Are Vegan Travel Boots the New Best Option?

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When I travel, I’m always on foot, so I’m in search of the ultimate shoes: comfortable, durable, and ideally more fashionable than something my grandma would wear. That’s when I discovered Blundstone boots, the renowned Tasmanian brand that has been outfitting soldiers, farmers, musicians, chefs, and many others for 150 years—and me since 2017. I’ve traveled the globe and explored my hometown in the same pair. Those cherished boots are nearing the end of their life, but I’ve hesitated to replace them because, as a lifelong vegetarian, I struggle with buying leather shoes. In fact, they are the only leather items I possess.

Recently, Blundstone launched its first-ever vegan boots. I was excited yet skeptical: Could they truly match the originals? Over the last two months, I’ve put Blundstone’s new vegan boots through their paces (including muddy trails and slushy second-day NYC snow). Here’s what I discovered:

Design Gets a Thumbs Up

To start, they look fantastic. The design mirrors that of the classic Chelsea boots, complete with the signature stitching, soles, and pull tabs. Available in brown and black for both men and women (I had the chance to try the brown pair sent for review); a dark gray version and a heeled women's boot in both black and brown are set to launch in fall/winter 22–23.

"They are identical to the original," Blundstone’s head designer Joe Carfora explained during our call. "When we initiated this project a few years back, [customers] requested no changes. They adored the Blundstone boot and simply wanted a vegan option."

Carfora shared that they began contemplating a vegan boot back in 2016, but were dissatisfied with the available alternatives at the time. Ultimately, about 18 months ago, they proceeded with an upper crafted from a water-resistant vegan microfiber called onMicro®, a lining made from breathable, antibacterial, and antimicrobial microfiber known as onSteam®, and a removable vegan footbed.

These boots feature more than just vegan-friendly materials. Every component—and every treatment applied during production—was thoroughly examined as part of the vegan verification process by the independent testing lab Eurofin Chem-MAP.

Innovation Gets a Thumbs Up

Interestingly, the challenge wasn't finding a leather substitute. "Eurofin tested everything and found animal traces in the dye used for the thread," Carfora explained. "It wasn't the upper, the construction, or even the glue—all of which were fine. The issue lay with the dye! So, we had to source a new supplier." They not only found one but will also collaborate with their supply partners long-term to transition all their threads to vegan options with vegan dyes.

The push for cruelty-free practices aligns perfectly with the brand’s Every Step Better initiative aimed at enhancing its ethical, sustainable, and commercial operations. Given that microfiber presents its own environmental challenges, it's reassuring to see Blundstone considering these factors. (Quick recap: Microfibers, typically made from plastic, can harm the environment, yet they are generally less damaging than leather—though eco-friendly advancements are being pursued in both areas. Harper’s Bazaar has an insightful article on this.) As Carfora noted, "We’re clearly focused on sustainability. We now have a dedicated department that assists us in sourcing those materials."

While Blundstone’s leather boots are here to stay, the broader focus on vegan materials is influencing the company significantly: "We hope the insights gained from the vegan boot will lead to additional options for us," Carfora said. "Some of our current projects are exploring the use of fully recycled materials, plant-based alternatives, and new colors—as supply chains now offer more choices."

Looks That Impress

All this product research resulted in a boot that closely resembles leather. The microfiber is soft and flexible, with a subtle texture that mimics a natural material. Initially, I was concerned that the boots might have a shiny patent-leather appearance, like many faux-leather shoes I've worn over the years, but they don’t. I chose the brown boots, which have a gentle sheen that feels natural rather than plastic, and the color offers a warm depth that looks very organic.

That said, the microfiber won’t break in like leather does. "That aspect will differ," Carfora shared with me. "It will break in, but it won’t develop a leather-like finish. Each pair of leather boots ages uniquely... the microfiber will likely show a more uniform wear pattern."

I have to admit, I’m a tad disappointed about this, given my Blundstone obsession. There’s an unspoken connection and a certain respect among Blunnies enthusiasts when you spot another fan on the subway, admiring their well-loved and worn boots. Heaven forbid they mistake me for a newbie! Yet, I suppose it’s a sacrifice I’m ready to make. Saving animals and contributing to a better world, and all that.

Comfort That Delivers

The boots slid on effortlessly and were instantly comfortable from the get-go. I’ve been wearing them daily for about eight weeks, and my feet remain content. The synthetic uppers haven’t pinched or formed any sharp creases, unlike other synthetic shoes I’ve tried.

They’re holding up well in various weather conditions, too: The uppers are advertised as water-resistant (just like their leather versions), and my feet have stayed warm and dry in rain, mud, and several unexpectedly deep NYC slush puddles. Typically, I wore midweight wool socks with my leather Blundstones in winter, and I worried that combination might cause my feet to overheat in the vegan pair since "breathable" microfiber isn’t always as airy as it sounds. However, even with cheap polyester socks, my feet didn’t feel hot, and the removable footbeds are more breathable and shock-absorbing than those in my old leather boots.

Mixed Thoughts on Durability

My main issue lies with the coating on the upper material. Both the Blundstone website and Carfora emphasized that the vegan boots would match the durability the brand is renowned for. For instance, the website states: "Built to Last: Durable and highly resistant to abrasion." However, my boots showed signs of wear after just one day. Simply walking around the city caused the microfiber to scratch slightly near the big toe, leaving behind some chalky lines.

When I brought this up with Carfora, he recommended a polish cream called Nugget. While I couldn’t locate that brand, I consulted three local shoe repair experts who suggested similar products. After a few minutes of dabbing and buffing, the white lines became less noticeable, but the tiny tears remain, indicating that this material still has room for enhancement.

Aside from that, these boots appear to uphold the Blundstone reputation for durability. I've experienced no water leakage, cracks, or loose threads after two months of daily use. The soles are made from the same robust, heel-supporting material found in traditional Blundstones, so I anticipate wearing these boots around the globe for many years to come. Unfortunately, like all Blundstone models, the soles on these new vegan versions are not replaceable. "The sole is injected into a mold and directly onto the boot, making it very difficult to detach and replace without causing damage," Carfora explained when I inquired. In my experience, this often means the soles wear out before the rest of the boot—though my leather pair lasted five years, and Carfora mentions some customers report theirs lasting 18 to 20 years.

Final Thoughts

Blundstone has done it! It's thrilling to witness a brand so dedicated to leather embracing innovative alternatives and allowing that creativity to shape its future. This feels like a victory not just for Blundstone, but for conscious fashion as a whole. While I’m genuinely impressed with the look and feel of these boots and grateful for the chance to wear quality, cruelty-free footwear, the fact that they’re vegan is almost an afterthought—perhaps the most significant win. Ultimately, they’re just Blundstones. And they’re fantastic.