There’s nothing like a good, solid, reliable pair of boots. Don’t get me wrong, I love my comfort shoes and my heels just like every other gal.
When I’m going hiking, working outdoors, or trekking through the snow, rain, and mud, I’ll pick a good pair of boots over anything else!
Timberland is well known for making some of the highest-quality leather boots in the world. From work boots to casual boots, Timberland’s iconic styles have inspired many other boot makers to follow suit.
If you came here looking for the best vegan Timberlands, though, I have some bad news for you… Unfortunately, Timberland doesn’t offer any vegan boots at this time.
That being said, there are plenty of vegan Timberland alternatives! In today’s post, I’m going to show you some of the highest-quality vegan boots that money can buy.
Whether you’re looking for something to work in, hike in, or just wear around town, I guarantee you’ll find the perfect pair of vegan boots for you below.
Oh and don’t worry guys – I’ve included some great vegan men’s boots on the list as well as vegan women’s boots!
Does Timberland Make Vegan Boots?
Growing up, I remember my dad used to always have a pair of Timberland work boots laying around the house.
When Christmas came around, it was just another excuse to buy a brand-new pair of boots. Boots were just his “thing.”
Recently, I booked a mountain hiking trip and needed a new pair of boots. So, naturally, I decided to see if I could find any vegan leather Timberlands…
Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that Timberland doesn’t offer any vegan boots whatsoever.
Apparently, they did offer a recycled canvas boot back in 2018 that was technically vegan, but they discontinued the boot after that year.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to rag on Timberland. They’re a good company with a good reputation that makes great-quality boots.
Unlike most other boot makers, they’ve committed to only sourcing leather from responsible farms that treat their animals well (while they’re alive).
However, all of their boots are still made with real leather, meaning they’re not vegan-friendly.
Thankfully, there are several high-quality vegan leather boot manufacturers I found that offer vegan Timberland alternatives!
What Are Vegan Boots Made From?
Anybody who says that you can’t make a high-quality boot without leather simply doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
Sure, leather has great material properties, but it contributes to animal slaughter and backs the meat industry.
Modern synthetic materials can be manufactured to be just as durable, waterproof, and comfortable as leather.
Check out this full breakdown of vegan shoes and vegan shoe materials.
As far as vegan-friendly boots are concerned, though, here’s what you need to know…
Synthetic Faux Leather
One of the most common materials used to make vegan boots is synthetic faux leather.
It typically starts with a polyester base, then various waxes, liquid plastic, and dye are added to strengthen the polyester into a material similar to leather.
Plant-Based Leather
Plant-based leather is one of the latest innovations in the vegan community.
Plant-based leather manufacturers start with tough fibrous “throw away” plant by-products, such as avocado husks, cork tree bark, and even pineapple skin.
Then, they process the material, add various chemical compounds, glue, etc., and turn it into a tough material that’s very similar to leather.
Pretty cool, right? Check out this cool clip that shows you how one manufacturer turns mangoes into plant leather:
Heavy-Duty Canvas
If you’ve ever worn a pair of Converse kicks, then you probably remember just how durable heavy-duty canvas can be!
Canvas is durable, lightweight, plant-based (comes from cotton), and odor-resistant. Canvas is often used to make the middle and upper sections of the boot and helps create a more breathable vegan boot.
Nylon or Polyester
Nylon and polyester are common materials used to make the trim of boots, laces, and are often used to thread the boot together.
Although they’re synthetic, nylon and polyester are often stronger than organic fibers and do a good job of holding the entire shoe together.
Recycled Rubber & Plastic
Recycled rubber and plastic products are often used to create sustainably-sourced soles for vegan boots.
In fact, Timberland recycles an average of 50,000 pounds of plastic bottles every year to make their recycled rubber-infused soles!
Other brands (like Adidas, for instance) have similar recycled rubber product lines that are helping reduce pollution.
The Best Vegan Timberlands Alternatives For Women
Being a woman, I have a lot more experience shopping for women’s shoes than men’s, so I’ll start by showing you some of the best vegan alternatives to Timberland boots.
I currently own all four of these boots, so I’m speaking from pure experience, that these are some of the best vegan boots on the market.
Don’t worry – none of these are those cheap Chinese imports!
Comfort Level: 5/5
If you look at Timberland’s original boot design, you’ll realize that it’s a simple “dock shoe,” so-called because of its widespread use in the shipping industry.
The boots have a durable slip-resistant sole, water-resistant body, and sturdy ankle supports.
While they don’t feature the protective steel toe that most Timberland work boots do, I guarantee that the boots are far more comfortable without the hard toe!
Will’s Vegan Shoes sources all of their plant-based leather from an Italian vegan leather maker.
Unlike other fruit-based plant leather, this leather is made using the by-product of cereal grains, like wheat, oats, and barley. The factory where they’re processed also maintains a carbon-neutral manufacturing plant!
Plant-based leather is far more eco-friendly than synthetic faux leather, as the latter involves strong chemical processes that often release large amounts of greenhouse gas.
Although these boots are designed as a work boot, they’re incredibly comfortable.
Despite its slightly hardcore appearance, the sole is very soft and I can stand or walk for hours on end without my feet getting tired in these boots.
They’re definitely my go-to work boots when I’m doing yard work, and I’ve even taken them hiking a couple of times as well.
What I Like About The Boots:
- They’re incredibly comfortable.
- They’re water-resistant.
- They have a non-slip sole.
- They’re made with vegan plant leather.
What I Don’t Like About Them:
- They’re a bit expensive.
Comfort Level: 5/5
Will’s Vegan Shoes wins again! After enjoying the company’s dock shoe for a few months, I found out about these beautiful Chelsea boots.
These are a lot more stylish and go great with a pair of jeans, business pants, or leggings.
Thanks to the side gussets, they are incredibly easy to slip on and they don’t require any lacing or un-lacing (which is always the most annoying part about putting on a pair of boots).
They have a slight heel that gives me an extra half-inch of height too, so that’s another plus!
Like the dock boots, the Chelsea boots are made using the same Italian plant-based leather and bio oil sourced from cereal grain crops. It’s water-resistant and keeps your feet relatively warm on a cool winter day.
The sole is just as comfy as my other pair of Will’s and I have no problem wearing these around for an entire day.
What I Like About The Boots:
- Made using Italian grain-based leather.
- They’re stylish and fashionable (great for professional attire).
- They’re incredibly comfortable.
- The slight heel makes me feel a little bit taller.
What I Don’t Like About Them:
- Like other specialty vegan brands, they’re expensive.
Comfort Level: 4/5
Dr. Martens (or “Doc Martens,” as the hipster community likes to say) are one of the most easily-recognizable boot brands in the United States.
They started off in 1901, making practical shoes and work boots for industrial workers. Today, they’re loved by rockstars, hardcore punks, hipsters, and everyone in between.
In their own words, Dr. Martens stands for nonconformity.
So, in true non-conformist fashion, they became one of the first mainstream boot manufacturers to create a replica of their famous platform boot using 100% plant-based leather!
Dr. Marten’s Synthetic 8-Eye Platform Boots are, by far, the most comfortable boot I’ve ever worn thanks to Dr. Marten’s patented AirWair soles that are designed to provide a “bouncy” experience.
It’s not just a marketing gimmick either. These shoes will literally have you bouncing into your next step.
The boots themselves are also incredibly durable. I’ve had mine for almost two years now and they’re still just as good as they were when I first got them (minus a few scuffs and sole wear).
The only downside of these boots is that they’re expensive. But if you’re looking for a high-quality vegan leather boot, you won’t be disappointed with a pair of Docs.
What I Like About The Boots:
- They’re iconic and will get you compliments everywhere you go.
- Made with durable plant-based leather.
- The raised platform makes me feel a lot taller than I really am.
- Dr. Marten’s patented AirWair soles are super comfortable.
- These are some of the most durable, well-built boots I’ve ever owned.
What I Don’t Like About Them:
- They’re also some of the most expensive boots I’ve ever purchased.
- They’re a bit stiff when you first get them, and will need to be “broken in” for a week or two.
Comfort Level: 5/5
When the snow starts to fall and ice coats the sidewalk, these are the vegan snow boots that you need!
Sorel’s Whitney II Short-Lace Boots are some of the warmest boots I’ve ever worn, due to the insulated sole, faux fur lining, and built-in micro-fleece.
They’re super comfy and remind me of how my old pair of Uggs used to feel.
I only wear them in the winter (as they’re too warm for the rest of the year), but let me tell you- they’ve saved me from slipping and falling on ice on more than one occasion.
The soles have extra texture and studs to help you keep your balance in snow and ice.
The entire boot is also 100% waterproof, thanks to its nylon upper and synthetic rubber overlays. That means you can trudge through the snow all day without ever having to worry about wet feet.
For the quality, they’re fairly-priced as well!
What I Like About The Boots:
- They’re 100% waterproof.
- They have slip-resistant soles designed to handle ice and snow.
- The boots are insulated with micro-fleece and faux fur to provide extra comfort and warmth.
- They’re affordable.
- They’re made with synthetic, vegan-friendly materials.
What I Don’t Like About Them:
- They’re too warm to wear outside of the winter months.
The Best Vegan Timberlands Alternatives For Men
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the best vegan Timberland alternatives for men too!
Obviously, I’m not quite as experienced shopping for men’s boots as I am for myself, so I enlisted some help from my boyfriend. Like me, he’s vegan and has tried or owns the following boots, so I trust his judgment.
Comfort Level: 5/5
When I first mentioned Will’s Vegan Shoes to my boyfriend, he was quick to tell me, “I love my Will’s! They’re some of the best everyday work boots I’ve ever had.”
These vegan dock boots are pretty much the same as the women’s version that I own. The only real difference is that the men’s boots are wider and designed to accommodate larger, heavier feet.
They’re made with water-resistant plant-based leather that provides excellent protection on a rainy day.
The sole is comfortable and easy to work in, which is especially important to him as he does construction work and has to stand for long stretches of the day.
The only apparent drawback is that they don’t come with a hard toe. So, if your jobsite or career requires having a hard steel toe, then these won’t provide the hardened protection you may be looking for.
Other than that, though, they’re solid, reliable, and surprisingly comfortable vegan work boots!
What I Like About The Boots:
- They’re durable and can stand up to long-term use.
- They’re made with vegan-certified plant leather.
- They have a padded tongue, so you won’t have to worry about blisters on your ankles.
- They feature a slip-resistant sole.
What I Don’t Like About Them:
- They’re a little expensive.
- They don’t have a hard toe, which may be required in some industries.
Comfort Level: 4/5
Dr. Marten’s Men’s Vegan Fashion Boots are pretty much the same as my pair of Docs. The boots are easily recognizable by their 8-eye design, heel grooves, and signature yellow stitching throughout.
The only difference between these boots and the OG Dr. Martens is that they are made from 100% plant-based leather.
My boyfriend’s pair of vegan Dr. Martens are a lot older than mine, but he said he still wears them.
In his words, “The scuffs are part of what gives the boots character.” If you’re a rebel soul searching for high-quality vegan leather boots, then these are guaranteed to bring out the rockstar in you!
What I Like About The Boots:
- They’re highly durable and will last you for years if you take care of them.
- They’re designed with Dr. Marten’s AirWair soles for superior comfort.
- The plant-based leather is breathable and comfortable.
- Iconic 8-eye design will attract attention and compliments wherever you go.
What I Don’t Like About Them:
- They’re a rather costly investment (but they’ll last longer than most boots).
Comfort Level: 4/5
If you’re looking for a pair of affordable, stylish mid-rise boots, then Ferro Aldo’s “Birt” Chukka-style boots are a great choice. They feature a comfortable foam sole that you can walk around the city all day in.
The sole bottoms are also slip-resistant, so they can handle some light rain and snow without any issues.
They’re not exactly made to withstand hard labor, but they’re a great walking boot.
Ferro Ado’s iconic chukka-style boots are available in six different shades, including black, blue, brown, charcoal, chestnut, and rust-gray.
My boyfriend has the chestnut boots, and they look very attractive with a nice pair of jeans.
What I Like About The Boots:
- They’re comfortable.
- They’re stylish and look great with casual wear or jeans.
- The foam soal is comfortable and ideal for all-day walking.
- They’re very affordable for the quality.
- They’re made with 100% plant-based vegan leather.
What I Don’t Like About Them:
- They can be a bit over-sized, so you may want to get a half-size smaller than what you usually wear.
Are Vegan Leather Boots Durable?
As long as they’re made well, vegan leather boots are just as strong and durable as traditional leather boots. Ultimately, the quality of a boot all comes down to the manufacturer and how they construct their boots.
High-quality vegan leather boots like Dr. Martens or Will’s Vegan Shoes that I reviewed above use superior stitching, high-quality soles, and have great quality control to limit duds.
Are Vegan Leather Boots Waterproof?
Like animal leather, vegan leather boots are naturally water-resistant. This means that they can easily stand up to rain, snow, and stepping in the occasional puddle.
That being said, neither animal leather or plant-based leather are 100% waterproof.
If you want to waterproof your shoes, you’ll need to purchase a special spray or waterproofing liquid and coat them.
Conclusion
Although Timberland may not offer any vegan leather boots, I’ve done my best to show you the best vegan Timberland alternatives!
Whether you’re looking for something stylish or you just need a reliable work boot, I’ve personally used and tried all of the boots I reviewed above.
As long as we all do our part to stop consuming and wearing animal products, the vegan community can drastically reduce humanity’s wholesale slaughter of cows, sheep, alligators, and other animals exploited for their skin.
If you liked learning about plant leather, then I know you’ll love my post about wool, and why it’s not vegan-friendly!
