I've been a vegetarian for over ten years now and have always worn leather hiking boots for the lack of non-leather ones on the market. I was wondering if there are any other vegetarians out there who could suggest any boots that they have had direct experience with themselves? And please don't turn this thread into an argument on the ethics behind my life choices, I appreciate any help on finding some good hiking boots.

I need one that is highly water-resistant or even waterproof. It needs to be able to handle up to 40 pound loads, so at least a mid-cut boot is needed. I wear either an 11 or 11.5 depending on the manufacturer and my foot runs a little narrow. Thanks in advance!

Are you planning to eat your boots?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

A lot of hikers and backpackers are going to trail running shoes or just running shoes for all but the coldest, wettest weather. These shoes are entirely synthetic and require no break-in to speak of. Try a look at the Merrill, New Balance and Montrail web sites for examples. I think you will find that the need for "ankle support" as provided by a mid height boot is largely myth. I have used running shoes for three-season hiking and backpacking with loads of 70 pounds or more since the mid-70's and have found them entirely satisfactory. I carry my heavy climbing boots on my pack till I need them. It is probably a good idea to start using shoes gradually and give your ankles and feet a chance to adapt to their new freedom. Another advantage to shoes: The running shoes will weigh around 2 pounds per pair compared with 4 or more for an ankle-height boot. You will really notice the difference on a long hike. BTW, there are also entirely synthetic boots made by the above manufacturers. Good luck!

I switched to trail runners about seven years ago for just this reason. I first tried a pair heavy, traditionally styled hiking boots from a vegan shoe maker in the UK. They were ok, but then I read an article in Backpacker that opened my eyes to the points that Pika made above. Since synthetic trail runners were relatively easy to find by comparison, it was an easy decision. Although my first few pairs were low-cut, I've found that I really like the ankle support that I get with the lightweight Stratos and Namche boots from Montrail. Since you mention prefering a waterproof boot, definitely take a look at the Stratos.

You might look at these:

http://www.ethicalwares.com/range.htm

http://www.garmontusa.com/681092204.html

I love the Garmont Vegans. I, myself, am not a vegetarian, and have plenty of leather boots. However, I love the fit and feel of the Vegans. They are highly water resistant in the case of dew, light rainfall, walking through small puddles, etc. Your feet will get wet if you encounter snow or heavy moisture on the trail based on the fact that they don't use a membrane (better breathability). Having said that I've used them for snowshoeing with excellent results. They are also lighter than my leather boot counterparts. They give me the support I need for my 35+ lb. backpacking load and I don't even fill the need to bring camp shoes because they fit so well and are comfortable.

I like these boots because of the ADD (Anatomical Directed Design). What this is is the way Garmont positions it's eyelets and the shape of the boot to allow for a more natural fit. If you look at your feet you'll notice that the toes don't go straight across the feet. Garmont has angled the eyelets and lacing to accommodate how your toes are angled, and, in my opinion, it works. I used my pair straight out of the box with no problems. They fit my feet better than any boot has. My other favorites are Asolo which also fit well, but the Garmonts feel even better.

They are also well made and durable. Mine show little wear. I would recommend these to anyone regardless of their lifestyle.

I usually go for inexpensive (cheap), usually synthetic hiking shoes available at department stores. Then I add Superfeet insoles so they have some support. It's another option to explore.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I think I will try a low cut shoe and see if that works for me. The one shoe I have been very interested in is the Golite Spike Tail. If anyone has any personal use with any of the Golite shoes please let me know what you think of them. Thanks again everyone.

I have a pair of North Face Plasma Gore-Tex XCR Boa Hiking Boots that are vegan to the best of my knowledge and i love them.

use Garmont mid shoes that have the same type of construction as the Vegan. I feel the same as Jason does ("in my opinion it works"). Never used the Vegan but they are pretty much a full size version of the ones I have. At the same time you need to try them on for fit.
Franco