Most Sustainable Boot Brands

If you can repair your existing boots, that’s the most sustainable thing to do. Check out these 5 ways a cobbler can fix your shoes. Can't repair them? Try shopping secondhand!

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If it’s time to replace your boots and you want to shop sustainably, avoid those made from virgin animal leather. Instead, consider buying ones crafted from alternative materials like recycled rubber, repurposed plastic, or pineapple leather. These alternatives are more compassionate towards animals and have a lower carbon footprint.

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If you're set on leather, look for brands that use Leather Working Group Certified tanneries - they follow strict environmental standards.

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Here are six shoe brands offering sustainable boots that don't compromise on style:

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8000 Kicks

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8000Kicks is revolutionizing sustainable boots with its innovative use of industrial hemp, an ancient material that's making a modern comeback. Hemp grows with minimal water, needs no fertilizers, enriches soil naturally, and offers remarkable durability. The brand’s flagship product, Crossover Hemp Chelsea Boots, combines style with sustainability. What makes these waterproof boots special is the thoughtful material selection — from the premium hemp upper and recycled sponge insoles to the vegan microfiber interior and rugged rubber outsole. 8000Kicks takes transparency seriously, openly sharing its emissions data and production facility locations. It uses lower-impact materials, like hemp, algae, and recycled polyester for its other products as well.

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Rothy’s

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Rothy's is leading the way in sustainable footwear with its innovative boots. Each pair is crafted using sustainable materials like RWS-certified merino wool and recycled plastic bottles—just 8 bottles make one boot! The brand uses plastic-free packaging, runs on renewable energy, and helps customers recycle their old boots rather than sending them to landfills. Its factory has earned TRUE Platinum certification for Zero Waste Practices, ensuring no waste goes to landfills or incinerators.

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Arc'teryx

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Arc'teryx offers a range of trekking and mountaineering boots backed by a lifetime warranty. The brand demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through its repair program and provides detailed care instructions for all products. Once you're done using your boots, you can return them to Arc'teryx for resale. The company maintains transparency by publishing its production facility locations and material supply chain partners, while also measuring and reporting its company-wide emissions.

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REI

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REI, a co-op owned by over five million members, offers a wide selection of winter and waterproof boots. Its durable boot brands, many made from recycled materials, provide sustainable choices. Shoppers can also find affordable options at REI’s online outlet and secondhand shop. REI champions climate action and social justice through initiatives like the REI Cooperative Action Fund, supporting nonprofits for an equitable and inclusive outdoor experience.

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Cariuma

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Looking for sustainable leather boots? Cariuma has you covered with their Ibira boot. These boots keep you warm in freezing temperatures with weatherproof nubuck and cozy GRS-certified shearling lining. It sources its leather responsibly from Leather Working Group’s Gold Rated tanneries and uses sustainable materials like cork and bio-based foams for insoles. Everything ships in plastic-free packaging from facilities powered by renewable energy. The brand gives back to the environment by planting two trees in Brazil's rainforest for every pair sold.

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Nisolo

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Nisolo, a leather footwear brand, offers a wide range of products including boots, heels, sneakers, sandals, and oxfords for both men and women. It ensures transparency with a Sustainability Facts Label on each product, detailing carbon footprint, emissions offset, raw materials, processing, manufacturing, packaging, and post-use lifecycle scores. It sources leather as a by-product of the food system from Leather Working Group Certified tanneries and it is Climate Neutral and B Corp certified. Nisolo also guarantees 100% living wages for its Tier 1 suppliers and adheres to a robust program covering health and safety, gender equality, healthcare, and racial justice.

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