7 Ethical & Eco-Friendly Winter Boots and Work Boots Built to Last
Ethical and sustainable boots are among the most difficult categories to shop for, but add in considerations for inclement weather conditions and it's even trickier! This guide aims to fill that gap with a list of fair and eco-friendly boots that are built to withstand tough landscapes and weather conditions.
What Makes a Boot "Ethical" or "Eco-Friendly"?
As always, each individual has different priorities when browsing for eco or ethical items. For some, finding the vegan option might be most important while others may choose ultra-durable leather and commit to wearing them for 15 years. Not everyone has the same values, which is why this guide features a variety of options made from a variety of materials.
Materials to Look For:
Recycled materials. Whether it's recycled marine plastic or upcycled deadstock leather, repurposed fibers and materials reduce a product's footprint (though not to zero, as recycling materials still requires energy). It's best if a company uses a third-party to verify recycled content as the growing demand for recycled materials has led to some fraudulent claims.
Natural and fairly sourced rubber can be a durable vegan material that works well for boots. The Fair Rubber Association certified ethically-sourced rubber and the Forest Stewardship Council certifies sustainably-sourced rubber.
Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned (i.e. preserved and colored) using plant-based tannins, often from chestnuts, oak bark, or spruce bark. This ancient practice is slower and more expensive but is far safer for people and the environment than conventional chrome tanning, which has been linked to numerous types of cancers.
Other Considerations:
Durability. While it can be difficult to determine the durability of a material when shopping online, taking a look at the reviews on products can tell you a lot! Also, there are some materials that are generally more durable than others. Recycled leather and rubber, for example, will last much longer than a thinner material like Piñatex or organic cotton.
Fair Labor. What is the brand reporting about their production practices? Are they paying fair wages for their materials and throughout their supply chain? Do they offer benefits and ensure safe conditions?
Other Initiatives. Does the company have a take-back program? Are they working to reduce their waste and carbon emissions? Do they offset their carbon emissions?
While you may not find a brand that meets all of these criteria, these are things to keep in mind and also potential questions to ask brands.
Secondhand Options:
As always, be sure to browse secondhand first for affordable sustainable winter boots, work boots, or fall boots! Here are some of our favorites:
ThredUp: Best for affordable fall boots
The RealReal: Best for designer boots
REI Used: Best for winter and hiking boots
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase through some of these links. This helps us continue to create these free resources for you! As always, we only feature brands we love (and that we think you'll love too!) and that meet CFC's strict sustainability criteria.
Thesus (Vegan)
When it comes to ecological responsibility and traceability, you'd be hard-pressed to find a brand that meets higher standards for sustainable winter boots than Thesus. The woman of color-owned vegan fashion brand uses 90% traceable and sustainable materials for their footwear — and, is working towards making that 100%. For lighter weather conditions, Thesus has comfy clogs made from cork and for colder weather (or hiking adventures), they have Weekend Boots, made with 95% natural and recycled materials.
Our Pick: The Weekend Boot in Black
Investment: $$
Christy Dawn
Inspired by Victorian-style vintage boots, Christy Dawn's lace-up boots are elegant yet functional. The sustainable boots are made from deadstock leather that has been upcycled and will become even more beautiful with each wear. In addition to using deadstock materials, the eco-minded brand is now investing in regenerative agriculture to source regenerative fibers and materials.
Our Pick: The Dawn Boot in Hickory
Investment: $$$$
Patagonia Work Boots
Patagonia's sustainable work boots are made from American bison hide that is sourced from Wild Idea Buffalo Company in South Dakota. All of the leather Patagonia sources are from leftover hides and would otherwise be going to waste. Due to this sourcing strategy, the boots are only available in small batches each season. Check out Patagonia's blog post to learn more about Wild Idea Buffalo Co. and their work restoring the ecosystems of the Great Plains.
Our Pick: Wild Idea Workboots
Investment: $$$$
Nisolo
Among the leaders in transparency and fair manufacturing, Nisolo has joined ABLE in publishing their lowest wages in the supply chain. The certified B-Corporation also publishes detailed information on their factories and regular impact reports. In terms of environmental measures, Nisolo has launched a shoe reclamation program and purchases carbon offsets that invest in keeping parts of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest intact. The company does use mostly conventional leather, though, so we hope to see Nisolo transition to vegetable-tanned leather in the near future.
Our Pick: Amalia All-Weather Boot in Black
Investment: $$ - $$$
Nae (Vegan)
Nae is a Portuguese vegan footwear brand with eco-friendly shoes made from materials like cork, Piñatex, organic cotton, and GRS-certified recycled PET. Not all of their shoes are made from organic or recycled materials, but they certainly do have many sustainable boot options!
Our Pick: Unisex Organic Cotton Lace-Up Boots
Investment: $$
Will's Vegan Store (Vegan)
As the name suggests, Will's has vegan boots and other footwear. The brand does use some plastic-based materials, but they also have many eco-friendly winter boots made from plant-based bio-oil that they report is sourced from organic cereal crops in Northern Europe.
Our Pick: Aviator 2 Boots in Dark Brown
Investment: $$
Stella McCartney x Hunter (Vegan)
Sustainable luxury designer Stella McCartney has partnered up with Hunter to create a better-for-the-planet rainboot. These vegan eco-friendly boots are made from natural rubber sourced from sustainably-managed, FSC-certified forests in Guatemala. The ethical winter boots also have an insulating neoprene sock made from FSC-certified rubber.
Our Pick: Stella McCartney x Hunter Boot in Black
Investment: $$$$
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Cover image: Christy Dawn