Western wear but hold the cow leather. These vegan cowboy boots were made for walking.
Does Beyoncé’s forthcoming country album have you on the prowl for a little Western flair? No Western-inspired outfit is complete without a cowboy boot. From mid-calf boots to ankle boots — and even cowboy hats and fringe jackets — we’ve wrangled the best brands to shop for Western-inspired clothing.
But first, what materials should you shop for a sustainable country look?
Using alternative leather in cowboy boots
The conventional leather industry’s impacts on animals and the planet are lengthy. Aside from the animal cruelty, leather production is laden with harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, cyanide, and arsenic, which can pollute the surrounding environment and waterways.
The process of raising livestock for their skins is also impactful on the planet — accounting for about 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Vegan leather doesn’t always fare better. The vast majority of vegan leather is made from plastic, primarily polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — which aren’t biodegradable. Plus, vegan leathers may also be dyed — a chemical-laden process that is also pollutive.
Those looking to reduce their impact on the planet and animals can opt for secondhand leather pieces. Although they’re not cowhide-free, their purchase reduces the natural resources and energy required used to make new products.
Vegan cowboy boots
Plant-based and biodegradable leather alternatives run the gamut. The London-based brand Piñatex creates leather from the waste leaves of pineapples. And the eco-friendly leather AppleSkin is made with apple waste, to name a few. Innovative brands are also creating sustainable leather-like materials from mushrooms, cactus leaves, coconut waste, and more. Take a look at these options.
Stella McCartney
These cow-free boots are the perfect blend of sustainable innovation and tradition. A short ankle boot with a Cuban heel you can dress up or down. The Cloudy Alter Mat cowboy ankle-boots are made from vegan leather with shoe counter lining made from production offcuts, plant-based insock content, and the sole contains recycled rubber.
Free People
These vegan Free People knee-high cowboy boots come in Platino or White and will have you festival or rodeo-ready in next to no time. The Cuban heel gives you just the right amount of lift for line dancing but are low enough that you can also get your steps in on the way to the dance.
Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather
Boots for him and her. Founded in Paris in 2011, this ethical brand prioritizes animals and the planet. It uses eco-friendly packaging and sustainable materials like recyclable shoe lining made from corn. For a classic Western look, shop the Duke Boots, which come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, mustard, and beige. The company also has high-heeled ankle boots made from AppleSkin, a sustainable, vegan leather.
Will’s Western Boots
Lasso a pair of these cow-free cowboy boots. Certified carbon neutral, the Western Boots feature bio-based vegan leather made from cereal crops. Available in black and chestnut, you’re definitely going to want to wear the bad boys from morning ‘til night.
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