I am trying to become An Outdoorsy Mom. Now in reality, I am an Indoors-Only, Book-Reading Mom. But I have two beautiful kids who need adventures, and someday I am going to take them camping.
I’m starting with baby steps. I got a nice sleeping bag after my friend Ashton informed me that my old sleeping bag from the 1980s probably would not keep me comfortable and warm for an entire night in the outdoors.
My next step? Hiking boots! Now, let’s be honest here. For me, hiking boots fit in the “want” category. My athletic shoes probably work just fine for my tiny trail excursions. But hiking boots are cute! And rugged! And….I have a slight boot addiction.
SO if I decide to buy fairly unnecessary hiking boots, let’s make sure they are relatively ethical, shall we? Here are some of my current considerations.
These are Mamahuhus. Aren’t they cute? While not specifically made as hiking boots, these shoes have a rugged sole that just might work for adventure. One Mamahuhu employee told me he wears his Nevaditas to go hiking, so I’m guessing these will work for Tennessee hills. Mamahuhu provides microloans to allow master shoe artisans in Colombia to set up their own workshops, then provides each workshop a steady stream of business. $128 (special sale pricing)
These are ULTRA Mamahuhus. Specifically, Nevaditas Ultra Winter. They’re lined with soft cotton for extra warmth and comfort, and waxed leather gives them added water resistance. I love the extra height of this style, but I don’t know how comfortable it would be for hiking. $139 (special sale pricing)
I also love these cruelty-free Dock Boots from Will’s Vegan Shoes. These gorgeous boots are made ethically in Portugal from vegan materials. The website claims that that the upper portion of the shoe does not stain or mark, a tantalizing feature indeed. The shoes are breathable but water-resistant. $104
These made-in-the-USA shoes from Danner are considered by many to be the pinnacle of hiking footwear (at least according to REI’s website), but the high price tag and lack of cuteness means these shoes probably aren’t a good style for a casual hiker like me. $360
Honorable mention goes to Pozu. I love that they use sustainable materials like organic cotton and chromium-free leather in their low-waste factories. I don’t think this boot is made for hiking, but let’s face it — I want an excuse to wear boots like just like Rey’s from The Force Awakens. $117 (special sale pricing)
Do you have a favorite pick? Or do you have actual hiking experience that might help this indoor introvert?
does llbean count for ethical wear as they’re made in the USA? (I’m honestly asking.) because they have a great selection of comfortable and durable hiking footwear.