Looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of your hiking gear? Even your trekking boots can make a difference. This Suston Guide helps you navigate material choices, manufacturing practices, and certifications to ensure your next pair of boots supports low-impact production and long-term durability.

Research and understand materials

The materials used to make hiking boots can significantly affect their environmental impact. The global non-profit Textile Exchange rates different materials for their sustainability performance in its Preferred Fiber & Materials Matrix. Key takeaways: Avoid non-recycled synthetics. Recycled materials lower resource extraction, reduce waste, and have a smaller footprint than virgin resources.

Organic natural fibers, such as organic cotton and hemp, require fewer chemicals and improve soil health. Semi-synthetic cellulosic fibers like Tencel also offer a lower-impact alternative. If you prefer leather boots, look for those certified by the Leather Working Group or sourced as by-products of the meat industry to avoid contributing to deforestation or unethical farming practices.

Evaluate manufacturing practices

Understanding how brands produce their boots is essential. Companies committed to responsible practices ensure fair wages, ethical working conditions, and reduced environmental footprints. Certifications such as Fair Trade Certified and B Corp signal strong commitments to social responsibility.

Brands participating in the Science Based Targets initiative also demonstrate a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other best practices include using low-impact dyes and water-repellent treatments that minimize toxic chemical runoff.

Assess durability and repairability

Durability is a key sustainability factor. The longer a product lasts, the less waste it generates. Features such as mudguards and double-stitched seams improve longevity by protecting against abrasion on the trail.

Some brands, including Meindl, Lundhags, and Revivo, offer resoling services or modular designs, allowing you to replace worn-out parts instead of discarding the entire boot. Brands like Merrell’s Scrap collection also incorporate surplus textiles to reduce landfill waste.

Research brand transparency

Supply chain transparency helps consumers make informed decisions. Brands should be open about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and environmental policies. The Fashion Transparency Index is a useful tool for evaluating brands’ disclosures.

Look for companies that publish detailed environmental impact reports, including carbon emissions and waste management strategies. Many responsible outdoor brands now release yearly sustainability reports—an excellent resource for evaluating their commitments.

Look into certifications and labels

Third-party certifications can validate a brand’s sustainability efforts. The Oeko-Tex and Bluesign labels indicate that materials are free of harmful substances. FSC-certified rubber ensures that rubber soles come from responsibly managed forests.

For boots with wool linings, the Responsible Wool Standard ensures both ethical and environmentally responsible production. Checking for these certifications helps confirm a brand’s commitment to minimizing its footprint.

Pioneering footwear and outdoor brands

Some brands go beyond sustainable materials and manufacturing, developing initiatives to reduce waste and promote circularity. Icebug from Sweden and AKU from Italy prioritize a lifecycle approach, designing products for longevity and minimal environmental impact.

Hanwag manufactures most of its boots in Europe, reducing transportation emissions while maintaining strict supplier standards. Keen places a strong focus on community impact, and Arc’teryx’s ReBIRD campaign promotes circularity across its entire product line. If you’re unsure where to start, ask a knowledgeable retailer for guidance on brands that prioritize sustainability.

Make informed choices

Online ratings and reviews can provide valuable insight into brands’ ethical commitments. Platforms like Good on You evaluate companies on environmental and labor practices, offering a resource for comparing different options.

Engaging with communities that prioritize responsible purchasing can help ensure that businesses follow through on their claims. Every purchase makes an impact—choosing a well-made, responsibly sourced pair of trekking boots supports brands that prioritize ethical production and helps promote long-term environmental responsibility.

Illustration: Padraig Croke