Eco-friendly boots

Keen to lessen your impact on the environment? Here are some the latest eco-friendly boots.

Vivobarefoot Tracker FG £190

■ Men’s 39.5-50, 936g (pair) ■ Women’s 36-43, 738g (pair) These stylish, minimalist, yet supportive boots are made from responsibly sourced leather – a by-product of meat from smallscale, free-range farms – and recycled synthetic webbing with a waterproof membrane and thermal insole. The low-profile sole grips well on rocky terrain and hard-packed trails but doesn’t offer much traction or clearing in mud.

Verdict

A smart, minimalist leather boot with good ethical credentials. Comfortable and supportive for easier trails and everyday wear.

Keen Innate Leather £140

■ Men’s 39.5-48, 1140g (pair) ■ Women’s 35-42, 950g (pair) This smart-looking waterproof leather boot is comfortable, grippy and ideally suited to easier trails, travel and everyday wear. The leather is tanned in environmentally conscious tanneries; the anti-odour treatment utilises probiotics rather than damaging chemicals; and the water-repellent treatment is free from harmful perfluorinated

compounds (PFCs).

Verdict

A smart, comfortable, leather boot for everyday travel and walking made with every effort to reduce harmful chemical run-off.

Adidas Free Hiker Parley £170

■ Men’s 39-49, 800g (pair) ■ Women’s 36-43, 680g (pair) Combining an Adidas Boost midsole with a Continental rubber outsole and a knitted upper made from recycled ocean plastics, these mid-height boots are lightweight, cushioned and super comfortable. Best suited to hard-packed trails, the ride is plush but less stable and precise than some trail-specific models. The upper is supportive and acts as a debris gaiter. Sizes run large.

Verdict

Comfortable, cushioned and grippy on easier terrain in wet or dry conditions. A great choice for fastpacking or everyday walking.

Vaude Green Core Mid £210

■ Men’s 42-46, 970g (pair) ■ Women’s 37-41, 900g (pair) German sustainable brand Vaude is Bluesign and Fair Wear accredited. These funky-looking mid boots are part of its Green Core range, leading the way in eco-friendly materials. They feature a sustainable leather upper, recycled rubber outsole, PrimaLoft Eco (30% plant-based/70% recycled PET) insulation and felt made from cows’ milk.

Verdict

Great looking, sustainably made, mid-height boots. A good choice for everyday walking and easier trails, particularly in dry conditions.