Best Eco-Friendly Hiking Shoes (2026)
The most sustainable hiking shoes - recycled and vegan materials, PFC-free waterproofing, and brands that give back - scored on real trail performance.
The greenest hiking shoe is the one you already own - but when it is time for a new pair, your choice matters. Footwear is material-heavy and hard to recycle, and traditional waterproofing has leaned on PFAS “forever chemicals” that never break down. The good news: you no longer have to choose between the planet and performance. Every shoe below keeps your feet dry on the trail and takes a real step toward sustainability.
See also our best waterproof hiking shoes overall, and best waterproof hiking boots if you want ankle support. The greenest thing you can do with a pair you already own is make it last: our how to waterproof shoes guide covers reproofing a tired membrane rather than replacing the shoe.
How we picked
On top of our standard five-criteria test (below), we weighed three eco-specific factors: recycled or natural/vegan materials, PFC-free (PFAS-free) waterproofing and finishes, and brand commitments like tree-planting, take-back, or conservation funding. We also treat durability as sustainability - a shoe that lasts years is far greener than a “green” one you replace every season, so it carries extra weight in our scores.
How we test waterproof shoes
Every pick is scored on the same five criteria and cross-checked against real owner feedback - so the ranking reflects how a shoe holds up, not its spec sheet.
Waterproofing
How well it seals - GORE-TEX, eVent, or a quality liner, with gusseted tongues and taped seams.
Traction
Outsole compound and lug pattern, and real grip on wet rock, gravel, and slick mud.
Support
Midsole stiffness, torsional rigidity, and stability on uneven ground and under a pack.
Comfort
Fit and width options, cushioning, break-in, and weight over long days.
Durability
Upper toughness, toe and heel protection, and how it holds up season after season.
Best overall
Oboz Sawtooth X Low B-DRY
Oboz plants a tree for every pair sold and waterproofs the Sawtooth X with PFC-free B-DRY. It is also a genuinely excellent hiker - supportive, grippy, and tough enough for years of trails, which is sustainability in its own right.
Pros
- A tree planted for every pair sold
- PFC-free B-DRY waterproofing
- Supportive, durable, great traction
Cons
- Firmer footbed than plush trainers
- Runs a little warm
Best value
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX
A lighter, faster take on Merrell's classic Moab, built with recycled laces, linings, and footbed plus a GORE-TEX membrane. Comfortable and capable without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Recycled laces, lining, and footbed
- Light and quick on the trail
- Trusted GORE-TEX waterproofing
Cons
- Less supportive than burlier hikers
- Outsole wear is average
Best recycled upper
adidas Terrex AX4 GORE-TEX
About half of the upper is made from recycled materials (adidas Primegreen), paired with a GORE-TEX membrane and superb Continental rubber grip. A light, sure-footed hiker with real recycled content.
Pros
- Upper roughly 50% recycled materials
- Outstanding Continental-rubber grip
- Light and agile
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Less cushioning for long days
Most cushioned
HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX
HOKA builds the Kaha 2 with recycled polyester and a sugarcane-derived EVA midsole, then adds GORE-TEX and Vibram Megagrip. Plush, stable, and dry over the longest days on the trail.
Pros
- Recycled yarns and sugarcane-based EVA
- Exceptional cushioning and stability
- Vibram Megagrip traction
Cons
- Premium price
- Tall, warm build
Best PFC-free
KEEN NXIS Evo Waterproof
KEEN went PFC-free across its waterproofing years ago, and the fast-packing NXIS Evo pairs that cleaner KEEN.DRY membrane with a roomy fit and a grippy all-terrain outsole.
Pros
- PFC-free KEEN.DRY waterproofing
- Roomy, comfortable fit
- Quick lacing, light for a hiker
Cons
- Less refined than pricier models
- Midsole softens over time
Best vegan / barefoot
Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT
A fully vegan, barefoot-style hiker whose upper uses 100% recycled, animal-free textiles. Minimal materials and maximum ground feel - for hikers who want a natural, low-impact stride.
Pros
- 100% recycled, vegan upper
- Natural barefoot ground feel
- Wide, foot-shaped fit
Cons
- Zero cushioning takes real adjustment
- Minimal underfoot support
Most durable
Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion
Xero's vegan, zero-drop hiker is built to last, backed by a 5,000-mile sole warranty - so it stays out of the landfill far longer than most shoes. Wide toe box and barefoot feel included.
Pros
- Vegan build with a 5,000-mile sole warranty
- Wide toe box, natural feel
- Lightweight and packable
Cons
- Runs small - size up
- Minimal cushioning
Best water crossover
Astral TR1 Merge 2.0
Astral's TR1 Merge uses a 100% recycled rPET mesh upper and skips the membrane for a quick-drying, PFC-free design - ideal for wet, water-crossing trails where a sealed shoe just traps water in.
Pros
- 100% recycled rPET upper, vegan and PFC-free
- Sticky G-Rubber grip on wet rock
- Drains and dries fast
Cons
- Not a sealed waterproof membrane
- Little insulation for cold
Best budget
Columbia Facet 75 OutDry
The budget pick: a comfortable, seam-sealed OutDry waterproof hiker with plush cushioning. Its eco credentials are lighter than the dedicated brands here, but it is an affordable, dependable way to keep your feet dry.
Pros
- Affordable and comfortable
- Seamless OutDry waterproofing
- Grippy 5mm lugs
Cons
- Lighter eco credentials than others here
- Average outsole durability
Best for light trails & travel
Saola Machu Waterproof
Saola makes 100% vegan shoes from recycled bottles, cork, and bio-based materials, and donates to wildlife conservation. The waterproof Machu is a comfy pick for light trails, travel, and rainy-day errands - think easy paths, not alpine scrambles.
Pros
- 100% vegan, recycled and bio-based materials
- Brand funds wildlife conservation
- Comfortable for all-day casual wear
Cons
- Built for light trails, not technical terrain
- Limited grip on steep, wet ground
Also worth considering
Strong, well-reviewed shoes that just missed our ranked list - worth a look if the picks above aren't quite right for you.
- La Sportiva Spire GTX - A rugged, breathable GORE-TEX all-rounder (Surround venting) - its long-lasting durability makes it a quietly sustainable choice.
- LOWA Innox Pro GTX Lo - A light, stable GORE-TEX multi-sport shoe with LOWA's Monowrap frame - nimble, supportive, and built to last on mixed terrain.
- Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX - An ultra-stable, top-rated waterproof trail-hiker with thousands of owners - tough and grippy, and durable enough to go years between replacements.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a hiking shoe eco-friendly?
Look for three things: recycled or natural/vegan materials in the upper and midsole, PFC-free (PFAS-free) waterproofing and water-repellent finishes, and a brand with real commitments like carbon labeling, take-back programs, or conservation funding. Longevity counts too - a durable shoe you keep for years beats a 'green' one you replace often.
Are recycled or vegan hiking shoes as durable as regular ones?
Increasingly, yes. Recycled polyester and rPET meshes now match virgin materials for strength, and several picks here (like Oboz and Xero) are built to outlast conventional shoes. Minimalist and vegan uppers can wear differently, so we weight durability heavily in our scoring.
Is waterproofing bad for the environment?
Traditional durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings and some membranes used PFAS - 'forever chemicals' that don't break down. The good news: brands like KEEN and Oboz now use PFC-free waterproofing that performs nearly as well without the toxic legacy. We flag which shoes use it.
Are eco-friendly hiking shoes more expensive?
Some premium sustainable models cost more, but not all - there are solid budget options here. And because durability is part of sustainability, a longer-lasting shoe often costs less per mile even if it costs more upfront.
How can I make my hiking shoes last longer?
Rinse off mud, air-dry away from direct heat, and refresh the DWR coating when water stops beading (choose a PFC-free treatment). Resoling or repairing when possible - some brands support it - keeps a good shoe out of the landfill for years.
Do waterproof membranes hurt breathability on eco shoes?
A little - any membrane traps some heat. For hot, wet, water-crossing trails, a non-membrane quick-dry shoe (like the Astral here) is often the greener and more comfortable choice, since it uses less material and dries fast.